Why did The Post and Courier just send two journalists 5,000 miles away to Africa?  For a story about where our worst hurricanes are born. West Africa is a hurricane nursery, the place where Hugo in 1989 was born. And dust blowing off the Sahara often determines whether a hurricane lives or dies.   This bonus  episode of Understand SC is a recording of the Post and Courier's latest Beyond the Headlines event.  Senior projects reporter Tony Bartelme and photojournalist Andrew Whitaker discuss their trip and interviews with leading West African scientists and more. Moderated ..read more

In a city like Charleston, where dining is a key element of its identity, how restaurants are doing is important.  We know that 2020 was a devastating year for local restaurants. 2021 — year two of the COVID-19 pandemic — brought its own challenges, even when diners returned. Restaurant owners have had to contend with staff shortages, supply chain difficulties, construction delays and price increases that made operating a daily struggle. Despite those challenges, many Charleston restaurant owners say they’re optimistic about the year ahead. This week on the podcast, you'll hear from two o ..read more

Tim Scott has decided to launch a White House bid. He'll make the official announcement on May 22 at his alma mater Charleston Southern University. In this Undertsand SC pop up episode, political editor Schuyler Kropf and senior politics reporter Caitlin Byrd discuss Tim Scotts political journey and what lies ahead as he campaigns for the presidency. Related Content: Tim Scott is running for president. His life story is at the center of his 2024 hopes. SC’s Sen. Tim Scott says America ‘not a racist country’ in President Biden GOP rebuttal Hosted by Caitlin Byrd and Schuyler Kropf Edited by Eri ..read more

Post and Courier Food Editor Parker Milner and contributing food critic Robert Moss debuted the Post and Courier's newest food and dining podcast live from the 2023 Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This episode features recently named James Beard Finalist and owner of Tuk Tuk Sri Lanken Bites Sam Fore and owner of Mansueta's Filipino Food, Nikko Cagalanan Charleston's Menu will be a podcast discussing dining, restaurants and all the food that lands on Parker and Robert's plate across South Carolina.  Hosted by Parker Milner and Robert Moss Produced by Eric Russell ..read more

The South Carolina Supreme Court is set to review the constitutionality of the two options the state currently offers as a way to execute inmates on death row.  The decision could alter the fate of several inmates, including Richard Moore. Moore is likely to be the first man scheduled to die by firing squad if the Supreme Court allows the state to use the method. He recently discussed life on death row, facing execution and remorse for killing James Joseph Mahoney III.  Reporter Jennifer Berry Hawes break down South Carolina's execution options and discuss her interview with Moo ..read more

 Welcome to Understand Murdaugh, a podcast from The Post and Courier, South Carolina’s largest newspaper. Our award-winning reporters have spent more than a year digging into the Murdaugh saga to bring you the latest news and in-depth analysis as we cover this story of drugs, deceit and death in South Carolina’s rural Lowcountry. Today, hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks discuss the launching of Understand Murdaugh, the complex through lines of the case and what comes next.   Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks Produced by Nathan Stevens Music by Lexin Music ..read more

The first newspaper story about the Lizard Man was written by Jan Easterling, a former reporter in The State newspaper's Camden bureau. Easterling was tasked with covering everything that happened in three mostly rural counties east of Columbia. That's how she came to hear talk of a Bigfoot-like creature from Lee County’s sheriff, Liston Truesdale. She wrote a short story that landed on the front page, and within days, it gained national attention. More coverage: Return of the Lizard Man: Bishopville's journey to reclaim an SC monster Video: South Carolina's Lizard Man story of Christopher Dav ..read more

The Lizard Man story is 34 years old this month. Bishopville's embrace of the legend is still in its early days.  In this episode Post and Courier photographer Andrew Whitaker and projects reporter Thad Moore spoke with many people from the town and Lizard Man enthusiasts.  One person they talked with, Robert Howell, grew up  in nearby Timmonsville. Howell is known for his early illustrations and Lizard Man comics in the summer on 1988. Howell tells the story of Christopher Davis, a 17-year-old who became famous after an encounter with the creature. Davis had stopped to change a ..read more

The Lizard Man mania faded away after only a few months during the summer of 1988, but the story lives on today.  Many Bishopville residents and cryptid fans, including a group called the Friends of the Lizard Man, want to do more to preserve the story of the Lizard Man. In recent years, the town has increasingly embraced the legend with events including a Lizard Man beauty pageant, scavenger hunts and the Lizard Man Stomp, which was held in June. More coverage: Return of the Lizard Man: Bishopville's journey to reclaim an SC monster Video: South Carolina's Lizard Man story of Christopher ..read more

For those who remember the summer of 1988, the Lizard Man is more than just a campfire story. Instead, it's a connection to a moment in time and the memories and people they associate with it. Take, for instance, former Lee County Sheriff Liston Truesdale, who is largely credited with making the Lizard Man a legend. His niece, Abbie Denny, cherishes the Lizard Man, because it preserves her uncle's legacy. Harry Elmore also joined this episode. Elmore's uncle is often tied to the sightings in 1988, and when he took over his family's restaurant, Harry and Harry Too, he embraced the story. More c ..read more