The Evening Wrap: Legal weed faces uphill battle in SC, vision loss rates and more

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Welcome to News 4's Wednesday, April 30, evening wrap, where we take a look at all the major stories happening in and around the Lowcountry.

The goal is to get you caught up on everything you need to know, and then some, in one place at one time.

Without further ado, let's jump into it...

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The Skinny: As the legislative session nears its end, medical marijuana remains an unanswered question for lawmakers in the state.

For several years, South Carolina has flirted with the prospect of legal weed. Pressure to do so ramped up after April 2024, when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

Still, bills like the Compassionate Care Act, which intended to change the laws around drugs, allowing doctors to prescribe edibles, evaporation oils, balms and body oils. Yet, it remains languishing in committee as the May 8 deadline looms.

That hasn't stopped local activists from advocating for change to the way the state looks at weed.

For more on the story, click the link below.

Medical marijuana bill in South Carolina faces uphill battle

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina is one of only eight states in America that does not allow any form of medical marijuana.

Senate Bill 53, also known as the Compassionate Care Act, would aim to change the laws on the drug, allowing doctors to prescribe edibles, evaporation oils, balms and body oils. Click here to read more.

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The Skinny: A flurry of crime in the Charleston area has gripped the community. Most recently, at Philip Simmons, an 18-year-old student has been charged after it was discovered with a loaded gun on school grounds.

Jaiden Anderson of Huger was charged with possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a stolen firearm after a school resource officer was told the 18-year-old possibly had a gun.

Parents said they were notified of an incident involving a gun on campus by school district officials Tuesday morning. But Kristen Scanlon, a parent, says it listed few details about the severity of the situation.

“I signed my son out 10 minutes after I received the phone call,” Scanlon said. “He had no idea that the incident even happened, which means the school wasn't on lockdown.”

For more on the story, click the link below.

'Something has got to change:' Philip Simmons parents express concerns after gun found

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — All Philip Simmons high schoolers walked through weapons screeners on their way into class Wednesday morning after a student was arrested the day before.

Jaiden Anderson, 18, was charged with possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a stolen firearm, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. Click here to read more.

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The Skinny: Tech leaders say South Carolina is already leading in technology with more than $8.5 billion in GDP annually. They say events like these are critical since there is a growing reliance on technology across all sectors.

The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness’ Spring Summit showcases emerging technologies, allows experts to share insights and creates opportunities for professionals to connect.

The Spring Summit features 70 speakers, tech demos from Lowcountry companies, and multiple interactive robotics demonstrations from SC Competes robotic dog named PAL.

For more on the story, click the link below.

SC Competes Spring Summit on tech highlighs industry leaders and focuses on education

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness’ Spring Summit kicked off this week, premiering a three-day event that features top leaders from aerospace, logistics, battery manufacturing, recycling, robotics, A-I and more, as they strive to shape the future of technology in the Palmetto State. Click here to read more.

IN OTHER NEWS

South Carolina treasurer appears to survive attempt to kick him out of office

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republican South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis appears likely to stay in office for at least the rest of the year. Click here to read more.

Summerville High School celebrates 100 years of accreditation by Cognia

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) — Summerville High School has been honored by Cognia, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing education, for maintaining 100 consecutive years of accreditation. Click here to read more.

Philip Simmons student charged for bringing loaded gun on campus: BCSO

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — An 18-year-old student at Philip Simmons High School has been charged after it was discovered with a loaded gun on school grounds, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. Click here to read more.

Two arrested, two brothers wanted in connection to fatal Easter weekend hotel shooting

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — Two men have been arrested and two more are wanted in connection with a deadly hotel shooting that claimed the life of a 34-year-old father over Easter weekend. Click here to read more.

Dawn Staley’s legacy immortalized with statue

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Preparations are underway for the unveiling of a statue honoring South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley. Click here to read more.

IN NATIONAL NEWS

US economy contracts for first time in three years as Trump's trade wars impact growth

The U.S. economy shrank at a 0.3% annual pace from January through March, the first drop in three years, as President Donald Trump's trade wars disrupted business. First-quarter growth was slowed by a surge in imports as companies in the United States tried to bring in foreign goods before Trump imposed massive tariffs.

The January-March drop in gross domestic product — the nation's output of goods and services — reversed a 2.4% gain in the last three months of 2024. Imports grew at a 41% pace, fastest since 2020, and shaved 5 percentage points off first-quarter growth. Consumer spending also slowed sharply — 1.8% growth from 4% in October-December last year. Federal government spending plunged 5.1% in the first quarter. Click here to read more.

Supreme Court could soon approve religious schools getting public funding

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could dramatically shift the education system in America.

It would pave the way for taxpayer-funded religious schools if justices side with one Catholic School in Oklahoma, as it appears they just may do. Click here to read more.

Harvard releases reports on antisemitism, Islamophobia on campus

(TNND) — Harvard University issued final reports on antisemitism and Islamophobia on its campus, along with recommendations for improving the school's experiences for Jewish and Muslim students.

Harvard President Alan Garber apologized "for the moments when we failed" as simmering tensions reached a boil following the Hamas attack on Israel that ignited the Gaza war. Click here to read more.

Judge denies Trump administration's bid to delay Kilmar Abrego-Garcia case

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has denied the Trump administration's request to pause the discovery process in the case of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia.

In a brief order issued this morning, Judge Xinis stated, "For the reasons stated on the record during today's proceeding Defendants' Motion to Stay Discovery is DENIED." Click here to read more.

Bipartisan bills target antisemitism on college campuses amid free speech concerns

WASHINGTON (TNND) — A bipartisan group of senators is working on two bills aimed at addressing the rise of antisemitism on college campuses.

Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, highlighted the importance of equipping the Department of Education with the necessary tools to combat antisemitism. "It is critical the Department of Education has the tools to investigate antisemitism and root out the vile hatred where it rears its ugly head," said Scott. Click here to read more.