Carolina

• In late March 2026, the South Carolina Senate passed heavily amended H. 3924, regulating rather than banning hemp-derived THC products like drinks and gummies. • The bill restricts sales to those 21 and older, tightening safety standards to close 2018 Farm Bill loopholes on high-potency THC. • Legislation now returns to the House for concurrence before the May 7, 2026, deadline.

Amanda Smith was reunited with her mother, Michele Hundley Smith, on Thursday after decades-long searchSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA North Carolina woman whose mother was missing without a word for 24 years before authorities managed to locate her – alive and well – has reunited with her and says she forgives her.“I know everything is not black and white – there’s a whole gray area,” Amanda Smith said of her mother, 62-year-old Michele Hundley Smith, after they embraced in front of a courthouse on Thursday. “And so I mean, look – life’s too short for me to hold a grudge against her because she’s my mom.” Continue reading...

• North Carolina lawmakers introduced bills to scale back hospitals' property tax and sales tax exemptions, potentially shifting millions to state and local governments amid soaring medical costs. • The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services heard arguments on March 10, with a vote expected in April before advancing to full House and Senate. • Hospital groups like the North Carolina Healthcare Association warn of strained resources, especially for rural facilities operating on small margins, threatening patient access.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,362 confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2026, with 94% linked to ongoing outbreaks. South Carolina's outbreak, which began in October 2025, has decelerated to approximately 10 cases per week after peaking at 200 weekly cases in mid-January, bringing the state total to 996 cases as of March 13. Utah's outbreak, originating in June 2025, has accelerated to 405 cases as of March 10, representing a 47-case increase in one week. Both states currently host the largest active measles outbreaks in the United States.

A major measles outbreak in South Carolina is showing signs of slowing, with cases nearing 1,000 total and new infections dropping to about 10 per week from a peak of 200 weekly in mid-January. State health officials report a consistent downward trend over several weeks amid vaccination efforts. The decline matters as it reduces strain on public health resources in a state hit hardest by the outbreak. Monitoring continues to prevent resurgence through summer.

A major measles outbreak in South Carolina is slowing, with nearly 1,000 total cases reported and new infections dropping to about 10 per week from a peak of 200 in mid-January. Health officials note a consistent downward trend over several weeks amid vaccination efforts. The decline matters as it signals potential containment in the largest U.S. outbreak this year, reducing risks to unvaccinated communities. Monitoring continues to prevent resurgence as cases stabilize.