The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News week in review

Food truck patio incident at Little River Crab Festival

At the 44th Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival in Little River, a food truck patio incident occurred May 16. A patio attached to a food truck slid at an angle, causing some attendees to fall and sustaining minor injuries, though no one required hospitalization, according to Jennifer Walters, president and CEO of the Little River Chamber of Commerce. Horry County Spokesperson Thomas Bell had initially described the incident as involving the music stage, but Walters clarified that no stage was involved. The two-day festival draws more than 50,000 attendees each year and features fresh seafood, live music, waterfront views, and vendor shopping in the historic fishing village of Little River.

Reported by Terri Richardson, published May 16

Former SC politician charged with child sex crimes

Kevin Hedgpeth, a former Hanahan mayor pro tem and city council member, has been charged in a federal grand jury indictment with child sex crimes described as “depraved” by U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling. Authorities say Hedgpeth used social media platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Telegram, and X, often posing as a minor, to pressure and pay children to record sex acts. He allegedly stored files in password-protected folders named after victims and distributed them online without consent. The indictment alleges he exploited at least 19 children aged 12 to 17. Hedgpeth resigned from public office after his initial arrest in April. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Reported by Noah Feit, published May 14

Late night earthquake hits unusual SC location

A 2.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Calhoun Falls in Abbeville County at 9:47 p.m. on a Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremors were recorded about a mile beneath the surface in western South Carolina. Notably, the last earthquake within 30 miles of Calhoun Falls occurred in 2013, making this an unusual location for seismic activity. The event brings the total confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina this year to 20, per the state’s Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey. There were 35 confirmed earthquakes in the state in 2025 and 30 in 2024. No damage or injuries were reported. Earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or less often go unnoticed and are typically recorded only by seismograph, according to Michigan Technological University.

Reported by Noah Feit, published May 17

Murdaugh podcaster denies leaking photos at contempt hearing

Podcaster Mandy Matney testified May 15 in a York County civil court hearing that she did not leak photos of Mallory Beach, a girl who drowned following a 2019 boat crash allegedly involving Paul Murdaugh. Matney, known for her “True Sunlight Podcast” — formerly the “Murdaugh Murders Podcast” — said she skipped a March deposition because online threats made her fear for her safety. She was eventually deposed on April 8. The hearing stems from a lawsuit filed by Renee Beach, Mallory’s mother, alleging that Gregory Parker and others leaked confidential photos of her daughter’s body. Visiting Judge R. Keith Kelly, who previously ruled Matney had disobeyed a court subpoena, is weighing whether to hold her in contempt. The hearing ended without cross-examination and will resume virtually in about three weeks.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published May 15

PFAS chemicals found draining onto Myrtle Beach shore

Researchers at Coastal Carolina University have discovered “alarmingly high” levels of PFAS — toxic forever chemicals — draining onto the shoreline at Myrtle Beach, in what is believed to be the first such finding at a South Carolina ocean beach. Scientist Till Hanebuth led the study, which found at least five types of PFAS near Midway Swash and the Springmaid beach area, with levels in some cases hundreds to thousands of times higher than known standards. The suspected source is the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, which closed in 1993. Winyah Rivers Alliance director Debra Buffkin expressed concern as tourist season approaches, noting that children and adults alike wade in the swash areas. The S.C. Department of Environmental Services advises people not to swim near stormwater pipes or swashes. Neither the city nor the state currently tests ocean water for forever chemicals.

Reported by Sammy Fretwell, published May 14

SC House GOP cuts redistricting debate short by new rules

South Carolina Republicans used their supermajority to curtail a Democratic filibuster during the second day of a special session focused on redrawing the state’s congressional maps. By May 18, over 618 amendments had been filed, mostly by Democrats seeking to slow the process. GOP leaders passed new rules after 8 p.m., limiting each member to one amendment and capping speaking time. Democrats argued the rule changes silenced constituents. The proposed map, drafted by consultant Adam Kincaid, aims to create seven reliably Republican districts and unseat U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn. Concerns were raised over 1,384 absentee ballots already returned, potential voter disenfranchisement, and an estimated $3.5 million cost for an additional August primary.

Reported by Joseph Bustos, Lucy Valeski, published May 19

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 6:06 PM with the headline "The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News week in review."