Did you miss these top stories today? Here’s a recap of Myrtle Beach area news
From federal hate crime charges to the return of the World’s Strongest Man, here are the top stories from The Sun News Wednesday, April 22, 2026. These are the stories Myrtle Beach-area residents are reading.
Here are key takeaways:
• Federal charges in cross burning: Worden Evander Butler, 31, a former Conway man, was indicted on federal charges for allegedly erecting and burning a cross facing his Black neighbors’ home on Thanksgiving 2023. Butler faces up to 10 years in federal prison and was arrested in California. South Carolina is one of only two states without a hate crime law.
• Sea turtle lighting violations: An environmental law firm sent letters to nine Garden City beachfront rental companies warning they are violating a Georgetown County lighting ordinance designed to protect sea turtles before nesting season begins May 1. Volunteers have documented cases where beachfront lighting disoriented hatchlings and nearly caused a nesting female to be struck on Waccamaw Drive.
• Forward Party eyes Horry County: Four Forward Party candidates will appear on the Horry County Council ballot, as the nationally organized third party focuses on local races. The party, which merged with the South Carolina Independence Party to gain ballot access in 2024, says all four candidates are focused on development issues facing Horry County.
• Little River money laundering guilty plea: Kayla Tisdale, 37, of Little River pleaded guilty to concealing a scheme to launder at least $750,000 in assets tied to drug trafficking. She hid the funds by depositing money across banks, trading cryptocurrency and purchasing gold bullion.
• World’s Strongest Man returns: The World’s Strongest Man competition returns to Myrtle Beach from Thursday through Sunday at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place along the oceanfront. Ocean Boulevard between Eighth and Ninth Avenues North will be closed during the event, with competitions running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
