A $675M candy plant, GOP governor debate and SC layoffs: Catch up on top stories

From a major investment in Orangeburg to layoffs hitting the Midlands, Wednesday brought big economic news across South Carolina. Here’s a quick look at the top stories you need to know.

Here are key takeaways:

• Ferrara Candy Company is bringing 1,000 jobs to Orangeburg. The maker of Nerds, Jelly Belly and Laffy Taffy will build a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with a $675 million investment, with the first production lines expected to be operational in early 2029.

• Six GOP governor candidates debated. In the second televised Republican debate, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson both said they would veto a bill banning nearly all abortions, while U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman said he would sign it.

• Spectrum is closing its Lexington facility, and more SC layoffs are mounting. Charter Communications will permanently close its Lexington location on May 7, cutting 62 jobs. There have been layoffs that has affected more than 1,300 workers statewide this year.

• South Carolina women’s basketball kept every player out of the transfer portal. The Gamecocks were one of only two Power 4 programs — along with national title opponent UCLA — to lose zero players, returning nine with championship experience.

• A beloved therapy dog now has a rainbow bridge on Furman’s campus. Riley, a golden retriever-basset hound mix who comforted students and Alzheimer’s patients for over a decade, is being honored with a rainbow bridge painted by students near residential buildings in North Village.

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.