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Articles by Leah Smith
Meala FoodTech scales up pea protein production
Meala FoodTech is set to enter full-scale commercial production of its texturising pea protein, with the company aiming to produce enough ingredient to replace 1,400 tonnes of eggs in food formulations in 2027. The Israeli food tech company has more than tripled manufacturing capacity across production sites in France and Germany, responding to growing demand from food manufacturers.
Police departments add drones to help officers respond to calls
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Myrtle Beach police say new drones will help officers respond to scenes. In some instances, the drones will arrive at the scene first and collect information for officers. Lt. Orion Cozene said the drone first responder program is designed to send a drone directly to a call for service, whether it's for fire, police, ocean rescue, or missing persons. Drones used during active scene Horry County police used drones during an active scene Thursday. Sgt.
Marion County library receives $1.5 million for expansion
MARION, SC (WMBF) - The Marion library system is outdated and does not have enough space to operate at the levels Director Patti Burns aims for. That is going to change after the library received $1.5 million from South Carolina's legislature. Burns said the money will help expand not only square footage, but the resources the library offers. “A better selection of things for the community,” Burns said.
Marion County library receives $1.5 million for expansion
MARION, SC (WMBF) - The Marion library system is outdated and does not have enough space to operate at the levels Director Patti Burns aims for. That is going to change after the library received $1.5 million from South Carolina’s legislature. Burns said the money will help expand not only square footage, but the resources the library offers. “A better selection of things for the community,” Burns said.
Marion voters to decide on capital projects sales tax in November
MARION, SC (WMBF) - Marion City Council held a meeting discussing the capital projects sales tax paid by Marion County residents. Mayor Ashley Brady said the 1-cent sales tax is not new and will not change anything at the register. But it is on the November ballot for voters to decide if they want to keep it. Brady said the tax will help fund projects throughout the city. “The projects we want to do now is renovation of the C.D. Joyner Auditorium, opera house.
Capri-Sun CEO Roland Weening steps down
Roland Weening has stepped down as chief executive of juice drink maker Capri-Sun Group, ending more than a decade with the company. Weening, who was appointed group CEO in February 2016, left Capri-Sun Group Holding AG with effect from 18 September 2026. The company said he has been released from his position as CEO and from all other duties. Before joining the Swiss beverage business, Weening held senior roles at consumer goods companies Mondelez International and Unilever.
SC governor candidates split on taxes, infrastructure ahead of registration deadlines
CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - Voter registration deadlines are approaching this weekend ahead of South Carolina's governor's race. Analysts say it could reshape the state's direction on taxes and infrastructure. Sam Aaron, research director for the South Carolina Policy Council, said the race will determine the state's future direction. “It's very important to vote,” Aaron said.
Crosta Mollica and European Pizza Group merge to create €1bn European business
Crosta Mollica and European Pizza Group are to merge, creating a European pizza business with €1 billion in retail sales and bringing together the Crosta Mollica, Wagner and Buitoni brands. The transaction combines UK food brand Crosta Mollica with European Pizza Group, the producer of Wagner and Buitoni pizzas, creating what the companies describe as one of Europe’s largest pizza businesses.
Pawleys Island considers local historic district status
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC (WMBF) - Pawleys Island is working to become a local historic district, a move town leaders say could help preserve the town’s character while offering tax incentives to homeowners. Mayor Brian Henry said the goal is to protect the look and feel of the island. “You know, Pawley’s is a very special, beautiful place. There’s the natural landscape, and then you’ve got the man-made landscape. Obviously, the natural landscape is Mother Nature, and we can’t control that.
Pawleys Island considers local historic district status
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC (WMBF) - Pawleys Island is working to become a local historic district, a move town leaders say could help preserve the town’s character while offering tax incentives to homeowners. Mayor Brian Henry said the goal is to protect the look and feel of the island. “You know, Pawley’s is a very special, beautiful place. There’s the natural landscape, and then you’ve got the man-made landscape. Obviously, the natural landscape is Mother Nature, and we can’t control that.
Latino voters in South Carolina remain active despite small share of electorate
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Latino voters make up about 2% of all registered voters in South Carolina, but advocacy groups say they remain engaged, active, and vocal. According to the Hispanic Federation, 80% of registered Latinos in South Carolina voted in recent elections. Advocates say this number could cause a change in local and state elections. Jessica Orozco Gutline, senior vice president of the Hispanic Federation, said candidates who only do surface-level outreach are missing the mark.
Latino voters in South Carolina remain active despite small share of electorate
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Latino voters make up about 2% of all registered voters in South Carolina, but advocacy groups say they remain engaged, active, and vocal. According to the Hispanic Federation, 80% of registered Latinos in South Carolina voted in recent elections. Advocates say this number could cause a change in local and state elections. Jessica Orozco Gutline, senior vice president of the Hispanic Federation, said candidates who only do surface-level outreach are missing the mark.
Mullins community honors life of Johnny Louis Brown
MULLINS, SC (WMBF) - The Mullins community gathered to celebrate the life of Johnny Louis Brown. Brown was the first person from Mullins to graduate from West Point Military Academy. He graduated from Palmetto High School in 1969. After spending a majority of his life serving the country, Brown returned to Mullins, where he was known as a mentor, friend and servant to the community. For his daughter, Tiffani Brown Knight, seeing the community come together to remember her father meant the world.
Health officials urge testing after TB concerns in Hartsville
HARTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health is urging anyone with connections to Hartsville High School to get tested for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infection that spreads through droplets and can cause symptoms including a long-lasting cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss. How TB spreads Officials with the Department of Public Health say it usually takes prolonged exposure to become infected, but the infection can still be highly contagious.
Thousands of South Carolinians lose SNAP benefits after federal changes
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - A large number of South Carolinians lost access to SNAP following changes to the program. Some of the changes were included in President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Experts say the effects are already being seen across the state. SNAP losses statewide Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, said there has been a significant impact since the bill was enacted.
Rally supports unhoused community at Chapin Park
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The Myrtle Beach Community Hub and Resource Center partnered with Fresh Brewed Coffee House to host a rally for affordable housing at Chapin Park Saturday. Ashlee Gayhart, founder of the Myrtle Beach Community Hub, said the rally was held in support of unhoused community members. “So, we put on this rally today in support of our unhoused community members,” Gayhart said.
Horry County voters urged to verify registration after mailers cause confusion
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Some Horry County voters have received voter registration forms in the mail, prompting election officials to urge voters to take charge of their own voter registration. One Horry County voter said she was confused about why she received a letter encouraging her to register. “So it says, don’t miss out, register today, here’s how to register. By mail, we have included a voter registration form partially pre-filled out with your information.
7-year effort to dredge Murrells Inlet moves closer to reality
MURRELLS INLET, SC (WMBF) - A seven-year effort to dredge Murrells Inlet is moving closer to reality. The project will help make the inlet deeper while helping to protect wildlife and marsh grass. Supervisor at Freedom Boat Club, Spencer Arnette, says changes in the inlet make it harder and less safe to navigate.
7-year effort to dredge Murrells Inlet moves closer to reality
MURRELLS INLET, SC (WMBF) - A seven-year effort to dredge Murrells Inlet is moving closer to reality. The project will help make the inlet deeper while helping to protect wildlife and marsh grass. Supervisor at Freedom Boat Club, Spencer Arnette, says changes in the inlet make it harder and less safe to navigate.
Friend, family of Saylor’s mother differs in opinion on death in Pawleys Island
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A family member and friend share their views on Saylor’s death in Pawleys Island. The parents of Saylor Hayes faced charges months before her death. Geordyn Hayes faced charges in Washington County, Virginia, in February. Currently, public records show multiple addresses and property records for John Hayes III, and one for Geordyn Hayes. Charges filed and changed One of the charges was child cruelty and has since been dismissed.
Friend, family of Saylor’s mother differs in opinion on death in Pawleys Island
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A family member and friend share their views on Saylor’s death in Pawleys Island. The parents of Saylor Hayes faced charges months before her death. Geordyn Hayes faced charges in Washington County, Virginia, in February. Currently, public records show multiple addresses and property records for John Hayes III, and one for Geordyn Hayes. Charges filed and changed One of the charges was child cruelty and has since been dismissed.
Fry, Vincent outlines priorities in SC-7 race
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Voters in South Carolina's 7th Congressional District are comparing candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Republican incumbent Russell Fry has represented the 7th District since January 2023, after winning the 2022 midterm election. He won reelection in 2024. Democratic challenger John Vincent is a retired U.S. Navy command master chief who says his entire career has been about service.
Myrtle Beach church marks 17 years of back-to-school giveaway
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church distributed 250 backpacks during its annual back-to-school drive Saturday. Each backpack contained 17 school supply items, a number chosen to mark the drive's 17th year. A resource sheet for families in need was also included in each bag. What was distributed The drive was open to all community members and served meals to everyone who attended.
Restoring oysters along South Carolina coast Original
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WMBF) - Agencies across South Carolina are working together to protect oysters. The species filters water and supports biodiversity along the Grand Strand. Horry County’s Stormwater Department has been placing manufactured wire reefs in local waterways to allow oysters to complete their life cycle. Brent Carey, watershed planner for the Horry County Stormwater Department, said the county has put out the highest number of reefs in the state.
Florence County fire leads to power outages after driver ignores barriers
FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A fire in Florence County prompted road closures overnight Wednesday while crews responded to the scene. During that time, a driver went through private property, struck a power line, and caused power outages in the area. Florence County Fire and Rescue Chief William Dillon said road closures are put in place to protect both first responders and the public. “When we shut a highway down, it’s for a specific purpose.
Myrtle Beach Fire Department hosts Rhonda Brown Memorial Golf Tournament
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - A golf tournament fundraiser benefiting cancer charities was hosted by the Myrtle Beach Fire Department Saturday. It originally began as a fundraiser for the Red Cross. After the fire department lost one of its own to cancer, the event was renamed the Rhonda Brown Memorial Golf Tournament in her honor. A cause that hits close to home Captain Jonathan Evans said the fundraiser gives the department a way to support a cause that affects many people personally.
Florence builds new homes for workers priced out of the housing market
FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) - The city of Florence wants its workers to be able to afford to live where they work, and a new partnership is building homes to try to make that happen. The city is partnering with the Housing Authority of Florence and community members to build new, affordable homes in the city's historic districts as first-time homebuyers face rising prices. Mayor Lethonia Barnes said the city faces a shortage of homes and that prices have outpaced what many workers can afford.
Horry County woman calls beaver bounty program inhumane
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A Horry County woman is speaking out against the county’s beaver bounty program, calling the practice inhumane and saying better solutions exist. Kristi Hinton said she has left voicemails with the Horry County Stormwater Department regarding her concerns but has not heard back.
Lesaffre appoints Rania Abou Samra as new chief RD&I officer
Fermentation specialist Lesaffre has appointed Rania Abou Samra as its new chief research, development and innovation (RD&I) officer. Abou Samra joins Lesaffre's executive committee with more than 20 years of international experience in food, nutrition and consumer health research and development. She joins from Nestlé, where she held a series of senior R&D leadership positions over an 18-year career.
Döhler acquires cocoa-free chocolate innovator Nukoko
Döhler has acquired UK-based food technology company Nukoko, strengthening its position in the rapidly emerging cocoa-free chocolate alternatives market. The acquisition brings together Döhler's global ingredients, flavour and application expertise with Nukoko's proprietary cocoa-free technology platform, which uses fava beans as the foundation for chocolate alternative ingredients.
Finsbury Food Group launches first-ever Hello Kitty Celebration Cake at Tesco
Finsbury Food Group has expanded its licensed celebration cake portfolio with the launch of its first-ever Hello Kitty-themed celebration cake, developed in partnership with Sanrio and available exclusively in Tesco stores nationwide. The new product, marks the first time the UK bakery manufacturer has incorporated pink vanilla sponge into one of its licensed character cakes, reflecting growing consumer demand for visually distinctive celebration products.
Planet A Foods launches no-added-sugar ChoViva for confectionery and bakery manufacturers
Planet A Foods has expanded its cocoa-free ingredient portfolio with the launch of ChoViva No Added Sugar, targeting growing demand for healthier indulgence options across the confectionery and bakery sectors. The German food technology company said the new formulation combines its cocoa-free chocolate alternative with a no-added-sugar recipe, allowing manufacturers to develop reduced-sugar products without compromising on taste, texture or functionality.
M&S expands sweet snacking range with strawberry sandwiches and new dessert-inspired dips
Marks & Spencer is building on the success of its viral sweet sandwich range with the return of its Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich, alongside a new chocolate, strawberry and pistachio variant and the launch of what it claims are the UK's first sweet dipping products. The retailer has reintroduced the Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich following strong consumer demand after its debut during last year's Wimbledon season.
Tesco introduces potato burger rolls as part of major finest bakery expansion
Tesco is expanding its premium bakery offering with the launch of Tesco Finest Potato Burger Rolls, which the retailer says are the first supermarket own-label burger buns in the UK made with real mashed potato rather than potato flakes. The new product arrives ahead of the peak summer barbecue season and forms part of a broader rollout of 22 new Tesco Finest bakery lines now available in stores nationwide and online.
IFF opens Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar to strengthen origin-based R&D
Global ingredients and flavours company IFF has opened a new Vanilla Innovation Center in Madagascar, expanding its research and development capabilities at origin as demand grows for traceable, sustainable and high-quality vanilla solutions. Located in Toamasina, Madagascar's main seaport and close to key vanilla-growing regions, the 650-square-metre facility is designed to integrate lab analysis, extraction, flavour creation and application development within a single site.
St Pierre launches limited-edition Caramelised Onion Brioche Buns for summer season
Premium bakery brand St Pierre is expanding its brioche portfolio with the launch of a new limited-edition Caramelised Onion Brioche Bun, targeting growing consumer demand for flavour-led, premium at-home dining experiences. Available nationwide in a four-pack format, the seasonal SKU combines the brand’s signature soft brioche with a sweet and savoury caramelised onion flavour profile, designed to elevate burgers, barbecue occasions and midweek meals.
Kersia UK launches BioDtex lamp to help food manufacturers strengthen hygiene checks
Kersia UK has launched BioDtex, an advanced detection lamp designed to help hygiene teams quickly identify contamination risks that may be missed during routine inspections. The BioDtex lamp reveals traces of organic matter, chemical residue, scale and other surface contamination across food production environments, including hard-to-assess areas such as seals, welds and uneven surfaces.
Sidel debuts lightweight laser-blown edible oil bottle
At Interpack 2026, packaging technology specialist Sidel has unveiled a next-generation edible oil bottle that signals a shift in how PET packaging is designed and manufactured. The 1L bottle, produced using advanced laser heating technology, introduces a redesigned structure that reduces weight by 20% compared to conventional halogen-blown alternatives, without compromising performance across consumer use or supply chain demands.
Chelsea have just thrown Spurs a major curveball in their fight for Premier League survival
Chelsea's win over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi final means their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur will be rearranged. The Blues beat Daniel Farke's Whites 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday to set up a showpiece final against Manchester City on May 16. The upcoming cup final has forced the FA to reschedule Chelsea's penultimate league game against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The fixture was originally due to be played on May 17.
Lawton Super Con brings comic, anime fans together this weekend
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - April 25-26, Lawton Super Con is bringing comic and anime fans together at the Comanche County Fairgrounds with a smaller, more relaxed feel than the big-city conventions. Scott Smith said that’s exactly the point: a mid-size show that puts “nerd culture” closer to home, without the pressure of a massive event. “Mid size shows in smaller areas that brings kinda the nerd culture to a smaller area otherwise you gotta drive to a big city.
Bayern Munich confirm Nicolas Jackson transfer plans and it's grim news for one Chelsea player
Bayern Munich have confirmed they will not sign Nicolas Jackson permanently at the end of the season. The Senegalese striker will return to Chelsea at the end of the campaign after a season-long loan at the Allianz Arena. Although the 24-year-old has netted double figures for Bayern, he has failed to establish himself as anything more than a back-up to Harry Kane.
The alarming evidence Chelsea could be in a relegation battle next season
These numbers are frightening and should serve as a major warning ahead of the summer transfer window. Shaun Brooks - CameraSport/GettyImages Chelsea's season has gone from bad to worse. Only unlikely FA Cup success could salvage the campaign. The Blues crashed out of the Champions League at the first knockout hurdle following defeat to holders PSG last month, and their league form has plummeted ever since.
Chelsea's unexpected Alejandro Garnacho decision will have every Man United fan laughing
Alejandro Garnacho's future at Chelsea could already be coming to an end despite him only joining the club last summer. The Argentine arrived at Stamford Bridge following a falling out with then-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils' decision to offload Garnacho saw Chelsea part with £40 million as well as hand the player a seven-year deal. And that is a decision the Blues look increasingly likely to be regretting just 10 months later.
Warburtons commits £100m to expansion in landmark 150th year
Warburtons has unveiled a major investment programme exceeding £100 million as it marks its 150th anniversary. Central to the strategy is the acquisition of the former Rathbones bakery site in Wakefield, purchased from Myton Food Group for an undisclosed sum. The facility will become Warburton’s 13th bakery once redeveloped, with production expected to begin in September 2026.
Liam Rosenior drops biggest hint yet that his Chelsea job is on the line
Liam Rosenior is under increasing pressure as Chelsea head coach. Despite the 41-year-old only being in the Stamford Bridge hotseat for just over four months, his back is against the wall following a disappointment transition from Enzo Maresca. Not only have Chelsea lost all of their last three Premier League matches, but they've done so without managing to score a single goal.
Surprise club make Alejandro Garnacho loan offer and Chelsea like the idea
Alejandro Garnacho has failed to reach the heights expected since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United last summer. The former Manchester United winger has been a big disappointment following his £40 million switch from Old Trafford. He has managed to score just one Premier League goal all season and has become increasingly frustrating to watch on Chelsea's left hand side.
Liam Rosenior gives tell-all insight into conversation with Marc Cucurella following shock Chelsea rant
Marc Cucurella's recent rant hasn't gone down well behind the scenes at Chelsea but the left-back has managed to avoid the same fate as one of his teammates. Cucurella went public with his dismay at how the club is being run, most notably BlueCo's decision to get rid of Enzo Maresca at the start of the year. The left-back appeared to question the club's vision which has led to Atletico Madrid feeling more optimistic about a summer transfer.
Atletico Madrid make Chelsea star 'with Simeone's DNA' number one summer target
Atletico Madrid are looking to capitalise on the turmoil at Chelsea and have reportedly made Marc Cucurella their top target ahead of this summer's transfer window. Cucurella fuelled speculation over his long-term Chelsea future after a recent public interview saw the left-back criticise the club's lack of direction under the BlueCo ownership.
Chelsea fans won't believe their current record is only beaten by Barcelona
Chelsea haven’t had much to celebrate this season, but they can lay claim to one impressive achievement; an attacking record bettered by only one team — Barcelona. According to data collected by Sofascore, the Blues have the second highest number of different hat-trick goal scorers (3) across all of Europe's top leagues. It is only Hansi Flick's Barcelona who have more (5). Let's break the tally down to find out exactly where Chelsea's forward rank among Europe's elite.
Joe Cole thinks he knows what Cole Palmer is thinking about Chelsea
Despite BlueCo spending well over £1 billion on signings since taking over from Roman Abrahmovic in 2022, Chelsea are no closer to lifting major silverware, and former player Joe Cole believes the players are becoming increasingly frustrated as a result.
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