The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell significantly in April to 8.0 percent from March’s 8.4 percent estimate. This is the lowest rate since October 2008 and represents the largest month-to-month decrease since May 1987.

The number of employed people increased by 2,935 from March to April to 1,995,078. This is the tenth consecutive monthly increase in people finding work across the state. The estimated number of unemployed persons was 174,352. Nationally, the unemployment rate declined slightly to 7.5 percent.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell, the state's future leaders and the Honda Motor Co. are targeting hunger among the state's senior citizens.

During a Statehouse event scheduled for Thursday, an effort called SOS, or Sustain Our Seniors, is kicking off. South Carolina, according to Meals on Wheels, has the second highest level of senior hunger in the nation.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) - Shaw Air Force Base is canceling its annual Independence Day celebration because of automatic federal budget cuts.

Base officials say the cuts won't leave officials with enough money to put on the Jammin' July Fourth event at a Sumter park.