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Daily editionFriday, August 14th, 2026

Good morning, Hilton Head Island.

The 5AM Hilton Head Island Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of August.

Education

  1. South Carolina high school seniors will have access to the Meeting Street Scholarship as $18.7 million in state funding now makes it available in every county.

    Eligible graduates set to enter college in May 2027 can receive up to $10,000 per year for college expenses if requirements are met.

    WTOCRead more

Environment

  1. Clemson University reported that Beaufort County is battling the worst yellow-legged hornet outbreak in the state, threatening local honeybee colonies.

    Crews are removing nests from coastal areas to slow the pest’s spread before fall reproduction increases the risk.

    WJCLRead more

Government

  1. Brigadier General Edmund (Brad) Hipp, a Beaufort native, was promoted in July at a frocking ceremony and now serves as assistant wing commander of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

    His promotion, confirmed by the Senate, marks a milestone in his career.

    The Post and Courier - Beaufort CountyRead more

  2. Firefighters with Burton Fire District’s Shift Three trained with CARE Flight crews on Aug. 13 to practice establishing safe landing zones, navigating active helicopters, and rapidly loading patients.

    The exercise comes amid high call volumes, with over 2,000 2025 medical emergencies + similar expectations for 2026.

    WTOCRead more

  3. Sen. Tim Scott endorsed interim senator Darline Graham on Wednesday in the GOP runoff, a move announced on his tweet after her appointment following Lindsey Graham’s death.

    Voters will decide between Graham and Congressman Ralph Norman on Aug. 25.

    WTOCRead more

Health

  1. A March of Dimes report shows that over 180,000 women—including 25,000 South Carolina residents—lack nearby maternity care, and local providers like Memorial Health are adding neonatal beds and launching outreach to help reduce travel distances.

    WTOCRead more

  2. Beaufort Memorial Hospital is ranked 7th statewide on U.S. News & World Report's Best Regional Hospitals list, showing that Lowcountry patients can get trusted care near home.

    Hospital president Russell Baxley said the ranking validates the hospital's commitment to local quality care.

    WJCLRead more