Military Aviation & Safety: South Carolina National Guard Apache pilots tied to the July 4 “Salute From the Shore” flyover were temporarily suspended while officials review the flight profile, with details still sparse and lawmakers pushing for immediate reinstatement. Road-Trip Watch: “Operation Southern Slow Down” returns July 13–19, with multi-state enforcement (including South Carolina) targeting speeding and other risky driving behaviors. Back-to-School Planning: South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend runs Aug. 7–9, with sales tax exemptions for qualifying school supplies and clothing, including eligible online orders for pickup. Coastal Nature Update: Sea turtle nesting is breaking records on the South Carolina coast, with beach lighting guidance urging locals and visitors to use red lights and turn off outdoor lights at night. Travel Comfort & Costs: Mega Millions climbs to $604 million, and Orkin’s 2026 bed bug list flags major travel destinations—useful if you’re booking hotels this summer. Local Tourism & Community: A fundraiser in Hummelstown will auction trips including Myrtle Beach to help the Bottiglia family with major medical caregiving costs. Transit Connections: North Carolina expands intercity bus service with new/extended routes that reach into South Carolina, including a Raleigh-to-Atlanta line. Infrastructure: SCDOT received a $23.5 million BUILD grant to replace 18 aging bridges across nine counties.