AGP Executive Report

AI & Work Habits: Microsoft data says 33.4% of working-age Massachusetts residents use generative AI tools, with Hampshire County leading at 45.1%—a reminder that tech adoption is uneven and tied to local industries. Legal Tech Rules: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened court-filing rules after “AI hallucinations,” requiring attorneys to verify cited legal authorities. Entertainment Labor: SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly ratified a four-year deal with studios and streamers, adding protections around AI performers and digital identity. Film Spotlight (SC connection): Director Adam Rehmeier talks about “Carolina Caroline,” a road-movie he’s bringing to U.S. theaters Friday. Music Loss: R&B and Disney duet star Peabo Bryson died at 75 after a stroke. Sports (SC-adjacent): Kiki Rice’s WNBA season hit a snag with a grade 2 ankle sprain, sidelining her as Toronto begins its Commissioner’s Cup stretch. Community & Travel: Contour Airlines added seasonal nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach from Altoona, starting July 1. Civic/Arts: Columbia’s City Lights initiative keeps drawing attention as a downtown lighting push.

Coastal Carolina Baseball: Coastal AD Chance Miller says he’s not planning for coach Kevin Schnall to leave amid USC rumors, adding Schnall is still doing exit interviews and planning next season. Upstate Politics: Rep. William Timmons faces GOP primary pressure from David Atchley and Robert E. Lee ahead of the June 9 vote. Pentagon Controversy: The Trump administration hired convicted Jan. 6 rioter Elias Irizarry into a sensitive Special Operations counterterrorism role, sparking trust concerns. SC Sports & Entertainment Venue: GE Vernova Park in Mauldin opened with a record crowd as Greenville Pro Soccer celebrated its permanent home for Greenville Triumph. Music News: Greenville native Peabo Bryson, the voice behind Disney classics, died at 75. Community Safety: A pediatrician says kids should be at least 9 before being left home alone in South Carolina, where no statewide minimum age exists. Local Economy: GasBuddy reports show diesel and regular gas lows across multiple counties in the week ending May 30.

R&B Loss: South Carolina native Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning voice behind Disney duets like “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” has died at 75 after a stroke, prompting tributes from fans and fellow artists. Local Arts & Culture: Charleston painter Katelyn Chapman is named the 2026 Griffith-Reyburn Lowcountry Artist of the Year, creating new work exploring what we carry—both sustaining and burdensome. Lowcountry Outdoors: Beaufort kicks off “Trails Month” with National Trails Day on June 6, spotlighting the Spanish Moss Trail’s health, tourism, and family-friendly upgrades. Music Night Out: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra brings “Top Gun: Maverick in Concert” to Chrysler Hall on June 13, pairing live score performance with the film. Community & Faith: A South Carolina Methodist conference faces internal upheaval as churches vote to disaffiliate, fueling debate over church doctrine and leadership roles.

Music Loss: Grammy-winning R&B and Disney duet star Peabo Bryson (Greenville native; “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World”) died at 75 after a stroke, with tributes pouring in from fans and collaborators. Local Entertainment & Events: Greenville Chautauqua brings “revolutionaries and rebels” to life in a History Comes Alive festival run (June 12–23). Cinema Tech: D-BOX inked its first agreement with B&B Theatres to bring premium haptic cinema to Liberty Township. Arts & Culture Calendar: Carroll County Historical Society shared its June schedule (including “Quilts on the Lawn” June 6). Community Spotlight: Hilton Head’s Sea Pines Circle Immediate Care welcomed PA-C Emre Caglayan, adding sports-medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound services. Sports/Pop Culture: A Myrtle Beach detective was fired after allegedly pointing a gun at a fellow officer over microwaved fish—an ugly reminder that “office drama” can turn dangerous.

Music Loss: Grammy-winning R&B legend Peabo Bryson, the voice behind Disney duets like “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” has died at 75 after a stroke, with tributes pouring in from fans and collaborators. Local Sports: Hampton County High School’s track teams hit big at the state meet, with Areyana Allen winning the 100m and Tyler Davis taking the 110 hurdles, plus school athletes named Female and Male Athletes of the Year. Arts & Outdoors: Hunting Island Lighthouse reopened to the public after a multi-million-dollar stabilization and preservation project, bringing back one of South Carolina’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Community Events: A free Milepost Music concert featuring acoustic blues guitarist Scott Ainslie is set for June 7 at Mabry Mill. Health & Services: Prisma Health opened a new urgent care on a busy Florence intersection, expanding walk-in options for non-life-threatening needs.

NCAA Baseball: UCLA and Georgia Tech both went out early in their regionals, while Alabama punched its ticket to a first home super regional since 2006 after a late comeback. USC Sports: Gamecock pitcher TJ Shook earned a Rockies call-up, and USC also announced its 2026 Association of Lettermen Hall of Fame class, including Steve Spurrier and multiple standout athletes. Upstate Golf Glam: The BMW Charity Pro-Am revealed celebrity course rotations and new celebrity additions for the June 4-7 event in Greer and Spartanburg. Local Arts & Events: Columbia’s Addam’s Gamecock Gear is relocating to Vista, and the Songbird Cola festival at Finlay Park is drawing crowds with bluegrass. Community Health/Wellness: Leadership Dorchester launched fundraising for an ARK of South Carolina pavilion, and service members at Joint Base Charleston held the Murph Challenge honoring Lt. Michael Murphy. Local Spotlight: A South Carolina pilot was arrested after alleged dangerously low beach passes over Pawleys Island.

Local Arts & Education: USC Salkehatchie is hosting free “AI 4 SC Summer 2026” workshops in June at its Walterboro and Allendale campuses, aimed at helping residents and small businesses get practical with AI. Sports Spotlight: Byrnes junior Chanin “Choo” Harris was named the 2026 Upstate boys track and field Athlete of the Year after winning SCHSL 5A state titles in the 100 and 200 and anchoring a 4x100 win. Championship Moment: Crescent softball ended a 13-year title drought, beating Hanahan 12-7 in Game 2 to win its first state championship since 2013. Pro Soccer in the Upstate: Greenville Triumph SC sold out its home opener at GE Vernova Park (BridgeWay Station) with 4,000+ fans expected for the June 3 match vs. Forward Madison. Community & Culture: Camden’s “Historyman” podcaster Eric Barnes is bringing South Carolina Revolutionary-era stories to kids and teens through companion comic books. Public Safety: A Columbia driver was charged with DUI after a crash on the Gervais Street bridge hit a pedestrian and threw them off, leaving serious injuries. Outdoors/Heritage: Hunting Island State Park’s lighthouse reopened after stabilization and preservation work.

Greenville Soccer: Greenville Triumph’s GE Vernova Park opens June 3 with a sold-out home opener vs. Forward Madison FC, plus a Fan Fest at BridgeWay Station and a “Together We Triumph” theme. Myrtle Beach Music Fest: Carolina Country Music Fest officials are urging patience as crowds hit 35,000-plus June 4-7, with road closures and a new ride-share route, plus a first-ever Chill Zone for general admission guests. SC Politics (Primary Watch): Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s campaign is in the spotlight with a new Trafalgar tracking poll showing her leading in the GOP governor race, and SCETV’s gubernatorial debate set for Monday night. SC Arts & Culture: R&B legend Peabo Bryson is recovering after suffering a stroke, with his representative asking for privacy as he’s under medical care. Sports (National): Tennessee softball’s season ends after losing twice to Texas in the WCWS semifinals, sending the Longhorns to the finals. Juneteenth Event: Orangeburg announces its inaugural Heritage Festival, “Roots, Culture and Rhythms,” June 19 downtown.

Pro Soccer in the Upstate: Greenville Triumph’s new GE Vernova Park in Mauldin opens this week, with the home opener sold out and a June 3 USL League One match vs. Forward Madison FC set for 7 p.m., plus Fan Fest, a flyover, and fireworks. College Sports Spotlight: The NCAA baseball Morgantown Regional is down to a winner-take-all Kentucky vs. West Virginia matchup, with the winner headed to the Super Regional. Gamecocks Roster Moves: South Carolina women’s basketball adds French shooting guard Justine Loubens, joining Alicia Tournebize, while the baseball transfer portal opens June 1 with Monte Lee and staff changes already in motion. Local Arts & Culture: Spoleto conversation with documentarian Ken Burns drew a sold-out crowd, and Clemson women’s hoops legend Jim Davis reflected on his Hall of Fame run as he enters the SCAHOF. Music News: R&B icon Peabo Bryson, Greenville-born, is reported to be under medical care after a stroke.

South Carolina Politics & Voting Rights: President Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the GOP governor’s race, with reporting highlighting her “elaborate plan” for restricting voting and the broader push to reshape election rules after Supreme Court voting-rights changes. USC Baseball Coaching Watch: Coastal Carolina’s Kevin Schnall says he’s focused on his current job after the Chanticleers’ NCAA exit, but the timing keeps him in the mix for South Carolina’s open baseball coaching search. Music Spotlight: Greenville-born R&B legend Peabo Bryson is under medical care after a stroke, with family asking for privacy. Local Arts & Community: Culp Dental in Rock Hill added Dr. Kimberely Helton with a pediatric focus, while a Daniel Island Life Scout completed an Eagle project restoring trail access at Three Rivers Respite. Food & Lifestyle: Southern chefs weigh in on go-to biscuit spots, and a porch swing bed trend story leans into Charleston-style outdoor comfort.

Tragedy on I-95: A bus crash in Stafford County, Virginia killed five people, including a Massachusetts family of four headed to a South Carolina wedding; the bus driver, Jing S. Dong, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter as the NTSB investigates. Mysterious Boom: A meteor exploded off the Massachusetts coast, triggering a loud boom reported across the region, with scientists pointing to a bolide reentry as the likely cause. South Carolina Politics & Community: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear visited Columbia for the South Carolina Democratic Party dinner and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s annual fish fry, while SC GOP voters get another jolt as President Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the June 9 governor’s race. Arts & Entertainment: Spoleto’s “Dead as a Dodo” uses puppetry and stage magic to deliver a family-friendly show that turns the eyes into the adventure. Local Sports Spotlight: Fort Mill’s Mia Williams earned SCCAWS Class AAAAA Track and Field Player of the Year after a standout state meet. Zoo News: Greenville Zoo announced the birth of critically endangered leopard cubs.

USC Football: Luke Doty, once a Gamecocks QB, is now coaching defense after joining the staff as a defensive assistant/DBs coach—Beamer calls it a smart “learn all of it” move. SC Politics: President Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for South Carolina governor, a direct blow to Nancy Mace’s hopes as the June 9 primary nears. America 250 (Lowcountry): USS Yorktown hosted a patriotic kickoff concert with country star Brian Kelley, launching local America 250 celebrations at Patriots Point. History/Charleston: A rare Charleston-printed Declaration of Independence broadside is back on display at the Charleston Museum for the summer. Arts & Culture (Music): A Copland-focused classical release highlights Aaron Copland Symphony No. 3 with George Walker’s Sinfonia No. 5, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Antonio Pappano. Sports (Baseball): USC Upstate will face Alabama in the Tuscaloosa Regional after an upset; Arkansas also advanced in its Lawrence Regional matchup. Human Interest: A woman injured in a Spinx gas station fire says she “thought I was going to die” after a road-rage crash ignited flames.

State Arts & Culture: Winthrop alumnus James Kevin Gray ’99’s song “While I Breathe, I Hope” was signed into law as South Carolina’s official state choral anthem, turning years of local performances into a statewide spotlight. TV & Home Design: HGTV’s “Battle on the Beach” returns June 1 for Season 5 with new mentors and judges, including Ty Pennington, Sarah Baeumler and Mika Kleinschmidt, plus fresh judge debuts. Sports (College Baseball): South Carolina’s baseball coach search is reportedly down to Coastal Carolina’s Kevin Schnall and West Virginia’s Steve Sabins after Paul Mainieri’s dismissal. Local Environment: Lake Hartwell is under a harmful algal bloom watch following new reports, raising summer water-safety concerns. Community & Education: Prisma Health says it’s using AI-powered population health tools plus embedded care teams to cut admissions and ER visits across its South Carolina network. Weird-but-Real SC News: A mysterious sonic boom rattled parts of South Carolina; the USGS says it wasn’t an earthquake, pointing to a boom centered near St. Andrews.

Piccolo Spoleto: Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA (48th year) is in full swing through June 7 with about 250 events and installations, plus a newly launched website that’s temporarily glitchy—so the Office of Cultural Affairs is routing fans to the festival’s Facebook page while a digital zine guide helps you plan. Food & TV Spotlight: “Top Chef: Carolinas” (Season 23) aired May 25, with a Charleston-area chef guiding the remaining contestants through Asheville’s food scene and the region’s Hurricane Helene impact, streaming on Peacock. Live Music/Comedy: Morgan Jay’s La Dolce Vita Tour hits the UK and Europe next year, with tickets going on sale at 10am today for dates including Manchester, London, Glasgow, Belfast, and Cardiff. Community Arts (Pride): Charleston hosts the third Annual Classical Pride on May 31 at the Unitarian Church, featuring Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F and performances by local choirs and ensembles. Local Planning: Irmo’s planning commission meets June 8 to consider a proposed 300-unit luxury apartment complex near I-26 on Columbiana Drive.

Hurricane & Home Insurance: NOAA is forecasting a below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with fewer major storms—good news for South Carolina homeowners who’ve been hit by rising insurance costs. Money & Politics: The Trump administration is weighing a new $250 bill featuring Trump’s portrait, but federal law dating to 1866 bars living people on U.S. currency unless Congress changes it. Coastal Travel: Southern Living ranked 10 South Carolina beach towns in its “50 Best Beach Towns in the South,” led by Hilton Head Island at No. 3. Fishing: New red drum recreational limits kick in July 1 as officials respond to declining fish populations. Music & Community: Carolina Country Music Fest (June 4–7 in Myrtle Beach) adds a daily singles matchmaking event at Jack Daniel’s Bar. Arts Call: Columbia’s Koger Center for the Arts is taking free submissions for its annual art competition through Aug. 2.

Politics & Power: With less than two weeks left before South Carolina’s GOP governor primary, President Trump’s silence is becoming a campaign issue—six candidates are effectively chasing an “audience of one” in the Oval Office. Public Health: In Shasta County, California, a measles outbreak was contained through aggressive contact tracing after local leaders resisted COVID-era health rules. Arts & Community Storytelling: StoryCorps spotlights a 15-year-old’s conversation with his grandfather about growing up in small-town Andrews, South Carolina, and how music shaped his life. Sports & Local Pride: Byrnes softball fell to Summerville in the SCHSL title series, while Crescent opened its championship run with a win over Hanahan. Culture & Heritage: Georgetown will host the 2026 Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor South Carolina Summit June 25–26. College Sports: Clemson clinched the Palmetto Series title over South Carolina, winning the rivalry points race 7–5. Business/Service Spotlight: Rooter Man of SC marks 20 years serving the Charleston area with plumbing service.