STORY 1

From Post & Courier

Two city blocks in Beaufort’s historic Northwest Quadrant will soon be converted into a new cultural campus under an expansion plan announced by the Freedman Arts District. The nonprofit organization recently acquired the municipal properties at 1407 King and 600 Wilmington streets to launch the Freedman School of Arts, Crafts & Culture.

Local developer and Freedman Arts District board member Dick Stewart purchased the multi-property facilities through his real estate firm for $1,055,000 and intends to donate the buildings directly to the Freedman Foundation. Located close to the Pat Conroy Literary Center, the two buildings, approximately 8,000 square feet each, will help create a permanent downtown network focused on creative workforce education and neighborhood revitalization.

“We are eager to support the arts and preserve the history of the area,” Stewart said. “It’s very ambitious and I think it is going to have a lasting impact on our area and will serve as a hub and help us connect all the creative outlets we have in Beaufort.”

The project will repurpose a vacant former county government office and an active health department building into public spaces for hands-on learning. As part of the transition, the health department is leasing the space back from Stewart's firm until they finalize their relocation to a new facility.

Story 2

From WSAV

This week was runoffs for the South Carolina Primaries. In the Republican Governor race, Alan Wilson defeated Pamela Evette to earn the GOP bid. David Stumbo defeated Stephen Goldfinch to be the Republican Nominee for Attorney General. Cody Simpson defeated Danny Ford II for the Republican bid to be Ag Commissioner. Nancy Lacore defeated Mac Deford in the Democrat primary for US House District 1. On the Republican side of the District 1 primary Jenny Hosta Honeycutty beat Mark Smith. And in the Republican Primary for Beaufort County Council District 5 seat Joshua Hower defeated Mary Jeans Otto. Election Day is November 3, 2026. Head to BeaufortCountySC.gov/Vote or SCVotes.SC.Gov for more election information and to register to vote.

Story 3

From Explore Beaufort SC

From the depths of the ocean to USCB. A newly discovered species of deep-sea black coral has been named for Dr. Mercer R. Brugler, Chair of USCB’s Department of Natural Sciences and Professor of Marine Biology.

“Leiopathes brugleri,” described by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and international collaborators, inhabits deep waters from Texas to Florida and the Azores.

The impressive tree-like corals can grow more than 2 meters tall and wide and may live for more than 4,265 years. These corals provide habitat for diverse marine life and are important indicators of ocean health.

The discovery was published in the journal “Coral Reefs” on June 15, 2026.

Dr. Brugler has dedicated more than two decades to studying the evolution and conservation of black corals, and this recognition celebrates his lasting contributions to marine science.

Also of note is some other promising information concerning the Earth’s coral reefs.

Breakthroughs in coral reef research published in mid-2026 reveal that approximately one-third of the world’s reefs are climate resilient. Scientists identified these vital refugia and are actively working on innovative, hybrid restoration projects to protect marine ecosystems.