Local crime, high school sports, county politics, events tonight, and business closings — the daily Pee Dee report from HEREFlorence.
Sports
The World Cup knockout stage officially begins today, July 4, with the first matches of the Round of 16. Following the conclusion of the Round of 32, the tournament transitions into a single-elimination format, intensifying the competition for the remaining teams. Football enthusiasts in Florence and across the Pee Dee region…
Sports
Major League Baseball (MLB) is receiving national television coverage throughout the Fourth of July weekend, offering baseball fans in Florence and the surrounding Pee Dee region opportunities to watch games. The national broadcast plans were detailed by MLB.com, outlining the schedule for the holiday period. Fox Sports has published its July…
Sports
Tennis enthusiasts across Florence and the wider Pee Dee region can now access detailed viewing information for the Wimbledon championships, with the daily order of play and results for July 3 readily available. This comprehensive guide includes match schedules, updated results from previous play, weather forecasts for London, and specific…
Education
Major federal changes impacting student loans and Pell Grants officially took effect on July 1, 2026, under provisions tied to previous federal tax law and education orders. These adjustments introduce new parameters for current and prospective college students, as well as their families, who rely on federal financial assistance to…
Education
The federal landscape for student loans shifted significantly on July 2, introducing new regulations that financial aid administrators across the nation, including those in Florence and the wider Pee Dee region, are now working to implement. These adjustments, which include changes to graduate and professional borrowing limits, as well as…
Education
Financial aid offices across the nation, including those serving students in Florence and the wider Pee Dee region, are navigating a complex landscape of new federal student loan regulations that officially began July 1. The changes, which were introduced with little lead time, affect various aspects of student borrowing, from…
Business
New federal guidelines governing student loans and repayment plans took effect on July 2, introducing adjustments that will impact a broad spectrum of borrowers, from prospective students to those already navigating their post-graduation financial obligations. The changes, reported by national higher education and policy outlets, necessitate a careful review by…
Business
The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record closing high this week, following a June payroll report that indicated slower job growth than anticipated. The market's ascent reflects investor sentiment that a cooling labor market might encourage the Federal Reserve to consider adjustments to interest rates, potentially easing borrowing costs. Investors…
Business
Oil prices showed little movement today as the nation approached the long U.S. holiday weekend. Focus remained on international diplomatic efforts involving Iran, which continue to shape expectations for global oil supply and diplomacy. Market analysts noted that the stability in prices stemmed from a combination of short-covering activities and shifting…
Politics
The United States commemorated its 250th anniversary of independence on Thursday, July 4, 2026, with nationwide events culminating in ceremonies that drew significant attention to Washington, D.C. These celebrations, intended to mark a quarter-millennium since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, have also become intertwined with contemporary political narratives. Reports…
Politics
President Donald Trump stated recently that his acting spy chief possesses broad authority to declassify records, including material pertinent to inquiries surrounding the 2020 election. This assertion comes as a White House task force is actively seeking new evidence related to claims of election fraud. The development underscores ongoing national discussions…
Politics
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a legal challenge that sought to prevent states from counting mailed ballots received after Election Day, provided they were postmarked by the deadline. This decision effectively upholds existing grace-period rules for mail-in voting in more than half of the states and the District of…
Health
Reports from national news outlets have highlighted a multi-state increase in illnesses caused by the Cyclospora parasite, raising questions about produce safety as the July Fourth weekend concludes. The parasite, which can contaminate raw produce, has been linked to cases across several states, prompting health officials to emphasize careful food…
Health
Ugandan health authorities have confirmed an isolated case of Marburg virus disease, a highly infectious illness, identified during the nation's ongoing surveillance for Ebola. The confirmation comes as global public health systems remain alert to emerging and re-emerging viral threats. The Marburg virus, known for its severe and often fatal hemorrhagic…
Health
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has retracted a significant clinical trial paper that provided key evidence for Amgen's drug Tavneos. The retraction follows concerns raised about the integrity of the patient outcome data, with allegations that the data may have been altered and that some researchers involved in…
Home and Garden
Florence, SC — With summer firmly established, local gardeners and homeowners are turning their attention to protecting outdoor plants from the intense heat that often characterizes July in the Pee Dee region. Maintaining healthy garden beds, vibrant container plants, and lush patio greenery requires proactive measures, particularly as extended periods…
Home and Garden
Florence residents are adopting practical measures to safeguard their outdoor plants as the region anticipates sustained high temperatures this summer. Strategies for mitigating heat stress on gardens, containers, and patios include deep watering, strategic shading, and careful placement of potted plants. Experts in home and garden care, including those cited by…
Home and Garden
A significant heat dome event, identified by national forecasters, is poised to affect the Florence area this July, prompting renewed focus on protecting outdoor plants and garden beds. Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts across Florence County are preparing for conditions that can stress even resilient landscaping, making proactive care essential for…
Technology
The global technology market is experiencing a significant shift, as surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) components drives up the cost of consumer devices ranging from gaming consoles to personal computers. This trend, attributed by major tech firms to the escalating need for high-performance memory and storage, is translating into…
Technology
A new artificial intelligence model from China, Z.ai GLM-5.2, is reportedly closing the performance gap with leading U.S. systems developed by companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI. This development introduces a new dynamic to the global AI market, emphasizing cost-effectiveness alongside advanced capabilities. The model, developed by Zhipu/Z.ai, has garnered significant…
Technology
A new artificial intelligence model, GLM-5.2 from Chinese developer Z.ai, is demonstrating capabilities that are increasingly competitive with those offered by U.S.-based AI leaders like Anthropic and OpenAI. The model's emergence signals a shift in the global AI landscape, particularly due to its reported cost-effectiveness, which could broaden access to…
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