USC Aiken Growth & STEM Expansion: The University of South Carolina Aiken expects record enrollment for 2026-27 and has filled campus housing to capacity again, adding a renewed business accreditation plus new electrical engineering and exercise/sports science programs; engineering courses will move into the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative starting this fall. SC State STEM Dedication: South Carolina State University dedicated its renamed James E. Clyburn Engineering and Computer Science Complex, citing Clyburn’s decades of support and $45 million in recent federal investments, including major funding for engineering and transportation research. Campus Life at SC State: Incoming students and parents shared expectations as SC State’s 2026-27 semester begins with move-in and new safety measures. Public Safety Tech Debate: South Carolina sheriffs defended license plate reader use as a crime-fighting tool, while critics continue to raise privacy and misuse concerns. Health & Food Safety: CDC/FDA reported 345 Salmonella Javiana illnesses across 27 states tied to fresh jalapeños from Mexico, with two cases showing antibiotic resistance. Park Dust Pollution Study: Researchers tested road dust in Charleston and other eastern cities, finding lingering toxic metals from past industrial activity and pesticides near parks and schools. AI & Privacy in Education: South Carolina academic libraries are helping campuses navigate AI with literacy and ethical guidance.