Good morning, Spartanburg.

AAA predicts that 72.2 million Americans will travel for the July 4 holiday week, with most opting to drive amid rising gas prices.

Upstate roads (I-85, I-26, and Highway 29) are expected to see heavy congestion as families head out for celebrations.

Spartanburg County Parks will celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month all July with free weekday events except July 3.

The festivities kick off Wednesday, July 1 at Tyger River Park splash pad with popsicles, and families can join in daily activities to enter photo contests for prizes.

Two Wofford College alumni received ArtFields recognition this spring.

Kate Timbes won a runway award on April 25 with a sustainable art piece and Mills Brown hosted a family-friendly creative residency in May in Lake City.

Spartanburg residents and the Southern Environmental Law Center have raised concerns over NorthMark’s planned data center near Spring Lake (expected to emit over nine tons of formaldehyde and additional pollutants that could affect local air quality).

Public hearings took place on June 24–25, and the Department of Environmental Services extended the public comment period to the end of July.

Local experts urge Spartanburg residents to drink water amid rising heat during America 250 celebrations this July 4 weekend (Dr. Bryan Baskin advises steady fluid intake to prevent dehydration).

Jackson Ross, a linebacker from Hammond, committed to the Gamecocks on June 28, adding to a busy recruiting week.

Ross, who played football + basketball, chose South Carolina over offers from several other schools.

Nature Art Workshop

9 AM – 12 PM — Spartanburg Science Center — Fee required — Dive into a week of creativity with nature-themed arts and crafts projects.