Good morning, Myrtle Beach.

Local leaders participated in a poverty simulation at Mary C.

Canty Recreation Center organized by the Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council to experience the challenges families face living paycheck to paycheck. The four-week exercise recreated unexpected expenses such as car repairs and appliance breakdowns to encourage change in local services.

Elko Spas Billiards and Pools will host its sixth annual pep rally and silent auction Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Conway—proceeds will benefit Briar, a 5-year-old boy with leukemia, as the event features vendors, family activities, and a Myrtle Beatz Drumline performance at 11 a.m.

Daniel Kutschman began a survey to gauge local interest in building an ice rink along the Grand Strand that could host hockey, skating lessons, and community events.

Local skaters and hockey players currently travel to nearby cities and hope the survey spurs development.

Tickets for the 2027 Carolina Country Music Fest are on sale with a special $19 down payment option — the festival is set for June 10 to 13 at 812 N.

Ocean Blvd with various ticket tiers and payment plans available.

Today, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival launched the Myrtle Beach Movie Channel, a new YouTube platform offering free all-day access to independent films (features, shorts, and award winners) that extends the festival experience and gives filmmakers digital distribution.

The Academy of Hope board plans to appeal after Horry County Schools rescinded an approved extension to Sept.

11 for the school property closing. The board said it was surprised by the decision made in a special meeting and will review legal options+ work to secure a safe campus for students and families.

A Murrells Inlet hospital accepted a newborn under South Carolina’s Safe Haven law this week and placed him in licensed foster care after a medical evaluation.

A Permanency Planning Hearing is scheduled for Oct. 28 at Georgetown County Family Court.

Christine Cox spoke with Jonathan Evans at Myrtle Beach Fire Department as officials announced a busy season of events, including tributes for 9/11, scheduled in the coming days.

The city of Myrtle Beach has denied permits for Rock Fest while the council has yet to vote on the proposed three-day festival set for May.

Officials noted that hosting multiple large events during peak season could stretch city resources.

Earlier today, Greg Rowles interviewed Dr. Lisa Talbert-Smaldone of La Vie Aesthetics & Wellness to explain the clinic's new approach to wellness services.

The conversation was recorded 59 minutes ago.

McLeod Health hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new 48-bed hospital in Carolina Forest on Aug.

27, where residents toured the facility as inspectors prepare for full patient services. The hospital will start offering care in late September or early October.

Women attended an orientation for First Strides last Thursday at the North Strand.

The program will officially begin next week at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex — it offers a supportive environment for walking, jogging or running every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. through November.

High school football begins week 1 and highlights will be updated tonight at 11:15 p.m. on WMBF Extra Point from the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

The games include Conway at Carolina Forest, Socastee at St. James, Chesterfield at Latta, Green Sea-Floyds at Loris + Dillon at Myrtle Beach.

High school football scores for Week 2 are available with Thursday finals (for example, North Myrtle Beach 24, Darlington 17) and partial Friday results, with updated scores expected later tonight as local teams finish their games.