McMaster clears the way for $150 million Scout Motors payout in final budget vetoes
August 19, 2026
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster struck 14 items from the state’s $15 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 on Monday, including a legislative hold on money owed for cost overruns…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Golden Strip voters have one early voting site for Aug. 25 Senate runoff
August 19, 2026
Early voting for the U.S. Senate special Republican primary runoff opened Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Golden Strip residents who plan to cast a ballot before election day will find fewer…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: government, headlines, on-the-move, politics
Out on the Strip: your weekly guide to what’s happening, where to eat, and what to do at Mercato Cafe
August 19, 2026
Have you ever opened a doorway and immediately felt the rush of the outside world simply melt away? That is the exact magic waiting for you at 1101 Via Corso…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, headlines, on-the-move, retail
Swig Drinks opens on Woodruff Road in Mauldin
August 19, 2026
A soda shop chain known for customizable fountain drinks has opened in Mauldin. Swig Drinks is now serving customers at 1534 Woodruff Road. While the address carries a Greenville mailing…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: food, headlines, on-the-move, retail
Simpsonville fire engineer retires after 21 years of service
August 19, 2026
A longtime member of the Simpsonville Fire Department has hung up his gear after more than two decades on the job. Engineer Jason Mode officially retired the morning of Aug.…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move
Twenty six thousand small things
August 19, 2026
By Brenda Stewart, Publisher I let my inbox get to 26,000 emails. That is a humbling number to print in my own publication. I am doing it anyway, because I…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, headlines, on-the-move
Richland County, M.B. Kahn receive national award for South Carolina renovation project
August 17, 2026
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has selected the Richland County 911 Center project, delivered by M. B. Kahn Construction, for a 2026 Project Achievement Award in the Government…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: construction, government, headlines, on-the-move
Greenville County Schools resets classroom expectations: Grade floors scrapped, new AI rules take effect
August 16, 2026
When students across the Golden Strip head back to class, they will face a renewed focus on academic accountability and a clear set of digital boundaries. Greenville County Schools is…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
Out on the Strip: your weekly guide to what’s happening, where to eat, and what to do at Gio’s Pastry Shop, Caffe & Italian Market
August 12, 2026
By Barbara LeForge, Golden Strip News Editor There is a moment right around 8:00 AM in Downtown Fountain Inn when the front door of 218 South Main Street opens up,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, food, headlines, on-the-move, restaurant
Laurens County Chorale invites Upstate singers to Sip & Sing
August 11, 2026
The Laurens County Chorale is casting a wider net this season, and Golden Strip residents who enjoy singing are among those invited to take a look. The group will host…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
First Day of School Reminder: Mauldin Fire Department Issues Traffic Safety Guidelines
August 10, 2026
With students set to return to the classroom on Tuesday, August 11, the Mauldin Fire Department is urging drivers to stay vigilant, slow down, and prioritize road safety throughout local…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: education, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety, transportation
Polls Open Tuesday in Special Republican Primary for U.S. Senate
August 10, 2026
Greenville County voters will join South Carolinians statewide at the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, for the special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. Polling places will be open from 7…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Bumper-to-bumper: the busiest intersections on the Golden Strip’s first day back
August 5, 2026
Here are the major traffic bottlenecks across the Golden Strip to watch out for on the first morning of school, along with the impacted campuses and key choke points: 1.…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
BridgeWay Station Hosts Back-to-School Market Day Presented by Prisma Health , August 6
August 5, 2026
As summer break winds down across the Upstate, BridgeWay Station is gearing up for a major community celebration. Thursday, August 6, the walkable town center hosts its official Back-to-School Market…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, headlines, on-the-move
Constitutional clash: federal lawsuit challenges South Carolina’s strict tattoo Regulations
August 3, 2026
More than two decades after South Carolina legalized body art, a new federal lawsuit is challenging long-standing state restrictions on tattoo businesses, arguing that the regulations violate First Amendment protections…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Mauldin goes off with a bang: recapping the Amp’d Up Friday season finale
August 2, 2026
The lawn chairs were out, the food trucks were fired up, and the music was loud as the Mauldin Cultural Center officially closed out its 2026 summer concert season. Being…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, on-the-move, outdoors
Mauldin claims No. 9 spot on list of Best Places to Live in South Carolina
August 2, 2026
The City of Mauldin has earned a spot among the state’s most desirable communities, securing the No. 9 ranking on HomeSnacks’ list of the Best Places to Live in South…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move
Out on the Strip: Your weekly guide to what’s happening, where to eat, and what to do at BridgeWay Station
July 29, 2026
By Barbara LeForge, Golden Strip News Editor Look, if you told me a few years ago that I’d be sipping an espresso in what looks like a sunny Italian piazza…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, headlines, life, on-the-move, retail, social-scene
Back-to-School Readiness: The Complete Golden Strip Guide for the 2026–2027 Academic Year
July 29, 2026
With summer winding down across Greenville County, families throughout Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn are shifting gears for the return to the classroom. Greenville County Schools (GCS)—the state’s largest public…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
South Carolina Secures “First-in-the-Nation” Spot for 2028 Democratic Primary
July 27, 2026
In a major political victory for the Palmetto State, South Carolina has been officially chosen to host the first-in-the-nation primary for the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nomination calendar. The decision…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move, politics
Upstate Residents Can Weigh In Online as SCDNR Gathers Input on Hunting Deer With Dogs
July 26, 2026
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is collecting public comment on hunting deer with dogs, but the two remaining public forums are several hours from the Upstate, leaving an…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
A New Chapter on Main Street: Steam Coffee & Cream Rebrands as Benny’s Sip & Scoop
July 22, 2026
A familiar staple in downtown Fountain Inn is undergoing a total transformation. Following weeks of behind-the-scenes renovations, the team behind Steam Coffee & Cream has announced the shop is officially…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: food, headlines, on-the-move
Call for Artists: City of Simpsonville Invites Local Submissions for 125th Anniversary Art & History Exhibit
July 20, 2026
In celebration of its landmark 125th anniversary, the City of Simpsonville, in partnership with the Simpsonville ARTS Foundation, is inviting local artists of all ages and experience levels to submit…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: festivals-special-events, headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Fireworks and Live Music: Amp’d Up Fridays to Close Out Summer Season with Grand Finale
July 20, 2026
The City of Mauldin is preparing to wrap up another successful summer of its popular outdoor concert series. The Amp’d Up Fridays finale will take place on Friday, July 31,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult
Safe, Local Greens Across the Golden Strip
July 20, 2026
While national supply chains deal with commercial produce recalls, staying close to home is the easiest way to keep crisp, fresh lettuce on your dinner table. Shopping locally at farms,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, health-wellness, life, on-the-move
Street Eats & Local Treats: Where to Find the Best Food Trucks in Mauldin, Simpsonville & Fountain Inn
July 20, 2026
From gourmet smash burgers and artisan mac and cheese to authentic street tacos and sweet shaved ice, the mobile food scene across the Golden Strip is thriving. Whether you’re looking…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: food, headlines, on-the-move
Saving Lives and Reducing Stigma: Inside Mauldin Fire’s New Opioid Response Program
July 19, 2026
In a proactive effort to combat the ongoing substance use crisis and protect local residents, the Mauldin Fire Department has officially launched its new Opioid Response Program. The community-focused initiative…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
Gov. McMaster Appoints Darline Graham to Fill Late Brother’s U.S. Senate Seat
July 15, 2026
In a historic and deeply personal transition, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham (also known as Darline Graham Nordone) to the United States Senate to fill the…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, history, on-the-move, politics
EPC Power Launches Fountain Inn Facility to Fuel AI Data Centers, Creating 275 Jobs
July 15, 2026
In a significant economic boost for the Golden Strip, California-based clean-tech manufacturer EPC Power officially opened a brand-new, 167,000-square-foot production facility at 111 Southcase Boulevard in Fountain Inn. The grand…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: construction, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
State Election Commission Rules June Democratic Primary Voters Ineligible for Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary
July 15, 2026
Voters who cast a ballot in the June Democratic Primary will not be eligible to vote in the Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary for U.S. Senate, the South Carolina State…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Fountain Inn Fire Department Earns SAFE Designation, Making Fountain Inn the First City in Greenville County with Both Police and Fire Departments Recognized
July 14, 2026
The City of Fountain Inn is proud to announce that the Fountain Inn Fire Department has earned the Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) Designation, becoming only the second fire department…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines
The Race to Replace Graham: Key Dates in South Carolina’s Senate Special Primary
July 13, 2026
South Carolina election officials have released the schedule of dates and deadlines for the 2026 special primary that will set the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left open…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Move Over or Face the Consequences: Greenville County Deputy Theo King on South Carolina’s Move Over Law
July 12, 2026
In last week’s episode of the Roll Call podcast, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office sits down with Deputy Theo King to talk about South Carolina’s Move Over Law, the steep…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, law, on-the-move, public-safety
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71; Governor to Name Interim Successor
July 12, 2026
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who spent more than two decades in the Senate and became one of the chamber’s leading voices on defense and foreign policy,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
All Clear: Security Threat Resolved After Suspicious Packages Prompt Evacuation at Simpsonville Municipal Complex
July 8, 2026
Local authorities have given the all-clear following a major security scare that forced the evacuation and temporary closure of the Simpsonville Municipal Complex on Wednesday morning. According to an immediate…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
Summer Flavors: Mauldin’s First Annual Food Truck Festival Sets Date at Sunset Park
July 8, 2026
A major new culinary tradition is headed to the heart of Mauldin later this month, promising an expansive lineup of local eats, live entertainment, and family activities. Organizers have officially…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines
WhatsApp Account Takeover Scam Spreads as Fraudsters Hijack Users Through Verification Codes
July 8, 2026
Community members who use WhatsApp are being urged to stay alert as a fast spreading account takeover scam continues to hijack profiles across the country, locking users out and turning…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
South Carolina Tax Free Weekend Returns August 7 to 9
July 8, 2026
South Carolina shoppers can skip the sales tax on school supplies, computers, clothing, footwear and other back-to-school essentials during the state’s annual Tax Free Weekend, which runs Friday, Aug. 7,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, retail
BMW Premieres Next-Gen X5 in South Carolina, Confirming First U.S.-Built All-Electric Model
July 6, 2026
Automotive manufacturing in the Palmetto State achieved a historic milestone this week as BMW Group officially unveiled its fifth-generation BMW X5. State and corporate leaders gathered at the manufacturer’s Upstate…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: energy, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Mauldin Celebrates Independence Day with Star-Studded Lineup
July 1, 2026
The City of Mauldin is gearing up for a patriotic celebration this weekend as part of its popular “Amp’d Up Fridays” event series at the Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater.…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, music, on-the-move
Celebrating America’s 250th Safely
July 1, 2026
As Independence Day celebrations approach, local fire officials are reminding residents that a few simple precautions can keep backyard fireworks displays festive rather than dangerous. Fireworks send thousands of people…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move
Beyond the Fireworks: Lesser-Known Facts About America’s Founding as the Nation Turns 250
July 1, 2026
As communities across the country prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, much of the celebration centers on familiar images of fireworks, parades and the Fourth of July.…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move
Why Every Generation in the Workforce Thinks the Others Are Ridiculous
June 29, 2026
By Jon Antonucci, guest columnist If you have spent more than five minutes on a modern, multi-generational workplace floor, you have likely sensed it. The subtle eye-rolls when a younger…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, headlines, on-the-move
Celebrating America’s 250th: The Ultimate Guide to the 4th of July on the Golden Strip
June 29, 2026
This year marks a monumental milestone as the United States celebrates its semiquincentennial—250 years of American freedom. Communities across the Golden Strip are turning up the volume with a massive…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, on-the-move
City of Mauldin Prepares Week-Long Celebration for America’s 250th Anniversary
June 29, 2026
The City of Mauldin is stepping back in time to honor the nation’s history with a multi-day lineup of historical and patriotic events. The Mauldin Cultural Center is hosting “250th…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, headlines, history, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult
World Cup Fever Ignites BridgeWay Station as Fans Celebrate Mexico’s Clean Sweep
June 29, 2026
Soccer fans turned BridgeWay Station into a sea of green, white, and red as the popular Simpsonville development played host to an exuberant watch party for the 2026 FIFA World…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, sports
More Than Sandwiches: Sully’s Steamers Applauded for Deep Investment in Special Needs Community
June 29, 2026
While downtown Simpsonville is home to many thriving local businesses, a popular Main Street eatery is capturing the community’s heart for its extraordinary commitment to inclusivity and neurodiverse empowerment. Sully’s…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: food, headlines, on-the-move, restaurant
Extreme Heat Settles Over the Upstate, Raising Risks for Children, Seniors and Pets
June 28, 2026
The Upstate is entering a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat this week, and local officials are urging residents to take precautions to protect those most vulnerable to high temperatures. Forecasters…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move
From Backcountry Skirmishes to the Semiquincentennial: The Golden Strip’s Crucial Role in Shaping Early America
June 24, 2026
As cities across the nation gear up to honor America’s 250th anniversary, residents of Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn don’t have to look far to find the roots of the…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: education, government, headlines, history, life, military, on-the-move
GE Vernova Park to Host Free World Cup Watch Party for USA vs. Türkiye Match
June 24, 2026
Soccer fans in the Upstate have a front-row seat to the global stage this week without leaving the area. GE Vernova Park, the multi-use stadium located at BridgeWay Station, is…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, headlines, on-the-move, sports
