AGP Executive Report

U.S. Senate Race: Darline Graham has agreed to debate Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews on Oct. 11, after Andrews pushed for multiple televised debates and Graham’s campaign initially said it wasn’t interested. Local Government: Honea Path is moving ahead with a downtown “Town Hall” restoration after the state awarded $500,000 in directed funding, with crews already repairing serious roof and structural damage. Public Safety: A stolen SUV chase that started in South Carolina ended in Georgia with a PIT maneuver; the driver, Devonte Williams, is in custody facing fleeing and DUI-related charges. Energy & Environment: Two Lowcountry landowners have appealed to the S.C. Supreme Court over the Canadys Station natural gas plant, arguing the PSC didn’t adequately weigh environmental and health impacts. Business & Jobs: Tyson Steel Building Products plans a $15.15 million Liberty, S.C. facility creating about 20 jobs in Pickens County. Health Care: Beaufort Memorial added a board-certified family medicine physician, expanding primary care services at Lowcountry Medical Group.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham accepted a debate invitation with Dr. Annie Andrews for Oct. 11, setting up a final showdown in the race to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham. State Government & Courts: Two Lowcountry landowners have appealed the S.C. Supreme Court over the Canadys Station natural gas plant, arguing the Public Service Commission didn’t adequately weigh environmental and public health impacts. Local Growth & Business: Fort Mill is set to consider a sweeping rewrite of its zoning code, plus pay and budget changes, as the town moves to update land-use rules and pause conflicting permits. Healthcare: Beaufort Memorial expanded primary care by adding a board-certified family medicine physician at Lowcountry Medical Group. Public Safety: A registered sex offender was allowed to participate for decades at a Simpsonville church, raising questions about how congregations handle past convictions. Economy & Jobs: Tyson Steel Building Products plans a $15.15 million Liberty, S.C. manufacturing operation, expected to create about 20 jobs in Pickens County. Community & Culture: Paris Mountain’s Music in the Woods returns after Hurricane Helene damaged the amphitheater stage, with a rebuilt venue ready for the fall series.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham has accepted a televised debate with Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, setting Oct. 11 as the showdown date as the race to replace Lindsey Graham tightens. Midterm Money & Health Care: Trump’s campaign is pushing a $5,000 “dividend” pitch for voters plus promised $500 Obamacare rebate checks for up to 1 million Americans—though eligibility details are messy and New Mexico is excluded. Public Safety: A shooting shut down part of I-85 in Spartanburg County; deputies say one person died and a 20-year-old suspect, Rodney Allister Smith Jr., faces murder and weapons charges. Medicaid Costs: Federal caps on certain state-directed Medicaid payments could cut spending in South Carolina by more than a quarter, raising fears about access and uncompensated care. Higher Ed Under Pressure: A new survey finds faculty in the South increasingly fear for their safety amid a broader culture-war climate. Local Government & Ethics: A Beaufort County principal was placed on administrative leave after appearing in a political campaign video, prompting ethics training and policy reviews. Business: Watkins is set to buy Sauer Brands’ spice and seasoning business, including the Richmond manufacturing facility, with a closing expected by late September.

Upstate 9/11 Remembrance: Communities across South Carolina’s Upstate marked the 25th anniversary with memorials, including a new Boiling Springs Fire District memorial featuring a steel beam recovered from Ground Zero, plus ceremonies in Spartanburg and Greenville. Russia Sanctions Push: The U.S. House is set to take up a sweeping Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with House Democrats signaling stiff opposition over tariff and cost concerns. AI in Education Gap: A Microsoft report finds education leaders are using AI more than students and teachers, with many saying guidance is unclear or nonexistent and calling for regular training. South Carolina Ports Move: SC Ports took the first step toward deepening the channel to North Charleston Terminal, aiming to boost competitiveness by completing deeper access for larger ships. Obamacare Refund Checks: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans will receive $500 Obamacare refund checks starting in October, tied to alleged overcharges on Healthcare.gov. Airport Security Fight: Unions and flight attendants marked 9/11 by opposing efforts to privatize airport security, arguing it risks public safety. Local Business: Procaccianti Cos. bought the Charleston Harbor Resort for $125 million. Public Safety: A Richland County case alleges an unattended gun led to the death of a 3-year-old boy in Columbia.

Midterm Politics in Dallas: President Trump kicked off the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention with a promise of $5,000 “Trump dividend” checks for every adult if Republicans keep control of Congress, while South Carolina candidates split sharply over the plan. South Carolina Politics: A local report highlights reactions from GOP Sen. Tim Scott and candidates including Darline Graham versus Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, as the state’s midterm message turns into a cost-of-living fight. Upstate Data Center Clash: Spartanburg leaders and residents sparred for hours over a proposed data center, with environmental and health concerns raised and no clear path forward. Solar Manufacturing Boost: Suniva says it raised $835 million for a new 4.5 GW PERC solar cell plant in Laurens County, targeting 564 jobs and a 2027 completion. Energy Merger Watch: Wynson Securities says NextEra and Dominion’s combination is moving ahead after approvals, with the combined utility platform spanning multiple states including South Carolina. Business/Jobs: Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume floated new U.S.-made rugged SUVs and pickups to help its turnaround, aiming at the same buyer segments as Ford and Jeep. Legal/Consumer: Buc-ee’s won a federal trademark fight against a South Carolina retailer, with a judge ordering more than $850,000 in damages and restrictions on logo use.

Midterms & Money: President Trump is pitching a “Trump dividend” of $5,000 for every adult if Republicans keep control of Congress, but critics note he offered no clear funding plan and the price tag could reach $1 trillion. South Carolina Politics & Elections: A new look at secretary of state races warns that election-denialism could shape outcomes again, with several states shifting toward Democrats in updated competitiveness ratings. Local Community Spotlight: Miss and Mister South Carolina State University are ready to lead with service and student-focused platforms as the 2026-27 year begins. Public Safety & Justice: A judge ordered Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial to move to Sumter County, keeping the high-profile case in the spotlight. Business & Jobs: Suniva says it has completed an $835 million raise to expand solar cell manufacturing in South Carolina, aiming for 564 jobs and more capacity by 2028. Health & Community: SRP Federal Credit Union partnered with Shepeard Community Blood Center for a blood drive, collecting 49 pints to help address a national shortage.

Midterm Politics: President Trump kicked off a first-ever GOP midterm convention in Dallas, centering himself with a bold $5,000 “Trump dividend” offer to every adult if Republicans keep control of Congress—though details and legality remain unclear, and many seats were still empty. Local Government & Downtown Life: Columbia unveiled a Main Street lighting upgrade, adding lanterns in historic oak trees to brighten the corridor from Gervais to Laurel and boost safety and foot traffic. Workforce & Education: Duke Energy Foundation awarded $180,000 to nine South Carolina technical colleges for construction-focused training and industry certifications, aiming to feed the skilled-trades pipeline. Energy & Growth Pressure: Jasper County is weighing a one-year moratorium on new data center and similar facilities to study environmental and infrastructure impacts before more projects move forward. Public Safety & Tech Scrutiny: Spartanburg County held another hearing on data centers, with officials pressing for “credible evidence” that projects pose risks. Higher Ed: USC marked its 225th anniversary with record enrollment growth and a tuition-freeze message at its State of the University address. Agriculture & Hunger Relief: A South Carolina farmer is partnering with Harvest Hope Food Bank to help fight hunger across 20 counties. Health & Policy: Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews campaigned in Rock Hill on affordability, including childcare scholarship gaps after federal COVID funding ended. Education Outcomes: New data show South Carolina’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black students who entered in 2018 was 46.8% by 2024.

Alex Murdaugh Retrial Venue: A South Carolina judge has ordered Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial to be held in Sumter County, with jury selection set for April 5, 2027, after concerns about jury bias and “community prejudice” in the original Colleton County case. Public Safety & Fraud: SLED says a former contract employee at the Spartanburg County Detention Center stole $14,846.17 in cash deposits and made unauthorized credit card transactions, with the case headed to the state Attorney General’s Office. Robocall Crackdown: AG Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls before they reach consumers. Cancer Care in Charleston: MUSC’s proposed $1 billion, 14-story cancer hospital is moving forward as Charleston officials review plans for the facility next to Rutledge Tower. Housing & Growth: Greer City Council approved a major change to the Blaize Ridge development, converting the remaining townhome lots into single-family homes. Invasive Species Watch: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking the public to help track the invasive Joro spider as it spreads through the region. State Courts: South Carolina’s high court ruled med-pay insurers owe only expenses actually paid, shaping how auto medical payments are handled. Local Economy/Jobs: USA Rare Earth broke ground on a $1.2 billion rare earth metal and magnet plant in Blacksburg, targeting about 490 manufacturing jobs. Health Data Access: A report highlights how school vaccine data can reveal measles outbreak risks, but access varies widely. Nonprofit Funding: Foundation for the Carolinas’ fundholders awarded more than $150 million to nonprofits across 3,700 grants in Q2 2026.

Alex Murdaugh Retrial Moved: A judge ruled Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial will be held in Sumter County, saying Colleton County’s jury pool was tainted after publicity and juror-bias concerns. Child Sex Trafficking Sentencing: A Midlands man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for leading an interstate child sex trafficking conspiracy targeting runaway teens and high school students across the Carolinas. Local Business Legal Fight: A Greenville landlord is suing Condado Tacos for more than $51,000 in back rent after the Woodruff Road location closed. Land Conservation Push: Upstate Forever permanently protected 800-plus acres in Laurens and Union counties through new conservation easements aimed at preserving farms, forests, water, and wildlife. School Meals Report: A national analysis ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meals access and participation, with implications for how states reach students with breakfast and lunch. Food Opening Watch: JINYA Ramen Bar is nearing its Woodruff Road opening in Greenville, with a liquor license already filed.

Local Infrastructure: The first five miles of the Saluda Grade Trail in South Carolina are about 60% designed, with route, bridge and retaining-wall locations set and permitting running ahead of schedule as engineers map nine road crossings from the NC line near Tryon down through Landrum to Hulon Howard Road. Education & Workforce: USC-Columbia’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students who entered in 2018 reached 85.5% by 2024, with most non-completers transferring elsewhere or still enrolled. Higher Ed Spotlight: Aiken Chamber leaders heard updates on Aiken Technical College’s regional economic impact ($161.4 million) and USC Aiken’s growth, including enrollment up 11% year over year. Local Development: Charleston’s long-awaited Four Seasons project has a new general contractor and timeline, with Hoar Construction selected and a year-end groundbreak expected, targeting completion in 2030. Cost of Living: Labor Day gas prices hit record highs nationwide, with the average regular price around $4.14 a gallon heading into the holiday. Community & Outdoors: South Carolina dove season is open for 2026-27, with public field access statewide and required permits for hunters.

Labor Day costs and politics: Gas prices hit a record $4.14 a gallon nationwide over the holiday weekend, with drivers blaming the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz for keeping fuel tight. Election staffing in SC: Richland County is hiring paid poll workers for Nov. 3, with pay up to $185 and multiple onboarding dates. SC politics, up close: The SC 2nd Congressional District race is heating up as incumbent Joe Wilson and Democrat Zion Khalifa clash on priorities ahead of November. Midterm momentum and messaging: Republicans are gathering in Dallas for Trump’s first-ever midterm convention, with Trump urging supporters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot. Tech and privacy backlash: South Carolina’s automatic license plate cameras are facing renewed public pushback amid concerns about tracking and misuse. Local justice and accountability: A South Carolina man sued an Uptown Charlotte nightclub over an alleged assault by security guards. Community and culture: Labor Day in Charleston brought union organizers and activists together, including reflections on the 1969 Charleston Hospital Workers Strike.

U.S. Senate Race: Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews says the general election is “officially underway,” challenging Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham to multiple televised debates and arguing he must answer voters on costs, health care, and keeping rural hospitals open. Democrats 2028 Watch: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is courting South Carolina Democrats ahead of a possible 2028 run, leaning into voters’ fatigue and even staging “hug” moments during stops in places like Aiken. Education Rankings: U.S. News placed Clover High at No. 52 in South Carolina, while Rock Hill’s Northwestern High hit No. 73; York Comprehensive landed in a lower band (172nd–236th), and Indian Land High ranked No. 61. Local Growth: Lancaster County will break ground next week on a $36.9 million Regional Athletic Complex with turf baseball and soccer fields, aiming to draw tournaments and sports tourism. Economy & Jobs: South Carolina infrastructure investments are projected to drive major job growth and economic impact, with storm-resilience and major road projects continuing. Cost of Living: Labor Day gas prices hit record highs nationwide, with South Carolina averaging about $3.75. Health Care: A new study ranks Wisconsin top for hospital patient experience and Florida last, using CMS survey star ratings.

Energy Costs & Travel: AAA says Labor Day gas prices hit a record high, with regular averaging about $4.14 a gallon as Iran-war tensions and refinery issues keep pressure on drivers. Power Planning: Duke Energy filed a new Carolinas resource plan that, if approved, would add major solar, storage, gas, and new nuclear capacity through 2041—aimed at rising winter peak demand. FCC & Election Coverage: FCC chair Brendan Carr says the agency is “looking at a lot of actions” after Trump demanded “punishment” for NBC’s Kristen Welker, with Carr pointing to concerns about “fake polls” and broadcaster obligations. SC Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace highlighted new bills on pesticide safety and girls’ sports for military families, plus a push for the “SAVE America Act.” State Budget Focus: “In Focus South Carolina” breaks down the $15 billion budget, including teacher pay, income-tax relief, education, and road/bridge repairs. Local Food Safety: South Carolina Department of Agriculture inspections found multiple Lancaster and York County restaurants with B and C grades in August. Education Outcomes: New county-by-county graduation-rate figures show varying bachelor’s completion rates across South Carolina public four-year institutions. Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for much of Upstate South Carolina and nearby areas, with damaging winds and hail possible.

FCC & Media: FCC Chair Brendan Carr says President Trump is “over the target” after demanding “punishment” for NBC’s Kristen Welker, adding the agency is looking at “a lot of actions,” including guidance on broadcasters and fake polls. Food Safety (SC): South Carolina Department of Agriculture inspections found multiple retail food issues in August: Lancaster County logged B and C grades (including Smalls Food Center in Heath Springs), and York County saw nine B grades and two C grades (including Earth Fare Deli and a Fort Mill food truck). Higher Ed (SC): New data show Beaufort County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students at 35.6% (2018 cohort), and Florence County’s rate for Hispanic/Latino students at 48.3%. Crime (SC): A Florence-area lottery theft case alleges a man stole scratch-off tickets during a job interview before trying to cash them in. Local Spotlight: Abbeville High teacher Felicia Adams was named Teacher of the Year, and SC State received $600K for STEM efforts.

Democrats’ 2028 Shadow Primary: Gavin Newsom is leaning into South Carolina’s first-in-the-nation Democratic primary, but voters here keep flagging his California identity as a liability. Politics & Money: President Trump’s MAGA Inc. is kicking off the midterms with a first $10 million contribution to Texas Sen. candidate Ken Paxton, split between negative ads and pro-Paxton messaging. SC Charter School Fight: An editorial says South Carolina’s charter law is failing because of weak enforcement and no clear deadlines for compliance. Lowcountry Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Beaufort tied for 18th in South Carolina for July scam reports, with four reports and $471 in losses. Education Outcomes (SC): New federal data finds Beaufort County’s Hispanic/Latino bachelor’s completion rate at USC Beaufort is 35.7% for the 2018 cohort, while Richland County’s two-or-more-races rate at USC Columbia is 74.6%. Public Safety & Health: A Clorox Puerto Rico recall warns immunocompromised travelers about millions of recalled Mistolin/Lestoil bottles tied to possible bacterial contamination.

College Football Kickoff (SC): South Carolina opens its 133rd season at Williams-Brice Stadium today against Kent State, with kickoff set for 12:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network, while Clemson heads to Baton Rouge for a primetime showdown with No. 11 LSU at Death Valley. Midlands & State Safety: Drivers and Anderson County officials say stretches of I-85 between Greenville and Anderson have been dark since at least 2017, raising concerns about crashes and visibility. Local Business & Growth: Saltwater Moving is pushing the case for locally owned movers as national chains expand into the Charleston market. Education Outcomes: New data highlights gaps in bachelor’s degree completion rates across South Carolina counties, including Richland County (74.6% for two or more races) and Florence County (32.1% for two or more races). Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports place Hopkins among cities tied for 62nd in South Carolina for July scam reports. Election Integrity: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin asked the Justice Department to review whether ballot-marking devices can produce a reliable record for manual audits.