AGP Executive Report

Historic Preservation: Charleston County extended a moratorium for four historic Lowcountry communities, giving residents more time to protect neighborhood character as growth threatens affordability and identity. Local Governance: Calhoun Falls town council training was canceled after improper public notice, with officials calling meetings a “circus” amid water and financial turmoil. Public Health: South Carolina confirmed rabies in a skunk and multiple bats across several counties, with one person and multiple pets exposed—officials urge vaccination and avoiding wildlife. State Finances: Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced South Carolina returned more than $52 million in unclaimed property, urging residents to search the state program. Healthcare Growth: McLeod Health cut the ribbon on a new $90 million inpatient hospital in Carolina Forest, adding 48 overnight beds for a fast-growing area. Education & Community History: USC and the Central Carolina Community Foundation launched a statewide network to preserve South Carolina’s historic Black schools and connect local groups. Tech & National Security: SRNL partnered with 3D Systems to advance 3D printing for advanced energy and national security uses. Politics: GOP candidates are tweaking how prominently they feature Trump as midterms near, while insisting it’s just normal campaign strategy.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52% to 48%, a result widely framed as a fresh test of President Trump’s influence in the Palmetto State. Public Health: The S.C. Department of Public Health confirmed rabies in a Fountain Inn skunk and in bats across Beaufort, Greenwood and Pickens counties, with multiple pets and one person exposed and told to quarantine or seek care. Local Conservation: Kings Mountain State Park could expand by about 588 acres after the Open Space Institute acquired a nearby parcel to protect a natural corridor and support future park growth. Tech & Education: USC is rolling out an AI curriculum expansion with Vurvey, giving students hands-on experience using human-simulated AI tools used by major brands. Business & Jobs: Healthcare SC says it will keep supporting more than 250 laid-off workers after a Winnsboro plant fire destroyed the facility, while the state’s infrastructure investment report projects major job and economic gains statewide. National Tech Accountability: Meta agreed to pay states up to $17.1 billion in a child-safety settlement over claims its platforms were addictive to kids, with required changes aimed at reducing teen use.

South Carolina Senate Race: Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP runoff to replace the late Lindsey Graham, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews; the contest underscored how much Trump’s endorsement and outside spending can sway South Carolina Republicans, even as some conservatives booed Trump’s involvement after Ralph Norman’s loss. Healthcare & Politics: Andrews is framing the race around affordability and access, while Graham is leaning on national GOP talking points and attacking Andrews as too liberal. Housing Pressure: New data shows foreclosures rising again, with Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida leading the nation by foreclosure filing rates—an affordability and cash-flow stress signal for homeowners. Tech & Child Safety: Meta agreed to pay states up to $17.1 billion in a landmark child-safety settlement tied to claims of addictive social media practices, with South Carolina expected to receive a share. Science Update: USC researchers reported nanoparticle therapy that appears to regenerate neurons and improve cognition in Alzheimer’s mice, pointing to possible future treatments.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP special Senate primary runoff Tuesday, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman and locking in the Republican nomination to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. The political newcomer’s win is widely tied to President Donald Trump’s late push, including a rally and heavy MAGA Inc. spending, and sets up a November matchup with Democrat Annie Andrews. Big Tech & Kids Online: A multistate settlement reached with Meta over Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims totals up to $17.1 billion, with South Carolina among the states seeking court-ordered reforms and payments aimed at reducing addictive design features. Cost of Living: Early projections suggest a 2027 Social Security COLA of about 3.2% to 3.6%, which could mean roughly $70 to $75 more per month for many retirees, including more than a million South Carolinians on benefits. Local Government & Growth: Greenville County Schools approved right-of-way deals tied to a new middle school road project and a natural gas pipeline easement at Bryson Elementary. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Travelers Rest tied for 62nd among SC cities for scam reports in July, with fraud losses continuing to climb nationwide.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP special Senate runoff, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52.4% to 47.6%, and will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November for the seat long held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. The race drew national attention because Trump backed Graham hard—rallying in Myrtle Beach and pouring in support through his MAGA Inc. super PAC, which spent more than $827,000. Campaign Fallout: Graham’s path to victory came despite criticism over her limited elected experience, including a debate moment when she said national security “is not my thing” after being pressed on Taiwan and the South China Sea. Local Business: Stanley Martin Homes announced it acquired Florida homebuilder Holiday Builders, making it a wholly owned subsidiary and expanding Stanley Martin’s footprint that already includes South Carolina.

South Carolina Politics: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in a special GOP Senate runoff deciding who replaces Lindsey Graham on November ballots: appointed Sen. Darline Graham vs. Rep. Ralph Norman, with polls and party strategists framing it as a major test of President Trump’s endorsement power. Campaign Watch: Graham’s debate misstep and a viral clip of her getting snappy with a voter are fueling last-minute scrutiny as Trump ramps up support and Norman tries to pull off an upset. Trade & Tariffs: Canada announced 50% retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. imports starting Sept. 8, escalating the trade fight and hitting items like steel, aluminum, appliances, and video game consoles. Cost of Living: A new look at electricity prices shows Americans paying about 30% more than in 2020, with big jumps in places like Washington, D.C. Health & Safety: Louisiana reported a rare brain-eating amoeba death after freshwater exposure, a reminder that the risk is tied to warm freshwater conditions. Local Business: Columbia’s Chamber of Commerce named Jean Cecil Hudak as its new president and CEO, starting late September.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham and Ralph Norman face voters again Tuesday in the GOP Senate runoff to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with the race framed as a test of President Trump’s endorsement versus Norman’s long political record. Campaign Finance: On the eve of the vote, Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. poured nearly $830,000 into Graham’s campaign for voter calls and texts. Lowcountry Focus: Coverage highlights how turnout in the Lowcountry could decide the outcome, where Graham performed strongly in the Aug. 11 primary. Local Government: Greenville City Council gave initial approval to annex 135 acres along Woodruff Road and I-385, a major retail corridor expansion. Education & Housing: Lander University is moving ahead with plans for a large student housing expansion adding about 300 beds. Consumer Safety: Bluffton and Camden were among South Carolina cities with multiple BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, underscoring ongoing online purchase fraud losses. Infrastructure: Trump said federal funding for I-73 is coming, though SCDOT says it’s still waiting to start until full funding is identified. Workforce: SC Works Trident announced four Lowcountry career fairs in September.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: With Tuesday’s GOP special runoff set after Lindsey Graham’s death, appointed Sen. Darline Graham faces Rep. Ralph Norman as Trump and key South Carolina Republicans rally behind her, even as voters question her foreign-policy readiness following a viral debate stumble. Local Politics: The race is tightening as endorsements roll in, including Gov. Henry McMaster’s backing for Graham and continued momentum for Norman from outside-the-establishment conservatives. Transportation & Jobs: Palmetto Railways named Tarek “T” Ravenel as its new president and CEO, effective Sept. 8, aiming to expand rail investment and economic impact across South Carolina. Business & Community: A Hickory Tavern location in Columbia’s Vista closed as its parent company shifts resources to other markets. Public Safety & Health: Safe Harbor opened a new domestic abuse center in Greenville County with 65 beds and expanded services under one roof. Energy & Courts: Duke Energy is asking the South Carolina Supreme Court to allow another rate increase for Pee Dee customers, arguing it should be able to use a newer rate-stabilization law sooner. Health Watch: New CDC data shows measles vaccination exemptions among kindergarteners rose to a record high, even as overall coverage remains high.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Trump told South Carolina voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and back his hand-picked candidate, Sen. Darline Graham, as she heads into Tuesday’s GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman after a national-security debate gaffe. Campaign Trail: Graham made a final Beaufort push defending her lack of elected experience, while Sen. Tim Scott said she’s “ready for prime time” and “highly qualified.” National Politics: Trump also warned he could face impeachment if Republicans lose the midterms, tying the stakes to control of Congress. AI & Energy Politics: In national TV remarks, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott accused China of fueling opposition to U.S. AI data centers, as Texas leaders debate power and water impacts. International Tensions: Iran warned that support for new U.S. sanctions would be an “act of war,” as the U.S. prepares additional economic measures. Local/Community: Dr. Annie Andrews campaigned in the Upstate on healthcare and corruption, and Novant Health announced a new neurologist to expand specialty care.

South Carolina Politics: President Trump’s Myrtle Beach rally for Sen. Darline Graham is the latest push in the GOP Senate runoff, as her debate misstep on national security still hangs over the race against Rep. Ralph Norman. 2028 Democratic Stakes: Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina to court Black voters and warn that redistricting is being used to weaken Black representation ahead of the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. Local Community & History: In Okaloosa, residents honored formerly enslaved landowner Gus Tart, pushing to keep his story from being lost again. State & Local Growth: Jasper County’s population jumped 6% from 2024 to 2025, driving plans for more parks, trails, and youth recreation. Health & Safety: With measles cases rising nationwide—including outbreaks tied to South Carolina—Yale’s infectious disease specialist Marietta Vazquez explains who’s most at risk and how to prevent spread. World Watch: Iran warned neighbors against joining U.S. sanctions and threatened retaliation as the U.S. prepares new economic measures.

South Carolina Politics: President Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of the GOP runoff, urging voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and warning he’ll be impeached if Republicans lose in November. GOP Senate Race: Graham’s national-security stumble from a recent debate—saying “national security is not my thing” and she’s “not that informed”—keeps driving backlash as she faces Rep. Ralph Norman. Foreign Policy: Trump also reignited tensions by calling the Strait of Hormuz “an American territory,” while Iran rejected the claim and warned of consequences. USC Nuclear Push: USC is seeking $100 million in state funding for a Nuclear Innovation Center in Columbia to build workforce and research capacity for the state’s growing nuclear industry. Local Courts: A Winnsboro farmer filed suit against Healthcare SC over a 48-hour MLILY mattress-factory fire, alleging contamination from hazardous chemicals. Community Health: We Are Sharing Hope SC held its fifth annual Community Health Fair in West Ashley, connecting residents to services including organ donation resources.

South Carolina GOP Runoff: CPAC endorsed Rep. Ralph Norman in the special Senate primary runoff, adding to a growing pile of conservative backing as he faces Darline Graham Nordone. Trump in Myrtle Beach: Trump urged voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and turn out for Graham, while also leaning hard into national-security and turnout themes after her debate stumble. Iran Tensions: At the same rally, Trump called the Strait of Hormuz “American territory,” vowed Iran will “never” get nuclear weapons, and said economic pressure doesn’t rule out military options—while Iran rejected the claims. White House Ballroom: The U.S. Supreme Court’s chief justice allowed construction on Trump’s nearly $400 million White House ballroom to continue for now. Public Health: A multi-state outbreak tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts has spread to 15 states, including South Carolina. Local Service: A funeral was held in Greer for Las Vegas officer Abdelnabi, an Upstate native killed in the line of duty.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Trump cranked up support for Sen. Darline Graham in Myrtle Beach, urging voters to turn out Tuesday and even “pretend” he’s on the ballot to boost turnout. He framed the race as a way to honor the late Lindsey Graham and defended Darline after her debate stumble on Taiwan/national security, calling her answer “very honest” and saying she’s surrounded by “very good people.” Campaign Heat & Backlash: The rally also featured a protester escorted out after Trump paused and joked the person would be “scolded because mom is voting for us,” while Graham’s campaign tries to blunt concerns that she’s “un-tested” and not ready on foreign policy. Education: Lexington-Richland 5 and Midlands Technical College launched a free dual-enrollment associate degree pathway, letting eligible students earn up to 60 college credits with state-funded tuition support. Science & Health: A Virginia Tech-led preclinical study reports an experimental oral therapy that protected mice from lethal radiation damage while preserving cancer control. World Watch: Trump renewed threats toward Iran, saying Tehran isn’t ready for the “right deal” and calling the Strait of Hormuz “American territory,” as Iran pushed back.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Former Gov. Mark Sanford endorsed Ralph Norman over Darline Graham, saying the national debt has pushed him off neutrality as the Aug. 25 GOP runoff nears. Presidential Politics: President Trump is set to stump for Graham in Myrtle Beach, a high-stakes test of whether his endorsement can carry her to victory. Local Governance & Utilities: A PSC review of the NextEra-Dominion utility merger is drawing fire as critics warn the timeline is too fast for ratepayer interests, with data centers raising the stakes. Public Safety: Police are searching for a suspect after a bank robbery in North Myrtle Beach. Food Safety: A roundup of recent recalls includes jalapeños, guacamole and salsa tied to salmonella, plus other items with late “best if used by” dates. Consumer Tech & Education: South Carolina educators are leaning into AI literacy, using classroom demos to show students how chatbots can get things wrong. Environment & Health: Joro spiders are back, with the invasive species peaking in the Southeast from August to October.

South Carolina Politics: President Trump is set to rally in Myrtle Beach Friday to back Sen. Darline Graham ahead of next week’s GOP Senate runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, underscoring how much is riding on the race to replace the late Lindsey Graham. Education & Tech: Charleston educators are rolling out AI literacy for the new school year, using live chatbot demos to show kids how easily AI can get basic facts wrong. Local Schools Finance: A South Carolina school district is preparing for a cash-flow problem, turning to short-term borrowing to bridge operations. Public Health: State health officials are pushing back on back-to-school vaccination gaps, pointing to lessons from the measles outbreak. Business & Industry: Greenville Tech opened a $32 million welding and automation center aimed at meeting a growing workforce demand. Energy Regulation: Dominion and NextEra’s merger faces scrutiny in South Carolina as groups question whether the review timeline is too fast. Community & Health Services: Keystone Substance Abuse Services rebranded as Keystone Behavioral Health, expanding behavioral health offerings in York County. Sports & Local Economy: Darlington Raceway is gearing up for the Cook Out Southern 500 as NASCAR’s postseason chase begins.

SLED Review Ends With No Charges: Greenwood County Council Chairman Theo Lane defended council member Robbie Templeton after SLED closed its review into allegations Templeton misused county funds, calling the claims “baseless” and urging residents to avoid “sensational” social media posts. South Carolina Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham says she’s backing measures tied to Israel, including the U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act and enhanced Iran sanctions, as she prepares to face Rep. Ralph Norman in the Aug. 25 GOP runoff. Charleston Harbor Health Alert: Researchers confirmed the “flesh-eating” bacteria Vibrio vulnificus in Charleston Harbor via DNA testing, warning that infections can escalate quickly, especially after cuts or exposure in brackish water. Local Growth & Jobs: Mount Pleasant’s Towne Centre could soon welcome Crate & Barrel and L.L. Bean after plans for a façade renovation, bringing major retail brands to the area. Public Safety: North Charleston police arrested a man after he threatened to kill officers at a gas station during a disturbance. Education: Walker Gamble Elementary teacher Chelsie Cannon won a Palmetto State Teachers Association classroom grant to buy VOX books for literacy support.