AGP Executive Report

South Carolina Senate Shake-Up: President Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone—Lindsey Graham’s sister—for the Aug. 11 special GOP primary to finish his term, while U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman also jumped in to run, setting up a crowded, high-stakes race. Local Politics & Governance: A new lawsuit challenges South Carolina’s tattoo restrictions, arguing the state is violating the First Amendment with limits on face/neck tattoos and 1,000-foot buffers near churches, schools, and playgrounds. Public Safety & Courts: South Carolina is also facing scrutiny over police use of Flock automated license plate cameras, with reports alleging officers used the tech to track people for personal reasons. Health & Consumer Risk: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall across 27 states after a cyclospora-linked outbreak tied to severe diarrhea. Weather: Heat and storm alerts continued across the Carolinas, including warnings for the Charlotte region and the Upstate. Economy & Cost of Living: A new analysis projects higher electricity bills for South Carolina households this year, adding pressure to already tight budgets.

South Carolina Politics: President Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone for the Aug. 11 special GOP primary to win Lindsey Graham’s full Senate term, after she was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to finish his seat. Filing runs July 21-28, and Trump’s push—“RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”—reshapes a crowded scramble among potential replacements. Education & State Budget: South Carolina educators are warning that the state budget stalemate is already hurting teacher pay plans and school operations, with lawmakers still stuck on earmarks and property tax relief. Courts & Free Speech: A federal lawsuit challenges South Carolina’s tattoo rules, including a ban on head/face/neck tattoos and a 1,000-foot restriction on tattoo studios near churches, schools, and playgrounds. Public Health: Health officials in Georgetown County report a fox tested positive for rabies and urge caution around wild animals and pets with unknown vaccination status. Local News: Hampton County’s library branch manager is retiring after 25 years, and the Allendale-Hampton-Jasper system marked the milestone.

U.S. Senate Race: President Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone to run in South Carolina’s Aug. 11 special Republican primary for the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her as interim senator; the endorsement reshapes a crowded GOP scramble as filing runs July 21-28. Funeral Plans: Memorial services for Graham are set for July 28 in Washington, D.C., and July 29 in Columbia and Pickens County. State Budget: South Carolina remains stuck without a budget after lawmakers missed a compromise, raising worries for school funding, teacher pay increases, and SNAP benefits. Local Justice: In Georgetown County, a Pawleys Island church and school accepted resignations of leaders after a convicted sex offender allegedly volunteered near children for years; a $25 million lawsuit was filed. Immigration Enforcement: A Chesterfield County man was arrested after authorities said he lived in Pageland without registering as a sex offender, with an ICE detainer placed. Economy & Costs: Foreclosures rose more than 20% nationwide, with South Carolina among the leaders; AAA says SC gas averages about $3.69 a gallon. Health & Community: Leadership Greer unveiled a class project building a covered shelter at Tomorrow’s Rainbow grief support center for Upstate children.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death at 71 has set off a fast-moving replacement fight, with Gov. Henry McMaster appointing his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim U.S. senator and a special GOP primary set for Aug. 11 to decide who faces Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November. Russia Sanctions: Graham’s last push helped revive momentum for a renewed Russia sanctions push in the Senate, now tied to a renamed “Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026.” Local Economy & Jobs: Detpak is bringing its first U.S. manufacturing operation to Spartanburg County, aiming to create 50+ jobs, while Australian packaging supplier Detpak also expands South Carolina’s manufacturing footprint. Energy & Regulation: NextEra and Dominion have filed to start the regulatory clock on their proposed $67B merger, as data-center demand reshapes the power market. Consumer Costs: New analysis finds ACA subsidy expiration left 4.8 million Americans uninsured in 2026, and separate reporting shows pay is barely keeping up with inflation—both pressures that hit household budgets hard. Public Safety & Health: A new study finds older Americans are frequent targets of scams, and another report highlights how Black mothers are more likely to be flagged to police over alleged pregnancy drug use.

South Carolina Senate Shake-Up: Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term after his death, setting up a special GOP primary Aug. 11 and a runoff if needed—while Democrats eye a rare opening. Local Politics & Public Safety: York County and other agencies are stepping up patrols for “Operation Southern Slow Down” to curb speeding during the deadliest summer stretch. Housing & Credit Stress: A new national report flags states with the most financial distress; South Carolina is among the worst foreclosure-rate states in the first half of 2026. SC Business & Infrastructure: Columbia Metropolitan Airport cut the ribbon on a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, aiming to boost international cargo and arrivals. Fraud & Scams: Surfside Beach is out nearly $545,000 after a scam redirected a city construction payment to a fraudulent account. Food Safety: General Mills recalled more than 735,000 Pillsbury frozen bread rolls over possible glass contamination, including distribution in South Carolina. Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising, with South Carolina reporting 16 so far this year, including 8 in the Upstate.

South Carolina Senate Succession: Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish Lindsey Graham’s term, and President Trump is set to meet her in the Oval Office today as Republicans prepare for a special primary to choose a permanent replacement. Foreign Policy & Russia Sanctions: Senators are pushing a Russia sanctions bill tied to Graham’s legacy, including proposals for steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. Justice Department Confirmation Fight: Acting AG Todd Blanche faced tough questions at his Senate confirmation hearing over a proposed “anti-weaponization” fund and a tax immunity deal for Trump allies. Local Business & Jobs: Sterling Helicopter is opening in Bluffton, creating about 15 new jobs, while Columbia Metropolitan Airport unveiled a new U.S. Customs facility for inbound air cargo and business aviation. Public Health: The CDC reports a major measles surge nationwide, and South Carolina health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are rising. Civil Rights & Health Care: A new analysis finds Black newborns are more likely to be flagged to law enforcement over alleged pregnancy drug use, often tied to unreliable tests. Tech & Safety: xAI sued a South Carolina man over alleged Grok misuse to create sexualized child deepfakes. Environment & Research: SCDNR researchers used electrofishing to track native fish health in mountain streams, and a South Carolina nonprofit is running controlled wildfire burn experiments to improve protection.

ICE Policy Clash: President Trump says ICE should keep traffic stops despite a new policy to halt them, as Houston officials and Texas lawmakers demand independent review after deadly encounters. South Carolina Senate Shake-Up: With Lindsey Graham’s seat now open, Tim Scott says Darline Graham could be a candidate, while political scientists warn the special election could be fast, expensive, and shaped by Trump endorsements. AG Confirmation Fight: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces tough Senate questioning over a proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and a tax immunity deal, with Republicans pressing for written commitments. Energy & Growth: Dominion Energy and NextEra filed for approval to merge, aiming to serve about 10 million customers across the Carolinas and beyond. Upstate Tech & Jobs: EPC Power opened a new Fountain Inn facility to boost inverter production for AI-driven power demand. Public Health: SC State University researchers gained national recognition for solar-hydrogen work, while health officials warn about a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting some Upstate residents.

South Carolina Politics & Elections: Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death at 71 has triggered a fast-moving succession fight in Washington and South Carolina, with his sister Darline Graham Nordone sworn in to finish his term and a special GOP primary set for Aug. 11 after candidate filing opens July 21. Attorney General Confirmation: Acting AG nominee Todd Blanche faces a contentious Senate Judiciary hearing, with Democrats pressing questions about his Justice Department actions and Republicans weighing whether to back him amid the post-Graham reshuffle. Foreign Policy: Senators are pushing a revised Russia sanctions bill in Graham’s name, narrowing the tariff threat on Russian oil buyers (including China and India) while aiming to curb Moscow’s war financing. South Carolina Economy & Infrastructure: The state says rural broadband grants have delivered high-speed fiber to 21,644 homes across 21 underserved counties, using $30 million from a larger rural fund. Public Health: The CDC reports 2,231 U.S. measles cases in 2026, nearly matching last year’s total with months still left in the season. Local Development: Horry County is nearing a deal to extend S.C. 31 and potentially enable up to 2,000 homes near the Highway 707-to-U.S. 17 Bypass corridor.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in Tuesday as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate, taking over the remainder of her brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term after his death at 71. The appointment sets up a special Republican primary later this summer to choose who will run for the full term. Foreign Policy: With Graham gone, momentum is building for a revised Russia sanctions bill he championed, easing tariff threats on China and India while still targeting major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Public Safety & Immigration: The Trump administration ordered ICE to suspend most vehicle stops after deadly shootings in Maine and Florida, drawing renewed scrutiny of enforcement tactics. Health & Data Privacy: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills joined a multistate settlement with 23andMe over its 2023 genetic data breach, with states receiving limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate. National Security: Supreme Court justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified about rising threats and security funding needs, including Barrett describing having to explain a bulletproof vest to her son.

South Carolina Politics: Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone—Lindsey Graham’s sister—to serve as interim U.S. senator after Graham’s death at 71, a move that’s already sparked “nepotism” and “no elections” backlash online while the state prepares a fast replacement process. Congress & Foreign Policy: Graham’s sudden absence is already complicating GOP plans, including momentum on Russia sanctions and Ukraine support, with analysts warning his “glue” role may be hard to replace. Health & Public Safety: New reporting points to Graham’s death being linked to an aortic dissection, renewing attention on warning signs and emergency response. National Security: The week also brought fresh escalation in the Strait of Hormuz as U.S.-Iran tensions rise, with strikes and retaliation rattling markets and diplomacy. Local & Community: South Carolina’s outdoors and civic life stayed active, including a statewide conservation push and community events in the Lowcountry.

South Carolina Politics: Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone—Lindsey Graham’s sister—to serve as interim U.S. senator after his sudden death at 71, making her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Nordone will fill the seat through January 2027, with a special Republican primary set for Aug. 11 ahead of the Nov. general election against Democrat Annie Andrews. Congress & National Security: Graham’s death is already reshaping Washington’s agenda, with Republicans facing a tighter margin as Mitch McConnell remains sidelined, and lawmakers scrambling over priorities including Russia sanctions. Health & Safety: Medical reporting ties Graham’s death to an aortic dissection, a condition that can strike without warning. Local Community: Fairfield County celebrated repayment of a no-interest loan from the Central SC Alliance after a speculative building project helped bring Mega Metal to a long-term lease-to-own deal. Education & Community Events: Charleston County Parks is hosting a free Back-to-School Kickoff in McClellanville on Aug. 1 with supplies giveaways, activities, and local partners.

South Carolina Senate Shake-Up: Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died after aortic dissection tied to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, triggering a scramble in South Carolina over who fills his seat. Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement until January, while Republicans will hold a special primary on Aug. 11 to set the November nominee; Democrats have backed Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews. Local Political Fallout: South Carolina lawmakers and leaders reacted to Graham’s death as the GOP weighs how the loss affects Congress’ tight agenda and its narrow Senate math. Foreign Policy Ripple: Ukraine mourned losing a key ally in Trump’s orbit after Graham’s recent Ukraine trip, while Iran’s state-linked media responded with threats and “sudden death” messaging. Middle East Tensions: The U.S. and Iran both claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed strikes, raising fears for shipping and a ceasefire that’s nearing the brink. Health Care Pressure: A nationwide nursing faculty shortage is limiting the RN pipeline, worsening delays and strain across hospitals. Cost of Living Watch: Businesses brace for inflation that may not cool as fast as hoped, with steel prices in South Carolina still climbing.

South Carolina Politics: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died July 11 after a “brief and sudden illness.” His office says a preliminary medical examiner finding points to an aortic dissection tied to hardened arteries, with toxicology and microscopic testing still pending. Succession in the Palmetto State: The death instantly reshapes South Carolina’s Senate race and GOP planning: Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint an interim replacement, but a special Republican primary is expected Aug. 11 to set who appears on the Nov. ballot. National Impact: Graham was a top Trump ally and foreign-policy hawk, and his passing also leaves Washington with fresh uncertainty as Republicans manage leadership and votes in a tightly split Senate. Weather Watch: Separate from politics, forecasters flagged flash-flood and isolated severe storm risk across parts of South Carolina overnight into Monday.

U.S. Senate Shock (South Carolina): Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died Saturday night after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said, with no further details released. Trump & State Reaction: President Donald Trump called him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” while Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham was “irreplaceable,” and Senate leaders praised his long service and foreign-policy focus. Foreign Policy Legacy: Tributes poured in from Ukraine and Israel, including Zelenskyy calling Graham a “true defender of freedom” after recent meetings in Kyiv, and Netanyahu saying Israel lost “one of its greatest friends.” Succession in SC: Under South Carolina law, McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement until a special primary is held to choose who completes the term. Health Questions: Some reports cited emergency responders responding to a cardiac-arrest call, but Graham’s office has not confirmed a cause.

South Carolina National Guard: Eight Army National Guard Apache pilots were pulled from flight rotations after a low-level “Salute from the Shore” beach flyover, but the suspension was quickly lifted after Pentagon intervention, restoring them to duty. Severe Weather: Forecasters warn of a Sunday storm and flash-flood risk in South Carolina’s Upstate, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain possible as a front stalls nearby into Monday and Tuesday. Heat Safety: A dangerous, long-lasting heat wave is building across the U.S., with record-level temperatures and especially risky overnight heat that could affect places including Charleston. Public Health: A major measles outbreak tied to a vaccine-hesitant community near Spartanburg produced hundreds of cases, with internal state records tracing spread through households and schools. Housing Policy: Sen. Tim Scott’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law after Trump declined to sign, aiming to boost supply and affordability through regulatory and local-control changes. Coastal Home Relief: The SC Safe Home Mitigation Grant Program is set to reopen for coastal homeowners, offering up to $7,500 for hurricane and high-wind upgrades—funding can run out fast. Local Nonprofit: Lowcountry Period Pixies canceled its first fundraising gala after ticket sales fell short, issuing refunds and asking the community to help cover ongoing needs.

AI & Consumer Protection: A Gizmodo FOIA request to the FTC says Grok drew hundreds of complaints, with users citing trouble canceling, throttling, and “bait and switch” concerns. Local Journalism Funding: The Dispatch is leaning into philanthropy, hiring a development director to help sustain reporting. Housing Policy: Trump let the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act take effect without his signature, turning a major affordability bill into law. Energy & Climate: Renewable allies are pushing back as AI-driven data centers surge, arguing fossil power can’t be the default. South Carolina Environment & Tourism: Harleyville’s Francis Beidler Forest is spotlighted for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp and bird sanctuary. Charleston Business: Boeing leased 80,000 square feet in Ladson for 787 expansion, while the last Huddle House in the Charleston area closed. Public Safety: Authorities say a 4-year-old Javeayah Harris was dissolved with corrosive chemicals and remains were poured into a SC reservoir. State Politics & Budget: SC budget talks highlight secrecy and stalled negotiations over earmarks and property-tax relief. Federal Communications: Former FCC leaders warn broadcast regulation may face major legal limits as streaming reshapes the media landscape.