AGP Executive Report

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.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Early voting is underway as Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman head into the final stretch after their last debate, with voters focused on experience and national security. Debate Fallout: Graham’s “national security is not my thing” answer is still driving backlash and campaign attacks. Public Health Law: Gov. Henry McMaster signed Deon Tedder’s seizure first aid and epilepsy awareness bill, requiring state agencies to post evidence-based guidance for workplace responses. Infrastructure & Jobs: State leaders say infrastructure spending could mean major economic gains, including tens of billions in impact and about 140,000 permanent jobs, with projects ranging from I-26 widening to storm resilience. Food Safety: Publix’s frozen blueberry recall was upgraded to the highest risk level after E. coli concerns, with products sold in SC among other states. Local Crime: A Jasper County jury convicted Tayquan Lampkin in the 2023 double murder of twin brothers outside an Okatie bar, handing down life sentences. Health in Charleston Waters: MUSC researchers say Vibrio vulnificus is present in Charleston Harbor, with doctors warning summer conditions can raise risk.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Interim Sen. Darline Graham faced heavy backlash after admitting in a GOP debate that “national security is not my thing,” when pressed on Taiwan and the South China Sea—an answer her opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman, used to question her readiness for a six-year term. Campaign Boost: President Trump is set to rally with Graham in Myrtle Beach ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff, underscoring the high-stakes push to keep the seat in the Trump-aligned lane. State Health Research: MUSC won approval to begin a statewide, telemedicine-based clinical trial that could enroll up to 3,000 South Carolinians to test a drug aimed at treating severe COVID-19 and other respiratory virus symptoms early. Ports & Rail: South Carolina Ports named Patrick McCrory as COO to lead operations, while SC Ports also marked leadership moves tied to its rail-served inland ports. Local Youth Development: First Tee–Upstate promoted Michael Pius to CEO, citing expansion across the Upstate and growth in youth programs. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Kershaw tied for 62nd among SC cities for scam reports in July, as fraud losses continue to climb nationwide.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Darline Graham’s debate answer that “national security is not my thing” gave Ralph Norman a fresh attack line as the Aug. 25 GOP runoff nears, with both candidates also trading jabs on Medicare, spending, and foreign policy. Energy & Data Centers: Duke Energy’s new long-range plan adds gas plants and extends coal use tied to data-center growth, prompting calls for stronger consumer protections from the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Local Consumer Watch: Florence tied for 29th in BBB scam reports in July, with three incidents totaling about $116, including a counterfeit product scheme. SC Research: USC engineers say xanthan-gum-like xanthan gum biopolymers could help erosion resistance and reduce flood damage, funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Public Safety/Crime: A Greenville police report says Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment where her on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were present; the cause of death is pending. Business/Jobs: Duke’s data-center debate aside, Siemens announced $200M+ in U.S. electrical infrastructure manufacturing investments and 1,500+ jobs.

Military & Statehouse: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget for FY 2027 during a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston for late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Public Safety & Tech Oversight: A South Carolina officer was fired after allegedly using a Flock camera to run her ex’s license plate 166 times, raising fresh questions about how surveillance tools are used. Wildlife Management: SCDNR will add an extra doe tag in the 2026-27 season to help balance deer populations and reduce crop damage. Courts & Justice: A Jasper County jury heard testimony in the trial of Tayquan Lampkin, one of three men accused in the 2023 shooting that killed twin brothers. Civic Life: Youngs Chapel AME Church in Irmo plans a Sept. 3 community conversation on voting, history, and misinformation ahead of November elections. Local Economy/Jobs: Truist Foundation awarded $50,000 to Goodwill’s Clean Tech Accelerator in Upstate/Midlands to expand workforce training and certifications. Cybersecurity: Heights Finance disclosed a breach exposing sensitive customer data, including Social Security numbers, after attackers accessed a third-party cloud platform.

State Budget Showdown: Gov. Henry McMaster issued 14 line-item vetoes to South Carolina’s $15B FY 2026-27 budget, including striking outdated provisos and vetoing a delay tied to Scout Motors cost overruns—arguing the state must pay contractors for completed work. Local Growth vs. Control: Spartanburg County delayed a vote on a 12-month data center pause until Sept. 21, seeking more public input on how broad the moratorium should be. Politics & Power: In the GOP Senate runoff, Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman campaigned in Greenville as the Aug. 25 race tightens. Jobs & Industry: Translucent Solar will invest $15.675M in Dorchester County for a Summerville solar panel factory, creating 167 jobs. Health & Safety: U.S. kindergarten vaccine rates fell again for 2025-26, with exemptions hitting a record 4.2% as measles outbreaks continue. Upstate Spotlight: Former Gamecock QB Stephen Garcia shared his ongoing fight with stage 4 colorectal cancer.

Defense & Budget: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget for fiscal year 2027 during a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Politics & Culture: Outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace is launching a new YouTube podcast, “Get Maced,” and has now publicly shown nine tattoos she says she got during a difficult personal and political stretch. Local Jobs & Industry: Trison Wells is investing $3.37 million to expand its Walterboro operations, adding 30 jobs and a new liquid-fill production line. Coastal Resilience: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, finished a $72 million Grand Strand renourishment project, placing 1.55 million cubic yards of sand to strengthen storm protection for Myrtle Beach-area communities. Weather: South Carolina faces another hot week with afternoon storms, with alerts and radar available statewide. Public Health & Safety: A South Carolina-focused parenting piece highlights growing pressure on families to manage kids’ screen time and online risks.

South Carolina Politics: Outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace is launching a new YouTube show, “Get Maced,” and debuted nine tattoos on both arms in sleeveless promo clips, turning her post-Congress pivot into a headline-making media moment. Democratic Party Calendar: The DNC approved the 2028 presidential primary schedule, keeping South Carolina first on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada, with the early lineup designed to give Black, Latino and union voters more influence before Super Tuesday. Local Voting: Early voting opens Monday for the Senate District 15 special primary, with limited York County sites and a runoff deciding who will face Republican James Burns in November. Community Health: HopeHealth marked National Health Center Week with events honoring partners across its service area, highlighting how collaboration supports community health centers. Business & Trade: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration told Apple it opposes buying Chinese memory chips, as Apple weighs supply options. FDA Oversight: FDA inspection reports show one Charleston County firm and one Lexington County firm received July inspections, both with “no action” or “voluntary action” outcomes.

2028 Democratic primary shakeup: The DNC approved a new nominating calendar that makes South Carolina the first state to vote for Democrats on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22) and Virginia (Feb. 29), a move meant to boost early influence from Black, Latino and union voters and to replace Iowa’s traditional role. Murdaugh retrial: A judge ordered Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial moved out of Colleton County due to publicity and jury taint concerns, while a defense bid to throw out the case remains undecided. Heat emergency response: The Red Cross is assisting a Summerville family after a house fire and is urging South Carolinians to take precautions during extreme heat. School policy changes: Greenville County Schools is rolling out new 2026-27 rules, including removing grade floors and setting district guidelines for AI use. Local governance fight: Blythewood leaders are still clashing over transparency, funding and town safety as internal power struggles continue. Surveillance policy review: Charleston-area police departments are reviewing changes after Flock camera misuse concerns prompted the company to rein in how officers use the system. Manufacturing expansion: Trison Wells plans to expand in Walterboro, adding a liquid-fill production line and creating about 30 jobs. Federal transit funding questions: Lowcountry Rapid Transit’s $374 million grant faces scrutiny as lawmakers question whether delays in federal approvals could stall the project. School choice debate: A new federal school choice tax credit could exclude many homeschooled students, according to an advocacy group. Nuclear weapons report: A once-secret JASON study summary was released as environmental groups and nuclear safety watchdogs argue over whether pit aging supports new atomic weapons production in South Carolina and New Mexico.