AGP Executive Report

Senate Race: South Carolina’s Senate contest has shifted from “safe” to “likely Republican” in Sabato’s Crystal Ball ratings as Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican Darline Graham head into the final weeks. A GOP-aligned Senate group has committed $5 million to Graham’s campaign. Campaign Controversy: President Trump’s anti-transgender slur targeting Andrews drew criticism; Graham said it was not how she would have put it, while redirecting attention to policy. Growth and Conservation: A Colleton County settlement bars data centers from about 62% of the county, including the ACE Basin. Re:Build plans a $20 million York County expansion expected to add 150 jobs. Storm Watch: Isaias could bring heavy rain to coastal South Carolina this weekend, with flooding concerns around high tide.

Senate Race: South Carolina’s contest is tightening: Republican groups are putting $5 million behind Sen. Darline Graham, while Democrat Annie Andrews condemned President Trump’s slur against her as “not presidential.” Governor’s Race: In their likely only debate, Republican Alan Wilson emphasized affordability and accountability; Democrat Jermaine Johnson argued the state should put residents’ prosperity ahead of business interests. Local Accountability: A former Loris city employee faces grand larceny and misconduct charges after a year-long SLED investigation; he previously pleaded guilty to embezzling about $70,000 from a local nonprofit. Jobs & Growth: Re:Build Manufacturing plans a $20 million York County expansion and 150 new jobs. Development: A settlement protects the ACE Basin from a proposed Colleton County data center, amid polling showing many South Carolinians want stronger safeguards for such projects. Public Health: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, second-most nationally, though state health officials report no active cases.

South Carolina Politics: The South Carolina Republican Party sued to require voters to declare party affiliation in GOP primaries, arguing the state’s open primary lets Democrats influence Republican nominations. U.S. Senate Race: National Republicans are reportedly sending $5 million to back Sen. Darline Graham as her race tightens against Dr. Annie Andrews, while Trump’s anti-trans slur targeting Andrews keeps dominating headlines and drew backlash from former Gov. David Beasley. State Government & Privacy: South Carolina’s AG joined a coalition urging the Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims access frozen Taliban funds, and the state also faces scrutiny over Flock license plate reader cameras. Local Environment: Over a thousand dead fish were found in Smythe Lake on Daniel Island; the state says low dissolved oxygen likely caused the kill. Business & Jobs: Re:Build plans a $20 million York County expansion in Rock Hill, adding 150 skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs. Health Care: Dr. Annie Andrews launched a “Patients and Prices” tour focused on lowering drug costs and reversing Medicaid cuts.

South Carolina Politics: President Donald Trump escalated his involvement in the tight U.S. Senate race, using an anti-trans slur against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews as Republicans try to shore up support for Darline Graham. College Sports & Safety: A University of Iowa marching band member died after collapsing from heat stroke, underscoring how dangerous extreme conditions are becoming in college football—days after South Carolina hosted a brutal heat game. Local Jobs & Industry: Re:Build will invest about $20 million in Rock Hill, adding a 130,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility and creating 150 skilled jobs. Statewide Business: Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers opened a new Chapin location, expanding service options in the Columbia area. Public Health: Measles cases are surging nationwide, with New York declaring a state of emergency as outbreaks spread in largely unvaccinated communities. Workforce Needs: A national report warns the U.S. needs 1.7 million skilled trades workers annually through 2035, while training pipelines fall far short—South Carolina is among the hardest-hit states.

Congress & Women’s Representation: Democrats are projecting a House milestone—100 women elected, with a possible high of 113—aimed at winning the chamber in November. Religion & Military: Some chaplains worry new Pentagon religious changes will push “one flavor” of Christianity, as the Defense Department creates an Office of Religious Affairs. SC Politics & Privacy: South Carolina’s attorney general is demanding answers from Flock Safety about AI use, data access, and retention policies. SC Environment: The Southern Environmental Law Center is challenging an air permit for a Spartanburg data center, arguing residents didn’t get a chance to review revised formaldehyde calculations. SC Housing: New data says South Carolina leads the nation in foreclosure filings, with affordability pressures driving demand for assistance. SC Culture & Education: USC’s Music Industry Studies program earned Billboard recognition, highlighting hands-on training. Local Community: Brookwood Church members are demanding transparency after a registered sex offender’s alleged involvement.

Supreme Court Fight Over 9/11 Funds: Iowa AG Brenna Bird and a coalition of 30 states, including South Carolina, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims and families access frozen Taliban assets, arguing Congress allows use of blocked terrorist-party funds to satisfy judgments. South Carolina Economy Watch: A new ATTOM report says South Carolina led the nation in foreclosure activity in August, with 1 in 1,547 housing units facing a filing, especially in Dorchester, Kershaw, Chester and Florence counties. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national average gas price fell to $4.36 a gallon after some states suspended fuel taxes, though prices remain higher than a year ago. Public Health: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared Yellow dyes, including sales in South Carolina. Local Business & Jobs: Steinberg Law Firm in North Charleston named Clark K. Supley as Chief Operating Officer, and the Mount Pleasant Chamber hired Elliot J. Seay as Membership and Engagement Manager. Ports & Clean Tech: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Port of Charleston, highlighting grant-funded upgrades to cut emissions. Politics: South Carolina governor candidates Jermaine Johnson and Alan Wilson will debate live Tuesday.

Head Start Fight: A Trump administration proposal would roll back protections that keep disruptive behavior from automatically kicking kids out of Head Start, raising fears families could lose access to needed social-emotional support. Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike again spotlights the unsettled state of lethal injection and renews attention on South Carolina’s use of the firing squad. South Carolina Economy & Jobs: A South Carolina-made GT Radial tire plant in Richburg is credited with winning a Formula DRIFT Tire Cup Championship, underscoring motorsports’ role in improving everyday tire tech. Healthcare Watch: A new study finds South Carolina clinicians are among the least likely to skip cholesterol monitoring for patients on statins, while Rhode Island ranks worst. Education & Community: Newberry College announced a new Alumni Tuition Benefit offering eligible alumni 20% off online graduate and undergraduate programs. Public Safety: South Carolina State Transport Police joined a multi-state nighttime crackdown that removed 78 unsafe commercial drivers from the road.

South Carolina Senate Race: A new Trafalgar Group poll puts Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews in a tight spot, with Andrews just within striking distance as the campaign turns to affordability and healthcare. Local Politics: “Connect to the Capitol” highlights Andrews’ pitch to voters and the shrinking margin in the race. Public Health & Safety: A multistate settlement tied to the Labcorp debt-collector breach underscores that HIPAA-covered companies can’t “pass the buck” to vendors. Business/Consumer Watch: The FDA flagged undeclared colorings in certain Gatorade products, triggering a recall affecting dozens of states. Crime: A bartender in Colleton County faces charges after a birthday trip on Edisto Island allegedly ended in a fatal stairway shove. National Politics: Ted Cruz and JD Vance traded barbs over 2028 presidential speculation, with Cruz calling Vance “insecure.” Tech/Utilities: A reported EV-charging setup issue shows some solar owners may still draw from the grid if wiring and app readings don’t match.

Daylight Saving Fight: President Trump escalated his push to make daylight saving time permanent by posting what he claimed was Sen. Tom Cotton’s cellphone number and urging Arkansans to call and pressure him over the stalled Sunshine Protection Act. South Carolina Politics: Mark Kelly urged SC Democrats to “outwork” the GOP as the Senate race tightens, while an editorial backed Greenville’s switch to nonpartisan primaries and urged Florence to follow. SC Sports: Kentucky stunned South Carolina 35-34 in overtime with a massive road comeback, while USC landed a key commit and South Carolina’s recruiting momentum continues. Missouri vs. Florida: No. 25 Missouri routed No. 8 Florida 45-17, snapping a losing streak against ranked opponents. Real Estate Crackdown: Missouri joined a multi-state crackdown on “We Buy Houses” wholesalers, requiring advance written notice to sellers. Coastal Cleanup: Wounded Nature Working Veterans highlighted progress removing abandoned boats from South Carolina’s waterways. Local Culture: Folly Beach’s Mermaids and Mateys Festival drew crowds despite rain.

Daylight Saving Fight: President Donald Trump is pressuring Sen. Tom Cotton to back making daylight saving time permanent, even urging Americans to call Cotton using what appeared to be his personal cell number—setting up another Senate showdown over the “Sunshine Protection Act.” Local Elections: Greenville’s City Council voted to switch from partisan elections to a nonpartisan primary system, while Florence faces the same state-mandated change. Public Health: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, adding more lots of Great Value and Trader Joe’s products after 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations. Energy Drinks & Kids: Doctors are urging colleges and the NCAA to pause energy drink marketing after a South Carolina teen’s death and other child fatalities linked to high caffeine. Lowcountry Infrastructure: Charleston County is rushing tree-clearing for a Maybank Highway exit-lane project because of federal protections for the northern long-eared bat. Banking Deal: Beacon Community Bank and Coastal Carolina National Bank completed a merger, creating a larger Myrtle Beach-based institution.

Manufacturing & Jobs: South Carolina leaders officially declared October “Manufacturing Month,” touting the sector’s nearly $300 billion economic impact and more than 30% of the state workforce, as the “More To Be Made” campaign highlights advanced manufacturing careers. Local Economy & Industry: Adeptus USA announced a $215.56 million wood products facility in Anderson County, aiming to create 217 jobs by mid-2027. Energy & Agriculture: State lawmakers urged Gov. Henry McMaster to consider emergency relief from record-high diesel costs for farmers and loggers, including a request to suspend penalties tied to dyed diesel use. Public Safety & Environment: Fort Mill residents and school leaders are pushing the governor to stop Silfab Solar from restarting chemical commissioning after prior leaks near local schools. Legal & Courts: In the Murdaugh case, defense attorneys asked prosecutors to disclose a purported state investigation into whether law officers mishandled weapons and evidence tied to the 2021 murders. Consumer & Cybersecurity: The FTC settled with Southern Glazer’s over claims it discriminated against smaller alcohol sellers, and South Carolina’s consumer agency announced free cybersecurity webinars and shred events for October. Politics: A new poll shows South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race tightening, with Democrat Annie Andrews trailing Sen. Darline Graham by about one point.

I-95 Crash Response: Clarendon County Fire Rescue thanked dispatchers and partners after a massive I-95 collision, highlighting how local agencies coordinated behind the scenes. Education & Workforce: SC State voted to cut nine degree programs after low enrollment and compliance concerns, while the state also launched a childcare scholarship waitlist after funding ended. Public Safety & Health: South Carolina nicotine vapor products face a new five-cent-per-milliliter tax, and USC researchers reported new clues on brain aging after stroke that may affect aphasia recovery. Local Business & Economy: Mavis Tires & Brakes opened a new Elgin location, and Elliott Davis expanded its Greenville consulting practice by acquiring Equify Advisors. Military & Federal Policy: South Carolina lawmakers urged the Air Force to base F-35A fighters at McEntire, and a bipartisan AG coalition led by Jeff Jackson pushed Congress to fully fund Supreme Court security. Consumer Watch: Starbucks closed four South Carolina locations, including in Anderson, Darlington, Murrells Inlet, and Taylors.

Public Health: Whitmire’s drinking water violated state standards after disinfection byproducts (THMs) spiked, with residents criticizing late notification and questioning reliance on social media. Local Infrastructure: Jasper County held a public meeting on a $57 million widening of Argent Boulevard, with neighbors worried the expanded road will come closer to their homes and disrupt quality of life. Energy & Rates: Santee Cooper’s new energy plan signals higher costs for South Carolina customers, delaying solar and pushing more toward expensive gas while large-load demand grows. Nuclear Workforce: USC and Westinghouse announced a nuclear workforce development partnership aimed at training operators and supporting a planned USC Nuclear Innovation Center. Child Care Access: South Carolina DSS launched a childcare scholarship waitlist after federal funding expired, leaving families scrambling and lawmakers refusing additional money. Health Threats: A child in Clay County, Florida, is reported to have a third case of flesh-eating vibrio Vulnificus, underscoring risks in warm coastal waters. Skilled Trades: A new report warns South Carolina and other states face skilled labor shortages as training output lags far behind projected demand. Film & Jobs: South Carolina is pushing to grow its Upstate film industry as a federal tax credit proposal advances, aiming to create more consistent work. Ethics & Media: A new column argues “Primetime” reopens ethical debates about sting-style journalism and public humiliation.

Myrtle Beach PGA Tour Sponsor Fraud: ONEflight International, the title sponsor of the Myrtle Beach PGA Tour event, faces federal fraud allegations, including claims it used new customer deposits to cover older obligations and can’t return an estimated $150 million in prepaid flight deposits. Insurance Fallout in SC: Florida regulators suspended Atlantic Coast Life Insurance after finding the company impaired, pointing to South Carolina’s rehabilitation move; the insurer is tied to A-Cap and exposure to 777 Partners. Local Government Moves: Horry County offices are relocating to the Central Coast Complex, with the Treasurer, Assessor and Auditor among those moving. Ethics Commission Clears Hanahan Mayor: The SC Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater over a right-of-way transfer. SC Nuclear Workforce Push: USC and Westinghouse launched a nuclear workforce development program with training using AP1000 simulators and hands-on labs. Workforce & Industry Events: The SC Manufacturing Conference & Expo returns to Greenville Nov. 4-5, focusing on workforce, supply chain and AI-driven operations. Affordable Housing Leadership: Greenville Housing Fund promoted Libba King to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Capital Solutions. Health Policy Watch: New federal guidance sets the stage for a K-12 scholarship tax credit program starting in January.

Healthcare & Courts: South Carolina’s nursing-home tragedy case keeps moving after an appeals court trimmed but largely upheld a judge’s $29.5 million verdict against Sterling Healthcare, citing “grossly negligent” conduct tied to a woman’s death. Data Privacy: Edelson Lechtzin says it’s investigating claims after Saber Healthcare’s reported breach exposed patient data, with South Carolina among the affected states. Public Safety: Lake City police arrested a juvenile after a burglary at a vape store was stopped quickly, with the suspect detained inside. Human Trafficking: Greenville County authorities charged eight people after a multi-agency sting tied to alleged trafficking and prostitution across massage businesses. Energy & Jobs: Trump announced South Korea’s $200 billion energy investment plan, including nuclear projects and an Alaska LNG review, while South Carolina’s utility debate continues over long-range power planning and future bill impacts. Healthcare Leadership: MUSC Health named Jason Cox CEO of its Pee Dee division. Politics & Health Care: Trump’s $500 ACA refund checks are starting to go out in 30 states, including South Carolina.

Upstate Jobs: Adeptus USA will invest about $215M to reopen a shuttered Belton Industries site in Honea Path (Anderson County), creating 217 jobs making pine moulding, boards, shiplap and panel products. Midlands Closings: Slim Chickens permanently closed its last Midlands location in Lower Richland, ending a run that began in 2022. Local Media: The Union (162-year-old paper) announced leadership and staffing changes, including Nathan Levinson as acting editor and plans for clearer opinion submission guidelines. State Politics: South Carolina’s governor candidates Jermaine Johnson and Alan Wilson will debate live Oct. 6 in Columbia. Nuclear Workforce: USC and Westinghouse signed on to expand nuclear workforce training through a USC Nuclear Innovation Center. Health Care Money: Trump administration begins mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina. Business & Tech: USPS and Amazon launched a same-day delivery pilot for certain afternoon packages routed through USPS facilities. Sports: Fort Mill climbed to No. 5 in SC 5A high school football; Rock Hill and South Pointe fell after losses.