AGP Executive Report

Military & Budget: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the renaming of Joint Base Charleston to honor Sen. Lindsey Graham to call for a $1.5 trillion 2027 military budget, saying Graham backed the request. Politics: Rep. Sheri Biggs is pitching defense and healthcare priorities as South Carolina’s Senate race heads to a runoff, highlighting a “Made in America Defense Act” and support for military families’ travel. Law Enforcement & Courts: SCDOR agents arrested 23 people across Aiken, Barnwell, and Edgefield counties on tax charges after a 10-month investigation, alleging evasion through false withholding claims and failure to file returns. Education Access: The Meeting Street Scholarship is going statewide, expanding to all 46 South Carolina counties with $18.7 million in recurring state funding for eligible high school seniors. Health Care Access: A new report says maternity care deserts affect more than 180,000 women across Georgia and South Carolina, with gaps in labor-and-delivery services driving higher burdens and NICU strain. Local Growth & Jobs: Prysmian announced an $80 million Lexington County expansion expected to add about 135 jobs, while Trison Wells is investing $3.37 million in Colleton County to create 30 new jobs. Public Safety: Spartanburg County council members discussed a potential data center moratorium and whether it should include NorthMark/Valara, with some saying there’s no legal basis to stop the project.

South Carolina Politics: Nikki Haley is throwing her weight behind Rep. Ralph Norman to beat Trump-backed Rep. Darline Graham Nordone in the Aug. 25 GOP Senate runoff, setting up a high-stakes clash of deep South networks and competing endorsements. Local Housing: A new $100 million Tri-County Housing Futures Fund launches for Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties, aiming to build, repair and finance homes with affordability protections for at least 50 years. Public Safety & Health: S.C. declared a West Nile outbreak in the Pee Dee region after two human cases, underscoring how surveillance definitions focus on local spread rather than big case totals. Transportation: SCDOT says it has improved more than 700 Lowcountry crosswalks over seven years, adding ADA curb ramps, better markings and modern pedestrian signals. Education & Environment: Eight S.C. educators completed the state’s Palmetto Environmental Education Certification, now nationally accredited. Economy & Costs: The national gas average is climbing again after a week of declines, now at $4.07. Sports Business: Nielsen reports women’s sports viewing and interest are surging, with advertising spending up 120% since 2022.

SC Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham advanced to an Aug. 25 GOP runoff for Lindsey Graham’s seat, setting up a showdown with Rep. Ralph Norman after the Aug. 11 special primary fell short of 50%. Campaign Watch: The SC GOP plans a debate between Graham and Norman on Aug. 18, with early voting running Aug. 19-21. Public Safety: State leaders warned school districts about digital threats as the year begins, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material and counterfeit pills. Energy & Rates: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson rejected a Duke Energy Progress settlement that would still raise residential bills about 6.8% over two years. STEM Investment: SC State is part of a $10 million NSF initiative to expand STEM research and workforce pathways, and it dedicated the James E. Clyburn Engineering and Computer Science Complex. Local Crime & Fraud: Fountain Inn was named the fifth safest city in South Carolina by SafeWise, while BBB Scam Tracker data shows multiple Midlands and Lowcountry cities among the state’s highest scam-report totals.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman will face off Aug. 25 to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham after neither won a majority in Tuesday’s special GOP primary; Graham led the 10-candidate field with about 33%, Norman took about 25%, and turnout was low statewide. Local Housing Policy: Mount Pleasant council members agreed to widen attainable housing buyer limits for Gregorie Ferry Landing to 0–120% of area median income, aiming to help more workforce residents qualify for 36 affordable units. Utility Finance: Santee Cooper’s board approved a roughly $615.3 million bond sale to refinance higher-cost debt, with officials saying it should stabilize rates and save customers millions. Sports Complex Hearing: Lexington County residents packed a public hearing over a proposed Congaree Sports Complex and a $74 million general obligation bond request, with supporters pitching sports tourism benefits. Business & Jobs: Prysmian announced $80 million to expand optical cable capacity in Lexington, SC, part of a $1B+ U.S. investment plan tied to 600 new manufacturing jobs. National Politics Watch: The NRSC urged South Carolina Republicans to back Graham in the runoff, while the broader Democratic fight in other states underscored a left-versus-moderate split ahead of November.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman are headed to an Aug. 25 runoff after Tuesday’s special GOP primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with no candidate clearing 50%—Graham led with about 32.6% and Norman followed with about 24%. Public Safety & Privacy: Myrtle Beach-area authorities say license plates are being captured by a regional camera network, while the SC ACLU and watchdog groups warn it amounts to tracking people’s movements. Charleston Harbor Accountability: A ship manager and its chief engineer were sentenced in federal court over the June 2024 MSC Michigan VII runaway that forced an evacuation of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and injured two people. Business & Tech: Optimal Transit announced a second configuration of its Kraaken™ platform in Beaufort, shifting more power to continuous utility service—baseload electricity and fresh water—while keeping capacity for AI/data center operations. Consumer Watch: A bed-rail recall covers about 12,000 adult rails sold on Amazon due to entrapment and suffocation risks.

South Carolina Senate Special Primary: South Carolina Republicans vote Tuesday to pick the GOP nominee to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and eligibility tied to the June 9 GOP primary—ten candidates are on the ballot, including appointed incumbent Darline Graham, who holds a narrow lead in a late Trafalgar Group poll (26.4% to Ralph Norman’s 19.5%), but is still short of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Local Military Honor: Joint Base Charleston was renamed Joint Base Lindsey Graham in a ceremony attended by Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Darline Graham, honoring Graham’s Air Force service and Senate legacy. Consumer Safety Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows South Carolina logged 384 scam reports in July 2026, up from 790 nationwide? (No—up from 790 in New York’s case), with online purchases the most common scam type. National Politics: Tuesday’s primaries also include high-stakes Democratic contests in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where left-versus-center fights could shape the party’s direction heading toward 2028.

South Carolina Senate Primary: Republicans vote Tuesday in a special GOP primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with his sister Darline Graham trying to carry his legacy in a crowded field and voters in some counties seeing polling-place changes for the Aug. 11 contest. Israel & Iran Foreign Policy: The race is being framed around how closely the winner will match Graham’s hawkish, pro-Israel approach, as national attention focuses on the Middle East and what comes next for Graham’s seat. Local Cyber Security: Surfside Beach is rolling out new banking rules and internal safeguards after a $545,000 cyber scam, including tighter verification and dual-control approvals for municipal payments. National Politics: Across the country, Democrats and Republicans are battling over party direction in key primaries, while Washington extends a National Guard deployment in the capital through 2029. Economy & Costs: Upstate road projects face possible delays as inflation threatens funding timelines, with some plans potentially pushed back until 2033. Public Health: President Trump signed an executive order reshaping childhood vaccine recommendations, including calls to split MMR—prompting pushback from physicians and public health groups.

South Carolina Politics: South Carolina ETV and Public Radio will broadcast live coverage of the Aug. 11 special U.S. Senate Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and the winner advancing to face Democrat Annie Andrews. Election Logistics: York County voters are being warned that some polling places have moved for Tuesday’s special primary; voters can confirm their precinct at scvotes.gov. Campaign Spotlight: The race features Darline Graham, appointed to serve out Graham’s term, plus Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and others. Public Safety: Authorities seized more than $214,000 in counterfeit NeeDoh toys and luxury-branded cellphone covers from Greenville’s Haywood Mall, warning the fakes may pose safety risks. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled ready-made foods containing fresh jalapeños that could be contaminated with salmonella, with products distributed to South Carolina and 25 other states. Local Economy/Jobs: Barnwell Tissue Solutions is restarting a shuttered tissue mill with $18 million in New Markets Tax Credit support, projecting 90 full-time jobs. Business & Industry: 3D Systems won an additional $9 million Air Force contract for large-format metal 3D printing work at its Rock Hill facility. Weather/Outdoors: The Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug. 11-13, with best viewing after 2 a.m. away from city lights.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham held a rare Sunday call with reporters, touting her early Senate work and defending her record against GOP rival Russell Fry, while also weighing national security, health care costs, and data centers. U.S. Senate & Foreign Policy: The Senate passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill named for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with provisions that could raise tariffs on India up to 100% tied to Russian oil purchases; it now heads to the House and then the president. Daylight Saving Time: With the Senate in recess, lawmakers are casting doubt on whether a permanent daylight saving time change can pass before clocks “fall back” on Nov. 1. Public Health: NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya told “Face the Nation” he “trust[s] the science” on vaccines as measles concerns rise, arguing public trust was harmed during COVID. Local Community: Thousands of Charleston students and families got free backpacks, school supplies, and books at the First Day Festival at the Gaillard Center. Food Safety: A new FDA report adds details to the Taylor Farms lettuce recall tied to potential cyclospora contamination. Scams: A BBB Scam Tracker update shows Belton among South Carolina cities with reported scam losses in June.

South Carolina Politics: With Lindsey Graham’s seat now in play, South Carolina Republicans are in the final stretch of the special U.S. Senate primary, with early voting showing strong participation and voters weighing candidates like Darline Graham, Ralph Norman, and Russell Fry ahead of a likely runoff. Courts & Governance: Four judges have stepped forward for a vacant South Carolina Supreme Court associate justice seat, with the application window closing Aug. 24. Public Safety: A new forecast warns of strong to severe storms in South Carolina today, with damaging winds, heavy rain, lightning, and hail possible. Health & Consumer Watch: A new FDA report adds details to the Taylor Farms lettuce recall, naming “potential Cyclospora contamination” and listing more affected products and retailers. Local Economy & Business: Greenville Medicaid hearing services payments rose to $3,561 in 2024, up 11%, highlighting shifting costs in local care categories. Environment & Agriculture: The invasive yellow-legged hornet has been confirmed in North Carolina and is described as expanding its reach up the coast, raising new concerns for pollinators.

South Carolina U.S. Senate: Early voting has closed for the GOP special primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with election officials tracking turnout as 10 Republicans chase the nomination; early numbers stayed strong by special-election standards, and the race could still head to a runoff. Candidates & stakes: Darline Graham, Lindsey’s sister and interim senator, is leading in polling but facing questions about experience as she tries to win over skeptical party voters in a crowded field. Supreme Court vacancy: Four judges have filed to run for a vacant associate justice seat on the South Carolina Supreme Court, with the application window set to close Aug. 24. Public safety & consumer protection: South Carolina officials seized more than $214,000 in counterfeit NeeDoh toys and luxury-branded cellphone covers from a Greenville mall after a joint operation. Local business: The state’s tax-free weekend is boosting North Augusta shops, with at least one boutique reporting about double the usual Saturday traffic. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue with afternoon storm chances and heat indices that could push near or above 105°F inland.

U.S. Senate & SC Politics: Todd Blanche was narrowly confirmed as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Darline Graham backing him, as the confirmation fight highlighted tensions over how aggressively the Justice Department will pursue the Trump agenda. SC Special Senate Primary: In Florence, voters say Darline Graham is “wonderful” but question whether she’s ready or qualified for the job, with some pointing to her limited campaign presence and lack of deep local political familiarity. Foreign Policy: The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a sweeping package that targets Russia’s energy revenues and expands Iran sanctions, now headed to the House. Local Governance: In Chapin, a power struggle over who can hire and fire the town attorney is headed to court after the council voted to reclaim that authority. Community & Culture: USC has made the historic Richard Samuel Roberts photo collection—nearly 6,000 images of Black Columbia—available online for the first time. Housing: Hardeeville won a Municipal Achievement Award for its affordable-housing “Harvey Place” model, credited with producing 10 new townhouses.

U.S. Senate & Foreign Policy: The Senate passed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation backed by late Sen. Lindsey Graham, voting 86-11 and sending the bill to the House next; it also expands sanctions on Iran and includes major tariff authority tied to countries buying Russian oil and gas. South Carolina Politics: Early voting is wrapping up for South Carolina’s special U.S. Senate Republican primary, with more than 41,000 ballots cast in the first two days as voters choose who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Local Governance: Chapin Town Council held a special meeting over who controls appointing and removing the town’s municipal attorney, with sharp disagreement between the mayor and council members. Community & Culture: Lexington County’s NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Awards Gala in West Columbia, featuring keynote remarks from Nina Turner. Public Safety & Health: A Columbia nonprofit, Literacy SC, is asking for help after severe weather flooded its office and forced extensive repairs, while a new blood test study from MUSC aims to speed lymphoma diagnosis in places where TB can mimic cancer. Everyday Life: South Carolina’s tax-free weekend continues through Sunday, offering savings on school supplies, clothing, and select tech.

SC Senate primary: Three GOP candidates for Lindsey Graham’s seat pitched Upstate voters in Greenville, leaning hard on Donald Trump’s agenda as the Aug. 11 special election nears and a runoff looks possible. Green energy politics: A Tennessee primary upset showed how energy-focused PAC money can flip races—solar-backed groups helped defeat Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles. Local health care disruption: AnMed says 10 days after a malware attack it’s still running limited services, with about 10 locations closed and imaging among the slowest to return. Energy innovation: Clemson unveiled “Deep Orange 17,” a solar-integrated EV prototype designed to generate more energy than it uses over a typical day. Business and jobs: Barnwell Tissue Solutions is reviving a shuttered Barnwell County mill with $18M in federal New Markets Tax Credit support. Retail shakeups: Walgreens continues downsizing, with another round of store closures listed for 2026. Community support: A Greenville law firm partnered with United Way to deliver thousands of school backpacks and supplies.

SC Politics & Elections: The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled Danny Ford II stays on the special U.S. Senate primary ballot, citing potential voter confusion if his name were removed after early voting began. ACLU vs. GOP: The ACLU of South Carolina asked to intervene in a lawsuit from the state GOP seeking to close Republican primaries to registered Republicans only, arguing taxpayer-run elections shouldn’t let parties block independents. Data Centers & Growth: A BCDCOG regional planning effort won a national award for guiding Charleston-area growth through 2045, while local residents in Woodruff opposed industrial zoning tied to fears about future data centers. Health & Consumer Costs: A new report says Alzheimer’s drug access depends less on breakthroughs and more on “plumbing” like scans, infusion capacity, and coverage rules; and back-to-school shoppers face sticker shock, with tips for saving during SC’s tax-free weekend. Business & Jobs: Vista’s BID got city approval in Columbia, and a Campbell County expansion announcement highlights continued recycling and tire-processing growth. Legal & Accountability: California AG Rob Bonta accused DuPont spin-offs of a “corporate shell game” to dodge PFAS cleanup, with a new complaint filed in federal court in South Carolina.

Housing Affordability: A new analysis finds incomes would need to rise nearly $50,000 for median-priced homes to be as affordable as in 2019, with starter-home costs still varying sharply by state. Education & Growth: USC Aiken expects record enrollment and says campus housing is filled to capacity for the first time since the pandemic, adding new engineering and sports science programs. Local Business & Jobs: Wire 3 has started $36 million in Anderson fiber construction, targeting service for about 35,000 homes and businesses this fall and planning expansion into Pickens County. Higher Ed Honors: South Carolina State University dedicated its James E. Clyburn Engineering and Computer Science Complex, citing Clyburn’s long support and $45 million in recent federal investments. Politics: Early voting begins in South Carolina’s special GOP U.S. Senate primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with Darline Graham seeking the seat. Public Safety: A Gaffney corrections officer faces charges after allegedly using a state-issued card for more than $4,000 in unauthorized gas purchases.