AGP Executive Report

Fuel Economy Fight: President Trump says he approved looser federal fuel economy standards, ending the Biden-era EV push and sending automaker stocks higher overnight—while details are set for Monday. Health Care Cost Pressure: A new analysis warns new federal rules could force about three dozen states to cut Medicaid doctor and hospital payments by more than $50 billion, potentially shrinking access for Medicaid patients. Statehouse Civics: South Carolina is inviting public school fourth grade teachers to apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse (Feb. 19, 2027; deadline Oct. 2). Education & Community: Clemson is sharing NSSE results more widely across campus as part of a broader assessment push. Local Economy Watch: Diesel prices in Lexington County hit a weekly low of $5.49 per gallon, while the countywide average sat at $6.07. Sports & Culture: The NAACP’s college sports boycott push reportedly failed to move athletes to decommit, and “American Pickers” plans to film in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in November.

Fuel Economy Fight: President Trump says he approved new federal fuel economy standards that end the Biden-era EV push, promising lower car prices and more auto investment, including in South Carolina. State Budget Watch: South Carolina collected $4.2 billion in total tax revenue in Q1 2026, down 15.1% from Q4 2025, with sales/gross receipts and income taxes driving most collections. Data Privacy: Attorney General Ford announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to the AMCA data breach, with hundreds of thousands of Marylanders affected. Voting Tech Debate: A conservative group is pushing for secure digital signatures for citizen ballot initiatives, arguing it could cut fraud and reduce petition costs. Local Government: Aiken County will hold a public hearing Oct. 6 on community needs and priorities for housing, public facilities, and economic development. Sports & SC: Alabama beat South Carolina 49-18 in SEC play; South Carolina anglers also got a two-week federal red snapper season in October. Community & Education: Fourth grade teachers can apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse.

Fuel Economy Fight: President Trump says he approved new fuel economy standards that end the Biden-era EV mandate, promising “lower prices” and more auto jobs, though the final rule details aren’t out yet. Local Governance: Aiken County will hold a public hearing Oct. 6 on community needs and priorities tied to housing, public facilities, and economic development under federal CDBG/HOME planning. Education & Accountability: A panel hearing is set for Sept. 28 in Columbia regarding Charleston County school trustee Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson, scheduled under an executive order. Immigration & Work Visas: New data shows South Carolina employers filed three H-1B petitions in 2025 in the “Other Services (except Public Administration)” category, with all approved. Cybersecurity: A report says malware targeting water utilities has already harvested logins from nearly 1,800 U.S. water and wastewater organizations. Sports (SC spotlight): South Carolina opens SEC Week 4 at Alabama, with the Gamecocks seeking their first conference win.

FCC & Telecom: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in nine states, including South Carolina, saying it needs more time after pushback from rural users who fear worse service. Education & Local Impact: Charleston County School Trustee Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson faces a Sept. 28 hearing in Columbia tied to an executive order, with details still limited. Higher Ed & Assessment: Clemson is sharing NSSE results more systematically across campus, aiming to turn survey data into real changes in teaching and administration. Business & Jobs: Woodward plans to move military flight-control actuation production to a new Spartanburg campus, with about 400 jobs affected and operations starting in summer 2027. Community & Environment: Murrells Inlet dredging plans are under renewed scrutiny as residents and environmental groups question impacts on oysters and sediment disposal. Travel & Growth: Breeze Airways adds nonstop service from Charleston to Trenton, N.J., and the Charleston aviation authority re-elects its top leaders. Politics & National Mood: Democrats see new momentum heading into Nov. 3, while Republicans’ “safe-seat” confidence is cracking.

Opioids & Public Safety: A Nashville forensic lab says it has detected a new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, in 18 states, including South Carolina, linking it to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee. Politics & Campaigns: Rep. Nancy Mace is drawing viral attention after wearing a leather “Catwoman”-style outfit on her podcast, while other political coverage highlights the pressure building for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms. Defense & Jobs: Woodward plans to shift military flight-control production from California to a new aerospace campus in Spartanburg, with operations starting in 2027. Local Government & Health: Charleston Water System is replacing lead service lines in North Charleston and the peninsula and is seeking public input on a second phase. Community & Culture: A South Carolina African-American tourism conference at the College of Charleston is focused on turning local history and culture into jobs and wealth. Education & Workforce: SC State terminated nine academic programs due to low enrollment, while SC State’s Career Day Extravaganza is set to connect students with more than 100 recruiters.

State Museum Update: The South Carolina State Museum removed a 1950s KKK flyer from an exhibit after visitors said it was placed in a way that falsely suggested Strom Thurmond was affiliated with the group. Higher Education & Costs: USC’s Palmetto College may have to stop accepting more South Carolina high school students for dual enrollment unless lottery-funded scholarship support is restored, as the per-credit subsidy has fallen 32% since 2019. Workforce & Health Access: Prisma Health and USC faculty leader Dr. Meera Narasimhan received the Order of the Palmetto for decades of work expanding telepsychiatry and rural mental health access. Public Health & Safety: A report highlights how illegal THC products sold at vape shops can be deadly, with South Carolina families pushing for tighter rules after a kratom-related death. Business & Fraud: A former supervisor at a Melville-area health care company was sentenced to 30 months for stealing about $1.6 million from customer credit accounts. Education Data: Clemson is renewing efforts to use NSSE results across campus for more systematic assessment and improvement.

Medicaid Cuts: A new Health Affairs analysis says federal rules will force three dozen states to cut Medicaid doctor and hospital payments by more than $50 billion, raising fears providers will see fewer Medicaid patients. Landline Fight: Verizon has petitioned the FCC to end copper landline service in 18 states, and BellTel Retirees says it would endanger older, vulnerable customers and union jobs. Education & Workforce: Winthrop University is set to launch South Carolina’s first bachelor’s program in advanced manufacturing engineering with a $250,000 Rock Hill grant, while the South Carolina Forum plans an inaugural civic assembly focused on expanding economic opportunity. Local Growth: A developer is seeking Hendersonville-area rezoning for a 288-unit multi-family complex near I-26, and Rock Hill is also seeing major life-sciences investment activity. Public Input: SCDOT is taking comments through Oct. 23 on intersection safety projects in Lancaster and York counties. Higher Ed Rankings: Clemson again tops South Carolina colleges in U.S. News 2027 rankings.

Clemson in the spotlight: Clemson University was named South Carolina’s top national university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 rankings, with USC second and Furman leading the state among liberal arts colleges. Military community updates: Commanders from across South Carolina briefed Gov. Henry McMaster on readiness and quality-of-life needs, including affordable housing and childcare, as Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort plans major growth. State politics and voting: Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. Alex Padilla debated the SAVE Act on the Senate floor, a push for nationwide voter ID and proof of citizenship. Housing and local economy: Zillow reports Dillon County’s typical home value rose 23.2% to $134,534 in August 2026. Coastal resilience: Pawleys Island secured $1.5 million for stormwater drainage upgrades aimed at reducing chronic flooding. Public safety and health: A coroner’s report on Hayden Panettiere’s death says investigators found fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in her Greenville apartment, highlighting overdose risk after sobriety.

Greenville Flood Relief: The City of Greenville landed a $375,800 Community Development Block Grant to help plan and design floodplain mitigation for Richland Creek, with $104,000 in matching funds and a possible fall bid if council approves. Affordable Housing for First Responders: LENS IOP launched a new Affordable Housing Program for First Responders, offering stop-gap housing, help with rent flexibility, and a path toward homeownership. Infrastructure Watch: South Carolina’s ASCE report card rose to a C- as engineers warn aging roads and drinking-water systems still can’t keep up with growth. Local Transit Push: Greenville Connects renewed its push for stronger public transit as the city’s traffic and development strain existing roads. Business & Jobs: Greer City Council approved financing for CPW capital projects, including water line upgrades and wastewater force main replacement tied to regional growth. Myrtle Beach Development: City Council advanced an incentive deal that could bring a $170 million, 5.5-acre surf park destination to the Grand Strand. National Economy & Cost of Living: Aldi announced price cuts on nearly a third of stocked items, including fall produce and chicken family packs. Sports & Culture: NIWC Atlantic named a new executive director in Charleston, while the Hornets secured a new over-the-air broadcast partnership covering multiple SC markets.

Upstate Jobs: Woodward is closing a California facility and investing $200 million in a new Greer plant, creating 275 jobs starting in 2027. Local Planning Clash: Colleton County residents questioned a proposed $6 billion, 1,000-megawatt data center campus after a new digital infrastructure overlay district cleared the way. Growth Pressure: West Union approved annexations and a plan for 400 new homes that would double the town’s population, with residents raising concerns about environment and emergency response. Downtown Development: Greenville unveiled detailed plans for its $500 million Falls Park Conference District, including a conference center, hotel, housing, offices, retail, green space and a 1,200-plus space parking garage. Education Voucher Scrutiny: Lawmakers and education officials spar over whether South Carolina’s school voucher program has enough reliable assessment data to prove student progress. Coastal Economy: Beaufort County shrimpers are asking for emergency help as record diesel prices threaten long voyages and jobs. Veterans Recognition: Lander University earned South Carolina’s Gold Standard award for support services for military-connected students. Antitrust Settlement: Major pork producers agreed to a $117 million settlement over alleged price-fixing, with South Carolina consumers eligible to file claims.

Caleb Flynn murder trial: Prosecutors continued testimony Sept. 22 in the case of Tipp City man Caleb Flynn, accused of fatally shooting his wife, Ashley Flynn, and staging a home-invasion scene; forensic testimony described the gunshot injuries as close-range but the exact distance as “indeterminate,” while the defense faces a growing record. SC courts: The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to settle an asbestos fight tied to South Carolina’s court-appointed receiver authority, with Altrad Group challenging a state ruling that could connect subsidiaries to asbestos liability. Upstate business & jobs: HomeSmart announced a strategic merger with NorthGroup Real Estate, adding nearly 2,000 agents and expanding across the Carolinas and Southeast. Orangeburg economy: Okonite will invest $400 million to expand in Orangeburg County, building a 552,000-square-foot plant and creating 105 jobs. Public policy: South Carolina’s voucher program faces broader scrutiny over spending controls and testing gaps, with education oversight officials flagging incomplete data. Health & safety: A 20-state letter led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey warns of Chinese drug-supply risks tied to compounded GLP-1 ingredients. Local crime: Oconee County deputies say a man followed a bank customer, then stole $22,000 from a truck. Environment: S.C. proposes new dock-size and construction rules, with a public hearing set for Oct. 27.

U.S. Senate Race: South Carolina’s Annie Andrews and Darline Graham hit the campaign trail in Greenville and the Midlands, trading sharp contrasts while both push affordability and lower costs ahead of Election Day. K-12 Vouchers: State leaders say they don’t know how students are performing under South Carolina’s K-12 scholarship program because only about 1 in 10 participants reported usable end-of-year test results. Elections Oversight: The ACLU alleges the South Carolina Election Commission violated the public meetings law when it fired former elections chief Howard Knapp. Local Government & Infrastructure: Charlotte City Council members Malcolm Graham and Joi Mayo reversed course to back the I-77 South toll lane project, clearing the way for a major $4 billion expansion. Public Safety: The Red Cross is assisting five people after a home fire in Andrews. Business & Jobs: Woodward plans to move some aerospace controls production to Spartanburg, signaling continued investment in South Carolina manufacturing.

U.S. Senate Race: Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews is campaigning in South Carolina on a “work across the aisle” message, hoping to flip a seat Democrats haven’t won since 1998. Healthcare & Rural Access: The South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology elected Johns Island’s Blake Frazier as its new president, highlighting anesthesia care and rural access. Local Business Growth: Chase Bank is building a new Lexington County branch in the Red Bank area, adding to a growing retail corridor at Platt Springs Crossing. Community & Culture: The Joy & Justice Tour brings a free Columbia festival celebrating Black girls and women to Earlewood Park Community Center on Sept. 26. Public Safety & Accountability: Conway police are investigating allegations that a caregiver used power of attorney to transfer a home for $5 and move money from a vulnerable man’s accounts. Environment & Land Use: Georgetown County school leaders backed a plan to help create a new Carvers Bay State Forest, expanding conservation after developer interest. Wildlife Management: S.C. hunters can get an extra antlerless deer tag this season as the state adjusts doe harvests. Education Outcomes: Richland County’s public four-year institution reported a 78.8% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for the 2018 cohort. Weather: Isolated strong storms are possible Monday, with damaging winds and heavy rain the main threats.

State Government & Education: Lander University hosts former SC lawmaker Vincent Sheheen for an author talk on how South Carolina’s state government works, with a book signing for The Concise Guide to South Carolina State Government. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fort Mill broke ground on a new Operations Center to move Utilities and Public Works from a 1938 armory to a 33-acre campus, with construction expected to take about 15 months. Courts & Safety: A Fort Mill crossing guard seriously injured in a 2024 crash is suing the school district, SCDOT and the driver, arguing the posting location contributed to the wreck. Housing: Zillow data shows Darlington County’s typical home value rose 12.6% year over year to $171,915 in August 2026. Politics & Elections: GOP-affiliated polling is fueling “blue wave” talk, including a South Carolina Senate race showing a tight gap in one survey. Community & Health: North Charleston’s youth nonprofit returned for a 9/11 Day of Service, crafting comfort items for veterans and neighbors in need. Business & Jobs: Piedmont Technical College marked 60 years with state and federal leaders praising its growth and future construction plans.

South Carolina Politics & Taxes: Charleston County is holding public sessions with mayors on a Transportation Sales Tax referendum that would extend a half-cent levy for 25 years, projected to raise $4.25 billion. Local Government: South Carolina lawmakers have paused a property tax loophole that let some apartment owners drain millions from school and city budgets, with a moratorium on new applications until at least June 30, 2027. Public Safety & Courts: A fire at Anderson’s First Quality Tissue plant sent multiple departments to the scene; no injuries were reported. Health Research: A new study links lower maternal vitamin D levels with higher odds of preterm birth, using records from 15,506 South Carolina-area pregnancies. Economy & Housing: Pickens County’s typical home value rose 1.7% to $307,009 in August 2026, according to Zillow. Business & Industry: Volvo Cars named Klaus Zellmer as CEO to lead a turnaround aimed at reviving sales amid tariffs and EV pressure. Sports (SC): South Carolina’s football team lost 41-34 to Mississippi State after leading 16 points in the second quarter, renewing calls from fans to change course.

College Football Playoff Buzz: Ole Miss’ win over LSU and other Week 3 results reshuffled early CFP bracket projections, with Alabama and Penn State moving into the mix. South Carolina Sports: South Carolina hosts Mississippi State in Columbia with kickoff pushed to 5:35 p.m. after weather delays, while Dawn Staley is in the stands with three top recruits. Aviation/Tech: Joby Aviation says it completed the first fully autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., landing in North Carolina after remote-supervised navigation. Russia Sanctions: Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Russia-Iran sanctions bill, expanding sanctions and authorizing up to 100% tariffs tied to Russian energy purchases. Retail Crime: 11 people were indicted in a multistate retail theft scheme targeting major chains, including stores in South Carolina. Housing Costs: A TD survey finds first-time buyers are increasingly open to longer mortgages, using 401(k)s, and buying fixer-uppers as affordability squeezes continue. Netflix/Local Culture: Netflix canceled “Sweet Magnolias” after five seasons, ending the Serenity, S.C. romance run while a new series is already in the works. Solar Growth: Suniva closed an $835 million raise for a 4.5 GW solar cell factory in Laurens County.