AGP Executive Report

Health Care Policy: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges from the Biden era, including South Carolina. Local Law Enforcement: Greenwood Sheriff’s Office investigator Patrick Durkin was recognized by the U.S. Secret Service for top digital forensics work, including being named among the nation’s top 100 examiners. Arts & Community: Lander University professor Daniel M. Harrison is giving away limited original art by late Hodges blues roadhouse founder Gerald Jackson at a Sept. 24 event at Sundance Gallery. Education & Tech: Ware Shoals School District’s director of technology Michael Armstrong earned District Office Support Staff of the Year for behind-the-scenes tech support. Sports (SC): Vicari Swain returned two punts for touchdowns to set South Carolina’s career punt-return record as the Gamecocks beat Towson 45-9 in a lightning-delayed game. Local Sports & Outdoors: Upstate volleyball notes Elon’s win over USC Upstate, while the Upstate sports scene looks ahead to the Sept. 12 shrimp baiting season opener.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 refunds for alleged overcharges tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Local Crime: A New York man faces kidnapping charges after an Upstate 14-year-old went missing; authorities say he was located with the teen in a coordinated effort with New York State Police. Public Safety Tragedy: North Charleston police say a 2-year-old died in a hit-and-run; the driver and the child’s guardian were arrested. Election Watch: Sen. Darline Graham and Dr. Annie Andrews have agreed to a U.S. Senate debate in October, with SCETV set to host. Tech + Privacy: South Carolina lawmakers approved funding to expand Flock camera use, even as privacy concerns grow. Roads: Three people died in a Dorchester County I-95 crash involving a tractor-trailer and a Honda SUV. Game Day: South Carolina hosts Towson tonight in Williams-Brice Stadium, its first night game of the season.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal HealthCare.gov user fees collected during the Biden years. Defense Contract (SC jobs): The U.S. Army ordered more power packs for Israel’s Eitan armored vehicle, adding $39.1 million to a contract being built at Rolls-Royce’s Graniteville, South Carolina plant, with work expected to run into 2027. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend frozen fruit after detecting E. coli O145 in a specific batch; the alert lists South Carolina among distribution states. Lottery: South Carolina Lottery results for Sept. 11 include Mega Millions numbers 03-30-33-53-62 (Mega Ball 22) plus Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop, and Palmetto Cash 5. Elections & Schools: Horry County voters are urged to verify registration after confusing mailers; in Beaufort County, a principal was placed on administrative leave after appearing in a campaign video. Politics (US Senate): Darline Graham accepted an Oct. 11 SCETV debate invitation, setting up a showdown with Annie Andrews. Public Safety: A Newberry case saw five arrests tied to the death of 5-year-old Aniyah Williams.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 checks for alleged Obamacare “overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with payments starting in October. Public Health: Measles keeps spreading—Georgia confirmed two more cases tied to a metro Atlanta day-care, bringing the U.S. total to 3,294, while South Carolina also faces heightened rabies risk and the USDA plans to air-drop millions of rabies vaccine doses across the Southeast. Juvenile Justice: An ACLU-SC report says South Carolina’s juvenile detention system shows “traumatization” and widening racial inequality, including status-offense detentions. Safety Tragedy: North Charleston charged a woman after a 2-year-old died after wandering into traffic on Rivers Avenue. State Economy/Transportation: Gov. Henry McMaster backed the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, arguing it supports safer, more dependable rail networks for South Carolina. Local Tech/Privacy: Gov. McMaster defended Flock automated license plate readers, saying misuse must be punished as lawmakers consider new rules.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 refunds starting in October, funded by alleged excessive ACA “user fees” collected during the Biden years. Gas Prices: AAA reports Arizona pump prices jumped about a nickel over the past week, with the national average also rising as crude oil climbs. Local Government Records: Ninety Six’s long-delayed records request remains unresolved months after a Freedom of Information Act filing, with residents and press groups raising compliance concerns. Schools: District 52 in South Carolina says SC READY math results surged, with fifth graders leading statewide and overall district rankings improving. 9/11 Remembrance: Bradford residents mark the 25th anniversary with personal reflections, while South Carolina’s museum plans new 9/11 exhibits and presentations. Community & Environment: Jasper County residents oppose a proposed sand mine expansion, citing dust, noise, traffic, and impacts to wetlands and drinking water. Food Safety: A seed supplier tied to a multi-state sprout outbreak is reportedly named in an FDA enforcement report. Sports: South Carolina-area college athletes are set for Sept. 12 action, and Miami routed Florida A&M 77-7 in a record-setting opener.

Child Safety: Lexington man Michael Edward Baker, 59, was arrested by the SC Attorney General’s Office ICAC Task Force for distributing child sexual abuse material; he faces one felony count of sexual exploitation of a minor, with prosecution handled by the AG. Healthcare Costs: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will receive $500 Obamacare rebate checks starting in October, for people who bought coverage through the federal marketplace without premium assistance. Statewide Education: A new report finds South Carolina’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students who entered in 2018 was 71.8% by 2024. Local Jobs & Industry: Stöbich Fire Protection Systems will expand its Dorchester County operations, adding 33 jobs and $2.53 million to build smoke curtain products in the U.S. Drought Watch: SC DNR reports about one-third of the state remains in severe drought, with several counties shifting drought levels after its Sept. 8 review. Scholarships: The Meeting Street Scholarship is expanding to all 46 SC counties, offering $10,000 to eligible students, and Countybank Foundation launched a $1,000 annual scholarship for Tri-County Tech business majors. Public Safety & Community: Manning will hold its Sept. 11 Patriot Day service Friday at 9 a.m., and Clarendon County Fire Rescue celebrated its 2026 recruit class graduation and promotions.

Politics & Elections: President Trump kicked off the first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas with a promise to pay every U.S. adult $5,000 (“Trump dividend”) if Republicans keep control of Congress—details and legality still unclear. Higher Education & Security: A DOD review tied to its foreign partnerships order has ended at least one study abroad program and triggered partnership checks at dozens of universities, with 130 institutions in China, Iran and Russia on the off-limits list. Local Government & Community: Columbia unveiled new Main Street lighting, adding lanterns in historic trees to brighten the downtown corridor. Public Safety: Greenville police Sgt. Diana Munoz returned to duty after surviving a crash that killed her wife, her parents and two others. Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak has 19,595 lab-confirmed cases in the U.S., with thousands more pending or unconfirmed. Sports (SC ties): Miami hosts FAMU Thursday night on ACC Network after FAMU’s 31-13 loss to South Carolina State. Arts & Education: Applications are open for the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities’ 2027-28 programs, including a tuition-free residential high school in Greenville.

Four Seasons Charleston: Strategic Property Partners has named Hoar Construction as general contractor for the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Charleston, setting up a year-end groundbreaking and a 2030 completion target for 139 guestrooms and 36 residences. Higher Education Funding: South Carolina State launched its 1896 Challenge for 2026, urging the Bulldog community to “Rep Your Freshman-Year Dorm” to support scholarships and student programs. Public Safety: South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety reports 11 preliminary deaths on state roadways during the Labor Day holiday travel period. Lake Murray Boating Alert: Dominion Energy begins a Lake Murray drawdown this fall to manage aquatic vegetation, lowering levels to about 350 feet by December and urging extra caution for boaters. Statewide Education Aid: Greenville County students can access a new state-funded Meeting Street Scholarship expansion, with up to $10,000 available for tuition, housing, food and fees. Legal/Consumer: A South Carolina store, Born United, reached a settlement requiring payment of more than $850,000 to Buc-ee’s over trademark infringement of the beaver logo. Business & Energy: Shareholders approved Dominion Energy’s $67 billion buyout by NextEra, clearing a major step toward a deal that regulators will review in South Carolina.

Orange Blossom Classic: South Carolina State dominated Florida A&M 31-13 in Miami, turning a weather-delayed afternoon kickoff into a primetime showcase. Public Safety & Health: A kayaker’s body was recovered from Lake Waccamaw after a multi-agency search; officials say the 25-year-old from South Carolina was found near a wildlife landing. Conservation: Georgetown County backed a plan to permanently protect the nearly 3,500-acre Arcadia East tract, preserving coastal wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat. Local Government: Georgetown County is hosting LOST information sessions ahead of a Nov. 3 vote on a 1% sales and use tax aimed at property tax rollbacks. Community & Culture: Jasper recreated its Sgt. William Jasper mural after a 2025 fire, restoring a downtown landmark tied to the Revolutionary War. Sports: South Carolina’s season opener vs. Kent State drew major attention, while national college football rankings shifted after Week 1.

College Football (SC): South Carolina stayed out of the first in-season AP Top 25 after a 57-0 opener win over Kent State, while Clemson dropped out after a 51-10 loss to LSU; USC hosts Towson next, and Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak returned to full-pad practice after injuries. College Football (Polls): LSU surged into the AP Top 10 after its rout, Michigan fell out after a controversial win, and the SEC went 16-0 in Week 1 openers. Local Business: Slip 53, a new coastal kitchen and raw bar, soft-opened in Columbia’s Five Points area. Public Safety/Health: A frozen triple berry blend was recalled in 16 states including South Carolina after an E. coli outbreak; separate from that, FEMA announced nearly $1.2M for Aiken County storm recovery. Community & Culture: SC State got national attention with a $400,000 scholarship boost for a student; and the state is set to rebuild a 169-year-old slave cabin destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Sports (Other): Vanderbilt released its 2027 SEC baseball schedule, including a trip to South Carolina in March.

Election 2026 Prep: Richland County is hiring paid poll workers for Nov. 3, with onboarding sessions and pay up to $185 for nonpartisan, neutral workers. Midlands Politics: The SC 2nd Congressional District race is heating up, with Joe Wilson and Zion Khalifa laying out competing plans on taxes, jobs, and local funding. Road Safety: A pedestrian was killed in a three-car crash on I-26 westbound in Lexington County early Monday; drivers were not injured and the case is under investigation. Community & Public Safety: Richland County’s Guardians of the Night 5K returns Sept. 26 to support the Sheriff’s K-9 corps. Sports (SC): South Carolina opened strong in college football Week 2 action, while local coverage also highlights SEC momentum and FCS standouts. Culture: Temple Theatre launches its 2026-27 season with “1776, the Musical,” kicking off the 250th-anniversary theme. Health & Society: A national look at hospital patient experience ranks Wisconsin highest and Florida lowest, while local readers also get a reminder of the ongoing measles and vaccine-hesitancy debate.

Public Safety Tech Backlash: South Carolina residents are again pushing back against automatic license plate reader cameras, after fresh vandalism incidents across the state raised new questions about surveillance and misuse. Prison News: A Horry County man sentenced to death in 2008 for killing his estranged wife, Louis Michael Winkler Jr., died Sept. 7 at Kirkland Correctional Institution after an extended illness; an autopsy is planned. Local Crime Crackdown: Charleston County deputies arrested people tied to an illegal street takeover on Storage Road, including charges under the new 2026 Street Takeover law. State Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace used Labor Day posts to argue data centers are a national security issue and to promote a “Hire American Act” aimed at federal jobs. Education & Schools: Clover Superintendent Sheila Quinn announced her retirement; York School District One named Bryan McDougald as Coordinator of School Safety. Meta Settlement: South Carolina will receive nearly $247 million from a multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook safety for children and teens. Sports (Gamecocks): USC freshman tight end Caden Ramsey was arrested on a racing charge, while the Gamecocks’ season opener vs. Kent State remains a major local sports story.

NASCAR in South Carolina: Christopher Bell ended a long drought by winning the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington, passing Kyle Larson late after a rain delay and opening the Chase with his first 2026 victory. South Carolina sports: LaNorris Sellers threw three TD passes as South Carolina routed Kent State 57-0 in the Gamecocks’ scorching season opener, while South Carolina State beat Florida A&M 31-13 in the Orange Blossom Classic behind Mason Pickett-Hicks’ 210 rushing yards and two scores. Energy and growth: Duke Energy laid out a major Carolinas power plan through 2041, aiming to add big solar, storage, gas, and new nuclear—while regulators weigh costs and reliability. Work and rights: A new report says Georgia ranks near the bottom for worker’s rights, with South Carolina and other states also criticized over low minimum wages and right-to-work rules. Higher education policy: The Trump administration proposed stripping tax-exempt status from private colleges that offer race-based help, escalating pressure on diversity programs. Weather/traffic safety: Labor Day weekend brought storm tracking and warnings, plus reports of a teen shot in a road rage incident that started in South Carolina and ended in Augusta.

Orange Blossom Classic: Florida A&M’s football team unveiled new orange uniforms for its matchup with South Carolina State, but thunderstorms at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens delayed the game; a new kickoff time hasn’t been set yet, though ESPN will televise once it starts. Gamecocks Football: South Carolina opened its season with a 57-0 rout of Kent State in record heat at Williams-Brice Stadium, with LaNorris Sellers throwing three TDs as the Gamecocks answered big questions early. Labor Day Safety: The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is ramping up enforcement and education through Sept. 7 as part of Sober or Slammer, warning of heavier traffic and urging drivers to plan sober rides. Boating Checks: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will run courtesy boat inspections at public landings statewide on Sept. 6-7, focusing on safety gear and registration compliance. State Budget Focus: In Focus South Carolina highlighted the state’s new $15 billion budget, including teacher pay, income-tax relief, education support, and road and bridge repairs. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm alerts were active across parts of the Carolinas on Sept. 6, with officials tracking impacts into the afternoon and evening.

USC Football: South Carolina opened its season with a 57-0 rout of Kent State in record-breaking heat at Williams-Brice Stadium, with LaNorris Sellers throwing for 270 yards and three TDs and the Gamecocks totaling 645 yards with no turnovers. Local Politics: Democratic candidates held a Midlands forum in Columbia urging turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, featuring Gov. hopeful Jermaine Johnson, U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews, and state Rep. Kambrell Garvin. Public Safety: Sumter County deputies arrested David Faulk of Rembert after a SLED and narcotics unit investigation seized nearly 50 pounds of marijuana, suspected oxycodone, and four firearms, including a reported stolen gun. Health & Travel: Clorox Puerto Rico recalled 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin/Lestoil cleaners due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for immunocompromised travelers using vacation rentals in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Weather Watch: Labor Day weekend storm threats linger across parts of the Carolinas and Southeast, with thunderstorm watches and hazardous wind gust risk noted for areas including the Midlands and Lowcountry.

Gamecocks Injury Update: South Carolina WR Nyck Harbor looked shaken after a helmet-to-helmet hit late in the first half vs. Kent State on Sept. 5, but he returned for the third quarter and stayed on the sideline without going to the medical tent. Local Sports Recruiting: Byrnes point guard Colt Fowler, the SCHSL Class 5A player of the year, committed to the College of Charleston, averaging 24.3 points and 10.8 assists last season. Lowcountry/Upstate Community: Fountain Inn was named South Carolina’s “Most Charming Small Town” by AFAR, highlighting local spots like Bobby’s BBQ and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Public Safety: A 24-year-old pregnant Sumter woman and her unborn baby died after her hair became entangled in a go-kart sprocket, according to reports. Politics/Spending: President Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC delivered its first major midterm contribution—$10 million—to Texas AG Ken Paxton. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Columbia leads South Carolina cities for scam reports in July, with Beaufort tied for 18th. Weather: The Charlotte region faced severe thunderstorm watches and shifting alerts as Labor Day weekend storms moved in.