AGP Executive Report

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania has topped 1,000 measles cases this year, the largest outbreak in more than three decades, as the U.S. records nearly 3,900 cases overall; New York responded with a statewide disaster emergency to expand who can give MMR shots and order testing. South Carolina Accountability: S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson is demanding answers from Flock Safety about its AI use, data access, retention rules, and whether information is shared through a broader network of customers. Local Politics: Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews is touring rural South Carolina, pitching plans to lower health care costs and protect rural hospitals after hearing concerns from veterans and Medicaid recipients. National Justice Watch: President Trump approved execution by firing squad for Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, a method not used by the U.S. military since the early 1960s. Remembering Jim Bakker: Televangelist Jim Bakker, whose PTL empire collapsed amid sex and fraud scandals, died at 86.

SLED Investigation: South Carolina State University police are still working with SLED after a 2025 Homecoming shooting that killed 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler; SLED says multiple people were charged for having firearms on campus, but the person responsible hasn’t been identified, and tips are being accepted at (866) 472-8477 or tips@sled.sc.gov. AG Privacy Scrutiny: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is demanding answers from Flock Safety about privacy and security rules, including whether the company uses AI, how data access works, and how long information is retained. Teacher Loan Relief: The South Carolina Student Loan Corp. launched new Workforce Pell-style options for public school teachers, offering a 2% fixed-rate refinance and, for some, loan forgiveness funded by a $10 million state proviso. Public Safety & Courts: A former Anderson County paramedic faces felony charges after investigators allege he touched a patient without consent and falsified a report. Arts Funding Fallout: The S.C. Arts Commission board chair is set to resign after the board denied grants to two LGBTQ+ groups. Health Watch: Pennsylvania measles cases topped 1,000, with hundreds hospitalized and multiple deaths reported.

Local Music & Community: The inaugural Mojo Columbia Music Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2–10 p.m. at Historic Columbia Speedway, with two stages, local acts like The Donovan Twins, Danny Anderson, Silk Road, and The Smoaks, plus regional headliners and live art, food trucks, vendors, and free shuttles. Education Policy: A Trump administration proposal could loosen Head Start rules that protect kids who show challenging behaviors, raising fears of more suspensions and expulsions—especially in states like South Carolina that don’t have the same safeguards. Health Care Funding: Georgia cut Medicaid reimbursement for foster children’s autism therapy by 30%, pushing some providers to stop accepting new patients at the lower rate. Politics & Voting Rights: A federal judge tossed a lawsuit claiming South Carolina violated disabled voters’ rights, dismissing it for lack of legal standing. Sports (College Football): Missouri’s 45–17 rout of Florida vaulted it to No. 14 in the AP Top 25, while Alabama’s 56–23 win over Mississippi State moved it to No. 6 and Texas stayed No. 1. Public Safety: South Carolina State Transport Police joined a multi-state crackdown, removing 78 unsafe commercial drivers from roadways during “Operation Saturday Night Fever.”

Voting Rights in Court: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging South Carolina violated disabled voters’ rights, saying the plaintiffs lacked legal standing and didn’t show a denied request for assistance. Child Safety Tragedy: A Ladson mother, Justine May, was charged with homicide by child abuse after deputies found her two daughters dead from starvation and dehydration following repeated prior welfare visits. Film Industry Jobs Push: Bipartisan legislation would expand federal incentives for movie and TV production, aiming to bring more filming—and jobs—back to communities nationwide, including rural and disaster-impacted areas. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of intensifying flood risk across the South, with heavy rain expected to spread into the Carolinas and bring 2–3 inches in parts of South Carolina. State Recognition: Gov. Henry McMaster awarded the Order of the Palmetto to Dr. Delores Dacosta for decades of public service and community work. College Football (SEC): Missouri surged to No. 14 after routing Florida 45-17, while Alabama moved to No. 6 after beating Mississippi State 56-23 ahead of a big Georgia matchup.

South Carolina Politics & Elections: President Donald Trump campaigned in Ohio, backing Sen. Jon Husted and urging voters to “pretend” he’s running—while the daylight saving fight continues as Trump publicly shares Sen. Tom Cotton’s cell number to pressure the stalled “Sunshine Protection Act.” Gamecocks Football: South Carolina blew a 17-point lead and fell to Kentucky 35-34 in overtime, dropping to 0-3 in SEC play and reigniting calls for Shane Beamer’s future. College Sports: Miami routed Clemson 41-13; The Citadel edged South Carolina State 34-31; LSU crushed McNeese 63-14; Missouri beat Florida 45-17. Public Health: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall over possible E. coli contamination, including Walmart’s Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in South Carolina. Consumer/Local Watch: States are tightening rules on “we buy houses” cash wholesaling, after concerns that vulnerable sellers may be misled and lose equity. Community & Culture: Greenwood’s The Q Station will open as a barbecue teaching hub, and breast cancer survivor Dee Dee Setzler is turning treatment into humor with her “Ruby” wig.

Daylight Saving Fight: President Trump posted Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton’s personal cellphone number on Truth Social, urging Arkansans to pressure him to advance the Sunshine Protection Act and make daylight saving time permanent—while Cotton pushed back that Congress has tried this before and repealed it. Coastal Planning: South Carolina’s Department of Environmental Services will hold an Oct. 13 public information session on proposed changes to coastal dock regulations, with a formal hearing set for Oct. 27 in Columbia. Public Safety: A massive fog-caused I-95 pileup over Lake Marion shut down southbound lanes for more than 17 hours, with one airlifted and others treated for injuries. Local Crime: A Ladson mother, Justine May, was charged with homicide by child abuse after investigators found two young children dead from starvation and dehydration. Wildlife: Four South Carolina residents captured the “Snaggletooth” alligator—an 844-pound, nearly 14-foot gator—after a four-year search near Lake Moultrie. Sports (SC ties): Alabama routed Mississippi State 56-23 in Starkville, while South Carolina prepares for a key SEC matchup at home against Kentucky.

Traffic & Safety: A massive 69-vehicle pileup shut down an I-95 bridge over Lake Marion after thick fog reduced visibility, injuring at least a dozen people and involving 15 tractor-trailers. State Politics: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear stumped for South Carolina Democrats and teased a possible 2028 presidential run, telling voters liberal candidates can fight on tough issues. Housing & Insurance: Louisiana’s shift in its fortified roof program could cost homeowners insurance discounts after 15 years unless they re-certify, raising concerns for long-term savings. Arts & Civil Rights: The South Carolina Arts Commission denied grants to the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and Proud Mary Theatre Company, with leaders calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional. Local Crime: A Ladson mother was charged after two toddlers were found dead from starvation and dehydration; deputies said they’d responded to the home multiple times before the deaths. Sports (SC focus): Alabama and Mississippi State headline the weekend’s top-25 college football slate, with the Tide traveling to Starkville.

Execution Debate: Tennessee’s botched lethal injection of Christa Pike—she reportedly remained alive after pentobarbital—has reignited questions about whether lethal injection is truly “more humane,” with Pike now in critical condition. Local Environment: Fort Mill residents, school leaders and lawmakers are urging Gov. McMaster to stop Silfab Solar from restarting chemical commissioning after March leaks forced a nearby elementary school closure. South Carolina Politics: A new poll shows Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s successor race tightening, with Democrat Annie Andrews trailing by about one point. Ethics & Local Government: The S.C. Ethics Commission dismissed an ethics complaint against Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater, citing no probable cause, though she still faces a separate fine. Arts Funding: The S.C. Arts Commission denied grants to two Upstate LGBTQ+ groups, leaving them without expected state support. Education Rankings: South Carolina placed ninth in a national “Integrity in State Education” ranking, scoring highest for teacher policies. Public Safety: Florida Highway Patrol joined a multi-state crackdown targeting unsafe commercial drivers along the I-95 corridor, including South Carolina enforcement partners. Sports (SC angle): WVU’s Pablo Pozos named to the MAC Hermann Trophy midseason watch list ahead of a Saturday match at South Carolina.

College Football TV Guide: Week 5 is stacked for South Carolina fans, with No. 24 Kentucky at South Carolina at 4:15 p.m. on the SEC Network, plus Ohio State at Iowa (3:30 p.m. CBS) and Miami at Clemson (7:30 p.m. ABC). Arts & Civil Rights: The S.C. Arts Commission denied grants to two LGBTQ+ groups in the Upstate—sparking ACLU criticism that the groups were singled out. Public Health: A CDC advisory says rabies inquiries and post-exposure treatment are rising, with experts pointing to strain on public-health systems and more exposure events. Local Government & Utilities: Whitmire’s drinking water violated state standards after disinfection byproducts exceeded limits, and residents complained about late notification. Transportation: Jasper County held a public meeting on a $57 million widening of Argent Boulevard, with neighbors worried about noise and property impacts. Education Access: The Meeting Street Scholarship Fund is expanding in Sumter County, with about $352,000 set to help more than 40 seniors pay for college. Energy & Jobs: USC and Westinghouse announced a nuclear workforce development partnership aimed at supporting future reactor deployment. Safety: A massive pileup on an I-95 bridge over Lake Marion injured at least 11 people, with fog blamed for reduced visibility.

Public Safety & Health: Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office received $50,665 for victim services, while Berkeley EMS equipped every ambulance with free Narcan kits to reverse opioid overdoses. Major Crash: A 50-car pileup on I-95 in Orangeburg County shut down all lanes between mile markers 97.5 and 102; about 11 people were injured. Courts & Justice: Alex Murdaugh’s defense says it’s “at a standstill” ahead of his April 2027 retrial, demanding more discovery tied to allegations of a Lowcountry police cover-up involving murder weapons and bloody clothing. State Policy: South Carolina officially added “Carolina When I Die” as a state song. Transportation Planning: SCDOT is seeking public comment through Oct. 31 on replacing the U.S. 178 bridge over Bull Swamp in Orangeburg County. Community & Culture: The 43rd Annual South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival returns Oct. 10 in downtown Darlington. Politics & Campaigns: Sarita Edgerton posted about South Carolina’s firing squad as she pushes for reelection.

Education & Elections: A new report ranks states on the biggest education culture-war fights, while South Carolina’s voter registration deadline for the 2026 statewide general election is Oct. 4. Local Colleges: Florence-Darlington Technical College’s search for a new permanent president could take up to six months under state law. Politics & Ethics: A Lexington town councilmember faces ethics complaints tied to a proposed development where he has a realtor connection; he denies wrongdoing. Business & Healthcare: MUSC Health-Pee Dee names Jason Cox its CEO, and a Saber Healthcare data breach investigation is prompting class-action probes involving South Carolina residents. Community & Culture: Charleston Opera Theater unveils its 2026-27 season, and the Pee Dee State Farmers Market hosts its Fall Plant, Flower & Food Festival Oct. 2-4. Sports: Jabree Coleman takes over as South Carolina’s No. 2 running back role. Public Safety: Greenville County gang activity is down slightly, but offenses remain severe.

Obamacare Refunds: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will start receiving $500 ACA refund checks, including South Carolina, after claims that Biden-era user fees overcharged consumers. Lowcountry Crime Victim Funding: S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson highlighted more than $9.2 million in Department of Crime Victim Assistance grants going to 30 Lowcountry agencies, with Charleston County receiving the most. Public Safety Crackdown: A multistate I-95 operation pulled dozens of unsafe commercial trucks and drivers off the road, with South Carolina State Transport Police among partners. Healthcare Access in Rural SC: Genesis Healthcare rolled out a mobile “clinical bus” event in Lydia to provide sick visits, screenings, and follow-ups for residents who face long drives. Local Environment: Keep the Midlands Beautiful reported 6,000+ pounds of litter removed from Lake Murray and nearby waterways during a Sept. 19 cleanup. Sports & SC Spotlight: A hot-seat debate over South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer continues as the Gamecocks head into another key stretch.

Cancer Funding Push: More than 750 cancer patients and advocates, including two South Carolinians, traveled to Capitol Hill to urge Congress to boost federal cancer research and prevention funding, citing major needs in early detection and clinical trial access. Data Center Fight: A new coalition of AI firms, private equity, and major construction unions is pushing states—including South Carolina—for stricter standards instead of moratoriums as data centers expand amid electricity, water, and community concerns. Nuclear Workforce & Energy: South Carolina leaders doubled down on a “nuclear renaissance,” announcing a USC–Westinghouse partnership aimed at training the next generation of nuclear workers. Road Safety & Enforcement: Charleston police issued 613 hands-free citations from March through late August, marking the first year of the state’s phone ban while officials warn distractions still drive crashes. Local Government & Schools: Lexington-Richland 5 approved an initial plan allowing SLED-certified district security staff to carry firearms on campus. Community Notes: Fourth grade teachers can apply for SC’s 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse, and Table Rock Road’s bridge will close Oct. 5 for repairs.

Nuclear workforce push: The University of South Carolina will partner with Westinghouse to create a nuclear innovation center and training hub in Columbia, aiming to build the next generation of nuclear engineers and technicians. Data center debate: A new report highlights how much water and electricity data centers demand, feeding ongoing South Carolina concerns about growth and impacts. Public safety and health: Conway Medical Center officials warn S.C. students about the emerging synthetic opioid cyclorphine, noting it can be far more potent than fentanyl and may not show on standard test strips. Education and jobs: Midlands Technical College launched South Carolina’s first associate degree in electrical technology, designed to prepare students for residential, commercial, industrial and low-voltage work. Courts and civil rights: The Fourth Circuit revived parts of a challenge to South Carolina limits on race-related instruction in public schools, including claims tied to removed AP African American Studies materials. Local resilience funding: FEMA is sending nearly $5.5 million to support nine disaster recovery and resilience projects across South Carolina.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan college athletics bill (77-22) that sets a national framework for athlete compensation, adds antitrust protections for the NCAA, and creates a five-year eligibility timeline; it now heads to the House, where the outcome is uncertain. South Carolina Politics: South Carolina’s own Sen. Tim Scott amendment would require colleges and athletic groups to disclose foreign funding for college sports above $600, while another change would protect state personal-injury and wrongful-death laws. Local Law Enforcement Tech: Richland County’s Flock ALPR network is under scrutiny as WIS reports on how license-plate readers work, what they capture, and concerns about privacy and misuse. US House Maps: After the Supreme Court settled Missouri’s dispute, nine states now have new U.S. House districts for the midterms. Midlands Education: Winthrop University highlights how it uses student engagement survey results to update undergraduate competencies and improve educational quality. USC Leadership: Dawn Staley launched the USC HRSM Dawn Staley Leadership Academy, a six-credit program for students. Sports—Gamecocks: Dylan Stewart was suspended by the SEC and South Carolina after a punch in the Alabama game.

South Carolina Politics: A conservative-leaning Trafalgar poll shows GOP Sen. Darline Graham barely ahead of Democrat Annie Andrews in the race to succeed Lindsey Graham, with about 8% undecided. Public Safety: SLED arrested a Spartanburg County man, Joshua Alexander De Leon, on charges of criminal sexual conduct with a child. Education: Winthrop University highlights how it uses student engagement data to update its undergraduate core curriculum and learning goals. Local Schools: USC Sumter was ranked No. 1 in South Carolina and No. 3 nationally among community colleges by Niche.com. State Road Safety: South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety reported a preliminary eight traffic deaths over the Sept. 25–27 weekend. Business & Consumer: A multistate settlement involving 44 attorneys general resolves a 2019 Labcorp data breach, with injunctive relief and payments to states. Sports (regional): South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart was suspended indefinitely after a punch in the Alabama game, while the Gamecocks fell 49-18.