AGP Executive Report

Local Events: Mauldin’s 16th annual Sooie BBQ Cook-Off returns Sept. 11-12 at the Mauldin Cultural Center, with 20+ teams, certified tasters, live music, a kids’ zone, and a People’s Choice vote. Public Safety & Tech: Myrtle Beach police say an AI gunshot detection tool helped lead to the arrest of a man charged after an Aug. 10 incident. State Government & Funding: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a supplemental appropriations bill distributing about $350 million for community projects statewide, including upstate items like the Greenville Zoo and the Greenville Downtown Airport. Arts Education: The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is now accepting applications for tuition-free residential arts programs and immersive summer experiences for students in Grades 6-11. Sports & Community: USC women’s basketball announced five FAM bus trips for the 2026-27 season, with tickets bundled for $700 total. Health Care: Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery says Dr. Robert Browning performed the first arthroscopic cartilage transplant in the Midlands on Aug. 17.

Politics & Campaigns: President Trump says he’ll make “a lot of stops” in the final month before November’s midterms, including a campaign swing that recently included South Carolina for Darline Graham. Public Safety: A suspect wanted in the killing of a Georgia police officer was confirmed dead after South Carolina authorities stopped the vehicle on I-85; investigators say the man died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Local Justice: In a separate South Carolina case, parents of 5-year-old autistic Saylor Hayes were arrested after her body was found near Pawleys Island; authorities allege they misled investigators and failed to protect her. State Government & Services: South Carolina DSS marked September as Kinship Care Month, noting nearly 29% of children in foster care are placed with approved kinship caregivers. Sports & Community: Williams-Brice Stadium’s Phase 1 renovation is underway, adding more restroom capacity for fans, while Gov. McMaster will ride as honorary pace car rider for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington. Health: A national measles resurgence continues, with experts pointing to falling vaccination rates as the driver.

State Budget Watch: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a standalone bill sending about $350 million in earmarks to South Carolina projects, including transportation, public safety, economic development, recreation and infrastructure, with House and Senate each directing major portions and McMaster stressing added oversight. Local Politics: Greenwood Democrats packed a sold-out Carnell-Drummond-Mays banquet, where U.S. Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews urged voters to focus on affordability and public health, while also pushing back on claims she supports socialism. Public Safety: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes—described as nonverbal and autistic—were arrested after she was found dead in a river near the family’s South Carolina rental home; authorities allege the child was left unsupervised near water and a tracking device wasn’t being worn. Education & Community: Eight Greenville County high schools placed among South Carolina’s top public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, including Riverside High (No. 11 in SC). Sports: Clemson opens the 2026 season at LSU, and Dabo Swinney called the practice of bringing back NFL roster players “embarrassing.”

Amazon Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including South Carolina, sued Amazon over alleged “invented” ad auctions that they say inflated prices for advertisers by more than $20 billion over seven years. Health & Safety: With flu season ramping up, experts say most people age 6 months and older should get vaccinated now, and the timing matters for best protection. Education: Two Richland One schools—Dreher High and A.C. Flora—earned spots among the nation’s “Best High Schools” in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 rankings. Higher Ed Access: Tri-County Technical College dean Melanie Gillespie says demand for financial aid is rising as students face higher costs beyond tuition, including housing and transportation. Politics & Voting: A federal appeals court ruled South Carolina’s age-based absentee voting law unconstitutional, adding pressure to how elections are run statewide. Public Safety: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson announced arrests tied to eight charges involving child sexual exploitation material. Sports (SC): South Carolina coach Shane Beamer again kept the Week 1 depth chart secret ahead of Kent State, with key players Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak ruled out.

Federal Courts & Voting Rights: A federal appeals court ruled South Carolina’s age-based absentee voting law unconstitutional, dealing another blow to the state’s election rules. Big Tech & Consumer Costs: The FTC and 22 states, including South Carolina, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated ad prices, with California saying the scheme may have pulled in about $20 billion. Public Safety Tragedy: A nonverbal 5-year-old, Saylor Hayes, was found dead after wandering from a Pawleys Island vacation rental; authorities say her body was recovered in nearby water after an intensive multi-agency search. Local Community & Culture: District Five music groups—Abner Creek Middle School Chorus, Beech Springs Middle School Percussion Ensemble, and Byrnes High School Wind Ensemble—earned invitations to the SCMEA conference. Food Safety: Another sprout product was added to an E. coli/Salmonella recall tied to Everything Sprouts, as FDA traceback points to a common seed supplier. State Politics & Media: President Trump renewed threats to report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC, but legal experts say any FCC action is unlikely to hold up. South Carolina Digging Up History: USC honors students uncovered 19th-century campus relics near the “Horseshoe,” with artifacts set for display at the South Caroliniana Library and Museum.

Public Health Alert: North Carolina officials say a traveler with measles may have exposed people in Asheville and Hendersonville, with specific hotel and gas-station times listed and residents urged to watch for symptoms through mid-September. Local Health & Safety: South Carolina overdose deaths dropped more than 31% in 2024, and state leaders marked National Overdose Awareness Day while emphasizing fentanyl remains the main driver and free opioid safety kits are available. Corrections Oversight: SLED and other agencies are investigating two inmate deaths at Broad River Correctional Institution, suspected suicides, with autopsies scheduled. Weather & Schools: A York County heatwave is expected to overlap with high school practice windows, and districts will follow SCHSL heat rules. Ports & Jobs: South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to study deepening the North Charleston Terminal to boost competitiveness. Arts & Community: Cayce is moving forward with South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll installation after hosting the artist. Sports Business: The FTC sued Amazon over alleged manipulative ad pricing, with South Carolina among the participating states.

NFL Preseason Highlights: Rams rookie QB Ty Simpson turned heads with a league-leading 78.4% completion rate (382 yards, 3 TDs, no picks) as teams trimmed rosters. Local Sports & Community: South Carolina State opened volleyball with a comeback win over Mississippi Valley State, while Gamecocks and other SC programs gear up for the next stretch of competition. Public Safety: A Columbia Police Department officer, Christopher DeLong, was killed and Officer David Dymock was wounded in a shooting; fundraisers are open for DeLong’s family. State Museum: The South Carolina State Museum officially opened the Carolina Wildlife Garden, a new native-plant habitat and education space. Global/Regional Watch: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met 3M’s CEO in Asheville during G20 talks, pushing for deeper R&D and advanced manufacturing ties. National Policy: ICE expanded deportation flights to third countries in Africa, according to internal documents reported by CBS News. Weather/Disaster: A flash flood at the Grand Canyon killed one and left about 15 missing or unaccounted for, with water service disrupted.

Columbia Police Tragedy: A Columbia officer, Christopher DeLong, was killed and another, David Dymock, was wounded in a park shooting after officers responded to a domestic dispute call; the suspect also died, and police asked the public to avoid the area during the investigation. FCC Clash Over Media Coverage: President Trump says he’ll report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC for “rebuke or punishment,” arguing her “Meet the Press” comments about his endorsement record were “purposeful inaccuracy,” while NBC defended Welker. Supreme Court Debate: Rep. Jim Clyburn backed expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices, calling it a “baker’s dozen” solution. Local Public Safety Crackdown: Isle of Palms police increased patrols for “Saturation Saturday,” targeting impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Medicaid Dollars in Motion: New data show Medicaid billing changes across South Carolina communities, including higher ambulance/transport costs in Pawleys Island and rising surgery-related payments in Williamston and Goose Creek. Food Assistance Update: South Carolina’s SNAP “junk food” restrictions are set to start Nov. 1, 2026, limiting benefits for candy and sugary drinks at major retailers.

Public Safety: Columbia Police Officer Christopher “Chris” DeLong Jr., 29, was killed and another officer was wounded in a park shooting after officers responded to a domestic dispute call; police say the suspect, Adam Tyler Dowdy, also died. Local Health Costs: Medicaid billing spikes show up across the Midlands and Lowcountry, including Greenville’s pathology/lab claims up 127.9% in 2024, Johnsonville’s medical/surgical supplies up 242.9%, Chester’s radiology procedures up 83%, and Conway’s vision services up 406.4%. State Oversight: The S.C. Public Service Commission declined to review a proposed 450-megawatt Spartanburg power station, saying it’s private use and outside its jurisdiction. Sports (SC): South Carolina State opened the season with an 87-0 shutout of Savannah State, while SC high school football Week 2 was repeatedly disrupted by weather.

Police Shooting in Columbia: Columbia Police say a gunman opened fire near a park on Hazelwood Road, killing the suspect in a shootout and leaving two officers shot; SLED and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office are assisting, and officials urged people to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Mica Miller Case: New reporting and family statements tied to Netflix’s “Death of the Pastor’s Wife” renew allegations that South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller abused and coerced his estranged wife, Mica Miller, including claims about involuntary hospitalizations before her April 2024 death. Local Arts & Culture: Charleston’s Gibbes Museum extended its Society 1858 prize entry deadline, while other South Carolina-area exhibit listings highlight ongoing watercolor and museum programming. Sports—SEC Eligibility: The SEC says it will comply, for now, with a Louisiana court order affecting enforcement of eligibility penalties tied to former professional athletes, with LSU’s case heading toward court. Invasive Species Watch: Joro spiders continue spreading through the Southeast, with officials asking visitors to document sightings in areas like the Smokies. Weather/Travel Safety: A reminder to heed beach warning signs as conditions shift for the weekend.

SNAP Update: South Carolina’s planned ban on candy and sugary drinks for SNAP shoppers has been pushed back to November after a federal court blocked similar restrictions in other states, giving households two extra months of current grocery rules. PFAS Scrutiny: A Yale scientist is mapping PFAS “forever chemical” hot spots tied to South Carolina farm sludge, as officials and residents press for clearer answers on where contamination risks are highest. Health & Safety: Georgia and South Carolina saw higher school vaccination exemption rates, with South Carolina up to 93%, raising concerns about herd protection. Public Health Alerts: Rabies exposure reports continue across South Carolina counties after positive animal tests. Housing Pressure: Foreclosure filings rose 10% year over year in July, with South Carolina among the states showing higher rates. Education & Military: USC requested $20 million from the state to build a new Senator Lindsey Graham ROTC center, topping up federal funding. Sports: South Carolina high school football Week 2 scores rolled in statewide.

Food Relief: Zakat Foundation of America is distributing 13,200 pounds of rice to underserved and refugee families across North and South Carolina, with deliveries running Aug. 29–Sept. 19 at partner sites including local mosques and community centers. Public Health Watch: A CDC report says South Carolina’s measles outbreak was likely growing faster than case counts showed, after real-time modeling helped explain why staffing decisions lagged; meanwhile, a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has now spread to 20 states with more than 11,000 illnesses. Health & Safety: The FDA classified an IV saline recall as the highest risk level after possible fiberglass contamination, with affected bags distributed to South Carolina and other states. Local Crime: SLED says a 71-year-old man in Lexington pinned a victim between vehicles in a strip mall parking lot and faces second-degree assault charges. Ports & Economy: SC Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a feasibility study to potentially deepen the North Charleston Terminal channel, aiming to boost cargo capacity and jobs. Sports: Dawn Staley released South Carolina’s 16-game women’s basketball nonconference schedule, including major matchups at Colonial Life Arena and neutral-site games.

Wellness Push: The 10th World Wellness Weekend is gearing up for Sept. 18–20 with 278 U.S. venues, including major hotel and spa brands, aiming to make wellbeing more social and accessible. Public Money Back: South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis says the state returned more than $52 million in unclaimed property in a record year. Local Safety & Community: Lake Lure Police added its first K-9 officer, Koda, trained for search-and-rescue and narcotics detection. Health Care Growth: McLeod Health cut the ribbon on a new $90 million inpatient hospital in Carolina Forest, adding 48 overnight beds. Historic Preservation: Charleston County extended a moratorium for 24 months to protect four historic Lowcountry communities. Tech, Privacy, and Tension: Three Chester County teens were arrested for allegedly destroying Flock Safety cameras, while other cities continue debating camera use. State Oversight: South Carolina’s Public Service Commission dismissed a challenge to a planned 450-megawatt Spartanburg power station, saying it’s private use. Sports (SC ties): South Carolina’s Shane Beamer said two key players are “doubtful” for the season opener vs. Kent State.

West Nile Watch: South Carolina DPH confirmed two West Nile virus outbreaks in the Midlands and Lowcountry, urging residents to prevent mosquito bites with repellent, screens, and by removing standing water. Food Safety: Federal alerts say multiple recalls are hitting SC shoppers, including cyclospora-linked Taylor Farms lettuce and other recalled produce items—officials advise not to eat or feed recalled products. Local Business & Community: Columbia’s three-day Capital City Kickoff starts Thursday with student discounts across the Vista, Five Points, Bull Street, Main Street and Finlay Park, plus free Gamecocks-related events. Education & Leadership: Bank of Clarendon director Rose Buyck Newton was elected the first woman to chair the USC Board of Trustees. Sports: Camden, Dutch Fork and Fairfield Central topped Midlands high school football rankings in the latest state media poll. Public Safety: Three men were arrested in Chester County after authorities say they cut down and burned Flock cameras.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews after defeating Rep. Ralph Norman—an outcome tied closely to President Trump’s backing and a high-stakes test of his influence in the state. Maternal Health: A South Carolina midwife and doula team are pushing to cut preventable maternal deaths, pointing to education and better support during pregnancy and postpartum. Tech & Kids: Meta agreed to change how teens use Instagram and Facebook and will pay states up to $17.1 billion in a landmark child-safety settlement, adding pressure for broader tech reforms. Public Safety: West Nile virus outbreaks in the Midlands and Lowcountry prompted new declarations and expanded mosquito efforts. Local Culture & Community: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library says it has provided books to 60,000 South Carolina children, with state investment helping expand reach. Justice Watch: A former Pulaski County chief deputy clerk in Arkansas was sentenced for altering voter records, a reminder that election integrity remains a live issue.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay South Carolina about $247 million as part of a multistate deal up to $17.1 billion over claims Instagram and Facebook were designed to be addictive and harmful to teens, with new child-safety rules including daily use limits, school-hour restrictions, and tighter parental controls. US Senate Politics (SC): Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina, beating Ralph Norman and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Annie Andrews, with Trump’s endorsement and super PAC spending playing a major role. State Courts: Five candidates filed to fill the S.C. Supreme Court seat left vacant by John Few, and former House Speaker Jay Lucas is not running. Local Public Safety: A Lexington man was federally charged in connection with sexual exploitation of a minor, while separate reports covered an Evans teen arrested after license plate readers were damaged in Columbia County. Education/Leadership: USC trustees elected Rose Buyck Newton as the university’s first female board chair.