AGP Executive Report

Redistricting Fight: South Carolina’s Senate has effectively killed a Trump-backed congressional map after a 20-24 vote, with early-voting turnout and GOP lawmakers crossing with Democrats to block changes that would have reshaped Rep. Jim Clyburn’s district. Local Government: Lancaster City Council approved an 8.64-acre Charlotte Highway annexation for a medical office and rezoned a Chesterfield Avenue building for a pediatric occupational therapy practice, plus set alcohol rules for the 2026 Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. Budget Watch: Lancaster County Council advanced its FY2026-27 budget on first reading, proposing a $206.6M all-funds plan and committing $6M for a Harrisburg Road fire station. Public Safety & Health: South Carolina election officials reported record first-day early voting for the June 9 primary, with more than 56,000 ballots cast statewide. Sports: South Carolina football’s first three 2026 kickoff times are set, including the Sept. 5 opener vs. Kent State at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Clemson Leadership Loss: Terry Don Phillips, the Clemson athletic director who hired Dabo Swinney and helped build the Tigers’ modern dynasty, died Tuesday at 78 after a long dementia diagnosis. Redistricting Fight: South Carolina’s GOP-backed push to redraw congressional lines was effectively killed in the state Senate Tuesday, with early voting turnout and GOP defections helping sink the plan that Trump wanted before the midterms. Weather Alert: A flash flood warning hit Laurens County late Tuesday as storms dumped heavy rain fast, prompting “turn around, don’t drown” road warnings. Public Health: The FDA is investigating a new Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder capsules, with MOGO brand lots recalled. Business/Tech: Volvo won U.S. approval to keep importing and selling “connected car” vehicles despite earlier restrictions on Chinese-linked tech. National Crime: A federal jury convicted 3 more people tied to an international email hacking scam that netted about $215 million from 1,000+ victims.

Redistricting Rebuff: South Carolina’s GOP-led Senate killed Trump’s mid-decade congressional map push Tuesday, voting 26-18 to halt debate as early voting for the June 9 primaries had already started—meaning the 2026 primary and midterm ballots will use the current districts, including Rep. Jim Clyburn’s lone majority-Black seat. Voting Lines, Real-Time Politics: Several Republicans joined Democrats on procedural moves, with critics saying it was too late to change rules once voters were already casting ballots. National Echo: The setback landed the same day Alabama’s GOP map was blocked by a federal three-judge panel, adding to a broader Southern redistricting scramble after the Supreme Court weakened Voting Rights Act protections. Public Safety: A Rock Hill man was indicted for allegedly threatening President Trump on X, and authorities released details from a deadly Cayce chase that ended with a suspect’s death. Weather + Tragedy: A woman died after an airborne patio umbrella struck her at a Lake Marion restaurant, with the case ruled an accident.

Memorial Day Politics: In a rainy Arlington ceremony, President Trump used the 250th anniversary of American independence to set a sober tone—then doubled down on his Iran messaging, saying a broader U.S.-Iran agreement is “largely negotiated,” while Republicans warn he may be cutting and running. South Carolina Voting Watch: The state Election Commission says the June 9 primary will go forward as scheduled, with early voting opening Tuesday (May 26) despite the ongoing redistricting fight. Redistricting Pressure: Lawmakers are still locked in a high-stakes scramble over congressional maps as early voting begins, with Democrats arguing the timing could dilute minority voting power. Local Safety & Weather: A woman died after an airborne umbrella struck her at a Lake Marion restaurant during strong winds, and forecasters flag El Niño-driven summer heat with South Carolina returning toward more average rainfall patterns. Lottery: Powerball results for May 25: 17-32-48-60-64, Powerball 10 (Power Play 2).

Memorial Day Fallout: A Memorial Day weekend in South Carolina is already drawing national attention for the wrong reasons—Atlantic Beach officials say a stampede at the Black Bike Week festival left 19 people hurt after someone started running near the stage area. Public Safety: The same holiday stretch also brought deadly crashes and investigations across the region, including a teen killed in an Anderson County crash early Sunday. Politics & Power: At the Statehouse, South Carolina’s redistricting fight is still in motion as senators continue debate ahead of the June 9 primary and early voting. Sports: NCAA baseball brackets are set—Oklahoma State is the No. 2 seed in Tuscaloosa and will open against South Carolina Upstate, while Alabama will host its first regional under Rob Vaughn. Space & Tech: SpaceX launched 29 more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on Memorial Day.

EV Strategy: Volvo is staying “all-in” on electric vehicles while rivals scale back, arguing that a smaller automaker can’t spread itself across every powertrain—so it’s leaning on Geely partners for some engines and hybrids to free up focus for EV tech and software. Memorial Day & Safety: South Carolina is kicking off “100 Deadly Days of Summer” with a seat-belt push after officials say nearly half of people killed in fatal crashes during last year’s Memorial Day period weren’t buckled. Crowd Chaos: Nineteen people were injured in a stampede at Atlantic Beach’s Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival after someone started running, triggering a brief surge; officials say injuries weren’t life-threatening. Politics: The Iran peace deal is drawing fresh Republican backlash, with hawks calling it a “disastrous mistake” as Democrats join the criticism. Sports: South Carolina softball infielder Karley Shelton entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, and SC’s NCAA baseball tournament picture continues to sharpen after SEC tourney results.

Crowd Safety Crisis: Nineteen people were hurt in a rush near a stage at Atlantic Beach’s Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival around 1 a.m. Sunday; officials say none of the injuries appear life-threatening and three were taken to a hospital, while others may have sought care on their own. Local Culture & Community: The town says the incident lasted seconds and appeared to start when someone began running, while the festival continued after a brief pause. Memorial Day Mood: A national debate over whether the holiday has drifted from remembrance to sales and beach plans is heating up, with some families pushing back on the commercialization. Politics Watch: Across the week, South Carolina’s redistricting fight and June primary voting deadlines remain a major backdrop, with groups urging voters to use early voting. Weather & Travel: Memorial Day weekend warnings keep focus on beach hazards like rip currents and on staying prepared for changing conditions.

Iran Deal Backlash: Senior GOP senators are publicly warning that Trump’s emerging Iran framework could be a “disastrous mistake,” with Lindsey Graham saying it would “pour gasoline” on conflicts and Ted Cruz warning it may leave Iran enriched and able to control the Strait of Hormuz. SC Redistricting: In South Carolina, the Senate advanced a new congressional map with another vote pushed to Tuesday as early voting begins—while protesters say the process is “cheating four years early.” Memorial Day Travel & Safety: South Carolina is ramping up patrols for the “100 Deadly Days of Summer,” targeting speeding, impaired driving, and seat belts as AAA projects record travel. Weather Watch: Memorial Day weekend plans face fog, spotty rain, and storm chances, with warmer conditions returning. Sports Spotlight: NCAA softball super regionals are set for the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, and South Carolina high school soccer championships featured Eastside High’s boys title run.

Iran Talks and Trump’s Call: President Trump met Gulf and other regional leaders to review Iran’s latest proposal, with mediators emerging from Tehran saying they’re closer to a framework deal; Trump told Axios the odds are “solid 50/50” and he could decide by Sunday whether to resume military action. SC Politics: The South Carolina Senate voted to meet on a Sunday for the first time in decades as Republicans push a White House-backed congressional map, while critics warn it’s likely to be struck down in court. Redistricting Fight: The House’s rush to redraw districts is colliding with open-meetings rules, with a judge weighing whether the dispute is just “internal workings.” Public Safety: Memorial Day enforcement ramps up across the Lowcountry and state, with extra patrols on roads and waterways. Health Alert: Whole Foods recalled minestrone soup in 17 states due to undeclared shrimp that can trigger life-threatening allergies. Local Notes: A small earthquake was recorded near Irmo, and Columbia police are investigating an unresponsive child case.

Memorial Day & Travel: AAA is projecting a record Memorial Day push, with millions hitting the road even as gas stays high—drivers are trying to keep trips closer to home. Construction & Consumer Safety: A South Carolina-area homeowner dispute is spotlighting a growing problem: builders facing mounting claims over alleged poor construction and sinking foundations. Sports—Women’s Basketball & Pro Hoops: The Dallas Mavericks’ coaching vacancy is reportedly tied to Dawn Staley, with talk of a historic NBA interview. Sports—NCAA Softball: Super regionals are underway, with teams racing toward the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City starting May 28. State Politics—Redistricting: Republicans continue rushing new congressional maps after Supreme Court changes to minority protections, with South Carolina still working through the process. Health & Community: South Carolina’s long-term care workforce gets a boost as new TB screening rules take effect, aiming to speed hiring while keeping resident protections. Local Notes: Elmira Corning Airport adds nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, and Aiken asks residents to voluntarily cut non-essential water use amid severe drought.

Red Snapper Legal Block: A federal judge temporarily halted South Atlantic recreational red snapper expansions, freezing exempted fishing permits for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina just as Memorial Day weekend hit—NOAA says the recreational harvest remains closed. Drought Pressure: South Carolina is now under “severe” drought statewide, with voluntary cuts statewide and mandatory restrictions in parts of the Catawba–Wateree Basin. Public Safety & Crime: A South Carolina man was arrested in North Carolina and accused of sex crimes involving a girl under 16; in Orangeburg, the AG announced a child sexual abuse material arrest. Health Alerts: Whole Foods minestrone sold nationwide was recalled after undeclared shrimp was found. Politics & Maps: South Carolina authorized local sales taxes up to 1% for property tax relief, while redistricting fights continue in the background. Sports Schedule Shakeups: South Carolina and UNC canceled their 2028/2029 home-and-home as conferences move to nine-game schedules.

Redistricting Clash in Columbia: South Carolina senators debated a fast-moving congressional map push Thursday, with Democrats warning it could confuse voters and force counties to redo ballots after some voting already started, while Republicans said they “did not have the luxury of time.” Citizens Push Back: Protesters gathered at the Statehouse as the Senate weighed timing and public input. Citizenship Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace advanced a constitutional amendment idea to bar naturalized citizens from serving as federal judges and in Senate-confirmed roles. Memorial Day Travel Costs: Gas prices are climbing heading into the holiday, with AAA reporting Arizona’s regular average at a four-year high. Sports & Culture: Kyle Busch’s death at 41 shook NASCAR, while Dr. Beach’s 2026 list put Florida’s St. Andrews at No. 2 for Memorial Day weekend. Local Watch: York County charged a parks superintendent with a cash rental-fee embezzlement scheme at Field Day Park.

Redistricting Sprint: South Carolina’s GOP map push is accelerating again—after the House advanced a congressional plan targeting Rep. Jim Clyburn, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 15-7 to move the new gerrymander toward the full Senate, with lawmakers racing to finish before June 9 early voting. Election Clarity: The state Election Commission says the June 9 statewide primary will proceed as scheduled, despite the legislative chaos. Water Worries: Ridgeland asked residents to voluntarily cut water use as the state stays under severe drought status. Memorial Day Weather: A cold front is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms across the Upstate, with rain chances staying elevated into the holiday weekend. Public Safety Push: SCDPS is ramping up seat belt enforcement for Memorial Day travel. Sports & Culture: The NAACP launched an “Out of Bounds” campaign urging Black athletes and fans to withhold support from public universities in states it says are limiting Black voting power; meanwhile, Hurricanes fans are tailgating in full force ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

SEC All-Sports Trophy: Florida grabbed the 2025-26 USA Today Network SEC All-Sports title, edging Texas on a points system tied to SEC finishes across multiple sports. Redistricting Fight: South Carolina Republicans pushed a new congressional map forward after midnight, but voting-rights groups sued to pause the process over a mid-debate rules change, with a Wednesday hearing set. Local Governance: Beaufort County approved a gunfire-in-neighborhoods ordinance, aiming to curb careless shooting with civil fines. Energy & Data Centers: A NextEra–Dominion merger proposal is drawing immediate consumer backlash, with critics warning about power and data-center loads. Sports: Alabama learned it will face Florida in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals after the Gators beat Vanderbilt. Lottery: South Carolina’s May 20 Powerball numbers were 10-28-30-46-57 (Powerball 25).

Redistricting Clash: A South Carolina judge rejected a bid to block new rules limiting debate on the state’s redistricting bill, siding with House Republicans after advocacy groups argued a rules committee meeting was rushed with too little public notice. Voting Rights Pressure: The fight is heating up as lawmakers push a new congressional map aimed at dismantling the state’s lone majority-Black district ahead of early voting. Housing & Cost of Living: The House passed an updated bipartisan housing bill and sent it back to the Senate, while Memorial Day cookouts in the Carolinas face higher prices. Public Safety & Courts: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bathroom law that could force some trans students into single-user or portable options, and a Michigan woman pleaded guilty to a $4.6M fraud scheme meant to fund a child’s modeling career. Local Good News: The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is back in SC, and the State Fair’s “Ride of Your Life” scholarships are awarding more money to students.

Redistricting Fight: South Carolina’s House approved a new congressional map aimed at locking in GOP control of all 7 seats, sending the bill to the Senate soon—while voting-rights groups sued over a late rule change that limited amendments and allegedly shorted public notice. Legal & Courts: The Fourth Circuit revived a South Carolina widow’s freight-broker lawsuit after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling expanded brokers’ exposure to state-based claims. Politics Beyond SC: Trump endorsed Texas AG Ken Paxton in the GOP Senate runoff, and Georgia’s GOP Senate primary is headed to a runoff. NAACP Push: The NAACP launched an “Out of Bounds” campaign urging Black athletes and fans to withhold support from public universities in eight Southern states tied to voting-rights rollbacks. Public Safety: York County identified a man who drowned in Lake Wylie after jumping from a boat. Food Recall: Kroger recalled certain seasoned croutons in 17 states over possible Salmonella risk. Sports: LSU beat Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament opener; South Carolina’s season ended with an 11-6 loss to Tennessee.