AGP Executive Report

Senate Succession in SC: Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in as interim U.S. senator to finish Lindsey Graham’s term after his sudden death, and South Carolina’s special primary filing and voting calendar is now set for August. State Budget Deadlock: South Carolina lawmakers remain stuck on a new budget, with disputes over a homestead property tax exemption and hundreds of millions in local earmarks leaving the state on a continuing resolution. Local Tech Accountability: Two Greer police officers were terminated after violating department policy on Automatic License Plate Recognition, with the city saying an AI audit backed up allegations. Public Health Watch: The S.C. Department of Health reports cyclosporiasis cases are highest in the Upstate, with 16 total cases statewide so far this year and no outbreak investigation underway. Transportation Update: A Greenville County bridge on Latimer Mill Road over Horse Creek is closed for repairs, with a detour in place. National Immigration Policy: ICE is suspending most vehicle stops after two deadly shootings, with exceptions for warrants and partner-agency work.

Senate Succession in SC: Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s younger sister, to finish his term after his death, calling it a “fitting tribute” and saying Trump quickly agreed; Nordone says she’ll honor her brother’s legacy as South Carolina’s first woman in the U.S. Senate. Lottery for Education: SC Lottery transferred a near-record $606.8 million to education programs in fiscal year 2026, bringing total contributions since 2002 to $9.5 billion. Lowcountry Cleanup: Charleston-area nonprofit Wounded Nature-Working Veterans removed and destroyed nine abandoned boats on the Stono River, with the latest sailboat demolition marking a major backlog milestone. Public Health: A study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference found a THC/CBD medical cannabis treatment eased agitation for nearly 90% of patients with advanced dementia after 12 weeks. Environment & Outdoor Access: Aiken City Council approved moving 2,658 acres near Mason Branch Reservoir to the S.C. Forestry Commission, potentially creating a new state forest and expanding public access.

Senate Succession: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone—Lindsey Graham’s sister—to serve the remainder of his U.S. Senate term after Graham’s death at 71, following a Trump recommendation. Election Timeline: The South Carolina State Election Commission set a special filing period July 21–28, with a special GOP primary Aug. 11 (runoff Aug. 25 if needed) to pick the nominee for the Nov. 3 general election. National Tributes: Trump ordered flags at federal buildings lowered through July 18, and multiple states—including Hawaii—also lowered flags to honor Graham. Public Safety: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of an 82-year-old Beaufort man on a child sexual exploitation charge tied to CSAM distribution. Health & Weather: A new national heat-wave report warns overnight temperatures won’t cool much, including in Charleston, raising health risks. Local Life: North Myrtle Beach is fighting a beach-gear rental company’s bid to challenge city rules in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Senate Shock in South Carolina: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died after a brief illness; preliminary medical examiner findings cite an aortic dissection tied to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Flags at Half-Staff: President Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered this week in Graham’s honor, with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster directing state flags to follow. Succession Scramble: Graham’s death leaves a Senate vacancy and triggers a fast-track replacement process: McMaster will appoint an interim senator, then a special primary is set for August to decide who runs in November. Congress Returns With Less Margin: Reuters reports Graham’s seat and Mitch McConnell’s absence complicate Senate math as lawmakers rush through a compressed summer agenda. Local Impact: Spartanburg County is seeking release of a $6 million federal HUD grant tied to the Saluda Grade Rail Trail as construction nears. Road Safety: Horry County reported critical injuries after a pedestrian crash on Highway 707 early Monday.

South Carolina Politics: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died after a brief, sudden illness. His office says preliminary findings point to an aortic dissection tied to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with the final death certificate pending. Succession in SC: Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement, while the South Carolina GOP is expected to hold an expedited special primary in August to set who appears on the November ballot. National Fallout: Trump praised Graham and ordered flags half-staff; Senate Republicans also face fresh uncertainty with Sen. Mitch McConnell still recovering after a fall and pneumonia. Foreign Policy Legacy: Graham was a major backer of Ukraine and Israel and had just met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv before his death.

U.S. Politics: South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died Saturday night after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said, with no further details released. Graham was a longtime Trump ally and a leading foreign-policy hawk, recently meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and pushing for tough stances on Iran and Russia. Reactions: President Trump called him “one of the greatest people and Senators” he’d known, while Gov. Henry McMaster called him “irreplaceable,” and leaders including Israel’s Netanyahu and Ukraine officials offered tributes. Senate Seat Process: With Graham’s death, Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement until the next Senate term begins, followed by a special primary election under state law. Weather: A new round of scattered strong storms is possible across the Carolinas as a front moves in, with damaging wind gusts and lightning the main threats. Traffic Safety: “Operation Southern Slow Down” ramps up enforcement across the Southeast, including South Carolina, to target speeding and reduce crash deaths.

MLB Draft (SC): Christ Church shortstop Bo Lowrance went 40th to the Dodgers, capping a huge season with a .435 average and Player of the Year honors. MLB Draft (Upstate): Greenville High alum Taylor Rabe was taken 30th by the Royals, and James Island’s Taj Marchand landed with the Rays in the Competitive Balance Round. Local Sports/Community: Richland Library and USC football are bringing back Pigskin Poets for its 30th year, a free July 17 literacy event at the Spurrier Indoor Practice Facility. Safety/Weather: Storms and flash-flood risk are back in the Upstate Sunday, while coastal areas dealt with outages and tree damage after heavy rain. Public Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases are already at 2,231—South Carolina leads the states with 670. State Politics: An editorial says South Carolina’s budget impasse is still stuck in conference, leaving lawmakers without a final 2026-27 plan. Aviation/Guard: SC National Guard Apache pilots suspended after a low-level beach flyover have had suspensions lifted.

Local Land-Use Fight: Colleton County approved a six-month, third-and-final moratorium on data center approvals, pausing plans for an 800-plus-acre project in the ACE Basin after citizen pushback and a lawsuit by landowners. Housing Policy: President Trump let a major bipartisan housing affordability bill—backed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren—become law, aiming to boost home supply through streamlined rules and incentives. Energy & AI: Renewable-energy allies are pressing for cleaner power for fast-growing AI-driven data centers, warning fossil fuel demand is rising faster than wind and solar can scale. Aerospace Jobs: Boeing leased an 80,000-square-foot office in the Charleston area as it ramps up 787 production, while also expanding 737 MAX output. Community & Culture: The last Huddle House in the Charleston area closed, and a Charleston-area space mission from College of Charleston grads reached orbit to study radiation effects on exoplanets. Health & Weather: Meteorologists warn of a dangerous, long-lasting heat wave across much of the U.S., with South Carolina bracing for impacts.

Food Safety: Publix GreenWise frozen organic blueberries are recalled in multiple states, including South Carolina, after 12 confirmed E. coli O145 cases tied to stomach illness; shoppers are told to check lot code 60401 and return or discard affected packages sold on or before July 3. Public Health: South Carolina reported a 31% drop in overdose deaths in 2024, the second straight year of declines, with expanded naloxone access credited for saving nearly 500 lives. State Policy: A new SCDOT leadership law sets aside $15 million a year for pothole repairs and requires fixes within seven days after reports via a new app. Military & Safety: Eight South Carolina National Guard Apache pilots suspended after a July 4 “Salute from the Shore” beach flyover were reinstated after Pentagon action. Community & Health: The Ride to End Alz launched from Simpsonville with 450 cyclists raising awareness and money for Alzheimer’s. Weather/Travel: Drought conditions remain mostly severe but not extreme statewide, while severe storms and crashes have disrupted travel in parts of the Upstate. Public Safety: Horry County police are searching for a missing endangered man, Zachary Edgar Ray Cox, last seen near Chris Anderson Landing.

Road Safety: All lanes were blocked on I-85 northbound at Clemson Boulevard in Anderson County after a multi-vehicle crash early Friday; SCDOT later reported a hazard material spill and a detour was in place. Public Safety & Crime: North Charleston residents reported armed teens, gunfire, and escalating violence during a Fourth of July block party, with newly released 911 calls capturing the chaos before officers were assaulted. State Politics: South Carolina’s in-state abortion numbers fell again in the latest report, showing a 16% overall decline after the 2023 six-week ban. Nuclear Oversight: Plaintiffs in the SRS plutonium pit lawsuit are demanding documents and pushing for an extension of the public comment period tied to pit production. Consumer Protection: A 46-state coalition reached a $45 million settlement with Block over Cash App deceptive fraud-safety marketing. Local Business: Columbia’s Burger Tavern 77 remains unclear after a renovation closure, while Takosushi permanently closed its downtown location in the Arcade Mall. Community & Culture: A Hilton Head Health wellness retreat story highlights the growing wellness tourism trend, and a Sunflower Festival kicks off this weekend at Denver Downs Farm near I-85.

National Guard Accountability: Eight Apache helicopter pilots tied to South Carolina’s July 4 “Salute From the Shore” flyover were temporarily suspended while the Guard reviews flight profiles, drawing criticism from Rep. Russell Fry. New Faces in Columbia: Justine Loubens, a France guard signed by Dawn Staley, is on campus but still sidelined by visa processing as summer sessions begin. Public Safety on the Water: SCDNR’s Operation Dry Water wrapped up with 18 impaired boaters removed, plus 384 citations and 1,608 warnings during the holiday weekend. Local Justice Watch: SLED is investigating the July 1 death of a 25-year-old inmate at the Jasper County Detention Center after an inconclusive preliminary autopsy and pending toxicology. Animal Cruelty Case: Georgetown County authorities rescued more than 100 dogs from “unlivable conditions,” arresting two people and awaiting charges. Education Policy: New South Carolina laws took effect July 1, including a statewide ban on “grade floor” policies and requirements for school cardiac emergency response plans. Health Care Costs: Starting January 2027, South Carolina hospitals must provide itemized medical bills in writing and electronically. Sports & Community: Clemson trustees named UGA provost Benjamin Ayers as the school’s next president, while Aiken officials reported remains of missing 4-year-old Javeayah Harris found in a Fairfield County reservoir.

Missing Child Investigation: Aiken County authorities say 4-year-old Javeayah Harris likely died weeks before she was reported missing, and both parents have been charged with homicide by child abuse as the search continues for her body. GOP Election Fight: The South Carolina Republican Party has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to limit who can vote in its primaries, challenging the state Election Commission’s current party-registration rules. Heat & Health: A South Carolina education-led literacy push targets the “summer slide,” offering free books and strategies to help kids keep reading skills strong. Public Safety & Consumer Alerts: Zapp’s and Dirty brand chips sold in South Carolina are recalled after salmonella concerns, with the FDA upgrading the risk level. Local Growth & Housing: Columbia planners are set to review plans for 118 new townhomes near major roads, while a new K-8 charter school is also on the agenda. Climate & Community: Charleston lawmakers and partners are pushing “cooling” efforts to expand access to air conditioning as extreme heat strains households.

Social Media Lawsuits: Boston joined a fast-growing wave of lawsuits targeting Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube over claims their addictive design harms kids’ mental health, with cases set to move toward major federal trial stages. Public Safety & Health: Aiken County advocates say child abuse reports are rising and urge residents to watch for “something isn’t right” signs and contact law enforcement or DSS. Roads: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a sweeping DOT overhaul that replaces the transportation commission with a governor-appointed secretary and sets aside $15 million a year for pothole repairs. Courts & Elections: The South Carolina GOP sued to restrict primary voting to registered Republicans, arguing open primaries violate party rights. Local Law Enforcement Leadership: Laurens announced Chief Heath Copeland’s retirement and the promotion of Sherfield as the next chief. Sports: Caitlin Clark is set to return for the Fever after injury, while GOP lawmakers warned the WNBA about federal scrutiny over violence targeting her. Tourism: Charleston held steady at No. 2 on Travel + Leisure’s “Best U.S. City” list as Clemson trustees resume its presidential search.

Alex Murdaugh Court Fight: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson’s office is pushing to unseal juror-related records from Alex Murdaugh’s original murder trial, tied to the dismissal of “Egg Juror” Myra Crosby, with privacy redactions and a request to revisit protective orders ahead of the April 2027 retrial. Former Sheriff Sentencing: Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for fraud, theft and drug charges, with prosecutors saying he abused his badge and used funds meant for deputies. Health Policy in the Statehouse: House GOP infighting continues after a near-pass of an ivermectin over-the-counter bill was derailed by a procedural move, setting up a restart in 2027. Food Safety Recall: ALDI recalled kimchi-and-tofu kimbap due to an undeclared tuna allergen, including South Carolina listings. Heat & Summer Safety: Doctors warn heat injuries can escalate fast; residents are urged to cool down early, hydrate, and watch high-risk groups. Local Government & Growth: Charleston County Council approved new rezoning requirements aimed at ensuring transportation and stormwater systems can handle added density. Sports & Community: South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor is finding confidence entering 2026, while Pathwise athletes brought home Special Olympics USA Games medals for the state.

Food Safety: Aldi recalled its Fusia Asian Inspirations Kimchi & Tofu Kimbap because fish (tuna) may be undeclared, including in select South Carolina stores; no illnesses reported so far. Public Health: South Carolina warned about cyclospora, a diarrhea-causing parasite, with about 10 reported cases statewide this year; officials urged careful washing of produce and good hand hygiene. Weather & Safety: An excessive heat watch is set for June 8 across the Charleston-to-Savannah corridor, with heat index values topping 112–116; Charleston canceled the West Ashley Farmers Market. Housing & Courts: A new South Carolina law aims to speed up squatter removals, potentially allowing removal orders in as little as 24 hours and adding criminal penalties. Education: A federal appeals court allowed a challenge to South Carolina’s ban on eight race-related concepts in classrooms to proceed. Local Growth: Spartanburg County is facing a lawsuit over whether a NorthMark data center should get “major” development public review. Energy & Industry: ES Foundry says it completed a 2 GW expansion at its Greenwood solar cell factory, bringing total capacity to 3 GW, and Palladium Energy closed a $66M development loan for South Carolina utility-scale solar projects. Money & Families: The new “Trump Accounts” for children are live nationwide, with some South Carolina kids eligible for a one-time $1,000 seed payment.

Food Safety: Publix-linked frozen GreenWise organic blueberries are recalled across eight states after 12 reported E. coli illnesses, with shoppers urged to check freezers and return or discard the specific 10-oz packages. State Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster signed the Truth in Shrimp Labeling Act, requiring restaurants to clearly tell customers whether shrimp is local or imported. Public Safety: Barnwell County man Travis Benjamin Hilton, 34, was arrested on child sexual exploitation material charges after an ICAC CyberTipline report. Crime Update: Authorities say more victims may exist after G.H.O.S.T. arrests tied to alleged online sexual abuse, including a Seneca, S.C. man extradited to Genesee County. Sports & Culture: South Carolina’s WNBA pipeline stays strong as Dawn Staley’s former players continue to thrive, while a new PopUp Bagels shop opens in downtown Charleston with a long opening-day line. Business & Community: Invest Greenville named its 2026-27 board leadership, and a Charleston Pepsi bottling property sold for $13.5M is set for redevelopment.