AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity: SLED confirmed a ransomware attack on Columbia’s city network, disrupting some public-facing services. Officials say police, 911, fire and utility operations remain available as investigators assess possible data exposure. Election 2026: South Carolina’s early-vote total topped 363,000, more than double the figure at this point in the last midterm. President Trump campaigned in the Upstate for Sen. Darline Graham as candidates make their final push before Nov. 3. Game Day: South Carolina hosts No. 11 Tennessee in a pivotal SEC football matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks women’s basketball team also starts the season ranked No. 1 nationally. Economic Development: Westinghouse plans a $1 billion expansion in Richland County, including a new advanced nuclear-fuel plant expected to begin operating in 2030. Public Safety: Deputies are searching for a gunman after two people were shot at a party in Anderson.

Election 2026: More than 363,000 South Carolinians had voted early by Friday, roughly double the pace at this point in the previous midterm cycle. A write-in effort for Rep. Ralph Norman could divide Republicans in the Senate race. Senate Controversy: A new documentary alleges the late Lindsey Graham paid men for sex, including one who says he was 17. The claims have not been independently verified, and Graham cannot respond. Game Day: South Carolina hosts No. 11 Tennessee at Williams-Brice Stadium today at 3:30 p.m. The Gamecocks women’s basketball team, ranked No. 1 nationally, also added top-2027 recruit Jordyn Palmer. Food Access: A Conway food pantry reports a sharp rise in families seeking help after SNAP benefit cuts; staff say demand has doubled compared with recent months. Fort Mill: The school district plans to ask a judge to consider health and safety concerns about the Silfab Solar plant near a middle school. Campus Investment: South Carolina State broke ground on a $30.3 million library in Orangeburg, which will also house its honors college. Dining: Columbia restaurants Motor Supply Co. Bistro and Di Vino Rosso again earned Michelin Guide recommendations.

Election 2026: South Carolina’s early-voting total has topped 280,000, with polls open through Oct. 31. The Senate race drew fresh attention after President Donald Trump campaigned for Republican Darline Graham in Clemson, where protesters repeatedly interrupted him and Trump praised a rallygoer who punched a protester. Gamecocks Football: No. 11 Tennessee visits South Carolina at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Vols are coming off a win over Alabama; the Gamecocks return from a bye after beating Florida. Travel: Air Canada is dropping its Toronto–Charleston nonstop for summer 2027, ending the route that links the cities directly. Conservation: Gov. Henry McMaster created a commission to advise on preserving South Carolina’s land, wildlife, historic sites and cultural heritage. Community: Attorney General Alan Wilson urges residents to drop off unused medicines at take-back sites Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Election Watch: South Carolina early voting has topped 280,000, with nearly 88,000 ballots cast on the third day. Voters cite health care and affordability as key concerns in a tightening Senate race. Campaign Tensions: President Donald Trump campaigned for Sen. Darline Graham in Clemson, where a protester was punched; Trump praised the supporter who struck him. Public Safety: Authorities charged 25 people in an alleged drug-trafficking and dogfighting operation. Separately, state wildlife officials are investigating dead geese in the Lowcountry, with bird flu suspected. Business: Westinghouse plans to invest $1 billion in a South Carolina nuclear-fuel plant. Sports: South Carolina women’s basketball starts the season ranked No. 1, while the Gamecocks host No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday.

Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump rallied in Clemson for Sen. Darline Graham, whose close race has drawn national attention. The event was interrupted by protests and a scuffle; Trump praised a supporter who appeared to punch a protester. Public Safety: An Aiken County deputy was shot during a traffic stop and is stable after surgery. Authorities are searching for the suspect. Election 2026: Nearly 98,000 South Carolinians voted on the first day of early voting, more than double the first-day turnout in 2022. Voting runs through Oct. 31; Election Day is Nov. 3. Economic Development: Westinghouse plans a $1 billion expansion of its Richland County nuclear-fuel facility, aimed at producing next-generation fuel. Food & Culture: Greenville’s Scoundrel retained its Michelin star, while four other county restaurants kept recommended honors. Homecoming: SC State warns of road closures and congestion in Orangeburg during Saturday’s parade; visitors should use Russell Street to reach campus.

Senate Race: President Donald Trump rallied in Pendleton for Republican Darline Graham as early voting began and her race against Democrat Annie Andrews tightened. Protesters interrupted the event, and Trump praised an attendee who appeared to punch a demonstrator. Nearly 98,000 South Carolinians voted on the first day of early voting. Economic Growth: Westinghouse plans a $1 billion expansion of its Richland County nuclear-fuel facility, while South Carolina led the nation in jobs gained over the past year. Nestlé also plans to move frozen-food pouch production from Ohio to its Gaffney plant. Food and Dining: Four South Carolina restaurants retained Michelin stars: Malagón and Vern’s in Charleston, Wild Common in Charleston and Scoundrel in Greenville. Sports: The Gamecocks women’s basketball team was picked No. 1 in the preseason AP poll, their fifth time atop the rankings in seven years. Policy Debate: South Carolina candidates are weighing whether to legalize online sports betting, as wagers remain accessible despite the state’s current legal limits.

Senate Race: President Trump campaigned in the Upstate for Republican Sen. Darline Graham, as polls show a close contest and early voting continues statewide. Nearly 200,000 South Carolinians had cast ballots by Wednesday. Jobs and Energy: South Carolina led the nation in annual job growth, adding 55,200 jobs, or 2.3%. Westinghouse also announced a $1 billion expansion of its Richland County nuclear-fuel plant, expected to boost production and create jobs. Columbia Services: The city is investigating a network security incident that disrupted several online services, including business licensing and parks applications. Police, 911, fire and water systems remain operational. Public Health: Mount Pleasant officials are monitoring reports of sick and dead birds and have sent samples for testing; bird flu has not been confirmed. Gamecocks: South Carolina’s women’s basketball team opened the preseason at No. 1 in the AP poll. The football team hosts No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday. State Legacy: Alex Sanders, a former judge and College of Charleston president known for his storytelling, has died.

Election Watch: Nearly 100,000 South Carolinians voted on the first day of early voting. Voters will also decide whether to approve local one-cent sales taxes for projects such as roads, schools and public safety. School Safety: State education leaders are preparing a proposal for trained support officers to work alongside school resource officers, as lawmakers make campus security a priority for the coming session. Jobs and Growth: South Carolina added 55,200 jobs over the year through September, a 2.3% increase—the largest gain among states—led by construction, health care and hospitality. Local Decisions: North Myrtle Beach’s planning commission voted 6-0 to reject Amazon’s proposed drone-delivery launch pad after residents raised concerns about noise, safety and property values. Gamecocks: South Carolina’s women open the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll. The football team, 3-3, hosts No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

2026 Elections: Early voting is underway statewide through Oct. 31 ahead of the Nov. 3 election. President Donald Trump is scheduled to rally in Pendleton on Oct. 21 for Sen. Darline Graham, while Senate challenger Annie Andrews is holding a meet-and-greet in Bamberg. Jobs and Investment: South Carolina employment reached a record 2.57 million in September, and unemployment fell to 4%. Wire 3 has started a $19 million fiber expansion in Easley, aiming to connect more than 18,000 homes and businesses. Women’s Basketball: South Carolina is No. 1 in the AP preseason poll for the fifth time in seven years. The Gamecocks face five ranked teams in their first month, including No. 2 UConn on Nov. 24. Finding Missing Loved Ones: Spartanburg, Oconee and Cherokee counties use Project Lifesaver transmitters to help locate people who wander, including those with autism, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across South Carolina through Oct. 31. Charleston County reported more first-day voters than on the opening day of the 2022 gubernatorial election. Candidates Alan Wilson and Jermaine Johnson campaigned on affordability and the direction of state government. Public Safety: SLED is investigating after a Chester County deputy fired at a 19-year-old who ran during a disturbance response. The teen was not hit; a separate man was wounded by gunfire at the scene, and investigators have not identified who fired that shot. Growth and Environment: Conway City Council approved the first reading of a rezoning for nearly 70 acres along Mill Pond Road, proposed for residential and commercial uses. Some residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about wetlands, wildlife and water quality. Farm Economy: South Carolina diesel is averaging $5.81 a gallon as farmers head into harvest. Soybean growers are asking Gov. Henry McMaster to declare an emergency over fuel prices. Housing: Charleston and Columbia are among 14 U.S. cities receiving philanthropic grants to expand housing programs, including permitting reforms and teams to move stalled projects forward.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across South Carolina through Oct. 31, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Voters will choose between longtime Secretary of State Mark Hammond and Jason Belton, who wants the office to take a larger role in election oversight, though that responsibility currently belongs to the State Election Commission. Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump is due in Clemson Wednesday for a rally as Republicans seek to energize voters. The competitive 1st Congressional District race pits Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt against Democrat Nancy Lacore and Libertarian Bill Reeside. Public Safety: SLED is investigating a third officer-involved shooting in two days; the three incidents bring this year’s statewide total to 34. Education: Superintendent candidate Sylvia Wright says universal pre-K would be a priority if elected, arguing families aren’t accessing programs already funded by the state. Health: A new MUSC study found girls have outpaced boys in teen vaping since 2021, prompting researchers to call for stronger prevention and intervention. Gamecocks: South Carolina hosts No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday after the Vols’ upset win over Alabama.

Voting: Early voting begins Monday across South Carolina ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Voters can check ID rules and voting options as key Senate and congressional races enter their final stretch. Schools: Spartanburg District Five named three finalists for superintendent: leaders from Greenville, Anderson and McCormick county districts. Each will visit schools and take part in public forums. Politics: Trump’s waiver of Russia sanctions has drawn bipartisan criticism, putting the Lindsey Graham-backed sanctions law in the spotlight as midterms near. College Sports: Clemson shut out Charleston Southern 37-0 for its first shutout in five seasons. South Carolina hosts No. 11 Tennessee Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Elections: Early voting for South Carolina’s Nov. 3 election begins Oct. 19, as competitive Senate and congressional races enter their final stretch. Veterans: Florence National Cemetery is nearing approval for a 15-acre expansion that would add about 4,000 gravesites, a columbarium and an administration building. Work could begin in 2027. Public Safety: A bicyclist died after being struck by a car in Colleton County. Darlington County officials are also mourning Chief Deputy Clifton Howle, a longtime law enforcement officer who joined the sheriff’s office in 2025. Washington: President Donald Trump’s waiver of sanctions under the Graham-backed Russia law has drawn bipartisan criticism and renewed attention to the South Carolina senator’s legislation. College Sports: Clemson shut out Charleston Southern 37-0 for its first shutout in five seasons, while Winthrop volleyball swept USC Upstate at home.

Election Watch: Early voting for South Carolina’s Nov. 3 election starts Monday. “No Kings” rallies in Columbia and Newberry urged residents to turn out, as polls show the state’s Senate race tightening and the 1st Congressional District shifting to “Lean Republican.” Russia Sanctions: Sen. Darline Graham broke with President Donald Trump over his waiver of sanctions backed by her late brother, saying she would prefer continued pressure on Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump plans to take up to 60 days to assess the move. York County Crash: A Fort Mill man faces two felony DUI counts after a midnight crash at Highway 160 and Tillberg Way killed two people riding a motorcycle. College Sports: Clemson shut out Charleston Southern 37-0, its first shutout in five seasons. Community: South Carolina Pride honored founder Harriet Hancock, who helped organize Columbia’s first Pride parade in 1989.

College Football: Dutch Fork shut out River Bluff 42-0 to clinch another region title, while South Carolina’s 38-19 upset of Florida last week remains a major boost for the Gamecocks. Election 2026: Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Oct. 31. The closely watched Senate race between Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews is drawing national attention; President Trump plans to rally for Graham in Clemson next week. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge has allowed the defense to test evidence for DNA as lawyers dispute how police handled key items. Public Safety: SLED is investigating a newly identified synthetic opioid in Columbia after a mysterious death. Separate crashes in Florence County and Tega Cay left three people dead and others injured. Energy and Growth: State lawmakers are pressing NextEra’s CEO for answers about its proposed $67 billion merger with Dominion. In Summerville, officials are weighing stronger protections for trees and greenspace as development expands. Hockey: The South Carolina Stingrays opened their season with a 5-1 comeback win over Jacksonville.

Early Voting: South Carolina’s early-voting period begins Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Oct. 31. Polls are open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; voters should check their location and bring photo ID. In Anderson, only three curbside-voting spaces are available at the downtown site. Senate Race: With voting days away, Democratic candidate Annie Andrews rallied with Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, while Republicans campaigned for Darline Graham. The closely watched contest is drawing heavy political spending. Lindsey Graham’s Legacy: President Donald Trump put sanctions and tariffs under the late South Carolina senator’s Russia-focused law on hold, citing national interest. Nephron: West Columbia-based Nephron Pharmaceuticals says CEO Lou Kennedy has left immediately; Haywood Miller will serve as interim chief. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge allowed further discussion of unidentified male DNA found on Maggie Murdaugh’s phone and fingernails but denied a defense request for ballistics information. The next hearing is set for Nov. 13. Public Safety: Two specially trained K-9s joined the state probation department to locate hidden electronic devices during searches of supervised sex offenders’ homes. Arts Commission: Commissioners opted to share leadership rather than appoint a new chair, following resignations amid controversy over denied grants to LGBTQ+ arts groups.