AGP Executive Report

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay states up to about $17.1B and add new safeguards for kids on Facebook and Instagram, with South Carolina expected to receive more than $245M as part of the multistate deal. South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham, beating Rep. Ralph Norman with help from President Trump’s endorsement and campaign push; she’ll face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Public Health: S.C. DPH confirmed two West Nile outbreaks—four human cases in the Midlands and two in the Lowcountry—urging residents to prevent mosquito bites. Road Safety: The Spartanburg County coroner identified a man hit and killed on I-26 after a crash; investigators say he was standing outside his vehicle when he was struck. Community & Culture: Richland Library Main hosts “Small Mart,” a second annual tiny-art market where everything is four inches or less, plus activities and a scavenger hunt. Sports & Local Interest: The Gamecocks unveiled new black Nike uniforms for the 2026 season, debuting Sept. 5 at home.

South Carolina Politics: Sen. Darline Graham has won the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat left by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary runoff—an outcome widely tied to President Donald Trump’s heavy backing and campaign push. Big Tech & Kids Online: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims, with South Carolina set to receive about $247 million and Meta required to roll out sweeping teen protections. Jobs & Local Industry: Mlily USA says it will permanently terminate 254 workers after a fire destroyed its Winnsboro mattress factory, citing the building’s inability to operate. Community & Growth: The Lee Company announced it’s acquiring new manufacturing facilities, including an 84,500-square-foot site in Rock Hill, to expand production capacity. Business Development: Greenville’s former transit authority property could be redeveloped into a mixed-use project with new housing, retail, hotels, and a public parking garage. Sports & Culture: Spectrum Sailing is expanding autism-focused sailing camps, and Dolly Parton’s South Carolina legacy is being remembered through her Imagination Library impact.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham won South Carolina’s GOP special primary runoff to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, beating Rep. Ralph Norman 52.3% to 47.7% with most precincts reporting. The win sets up a November matchup with Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews. Trump’s Influence: Trump campaigned hard for Graham, including a Myrtle Beach rally and a Monday tele-rally, while his MAGA Inc. super PAC spent about $827,000 late in the race—helping overcome criticism of Graham’s limited elected experience, highlighted in a debate when she struggled to answer questions about Taiwan and the South China Sea. Election Day Snapshot: Turnout was strong across key counties, with Greenville reporting 34,232 voters by about 5 p.m. and Anderson saying runoff turnout ran higher than the Aug. 11 primary.

South Carolina Politics: Polls open Tuesday for the special GOP Senate runoff to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with Sen. Darline Graham facing Rep. Ralph Norman; the winner heads to the November ballot, and early voting already topped 63,000 ballots. Public Safety: SLED announced indictments tied to a multi-county fentanyl manufacturing ring, alleging pill-press production and large seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Local Crime: SLED also charged a former Town of Kingstree public works employee with embezzlement and conspiracy, plus three others with conspiracy. Health & Community: A $100 million Tri-County Housing Futures Fund launched to expand safe, affordable housing in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Business & Jobs: A Michigan logistics firm expands into South Carolina by acquiring Piedmont-based AG Freight. Food & Retail: Publix is removing the item limit in express checkout lanes, aiming to cut wait times. Culture & Youth: A portrait exhibit spotlights 8th graders in the “When I See Myself, I See” project tied to Voorhees University GEAR UP. Sports: College football preseason injury reports show key absences for multiple Power Four teams as Week 1 nears.

US Senate Runoff: President Trump made a final tele-rally pitch for Darline Graham, saying he “got her into this” and urging South Carolina voters to back her over Ralph Norman in Tuesday’s GOP runoff. Election Oversight: The DOJ plans to observe some Charleston County polling sites as the runoff vote gets underway. USC Leadership: USC’s Board of Trustees elected Rose Buyck Newton as its new chairwoman. Local Government: Charleston City Council approved an agreement with the South Carolina State Ports Authority to repair an aging stormwater pipe tied to East Side flooding. Road Safety: All lanes were blocked on I-385S in Laurens County after a deadly crash. Public Safety: Cayce police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run on Frink Street. Community & Jobs: SC Works Trident announced four Lowcountry career fairs in September. Health & Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts were recalled over possible E. coli and salmonella contamination, with South Carolina listed among affected states. Crime & Courts: Horry County charged three men in a years-long cartel trafficking investigation tied to cocaine, meth and fentanyl.

GOP Senate Runoff: Polls open Tuesday for the Darline Graham vs. Ralph Norman runoff, with voting 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and ID rules tied to S.C. Votes; the winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Campus Construction: South Carolina State University will temporarily close part of Naylor Street starting Monday through mid-October for residence hall wall panel installation, with set weekday hours and access routes for Felton Laboratory Charter School. Health Watch: A new CDC kindergarten vaccination dataset shows measles susceptibility among American kindergartners rising, with exemption rates climbing to 4.2%. Public Safety/Legal: A Darlington County sheriff says a former deputy was arrested after discrepancies in cash payments tied to the Sex Offender Registry; SLED is investigating. Utilities: Duke Energy is asking the S.C. Supreme Court to allow another Pee Dee rate increase, arguing it should be able to use a newer rate-stabilization law sooner. Community & Culture: SCETV Safe Space debuts “Finding Community” Aug. 27, spotlighting youth mental health supports across South Carolina.

Gamecock Football & Facilities: With Jayden Sellers and Jayden Gibson out for the 2026 season, USC is looking for new targets—slot snaps may fall to Mazeo Bennett Jr., with Donovan Murph also in the mix. Meanwhile, “Williams-Brice Reimagined” keeps rolling: fan input, Populous design work, and $350 million in revenue bonds are all part of the stadium overhaul. Gamecock Sports: USC volleyball heads into 2026 with major roster turnover—Nia Hall, Victoria Harris, and Victoria Hill are gone, and the rotation is unsettled after multiple graduation and transfer losses. Ticketing: A column argues USC’s ticket point system is among the fairest in college athletics, even if other SEC schools still lean on donations, scarcity, or loyalty math. Crash on I-26: Rock band Buckcherry’s tour bus was tied to a fatal, multi-vehicle crash near Spartanburg; the band says members and crew were unharmed, but one person died. Public Safety & Health: SLED is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Townville after deputies exchanged gunfire with an armed woman; she died. Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts linked to E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks are under recall in multiple states. Gas Prices: Diesel hit $4.99 in Georgetown County for the week ending Aug. 15, with the statewide average at $5.13. Teachers at the Stadium: Palmetto Citizens’ “Teacher of the Game” program is taking nominations for SC K-12 educators, with $1,000 and game recognition.

South Carolina Politics: President Trump is back in the Palmetto State to push Darline Graham in the GOP U.S. Senate runoff, framing the race as a test of his influence and warning voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot. Public Safety & Roads: SCDOT scheduled overnight I-26 lane closures in Berkeley County as part of the I-26 widening and SC 27 interchange work. Health: The FDA confirmed a multi-state alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts LLC, with 55 sickened across 15 states and four hospitalizations; South Carolina is among the affected states, and shoppers are urged not to eat recalled sprouts. Crime/Justice: The estranged mother of Hayden Panettiere says the account of her death is “full of holes,” as authorities continue investigating the circumstances around her Greenville, S.C. death. Local Events: The Summerville Japanese Festival returns Saturday, Aug. 29 at Hutchinson Square, with free admission, performances, and food trucks. Sports: South Carolina State is set to play Mercer Sunday in Macon. Entertainment: Buckcherry’s tour bus was involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-26 in Spartanburg County; the band says members and crew were unharmed.

U.S. Senate Runoff Politics: President Trump ramped up pressure in South Carolina, warning he could be impeached within months if Republicans lose control of Congress, while campaigning for Darline Graham in the Myrtle Beach area. Local Law Enforcement & Privacy: A South Carolina editorial argues license-plate surveillance cameras need their own oversight, pointing to local fights over Flock-style systems and concerns about transparency and misuse. Public Safety: Horry County reported three people displaced after a house fire in Little River, and also logged minor injuries after a separate vehicle flip. Community & Health: We Are Sharing Hope SC held its fifth annual Community Health Fair in West Ashley, connecting residents with free resources including donation information. Upstate Remembrance: A funeral was held in Greer for Las Vegas officer Austin “Zade” Abdelnabi, an Upstate native killed in the line of duty. Business Spotlight: Greenville’s Air Today Heating & Cooling was named South Carolina’s Best HVAC Sales and Service Company for the second straight year. Sports: The New York Liberty beat the Indiana Fever 109-102, while Clemson’s 2026 bowl path and opponent were projected by ESPN.

Local Business & Schools: Your Barber opened a second shop in Moncks Corner and launched “Fresh for A’s,” offering complimentary haircuts for honor roll students. Politics (SC Senate Runoff): President Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach for Darline Graham, telling supporters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and pushing turnout ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff against Ralph Norman. Foreign Policy & Energy: Trump again called the Strait of Hormuz “American territory,” while Iran’s military posture is described as shifting more offensive, as tensions and sanctions pressure continue. Trade & Tariffs: Trump’s 50% tariffs on $20B in Canadian goods took effect after talks collapsed; Canada vowed dollar-for-dollar retaliation. Public Safety (Wildlife): A 10-foot python was spotted in a South Carolina neighborhood and handled by a snake wrangler. Entertainment & Health: Anna Paquin renewed criticism of how child stars are treated after Hayden Panettiere’s death, as officials discuss an overdose/cardiac arrest timeline. Sports: Summerville opened its season with a 28-7 win over Sumter.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Donald Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff, urging voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot after a protester interrupted the rally; Trump also defended Graham’s debate stumble on Taiwan and national security, calling her answer “very honest” and “very smart.” Election Numbers: Early voting closed Friday with 63,712 ballots cast statewide, led by Greenville County (7,042). Public Safety: A deputy-involved shooting in Townville, Anderson County, turned deadly; officials say the deputy was not injured. Food Safety: The CDC and FDA are investigating an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with 55 sickened across 15 states including South Carolina—consumers are told to throw away affected products. Education: Lexington-Richland School District Five and Midlands Technical College launched a free dual enrollment associate degree pathway for eligible students. Other: Mega Millions is up to an estimated $113 million.

U.S. Senate Runoff: President Trump is set to rally in South Carolina for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, with early voting already topping 25,000 ballots statewide and final early-voting day Friday. Public Safety: Greenville County schools are ramping up bus safety for the new school year, including stop-arm cameras and a push for drivers not to pass when red lights flash. Crime: SLED charged a Greenville County man with insurance fraud, while separate reporting details a South Carolina man arrested in Georgia for kidnapping two girls, including one from the Rockford area. Health & Food Safety: Publix frozen GreenWise berries were hit with the FDA’s highest-risk recall level over possible E. coli contamination. Education & Tech: Charleston-area educators are teaching AI literacy by showing how chatbots can get basic facts wrong. Local Spotlight: Greenville’s Camp Sevier legacy is getting a historical look back, and a Murrells Inlet boater was identified after going overboard.

U.S. Senate Runoff: South Carolina’s special GOP Senate primary runoff is drawing early momentum, with early voting totals topping 25,000 statewide on day one; Beaufort County expects turnout similar to the last special primary. Campaign Trail: Trump is set to rally with Darline Graham in Myrtle Beach, where city officials say the security operation is the biggest they’ve ever handled and warn of dangerous heat for attendees. Local Government/Infrastructure: SCDOT will close the Lost John Road bridge over Cabin Creek in Richland County for repairs starting Aug. 24, with an 11-week detour plan. Public Safety: Deputies say an 11-year-old was held at gunpoint and robbed after getting off a school bus in Florence County. Health: South Carolina health officials are pushing back-to-school vaccinations, citing lessons from the state’s measles outbreak and warning of gaps in routine immunization. Crime/Justice: Prosecutors urged a judge not to limit testimony from a woman accusing a former Immanuel Baptist Church ministry worker of abuse. Business/Workforce: Greenville Tech opened a $32M welding center in Simpsonville aimed at meeting workforce demand. Entertainment/Legal: Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation continues as the DEA is reported to be assisting, while her mother again points to a “toxic individual.”

Public Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol is cracking down on I-26, I-95, U.S. 178 and U.S. 301 in Orangeburg and Dorchester counties through Saturday, with extra focus on the Move Over law to honor Trooper Dennis Ricks, killed during a traffic stop in 2025. Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries recall to a Class I, the highest risk level, tied to potential E. coli contamination; the products were sold in the Carolinas and other Southern states. Local Crime/Investigation: Greenville authorities say no foul play was found in actress Hayden Panettiere’s death, but the DEA has now joined the investigation as toxicology results are pending; a police report says her on-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were at the apartment when she was pronounced dead. Sports: South Carolina women’s basketball will play an outdoor exhibition for the first time—an exhibition at Charleston’s Credit One Stadium on Sept. 27 against College of Charleston. Business/Development: Mount Pleasant’s long-vacant Towne Centre Bed Bath & Beyond space is lining up for new tenants—Crate & Barrel and L.L. Bean—after a planned façade renovation.

NCAA Eligibility Fight: A Louisiana court granted a temporary restraining order to some athletes, including former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and Wydett Williams, giving them a shot at a fifth college season if NFL teams waive them by Sept. 1. Public Health & Workplaces: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a seizure first-aid law requiring the state to create evidence-based materials and post them at workplaces. Local Spotlight: Kingstree’s Summer Grace Fulton was crowned Little Miss South Carolina Overall Sweetheart 2026. Sports—Gamecocks & Beyond: South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers says he’s not taking classes this fall but is on track to graduate and is completing a required internship at a West Columbia golf facility; meanwhile, USC football camp chatter continues as the season opener nears. Crime & Safety: A Myrtle Beach woman was federally charged with possession of child sex abuse material. Weather/Health: Horry County reported critical injuries after a single-car crash near Conway. Business & Community: Lowes Foods opened its new Lyman store, with the Upstate getting another grocery option. Major Ongoing Investigation: DEA agents reportedly joined the investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death in Greenville, where an autopsy found no trauma and the cause remains pending.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Early voting opens today for South Carolina’s special GOP Senate primary runoff, with Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman set to face off Aug. 25 to replace the late Lindsey Graham. Campaign Spotlight: In the final debate, Graham drew sharp backlash after admitting, “National security is not my thing,” when pressed on Taiwan and the South China Sea. Public Safety Tech: A new NYU-backed review finds states’ license plate reader laws still fall short on privacy protections, even where rules exist. Emergency Communications: SCETV expands weather support services, naming Tim Miller director of the South Carolina Emergency Information Network. Local Culture: An Aiken County middle school student is showcasing a rock, fossil and gem collection at the public library. Health Alert: FDA issued a highest-risk warning for recalled GreenWise blueberry and mixed berry products sold at Publix due to possible E. coli contamination. Business/Jobs: SC Ports appoints McCrory as chief operating officer, and Hussey Gay Bell adds Rutvik Gaikwad as a water and wastewater design engineer.