AGP Executive Report

State Budget Showdown: Gov. Henry McMaster announced 14 line-item vetoes to South Carolina’s FY 2027 budget, including striking outdated provisos and blocking Scout Motors cost-overrun money until an audit is completed. GOP Senate Runoff Sprint: Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman kept campaigning ahead of the Aug. 25 special Republican primary runoff, with early voting set to begin Wednesday for the contest. Military & SC Legacy: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed a $1.5 trillion military budget during a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Local Public Safety: SCDPS reminded families and drivers of school bus stop rules as students returned to class. Industrial Fire in Winnsboro: A major blaze destroyed the MLILY mattress plant, putting jobs on hold and triggering road closures. Health & Community: A former SC quarterback with stage four colon cancer launched a new nonprofit to expand access to preventive screenings. National Politics: Democrats approved a 2028 presidential primary calendar that puts South Carolina first, while New Hampshire Democrats criticized the move. Entertainment/Local Tragedy: Actress Hayden Panettiere’s death in Greenville is being investigated, with preliminary reports pointing to a suspected overdose and cardiac arrest.

State Budget Showdown: Gov. Henry McMaster says he plans to veto parts of South Carolina’s newly passed state budget after lawmakers removed earmarks from the final deal. U.S. Senate Runoff: Early voting for the Aug. 25 special Republican primary runoff runs Wednesday through Friday, with Darline Graham facing Ralph Norman after last week’s low-turnout field. Military & Federal Spending: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion FY2027 military budget at the ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston for Sen. Lindsey Graham. Public Safety & Courts: A judge moved Alex Murdaugh’s retrial date to April 5 but is still sorting out the venue; meanwhile, DSS is launching a Healthy Food SC SNAP pilot that will bar candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages starting Aug. 31. Local Governance & Industry: Richland County paid down a Scout Motors pollution fine to $1 million as scrutiny grows over environmental violations, community impacts, and cost overruns. Crime & Accountability: Anderson County booked 17 people on warrant charges Aug. 10, and Attorney General Jackley announced six men arrested in an ICAC operation targeting attempted sex crimes with minors.

Military & State Partnership: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget during the renaming ceremony for Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, saying the late Sen. Lindsey Graham backed the request. Disaster Response: Gov. Henry McMaster announced South Carolina’s Palmetto Incident Support Team deployed to Hawaii to help emergency managers as Hurricane Lala threatens. 2028 Democratic Primary: The DNC approved a new 2028 calendar with South Carolina first (Jan. 22), followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia—leaving Iowa out of the early lineup. GOP Senate Runoff Politics: A green energy PAC says it will spend at least $1 million in the South Carolina Senate runoff to defeat Rep. Ralph Norman. Local Government & Public Safety: Early voting opens Monday for the Senate District 15 Democratic special primary, with York County’s limited early voting sites listed. Community & Health: HopeHealth marked National Health Center Week with partner events in Florence. Culture & Media: Outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace launched a YouTube show, “Get Maced,” debuting her heavily tattooed arms and drawing online mockery. Environment & Waste: Beaufort County’s composting program says it’s already diverted 30,000 pounds of food scraps and could save taxpayers more than $1 million over time.

Defense & Budget: At a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion FY2027 military budget, calling it the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s “best” request. Democratic Primary Shakeup: The DNC approved a 2028 calendar that puts South Carolina first for Democrats on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia—aimed at testing candidates with Black, Latino and union voters early. Local Governance: In Blythewood, town leaders remain locked in disputes over transparency, funding and safety as the town navigates a shift in authority after hiring a new town manager. Transit Funding Questions: Lowcountry Rapid Transit’s $374 million federal grant faces scrutiny as lawmakers worry the FTA is delaying agreements. Public Safety Tech: Charleston-area police are reviewing changes to Flock camera policies after privacy concerns and misuse cases. Courts: A judge moved Alex Murdaugh’s retrial out of Colleton County, while key defense requests remain unresolved. Education Policy: A new federal school choice tax credit could exclude many homeschooled students, according to an advocacy group. Energy & Economy: GasBuddy reports Anderson County’s lowest E15 price at $3.27 for the week ending Aug. 8. School Violence: A deadly shooting at a South Carolina school bus stop has prompted renewed focus on youth gun violence.

Democratic Presidential Calendar: The DNC approved its 2028 nominating schedule, making South Carolina the first Democratic primary state on Jan. 22, 2028 (followed by Nevada Feb. 1, New Hampshire Feb. 8, New Mexico Feb. 15, Michigan Feb. 22, and Virginia Feb. 29), a move aimed at boosting influence for Black and Latino voters and union members. GOP Senate Runoff Coverage: SCETV and the SC Republican Party will broadcast and stream the Aug. 18 debate between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff, with early voting starting Aug. 19. State Education Policy: Greenville County Schools is rolling out changes for 2026-27, including removing grade floors and setting district rules for AI use. Public Safety: A Spartanburg County sheriff says a convenience store burglary suspect may be tied to a deadly fiery crash, while Dorchester County prosecutors charged two workers in an alleged case of a vulnerable adult left strapped to a toilet with a leaking feeding tube. Defense & Federal Spending: At a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget for FY 2027.

U.S. Senate Runoff Watch: South Carolina’s GOP Senate special runoff is set for Aug. 25 between interim Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, with early voting Wednesday through Friday and a reminder that some precinct polling places may have changed with the school year. Endorsements: Graham is lining up support from President Trump, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Sen. Tim Scott, while Norman is backed by Nikki Haley, Jim DeMint, and Rep. Nancy Mace. Public Safety: The Spartanburg County coroner says three people died in a fiery crash after a vehicle allegedly fled a scene; investigators say an out-of-state tag could complicate identification. Law Enforcement Accountability: SLED arrested a Richland County paralegal on four counts of practicing law without a license, tied to a landlord-tenant dispute where she allegedly appeared in court and helped prepare filings. Local Government & Community: North Charleston was officially named an autism-friendly city, expanding training for counselors, first responders, and local businesses. State Politics & Budgeting: State Sen. Sean Bennett says the 126th General Assembly focused on property tax relief, infrastructure, education, and tort reform, with nonprofit earmarks a major sticking point. Courts & Rights: A district court ruled Horry-Georgetown Technical College violated a student’s First Amendment rights after suspending her for using the word “blasted.”

U.S. Senate Runoff: South Carolina’s GOP special Senate primary is set for Aug. 25, with Sen. Darline Graham facing Rep. Ralph Norman after the Aug. 11 results; Russell Fry endorsed Graham, adding to the endorsement pile as Trump tries to steady a fractured MAGA lane. Alex Murdaugh Retrial: A judge moved Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial out of Colleton County but left key questions open, including venue details and what evidence will be allowed. Public Safety—Drugs: Dorchester-Summerville Metro Narcotics Unit seized meth, pink fentanyl, a gun, cash, and vehicles in a Goose Creek case, with charges pending. Public Safety—Child Sex Crime: A Richland County sheriff’s deputy trainee, Kenneth Edmonds, was charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor and fired after SLED notified the agency. School Violence: Court testimony says the Gaffney bus-stop shooting involved at least two shooters and multiple shots, as investigators run ballistics. Nuclear Policy: A nuclear watchdog says newly released material supports arguments against new plutonium pit plants in SC and New Mexico, while the government still backs production. SNAP Changes: Starting Aug. 31, South Carolina SNAP will restrict purchases of items deemed to have little nutritional value, with exemptions for some zero-sugar/diet and staple foods. Military Honors: Joint Base Charleston was renamed Joint Base Lindsey Graham, with Pete Hegseth calling for a $1.5 trillion military budget.

U.S. Senate Runoff Watch: Rep. Russell Fry endorsed Sen. Darline Graham for the full term, a major boost as she faces Rep. Ralph Norman in the Aug. 25 GOP runoff. Courtroom Politics: Alex Murdaugh returned to court for a pretrial hearing tied to his April 2027 retrial, with fights over venue, what evidence can be used, and whether DNA and prior testimony will be allowed. Public Safety: Berkeley County authorities, with Humane World for Animals and the Charleston Animal Society, rescued 40+ dogs and puppies from an alleged dogfighting operation. Military & State Spotlight: At the renaming ceremony for Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urged Congress to pass a $1.5 trillion FY2027 military budget. Local Government/Community: SCETV will partner with the SC Republican Party to broadcast and stream the Aug. 18 U.S. Senate special primary runoff debate. Economic Development: UFP Packaging announced a $5.31M expansion in Gaffney creating 136 jobs.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Rep. Sheri Biggs is pushing defense and healthcare priorities as South Carolina’s GOP Senate race heads to the Aug. 25 runoff between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman, with early voting set for Aug. 19-21. Military & State Honors: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to pass a $1.5 trillion military budget at the Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham; South Carolina also honored Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson with the Order of the Palmetto. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge sentenced Derrick Gathers to an additional 15 years for illegally possessing the firearm used to shoot an SC trooper in 2023, and Beaufort County’s election board upheld Rep. William Herbkersman’s voter qualifications. Local Government: Spartanburg County council members discussed a data-center moratorium and said there’s no legal basis to include NorthMark’s project. Economy & Jobs: Prysmian announced an $80 million Lexington County expansion creating about 135 jobs, and Trison Wells plans a $3.37 million Colleton County expansion adding 30 jobs. Crime & Enforcement: SCDOR arrested 23 people in Aiken, Barnwell, and Edgefield counties on tax evasion and failure-to-file charges. Community Watch: Authorities say three suspects are in custody after a Gaffney bus stop shooting killed a 17-year-old.

Military & Defense: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attended the renaming of Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, calling for a $1.5 trillion FY2027 military budget and citing Sen. Lindsey Graham’s support for the plan. Education Policy: The Meeting Street Scholarship expands statewide with an $18.7M state investment, making the gap-funding program available to eligible high school seniors in all 46 South Carolina counties. Public Safety: A 17-year-old was arrested and a second suspect remained at large after a deadly Gaffney bus stop shooting that killed Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr.; Grassy Pond Elementary and nearby roads were locked down as investigators searched. Civil Liberties & Tech: NetChoice asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block Ohio’s parental-consent social media law for minors under 16, arguing it would restrict First Amendment activity. Privacy Backlash: Surveillance camera company Flock announced platform changes aimed at reducing privacy concerns and alleged misuse by law enforcement users. Health & Schools: A federal vaccine order threatens legal action against states that don’t allow religious exemptions, raising new pressure as measles cases climb. Local Community: Columbia marked Purple Heart Day with a proclamation ceremony honoring recipients.

SC Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP special primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham and will face Rep. Ralph Norman in an Aug. 25 runoff; Graham led with about 33% and Norman followed with about 24%, with the winner heading into the November matchup against Democrat Annie Andrews. Runoff Debate: The SC GOP will host a Graham-Norman debate Aug. 18 at the Newberry Opera House, with early voting set for Aug. 19-21. AG & Solar Zoning: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson retained an outside consultant to review York County zoning issues tied to Silfab Solar in Fort Mill, after a judge upheld a 2024 zoning ruling against the plant. Public Safety & Tech: SC sheriffs defended license plate reader tools as a way to speed investigations while emphasizing transparency and accountability; Bluffton also moved toward more public transparency on Flock cameras. School Violence: A 17-year-old student was shot and killed near a Gaffney school bus stop, triggering a multi-agency investigation. Budget: Lawmakers passed the $15 billion 2026-2027 state budget, including teacher pay boosts, tax relief, and road funding. Federal/Politics: Democrats meet to finalize the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with South Carolina expected to be first.

Gaffney Bus-Stop Tragedy: A 17-year-old Gaffney High student, Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr., was shot and killed around 7 a.m. Wednesday near a school bus stop on West Rutledge Avenue. Police say it’s an active crime scene and SLED’s Special Victims Unit is assisting; the suspect fled in a waiting vehicle, and the Cherokee County School District is coordinating with law enforcement. SC Senate Runoff Politics: Sen. Darline Graham advanced to an Aug. 25 GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman after leading a 10-candidate field in the special primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham. Party Pressure: The NRSC is urging South Carolina Republicans who missed the runoff to endorse Graham, and Sen. Tim Scott publicly backed her ahead of the runoff. Local Housing Update: Mount Pleasant council amended attainable housing parameters for Gregorie Ferry Landing, moving the AMI purchase range to 0–120% to broaden who can buy the 36 attainable units. Public Safety Leadership: The SC Highway Patrol promoted Christopher M. Wooten to commander of Troop 6, covering the Lowcountry counties.

South Carolina Senate: Darline Graham and Ralph Norman are headed to an Aug. 25 runoff for the GOP nomination to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Runoff math: Neither cleared 50% in Tuesday’s special primary—Graham led with about 32.7% and Norman followed with about 24.6%—so the top two advance. General election: The winner will face Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews on Nov. 3. Campaign context: Graham, the interim senator appointed after her brother’s death, is backed by President Donald Trump; Norman is the longtime 5th District congressman. Voter turnout: The SC Election Commission reported strong participation, including heavy early and in-person voting in counties like Greenville and Spartanburg. National politics: The same night, Democrats tested their left-vs.-center direction in other states, with Minnesota’s progressive Peggy Flanagan winning the Democratic Senate primary.

South Carolina Senate Primary: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in the GOP special primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and eligibility tied to the June 9 Republican primary. The race features 10 candidates, including appointed incumbent Darline Graham, plus Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch; a Trafalgar Group poll shows Graham leading at 26.4% over Norman (19.5%), Fry (18.4%) and Sanford (18.3%), suggesting a runoff is likely if no one clears 50%. Military & Statehouse: Joint Base Charleston was renamed Joint Base Lindsey Graham in a ceremony featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gov. Henry McMaster, and Sen. Darline Graham. Education Safety: AG Alan Wilson and Superintendent Ellen Weaver warned districts about online dangers to students, including AI-fueled CSAM risks and counterfeit pills. National Politics: Tuesday’s primaries also spotlight Democratic ideological fights in Wisconsin and Minnesota, while DC residents continue to debate a year-old National Guard deployment. Courts: Alex Murdaugh’s defense asked to dismiss his murder indictments or move the case, citing alleged “fabricated” evidence and grand jury misconduct.

South Carolina Senate Primary: Republicans vote Tuesday in a special GOP primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with his sister Darline Graham trying to overcome skepticism over her limited political track record while leaning on a Trump endorsement; the field is crowded, and if no one clears 50% the top two advance to an Aug. 25 runoff. Election Logistics: The state Election Commission is reminding voters about eligibility rules, ID requirements, and that some polling places changed—plus early voting already topped 61,000 ballots statewide. Foreign Policy in the Spotlight: The race is also being framed around how closely candidates will match Graham’s hawkish, pro-Israel national security posture. Cybersecurity & Local Government: Surfside Beach is tightening banking and transaction verification after a $545,000 cyber scam, adding dual-control safeguards and pushing stronger vendor-impersonation checks. Public Health Fight: Across the country, Trump’s executive order would reduce and rework routine childhood vaccine scheduling, drawing sharp pushback from medical groups and raising concerns about disease exposure. Local Courts/Child Care: A Lancaster County family says their toddler was seriously injured at a day care and is seeking accountability after alleging delayed or inadequate care. Law Enforcement Tech: Greenville County’s sheriff faced questions about Flock license-plate reader cameras after deputies were fired for misuse.

South Carolina Senate Primary: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, in the special GOP U.S. Senate primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and a possible Aug. 25 runoff; early voting drew 41,000+ ballots, eligibility hinges on whether you voted in June’s GOP or Democratic primaries, and photo ID is required. Campaign Watch: The field of 10 includes Sen. Darline Graham (appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster), Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and others—while Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham faces a crowded, unsettled race. Live Coverage: SCETV and Public Radio will broadcast live results Tuesday night. Counterfeit Crackdown: Authorities seized more than $214,000 in fake NeeDoh toys and luxury-logo knockoffs at Haywood Mall in Greenville after a joint operation involving Greenville PD, SLED, and Homeland Security Investigations. State Government & Industry: Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office says it’s reviewing zoning uncertainty tied to York County solar manufacturer Silfab Solar. Culture Clash: Rep. Nancy Mace is under fire after saying Muslim public officials are “Trojan horses,” including a CNN grilling over whether she meant all Muslims are threats.