AGP Executive Report

Federal Tech & Safety: NHTSA opened an audit of about 1,000 Tesla Cybercab robotaxis after the company began paid rides in Austin, testing how the cars fit decades-old federal safety rules. FCC & Media: FCC Chair Brendan Carr said President Trump is “over the target” after demands for “punishment” over NBC’s Kristen Welker, hinting the FCC could issue guidance on broadcasters and “fake polls.” Defense & Indo-Pacific: The U.S. Marine Corps deployed South Carolina-based F-35B squadron VMFA-533 to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as China competition reshapes Pacific airpower. Public Safety (SC): South Carolina troopers and local partners are stepping up Labor Day enforcement under SCDPS’s Sober or Slammer push, while SCDNR will run courtesy boat inspections statewide to check safety gear and registrations. SC Politics & Campaigns: Rep. Nancy Mace announced the REAL Sugar Act to ban high-fructose corn syrup in food and used social media to weigh in on Minnesota politics and the Lindsay Clancy case. Local Governance: A Chapin mayoral power struggle and a separate York County election/grade-and-compliance story both underscore how state oversight and local decisions are driving headlines.

Democratic turnout push in SC: Three Democratic candidates—Jermaine Johnson for governor, Dr. Annie Andrews for U.S. Senate, and Rep. Kambrell Garvin—held a Midlands forum in Columbia urging voters to show up ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, with early voting starting Oct. 19. Gavin Newsom’s 2028 shadow campaign: A new report says California Gov. Gavin Newsom is openly courting South Carolina voters as Democrats’ first presidential-primary state, but locals are wary of his California brand and what it means for a national run. SC legal spotlight: Coverage also highlights new details in the ongoing JP Miller case tied to Netflix’s “Death of the Pastor’s Wife,” including bond conditions that restrict him from possessing firearms. Public safety and crime: Sumter County deputies, with SLED, seized nearly 50 pounds of marijuana in Rembert and charged David Faulk with trafficking, drug possession, and weapons offenses. State politics and accountability: An editorial takes aim at South Carolina’s charter-school transparency law, arguing some charters are effectively ignoring requirements to share records online. Weather watch: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of Upstate SC and the Midlands.

Public Safety: A Boiling Springs Walmart in Spartanburg County was reported evacuated by shoppers, but deputies say they were chasing a suspicious person who was taken into custody after contact on nearby Lowe’s property. Law Enforcement: A late-night Greenville County pursuit ended in a crash, according to dispatch reports. Courts & Corrections: Georgetown County magistrate denied bond for Saylor Hayes’ parents after the 5-year-old’s death, citing the “egregious” charges and past criminal history. Election Integrity: Homeland Security asked for inquiries into voting machines, including whether ballot-marking devices produce a reliable record for manual audits. State Politics & Governance: A South Carolina school board removal law is back in focus as critics argue the standard for ousting members is too low. Transportation & Infrastructure: Drivers are warning about long-dark stretches on I-85 between Greenville and Anderson, with many overhead lights out since at least 2017. Tech & Policy: NHTSA opened a safety audit of Tesla’s Cybercab robotaxi hours after Austin launch, teeing up a regulatory fight over driverless operation. Local Economy: Paris Baguette plans a new Greenville cafe on Woodruff Road at Magnolia Park, as construction and permitting continue.

U.S. Senate Special Primary: Rep. Russell Fry says he’ll run for the GOP nomination in Lindsey Graham’s vacant seat, with candidate filing set to open July 21 and close July 28; the filing fee is $10,440 and Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to finish the term. Diplomacy: New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer arrived in Belize and defended Belize’s Taiwan ties, saying the U.S. “prioritize[s]” its relationship with Taiwan while also stressing he doesn’t set Belize’s foreign policy. Elections & Voting Access: A federal judge blocked key parts of a Trump mail-ballot order for the 2026 midterms, warning disenfranchisement would be “practically inevitable” on a tight timeline. Public Safety & Courts: A property owner sued Folly Beach to recoup short-term rental registration fees after a judge ruled the city’s STR cap process illegal; the city has appealed. Law Enforcement: SLED charged former Pacolet officer Frederick Trent Payne with bank fraud, prostitution, and obstruction of justice, alleging he used false claims tied to overdrafts and paid for sex acts. Tech/Regulation: NHTSA opened an audit of about 1,000 Tesla Cybercab robotaxis as the company begins paid rides, testing federal safety rules. Sports (SC-focused): Clemson opens its 2026 season Saturday against LSU amid eligibility controversy and SEC/contract disputes.

USC Gamecocks: The University of South Carolina will honor attorney Joe Rice with a moment of silence and scoreboard tribute before Saturday’s season opener vs. Kent State, with more tributes planned across USC’s platforms. Public Safety: USC will also mark the death of Columbia police officer Chris DeLong before kickoff, as the community mourns another fallen Gamecock. Higher Ed Safety: Coastal Carolina University says it will honor student Kalina Trent, killed in a deadly hit-and-run, and reiterated that a pedestrian overpass project remains a priority with SCDOT as planning and approvals continue. Animal Cruelty Case: Federal prosecutors say a dogfighting probe led to the largest single-property dog seizure in South Carolina history—more than 100 dogs seized from Chesterfield County properties tied to a seven-year alleged operation, including a former deputy. Elections & Voting Access: South Carolina Election Commission guidance says voters marked “inactive” can still vote by reactivating through voting or updating registration, while advocates warn some could miss mail-related steps. State Politics Watch: A federal court ruling is again in the spotlight for South Carolina’s age-based absentee voting rules, with appeals court findings cited in recent coverage.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed files tied to its C-Track case-management platform, affecting court systems in South Carolina and other states plus Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Election Law: A federal appeals court says South Carolina’s age-based absentee voting rules may be unconstitutional, sending the dispute back for further review. Public Safety: Ahead of Labor Day, S.C. troopers and local partners are ramping DUI and distracted-driving enforcement, warning of heavy holiday traffic. State Government: S.C. Commerce named Patrick Turner as general counsel. Justice & Crime: A father-son duo pleaded guilty after 152 guns were stolen from a Florence armory. Workplace Rights: The EEOC sued a Charlotte-area company alleging it fired a pregnant worker after she miscarried. Local Tragedy: Sumter County investigators are probing a double homicide after a mother and daughter were found shot to death. Higher Ed Policy: The Trump administration proposed stripping tax-exempt status from private colleges that provide race-targeted aid.

Workforce & Local Economy: Gov. Henry McMaster and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce named Savannah River Nuclear Solutions the 2026 Workforce Champion, praising its student outreach, internships, and a no-cost 24-month apprenticeship school in Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell. Public Safety: McMaster ordered flags at state buildings half-staff for Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong Jr., killed Aug. 29 during a domestic disturbance response; another officer was wounded and released from the hospital. Labor Day Watch: Here’s what’s open and closed for the Sept. 7 holiday, plus boating and safety reminders for the weekend. Politics & Elections: Rep. Ralph Norman says he’ll “support” Sen. Darline Graham in November after losing the GOP Senate runoff; Democrats also keep eyeing long-shot House flips in deep-red districts. Courts & Accountability: A 30-year-old Lexington County housekeeper was arrested on allegations she exploited assisted-living residents and used their debit cards for purchases. Community & Culture: Cayce is moving forward with South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll installation, with SCETV documenting the project. Tragedy Update: Saylor Hayes’ parents, charged after her death near Pawleys Island, appeared in Tennessee court and agreed to be extradited to South Carolina.

Midterms Watch: President Donald Trump says he’ll campaign in about 35 competitive races in the final stretch of the 2026 midterms, warning Republicans they must defend narrow House and Senate majorities. SC Arts Education: The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities opened applications for tuition-free residential and summer programs for students in grades 6–11, with offerings in multiple creative disciplines. SC250 Honors: Gov. Henry McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto to SC250 Vice Chair Bill Davies for decades of work in law, military service, and Revolutionary War history preservation. Public Safety Tech: Myrtle Beach police credited an AI gunshot detection tool (ShotSpotter) in an assault arrest tied to a reported Aug. 10 shooting. Child Death Case: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes—an autistic, nonverbal girl found dead in South Carolina waters—were arrested in Tennessee and face charges tied to alleged lack of supervision and safeguards. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a C-Track platform breach that exposed some court files and personal information, including in South Carolina. Budget/Infrastructure: McMaster signed a supplemental appropriations bill distributing about $350 million for community projects statewide, including Greenville-area items. Gun Hunting Policy: SC lawmakers are weighing changes to deer dog hunting rules after public forums highlighted conflicts between hunters and private property owners.

Child Death Investigation: Parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes were arrested in Tennessee on South Carolina warrants after her body was found in the Waccamaw River near Pawleys Island; warrants allege they knew she wasn’t wearing a Project Lifesaver tracker and misdirected search efforts away from the water. Public Safety/Manhunt: A suspect in the killing of a Warm Springs, Georgia officer was located in South Carolina after a traffic stop on I-85 near Exit 27, with the coroner responding. State Government & Courts: A federal appeals court again struck down South Carolina’s age-based absentee voting law as unconstitutional, keeping the fight over election rules in the spotlight. Education & Local Governance: Fort Mill School Board approved new courses and recognized athletic and academic wins while reporting early-fiscal-year budget numbers. Policy Watch: South Carolina is moving to end the “orphan tax” by stopping use of orphaned foster children’s benefits for their care if state funding can cover the gap. Community & Environment: The Carolina Wildlife Garden officially opened at the South Carolina State Museum, expanding native habitat education for visitors and youth camps.

State Budget & Earmarks: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a standalone bill directing about $350 million in earmarks to South Carolina projects, with House and Senate each carving out major portions for transportation, public safety, economic development, recreation and infrastructure. Local Governance & Growth: Spartanburg County’s nearly $3 billion South Pine data center project is still moving forward despite residents’ and the Southern Environmental Law Center’s lawsuit, after the Public Service Commission rejected challenges to the project’s regulatory classification. Public Safety: Georgetown County authorities say the parents of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes—John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes—were arrested in Tennessee and face charges tied to leaving the nonverbal child unsupervised near water; Saylor’s body was recovered near Pawleys Island. Workforce & Industry: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions received the state Workforce Champion Award, highlighting pathways into South Carolina’s nuclear careers. Community & Environment: Keep the Midlands Beautiful is running Lake Sweep/River Sweep events around Lake Murray in September, aiming to remove thousands of pounds of litter with volunteer partners.

Foreclosure Watch: ATTOM data shows foreclosure filings rising in July, with South Carolina among the hardest-hit states (about 1 in 2,085 housing units). Cybersecurity & Housing: HUD is tightening cyber-incident reporting as ransomware and data breaches hit housing authorities; a South Carolina regional housing authority was targeted by Orova ransomware, raising concerns about resident portal access. Courts & Voting Rights: The 4th Circuit ruled South Carolina’s age-based absentee-by-mail rules unconstitutional, sending the case back for a remedy that could expand no-excuse access. Amazon Legal Fight: Acting AG Cori Mills announced a multi-agency lawsuit against Amazon over alleged deceptive ad auctions and overcharging. Public Safety Tragedies: Search efforts for missing 5-year-old Saylor Hayes ended with her body found near Pawleys Island; authorities say her Project Lifesaver transmitter wasn’t worn. Statehouse/Politics: House GOP leaders push ahead with a stopgap spending vote amid internal friction, while South Carolina’s governor’s race debate is set for Oct. 6. Drug Policy: DEA moved certain kratom-related products (including 7-OH derivatives) to Schedule I. Local Law Enforcement: A Colleton County deputy was fired after 62 unauthorized Flock searches of his spouse’s car and others.

Governor’s Race Media: WIS and Gray Media will host an exclusive South Carolina governor’s debate Oct. 6 (7-8 p.m.) with Alan Wilson and Jermaine Johnson agreeing to participate. Voting Rights: A federal appeals court ruled South Carolina’s age-based “no excuse” absentee-by-mail rules unconstitutional under the 26th Amendment, sending the case back for a remedy. State Politics & Courts: Trump escalated his fight with NBC’s Kristen Welker, threatening FCC action over what he calls “purposeful inaccuracy” about his endorsement record. Local Government: Chapin’s special called meeting ended with council and Mayor Bill Mitchell finding some common ground ahead of a Lexington County legal battle. Public Safety: Columbia mourns Officer Chris DeLong, killed in a park shooting; SLED is investigating. Education & Research: USC plans a $100 million state-funded Nuclear Innovation Center to boost nuclear workforce and applied research. Consumer/Business: FTC and 22 states, including South Carolina, sued Amazon over alleged ad-price surcharges; separately, a SC-based mattress retailer filed Chapter 11. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the cheapest E15 in Anderson County at $3.41 (week ending Aug. 22).

South Carolina Senate Politics: Darline Graham’s GOP Senate primary win is being sold as a Trump comeback, with coverage highlighting how the president’s endorsement muscle and outside spending helped pull her over the line against Democrat Annie Andrews. Supreme Court Fallout: Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) told NBC’s “Meet the Press” he now regrets backing Clarence Thomas in 1991, calling it a “mistake,” and he renewed calls to expand the Court to 13 justices. Federal Media Fight: Trump escalated his feud with NBC’s Kristen Welker, saying he’ll push the FCC to “rebuke or punish” her over comments about his endorsement results. Courts & Foreclosures: The S.C. Court of Appeals reversed a master-in-equity decision in a long-running mortgage foreclosure, ruling the master lacked jurisdiction to undo a summary judgment order and sending it back. Public Safety: A Greenville County woman accused of stabbing her Lyft driver 11 times was denied bond, with her attorney arguing a mental health crisis. Jobs Watch: South Carolina’s latest WARN report lists 4,489 impending job losses, including Electrolux layoffs in Anderson and a Winnsboro plant closure after a fire. Local Community: Laurens County First Steps launched a “9 to 5” fundraising push for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

G20 in the Carolinas: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in South Carolina and headed to Asheville for the G20 Finance Ministers meeting, with the agenda centered on global growth, debt, supply chains, and Iran-related energy and trade pressures. Business & manufacturing: Sitharaman also met 3M CEO William Brown on the sidelines, urging deeper 3M investment in India’s R&D, advanced manufacturing, and local supply chains. Public safety: Columbia police officer Christopher DeLong was killed and Officer David Dymock was wounded in a shooting tied to a reported domestic dispute; Upstate agencies offered support and local fundraisers opened to help DeLong’s family and Dymock’s recovery. State politics & courts: A federal ruling says South Carolina’s mail-in voting law for seniors discriminates against younger voters, and appeals are underway. Local government: Clinton residents and officials continue pushing back on the proposed Cambridge Farms development as the project’s annexation and review fight heads toward higher courts. Economy watch: Gas prices dipped in parts of the Upstate, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest diesel and midgrade deals in Anderson, Spartanburg, and Greenville counties.

Federal Courts vs. Trump Environmental Rollbacks: A string of losses is hitting the Trump administration, including rulings keeping stricter EPA soot standards in place and judges ordering the restart of South Carolina-linked climate grant programs. FCC vs. NBC’s Kristen Welker: Trump says he’ll report “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker to the FCC over her “mixed results” comment on his endorsement record, escalating a media fight that’s already spawned lawsuits. Democrats’ Strategy in the House: Rep. Jim Clyburn says impeaching Trump shouldn’t be the priority if Democrats win back the House—focus should be affordability on housing, education, energy, and healthcare. Public Safety in SC: Columbia police say Officer Christopher DeLong was killed and another officer wounded in a park shooting after a domestic dispute call; the suspect also died. SC Voting Rights: A federal appeals ruling says South Carolina’s mail-in voting rules for seniors discriminate against younger voters, setting up more legal pressure on election procedures. Medicaid Spending Snapshots: New data shows sharp local swings in Medicaid billing across SC categories, including big jumps in “Temporary Codes” and “Surgery” in multiple communities.

Officer-involved shooting in Columbia: Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook says Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, was killed and Officer David Dymock was injured in a gunfight at Southeast Park after a domestic dispute call tied to a restraining order; the suspect, Adam Dowdy, 33, also died, and SLED is investigating. Public utilities oversight: The state Public Service Commission declined to review a proposed 450-megawatt Spartanburg power station tied to a private data center, saying it lacks jurisdiction under the Siting Act. Midterm messaging: President Trump told voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” echoing his GOP Senate runoff push for Sen. Darline Graham. Health alerts: Two companies recalled 0.9% sodium chloride IV products nationwide after concerns about particulate contamination, including zinc oxide and possible fiberglass. South Carolina politics & policy: Rep. Nancy Mace highlighted her RESPECT Act push on revenge porn and discussed national security and her review of unredacted Epstein files.