AGP Executive Report

Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike is reigniting national debate over lethal injection protocols, with South Carolina advocates pointing to similar concerns about the death penalty’s reliability. Public Safety & Justice: In Spartanburg County, a mother faces attempted murder charges after prosecutors say she stabbed her two children about 50 times, with one child facing possible amputation. Local Government Accountability: Whitmire officials say drinking water violated state standards after disinfection byproducts exceeded limits, and residents are upset about notification timing and how updates were shared. State Politics & Elections: South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is framed as a potential historic first for women, with voters weighing candidates ahead of the November election. Economic Development: Sen. Tim Scott’s push for a federal film tax credit is highlighted as a way to grow South Carolina’s Upstate production pipeline. Policy Watch: A federal bill led by Rep. Nancy Mace would remove education requirements in many federal contracting jobs unless agencies justify them. Community Impact: Forest Acres parents say poor communication about Trenholm Park’s gym/community center future has left families worried about losing a key local resource.

Statehouse & Culture: Gov. Henry McMaster announced “Carolina When I Die” as South Carolina’s newest official state song, joining “Carolina” and “South Carolina on My Mind.” Elections & Courts: Attorney General Alan Wilson said a federal judge dismissed a challenge to South Carolina’s election integrity voter-assistance law, arguing plaintiffs lacked a legal basis. Public Safety & Justice: SLED charged a Cherokee County man with lottery fraud, and another SLED case targeted a Richland County woman for lottery fraud. Health & Policy: A new federal guidance rollout sets up a nationwide school choice scholarship tax credit program starting in January, with states able to opt in and list scholarship-granting organizations. Corrections & Death Penalty: Tennessee’s Christa Pike survived a botched execution attempt after two doses of pentobarbital failed, prompting a third-party review and a halt on further executions this year. Local Government: Hanahan’s ethics commission dismissed a complaint against Mayor Christie Rainwater over a right-of-way transfer. State Services: Horry County offices are relocating to the Central Coast Complex, with key treasurer/assessor/auditor functions moving Friday and reopening Monday. Crime Victims Funding: York County groups are set to receive more than $1.1 million in state and federal crime-victim grants.

Cybersecurity & Health Care: Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a reported Saber Healthcare data breach, saying at least 3,025 South Carolina residents may be affected and offering free case evaluations. Voting Deadline: South Carolina’s statewide general election registration cutoff is Sunday, Oct. 4 (online must be received by then; in-person ends Oct. 2; mailed forms must be postmarked Oct. 5). U.S. Senate Politics: Jack Smith told Darline Graham that Lindsey Graham “likely would have been a witness” in the Trump 2020 election case, sparking fresh public sparring at a Senate Judiciary hearing. State & Local Public Safety: Greenville County gang activity is down slightly year-to-date, but officials say the most severe offenses remain serious. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Multi-agency investigators charged at least eight people tied to alleged trafficking and prostitution across Greenville County massage businesses. Energy & Industry: Trump announced South Korea’s up-to-$200B energy investment plan, including eight nuclear reactors and an Alaska LNG review, with South Carolina named among the nuclear host states. Disaster Relief: FEMA awarded South Carolina more than $5.4M for Hurricane Helene recovery and resilience projects. Healthcare Payments: Trump’s administration began mailing $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina.

Voting Rights: A federal court ruled South Carolina’s midterms will keep in place key restrictions on voter assistance for people with disabilities, dealing a blow to the NAACP and voters challenging limits tied to eligibility, who can help, and “five-voter” caps. Elections: The SC Election Commission reminded voters that in-person registration for the Nov. 3 election ends Friday, Oct. 2, while online registration continues through Sunday, Oct. 4. State Politics: Gov. Henry McMaster’s office posted late-September schedules, including his appearance at the South Carolina Nuclear Summit. Governor Race: Democratic Jermaine Johnson and Republican Alan Wilson will debate live Oct. 6 in Columbia. Healthcare & Federal Politics: The Trump administration began sending $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states starting Sept. 30. Nuclear Workforce: USC and Westinghouse announced a partnership to expand nuclear workforce training through a planned Nuclear Innovation Center. Public Safety: A Greenwood man was sentenced to two years for interfering with a Delta flight crew after a drunken, violent incident that forced a diversion to Anchorage. Local Crime: A Ladson woman was charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse after deputies found two people dead during a welfare check.

Cybersecurity & Consumer Protection: A multistate settlement over the 2019 AMCA data breach—linked to Labcorp’s debt collector—was announced, with regulators saying HIPAA-covered companies can’t “pass the buck” to vendors and must manage vendor security. Local Law Enforcement: Charleston police issued 613 hands-free citations after the state’s phone-ban enforcement began, with officials noting the law’s impact is hard to measure but distractions remain a crash factor. Education & Public Safety: Lexington-Richland 5 approved an initial motion to let SLED-certified district security staff carry firearms on campus, with policy requiring training and coordination with law enforcement. State Government & Infrastructure: FEMA awarded South Carolina nearly $5.5 million for Hurricane Helene recovery and resilience projects, including debris removal and critical facility power. Energy & Workforce: Gov. McMaster highlighted South Carolina’s nuclear push at the Nuclear Summit, as Westinghouse and USC announced a workforce development partnership. Politics & Elections: South Carolina governor candidates are split on taxes and infrastructure ahead of registration deadlines. Health Policy: A federal analysis says new Medicaid payment rules could force major provider cuts in dozens of states, raising access concerns for Medicaid patients.

U.S. Senate Race Watch: A new Trafalgar poll shows South Carolina’s U.S. Senate contest tightening, with appointed Sen. Darline Graham up 43.4% to Annie Andrews’ 42.2% among likely voters. School Board Accountability: Charleston County trustee Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson defended herself in a first-of-its-kind state hearing tied to an inspector general report, arguing the claims lack evidence and that any issues are broader policy problems. Nuclear Workforce: Westinghouse and the University of South Carolina will partner on a nuclear workforce development program centered at USC’s Nuclear Innovation Center. Local Law & Order: Ridge Spring’s police chief is no longer with the department after controversy over threatening messages sent from the department’s Facebook account. Education Choice Oversight: A finalized accountability bill (Act 123 of 2026) increases scrutiny and transparency for South Carolina charter schools and authorizers. Consumer Protection: AG Alan Wilson urges South Carolinians to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Lexington County at $3.74 for the week ending Sept. 19. Public Safety & Courts: A Myrtle Beach homicide suspect, Vinson Jones, was extradited back to South Carolina from Detroit.

College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act on a 77-22 vote, setting a national framework for athlete compensation and eligibility while adding a Tim Scott-backed foreign-funding disclosure requirement; the bill now heads to the House, where progress is uncertain. Local Hate-Crime Law: Hollywood, S.C. became the latest Midlands/Lowcountry municipality to adopt a hate-crime ordinance, adding enhanced penalties for crimes tied to race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Data Centers as a Campaign Issue: Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews called for a two-year moratorium on new data center projects, arguing tax breaks and corporate power are steamrolling rural communities. School Board Removal Hearing: Charleston County trustee Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson faced a public hearing tied to Inspector General allegations that could lead to removal. Election 2026 Prep: A voter guide outlines key registration and early voting deadlines ahead of Nov. 3. Law Enforcement Tech Debate: Richland County’s Flock ALPR network is under renewed scrutiny as privacy concerns grow alongside claims it helps solve murders. Federal Criminal Case (SC): A Greenwood man, Michael Shane Orndoff Jr., was sentenced to two years for drunken, combative behavior that led to a Delta flight diversion to Anchorage.

Midterm Map Fallout: A U.S. Supreme Court decision keeps Missouri’s 2024 House map in place, even as Trump pushed redistricting changes; the broader fight still produced new House districts in nine states. South Carolina Senate Race: In a Trafalgar Group poll, Sen. Darline Graham leads nominee Annie Andrews 43.4% to 42.3%, with the race tightening across age groups. Title IX Back in Play: The U.S. Department of Education rescinded the 2024 Title IX rule and reinstated the 2020 version, a move that could reshape women’s sports policy nationwide. Medicaid Pressure on Providers: A new Health Affairs analysis says federal rules will cut Medicaid payments in about three dozen states, potentially reducing access for Medicaid patients. Data Center Fight in Spartanburg: The Southern Environmental Law Center is asking South Carolina’s Public Service Commission to reconsider a decision that exempted a large data-center power plant from the Siting Act. Hurricane Helene Recovery: Two years after Helene, FEMA Public Assistance for SC public recovery projects is nearing $744 million. Public Safety: SCDPS reported eight roadway deaths from Sept. 25-27.

Election Administration: Votebeat reports election officials nationwide are preparing for possible federal interference in the 2026 midterms, including scenarios that could involve immigration officers at polls or federal attempts to seize ballots, with many jurisdictions already lining up legal filings. Federal Courts/Desegregation: The Justice Department ended decades-old school desegregation consent decrees, dropping more than 50 cases tied to Brown-era oversight, with critics warning it turns back toward Jim Crow-era practices. Immigration/Work Visas: USCIS data show South Carolina approved 6,685 H-2B worker approvals tied to in-state worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 100% approval rate in those decisions. Public Safety/Surveillance: A Ridge Spring resident says he was threatened with U.S. Marshals after criticizing Flock Safety cameras on the police department’s Facebook page, sparking a First Amendment dispute. Health Care: A new Health Affairs analysis warns federal rules could cut Medicaid provider payments by more than $50 billion across three dozen states, potentially reducing access for Medicaid patients. Statehouse Education: Fourth grade teachers can apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse (deadline Oct. 2). Sports/Discipline: South Carolina suspended pass-rusher Dylan Stewart indefinitely after an on-field incident in the Alabama loss.

Immigration & Work Visas: USCIS reported 6,685 H-2B worker approvals tied to South Carolina worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 100% approval rate. Voting Integrity Tech: A conservative group is pushing for secure digital signatures for citizen ballot initiatives, arguing it could cut costs and reduce fraud. Statehouse Civics: Fourth grade teachers can apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse (Feb. 19, 2027), with applications due Oct. 2. Public Safety Leadership: Tega Cay Fire Chief Glyn Hasty was sworn in as president of the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs. Local Government & Records: Seven months after a public records request, a Ninety Six town attorney says records haven’t been reviewed. Courts & Policy: A judge struck down Folly Beach’s short-term rental cap and fee as illegal, sending the fight to the S.C. Supreme Court. Environment & Disaster Prep: Charleston’s hurricane planning is examined in a “worst-case scenario” look at how a Cat 5 could hit and how recovery would unfold. Sports (SC angle): The SC Senate candidates debate is set for Oct. 11 on SCETV, featuring Annie Andrews, Sen. Darline Graham, and Kasie Whitener.

SCETV Senate Debate: South Carolina ETV will host a statewide U.S. Senate candidates debate Oct. 11 at 7 p.m., moderated by Gavin Jackson and Maayan Schechter, with Annie Andrews, Sen. Darline Graham, and Kasie Whitener confirmed. Election Watch: A new Cook Political Report update says Democrats’ paths to flipping the Senate are improving, with South Carolina listed among races moving into the “to watch” category. Fuel Economy Fight: President Trump says he approved new fuel economy standards ending the Biden-era EV mandate, promising lower prices and more auto manufacturing—though details of the final rule weren’t released immediately. Local Housing Input: Aiken County will hold an Oct. 6 public hearing on community needs and priorities tied to CDBG/HOME planning. Public Safety: A Lexington man, Donovan Ryan Holman, received a life sentence for a 2024 murder after a stabbing spree and arson. Crime/Justice: Darlington County men were arrested on child sexual abuse material charges tied to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest regular gas prices in the state hovering in the mid-$3 range for the week ending Sept. 19, with diesel generally in the mid-$5 to $6 range.

College Sports Policy: Alabama AG Steve Marshall urged Congress to add women’s sports protections to the Protect College Sports Act, arguing states must keep power to block men from women’s teams. Public Safety: South Carolina AG warned students and families after two overdose deaths at the University of Mississippi, saying kratom was found in both cases and could be contaminated with hard-to-detect synthetic opioids. State Education Oversight: A Charleston County school trustee, Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson, faces a Sept. 28 hearing in Columbia tied to an executive order. Elections & Power: Commentary highlights Democrats’ growing Senate momentum and warns GOP “safe-seat” assumptions may be slipping as races tighten. Local Government/Community: Richland County reported 11,451 degrees and certificates conferred in 2023-24, reflecting ongoing workforce and education output. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy price checks showed diesel and regular gas lows across multiple SC counties for the week ending Sept. 19, underscoring continued volatility.

New Synthetic Opioid Alert: A Nashville-based lab says it has found cychlorphine in 18 states, including South Carolina, linking it to dozens of East Tennessee deaths and raising fresh overdose concerns. U.S. Senate Race Watch: Libertarian candidate Dr. Kasie Whitener confirmed she’ll join the Oct. 11 SCETV debate with Sen. Darline Graham and Dr. Annie Andrews. Election Staffing: Richland County is recruiting hundreds more poll workers to hit about 1,400 ahead of the Nov. 3 election, using a staffing partner for training and payroll. Public Safety: Charleston Water System is planning a major second phase to replace about 941 known lead service lines, seeking community input as it works toward lead pipe removal by 2037. Local Crime: A Pickens woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in the death of Easley Police Officer Matthew Hare. Campaign Culture: Rep. Nancy Mace’s leather “Catwoman” look from her podcast sparked online buzz as she discussed foreign policy and politics. Defense/Industry: Woodward plans to shift military flight-control production from California to Spartanburg, with operations expected to start in summer 2027.

State Politics & Courts: Charleston County school board member Darlene Roberson will face an unprecedented hearing after an inspector general report alleges conflicts of interest, improper disclosure of confidential info, and illegal late-fee billing tied to her board role. Public Records & Local Government: Beaufort County is pushing back on claims it violated South Carolina’s FOIA by letting a developer and attorney tied to lawsuits attend an executive session. Public Safety & Justice: SLED is still seeking answers in the 2022 Estill shooting death of Devin White, with a cash reward offered for tips. Health & Community: CDC reports measles cases continue to rise nationwide, with South Carolina among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Culture & History: The South Carolina State Museum removed a 1950s KKK flyer from an exhibit after visitors said its placement next to Strom Thurmond created a misleading impression. Energy & Everyday Costs: GasBuddy data show diesel prices in parts of the Lowcountry and Midlands remain volatile, with some of the lowest weekly diesel prices reported in Georgetown and Berkeley counties. Federal Policy Watch: A proposed federal EV fee is delayed as the bill stalls in Congress.

FCC/Telecom: Verizon has petitioned the FCC to end copper landline service in 18 states and D.C., drawing pushback from BellTel retirees who warn it could cut reliable lifelines for older and vulnerable Americans. Medicaid/Health Care: New federal rules are expected to force roughly three dozen states to reduce Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by more than $50 billion, raising fears providers will see fewer Medicaid patients. Public Safety/Crime Victims: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson announced more than $29 million in grants for victim services groups, including $1.1M across five York County agencies. Military/Affordable Housing: Gov. McMaster’s annual military briefing highlighted growing pressure on affordable housing for service members and families, especially around Shaw Air Force Base. Education/Community: The South Carolina Forum will hold an inaugural civic assembly in October focused on expanding economic opportunity for the workforce. Higher Ed: Clemson topped South Carolina schools again in U.S. News 2027 rankings, while Winthrop received a $250,000 Rock Hill grant to launch a new advanced manufacturing engineering degree. Local News: Two men were found shot dead on a Bamberg County road; SLED has been asked to lead the investigation.

Drug Investigation: Greenville County coroner investigators say Hayden Panettiere’s apartment search turned up fentanyl and paraphernalia, including fentanyl-positive pills and residue found in bags and a suitcase, plus Adderall and syringes. Transportation & Local Power: In Charlotte, the regional transportation board reversed course and backed I-77 South toll lanes after a Charlotte City Council vote; two board members resigned, citing state pressure and neighborhood impacts. Prison Education: Williamsburg Technical College and FCI Williamsburg launched a CDL training program for eligible inmates, aiming to help participants earn credentials and pass South Carolina’s CDL exam after release. Military & Housing: South Carolina commanders told Gov. Henry McMaster they’re seeing growing needs for affordable housing, childcare, and support for military families as installations expand. State Politics & Voting: Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the NRSC, told lawmakers Republicans are in a “fight for our lives” in a crowded field of toss-up Senate races. Higher Ed: Clemson topped South Carolina’s national university rankings in U.S. News 2027, while Clemson CFO Rick Petillo is set to leave for Vanderbilt.