AGP Executive Report

Congressional Race: Sen. Mark Kelly is backing fired Navy Reserve chief Nancy Lacore in South Carolina’s 1st District, teeing up a high-profile bid to replace Rep. Nancy Mace. Military & Youth: Watauga grad Silas Powell earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, with nominations from Rep. Virginia Foxx and Sen. Ted Budd. Local Tax Policy: In a first for South Carolina, Greenville County voters could weigh in on a penny sales tax while Greenville and Simpsonville also pursue their own penny taxes—potentially stacking to 2 cents. Healthcare & Growth: Prisma Health broke ground on a $180M Fountain Inn medical park slated to open in December 2027, expanding outpatient specialty care. Reproductive Health: Medicaid coverage for routine care at Planned Parenthood is set to resume in states as a GOP ban expires July 4. Housing Costs: Beaufort mobile home park tenants say new owners plan to double lot rents starting July 1. Public Safety: SLED is leading a deadly deputy-involved shooting investigation in Summerville. State Government: South Carolina begins the new fiscal year without a budget after lawmakers missed the deadline.

Birthright citizenship: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson said the U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship after striking down Trump’s executive order, adding he’ll keep fighting for border enforcement. Transgender sports: Wilson also weighed in on the Supreme Court’s decision upholding state bans on transgender athletes, while SC conservatives cheered the ruling. Budget fight: South Carolina lawmakers missed the budget deadline, with a continuing resolution keeping government open as negotiations drag into mid-July. Paid family leave: New SC law expands paid parental leave to temporary workers and clarifies stillbirth coverage, with the changes set to take effect Oct. 1. Public safety for July 4: State and local law enforcement are ramping up patrols on roads and waterways, including sobriety checkpoints and free boat inspections, as officials warn about illegal fireworks and impaired driving. Missing child: The FBI is assisting SC authorities in the search for 4-year-old Javeayah Harris in Aiken County. Local crime: A Lane man was charged with murder after investigators said a duplex fire was intentionally set. Outdoor community event: The SC7 Expedition will host a community walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge on July 28.

Transgender Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender students competing in women’s and girls’ sports, drawing fresh national attention and renewed debate across state lines. Birthright Citizenship Fight: President Trump urged Congress to end birthright citizenship after the Court rejected his effort to undo the longstanding rule. Campaign Finance Overhaul: The Supreme Court struck down federal limits on coordinated political party spending, a decision that could reshape how major parties fund federal races. SC Budget Stalemate: South Carolina lawmakers missed the deadline to pass a new state budget; a continuing resolution keeps government running while negotiators return to the table. Small Business Regulatory Reform: The “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” cleared key legislative steps, aiming to tighten oversight of state regulations and require more accountability. Upstate Economy/Industry: BMW completed its $1.7B Woodruff EV battery plant expansion and unveiled the next-gen X5, with more electric production planned in the Upstate. Public Safety/Boating: S.C. DNR will conduct courtesy boat inspections during the July 4 weekend at Lake Thurmond and other public landings. Local Justice: An Orangeburg County jury convicted Davion Keshawn Jones in a 2020 murder case and sentenced him to 45 years.

State Budget Standoff: South Carolina lawmakers missed the July 1 deadline, leaving government funded via a continuing resolution while negotiators try to bridge gaps over earmarks, property taxes, and homestead tax exemptions. Trans Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ sports, keeping South Carolina’s 2022 law intact. Murdaugh Retrial Fight: Alex Murdaugh’s next murder retrial is moving forward after his convictions were overturned, with prosecutors pushing back on defense requests tied to DNA testing and access to case materials. Economic Development: BMW unveiled the next-generation X5 at its Greer/Spartanburg operations, touting five powertrain options; separately, Calhoun County approved a major Amazon facility deal expected to bring 100 full-time jobs. Higher Ed Immigration Policy: Florida’s board voted to bar undocumented students from enrolling without proof of legal status, a move that could spread to other states. Public Safety: SCDNR will run courtesy boat inspections statewide over the Fourth of July weekend. Health Care Need: Sen. Tim Scott is working to expand college mental health and suicide prevention access.

SC GOP Lawsuit Prep: The South Carolina Republican Party adopted a rule change to require GOP primary voters to register as Republicans, setting up a likely legal fight over “closed” primaries. Federal Corruption Case: Former North Charleston Councilman Jerome Heyward heads to sentencing after a federal probe tied to bribes and influence-peddling in City Hall. Murdaugh Retrial Timeline: Alex Murdaugh returned to court as a judge set a new retrial date for April 5, 2027, and laid out discovery deadlines. Kids Online Safety (Opinion): A South Carolina lawmaker argues Congress should pass the Senate version of KOSA after a father says his son died in a sextortion scheme. AI Data Centers (Opinion): Another op-ed warns AI power depends on building and securing data-center infrastructure. Sports/Eligibility: NCAA approved an age-based “5 for 5” eligibility model affecting Division I athletes, including South Carolina women’s programs. Health & Grants: Prisma Health received $1.6M to expand maternal-infant screening and referrals across the Carolinas. Public Safety: A SLED probe followed an officer-involved shooting in Clinton; Spartanburg County reported restored networks after an outage.

Courts & Public Safety: Alex Murdaugh returned to Lexington County court for a procedural pretrial hearing after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his double-murder convictions; Judge Debra McCaslin set a tentative retrial start of April 5, 2027 and set deadlines for discovery, while Murdaugh remains behind bars on separate financial-crime sentences. State Government: A new South Carolina law restructures SCDOT by eliminating its commission and placing the transportation secretary in the governor’s cabinet, with planning underway for “choice lanes” and a $15 million annual pothole mitigation program. Consumer Protection: Lawmakers sent a shrimp labeling bill to the governor’s desk after passage, requiring restaurants to disclose whether shrimp is foreign-imported or domestic. Health & Community: South Carolina’s organ donation system highlights a growing kidney waitlist, while local training efforts continue—Marion County completed autism emergency response training for first responders. Politics: House Republicans are pushing to repeal the 17th Amendment amid a broader GOP feud over the SAVE Act.

Murdaugh Retrial Timeline: Alex Murdaugh is back in Lexington County court Monday for a status and scheduling hearing after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his double-murder conviction, with the judge expected to set deadlines for evidence exchange and next steps toward a potential retrial. Fire Safety: Ahead of Independence Day, the SC State Fire Marshal is urging residents to follow fireworks safety rules, including adult supervision, outdoor-only use, and checking local legality. Local Public Safety: Clinton police reported an officer-involved shooting at an apartment complex on Musgrove Street; SLED has taken over the investigation. State Politics Spotlight: A profile of Alan Wilson’s historic GOP gubernatorial primary runoff win over Pamela Evette highlights how Wilson’s campaign avoided major missteps and consolidated support. Independence Day Fishing Rules: New Red Drum regulations take effect July 1, tightening daily harvest limits, boat limits, and the legal size slot for anglers. Hurricane Prep: Dominion Energy met with South Carolina local governments to coordinate hurricane-season readiness, emphasizing pre-storm planning and vegetation management. Courts and Records: A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to either release or explain withheld FBI files tied to an Epstein-related transparency fight, with a July 2 deadline. Community Notes: Beaufort County’s Walk for Water registration is open, and Bluffton marked Carolina Day with a proclamation tied to the Sullivan’s Island anniversary. Revolutionary History: Archaeologists are digging at Revolutionary War sites nationwide, including new work connected to the Battle of Bunker Hill as America’s 250th anniversary approaches.

Military & Community: Greer’s Freedom Blast drew families to Greer City Park for a veterans-focused festival capped by fireworks. State Government & Courts: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson backed Greenville County Library’s authority to remove materials, while other coverage highlights ongoing legal fights over local control. Education Leadership: Lexington County School District One approved Dr. KaRon L. Webb as the next principal of White Knoll High School, starting July 2026. Public Safety: Darlington County deputies launched a death investigation after a Sunday shooting call at Purple City. Environment & Outdoor Policy: New red drum rules take effect July 1, tightening bag limits and size requirements for anglers. Immigration Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace says she’ll introduce legislation to ban immigration from Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, framing it as a security measure. Politics & Party Tensions: Sarita Edgerton criticized SC GOP caucus infighting and recent Ivermectin-related legislative moves. History & Patriotism: Carolina Day events at Fort Moultrie marked the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island with cannon demonstrations and commemorations.

DUI Overhaul: South Carolina lawmakers reached a compromise on a bill to crack down on DUI loopholes, tighten penalties for serious injuries, and expand ignition interlock use, with a key fight over when police can draw blood. Data Privacy: AssuranceAmerica says a March breach may have exposed South Carolina drivers’ names, SSNs, and license numbers—about 611,000 residents could be affected. Consumer Protection: A shrimp labeling bill advanced after “shrimpgate,” requiring restaurants to clearly note whether shrimp is domestic or imported, with signage/menu options and penalties for repeat violations. Public Safety & Local Government: Dominion Energy begins tree trimming along overhead lines in Columbia neighborhoods starting Monday, and Kershaw County moved forward on incentives tied to the $900M “Project Ballast” gas plant amid neighbor concerns. Sports & Community: Clemson delayed the start of a Morgan Wallen concert after severe weather, with gates later adjusted as storms passed. Revolutionary War Spotlight: South Carolina’s Revolutionary War sites and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island continue to get attention ahead of the 250th anniversary.

Local Government: Kershaw County moved “Project Ballast” forward, giving second reading to development incentives for a proposed $900M natural gas plant near Bethune, but neighbors say they weren’t fully informed and want clearer answers about impacts and the project’s footprint. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Union County and a separate Greenville County case where a gunshot victim was found in the roadway; deputies also made an arrest in the Greenville incident. Criminal Justice: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson joined a multi-state legal push backing the Greenville County Library System’s authority to remove materials, arguing local libraries should control what appears in taxpayer-funded collections—an issue tied to broader fights over children’s content. Housing & Homelessness: One80 Place in Columbia is expanding affordable housing and shelter capacity for people exiting homelessness, with on-site support meant to connect residents to services and permanent housing. Community & Culture: Charleston’s Carolina Day parade kicked off the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, with families and reenactors marking the Revolutionary War milestone. Health & Data Security: A breach tied to AssuranceAmerica may expose sensitive data for more than 1.1 million people across seven states, including South Carolina. Weather/Events: Clemson delayed the start of a Morgan Wallen concert after severe weather warnings, with gates opening later once conditions improved. Tragedy: Dorchester County deputies investigated a dog attack on Chemistry Circle in Summerville that left a child dead and an adult injured.

State Politics & Elections: South Carolina’s GOP governor runoff aftermath is already showing up in turnout and messaging, with Attorney General Alan Wilson’s decisive nomination win and commentary noting the state’s low final turnout and the president’s role in boosting the ticket. Arts Funding & Culture Wars: The S.C. Arts Commission delayed $3.7M in grants after board members raised concerns about whether some awards could conflict with a Trump gender-identity executive order. Local Government & Infrastructure: Ridgeland is set to start a $1.2M water and sewer upgrade in Patrician Acres in July, largely covered by a CDBG grant so residents won’t see rate hikes. Public Safety & Cooperation: The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office hosted an information-sharing event with 60+ representatives from 20+ agencies to swap crime trends and resources. Courts & Civil Liberties: An editorial argues detentions without law or hearings must be stopped, pointing to federal court rulings and renewed debate over habeas corpus. Community Health & Legal Action: Residents in Robeson County are suing over alleged landfill contamination tied to PFAS “forever chemicals.” Historic Spotlight (Carolina Day): Charleston and Sullivan’s Island are gearing up for the 250th anniversary weekend with major events tied to the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.

Gubernatorial Politics: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson heads into the November election after winning the GOP governor runoff, telling WYFF he’s reaching beyond core Republicans to win over independents and moderates. State Budget Deadline: SC lawmakers are racing toward the June 30 deadline to pass a state budget, with reports suggesting they may miss it. Public Integrity & Transparency: Greenville County must change how it adopts its operating budget after a lawsuit settlement over closed-door lobbying and Freedom of Information Act violations, plus it will pay $40,000 in attorneys’ fees. Law Enforcement & Courts: SLED charged a Lexington County man in an attempted murder case; separate SLED announcements also include arrests tied to child sexual abuse material. Energy & Storm Prep: Dominion Energy met with local leaders across SC on hurricane-season readiness, emphasizing communication and vegetation management. Consumer/Local Policy: SC lawmakers passed a shrimp labeling bill requiring restaurants to say whether shrimp is domestically caught or imported, sending it to the governor. Cybersecurity: A new report says many SC companies lag on email security, leaving them vulnerable to common scams. America 250 in SC: Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie will mark the Battle of Sullivan’s Island with a two-day Carolina Day celebration.

Statehouse & Courts: South Carolina’s paid parental leave expansion cleared the House and is headed to Gov. Henry McMaster, boosting paid leave to four weeks for co-parents, foster parents and adoptive parents (with college and technical-college employees included), replacing the current two weeks for non-birth parents. Public Safety & Law: Federal prosecutors urged a judge to give former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright the maximum sentence after his guilty plea for abusing his office, stealing from deputies, misusing taxpayer money and obtaining controlled substances. Elections & Governance: A federal appeals court blocked the Trump administration’s push to get sensitive voter registration data from Michigan, dealing another blow to efforts to build a national voter file. Economy & Infrastructure: South Carolina Ports will pause operations at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston starting Aug. 1, consolidating cargo at Wando Welch and North Charleston. Tech & National Security: Washington blocked Polestar from selling new cars in the U.S. from 2027 under the Connected Vehicles Rule, a move tied to China-linked connected-tech concerns. Environment & Energy: A new USGS assessment says the Carolinas may sit on major untapped lithium resources, potentially boosting battery storage and AI data-center power needs. Culture & Politics: A documentary, “Sister Senators,” about South Carolina lawmakers who crossed party lines to block a near-total abortion ban, adds Julianna Margulies as executive producer.

Hemp/DUIs Stall in Columbia: South Carolina lawmakers failed to agree on tighter rules for THC-infused hemp products, leaving them legal for adults statewide after the House killed a Senate-passed bill that would have limited sales to people 21+ and set product limits; the same day, a DUI reform compromise also died, with leaders blaming the bills’ linked THC provisions. Paid Parental Leave: The General Assembly approved an expansion of paid parental leave for state workers, including eligibility for co-parents, foster parents and adoptive parents, doubling non-birthing leave to four weeks, and adding stillbirth as a qualifying event—now headed to Gov. Henry McMaster. Ports/Shipping: SC Ports will temporarily idle the $1.2 billion Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston starting Aug. 1 amid a global shipping downturn. Courts/Development: A judge upheld preliminary approval for a proposed Edgefield County RV park, rejecting an appeal by environmental groups. Public Safety/Legal: Alex Murdaugh’s defense filed motions seeking a new venue and independent DNA testing tied to fingernail samples as prosecutors prepare for a retrial. Health Care Fraud: AG Alan Wilson announced South Carolina’s participation in a DOJ health care fraud takedown targeting $6.5 billion in alleged false claims. Local Tragedy: A Greenville police sergeant and her in-laws are set for funeral services after a fatal Spartanburg County crash.

SC Politics & Elections: South Carolina’s June 23 primary runoffs are now set for the general election, with Gov. nominee Alan Wilson, Democratic Gov. nominee Jermaine Johnson, AG nominee David Stumbo, and Democratic AG nominee Richard Rick all emerging from the GOP and Democratic fields. Statehouse & Policy: New South Carolina laws take effect July 1, including the Smart Heart Act requiring public schools to create cardiac emergency response plans, plus changes to fishing rules and DOT authority to use public-private partnerships for road projects. Courts & Public Safety: In Colleton County, Alex Murdaugh’s defense is pushing for new DNA testing tied to “unknown male” DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails, while a separate Edgefield County dispute over a proposed RV park was dismissed, clearing the way for state permitting and possible further appeals. Local Development: Columbia’s long-awaited riverfront development is finally moving forward, with the city’s mayor highlighting progress on the Congaree Riverfront. National Politics Watch: Trump abruptly canceled a bipartisan affordable-housing bill signing, tying it to election-related demands, as Democrats weigh how to respond to ongoing Iran diplomacy.

SC Governor Runoff Fallout: Attorney General Alan Wilson won the GOP governor runoff, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jermaine Johnson, who made his first post-primary pitch to voters and promised a “new direction” on infrastructure and affordability. Statehouse Politics: Wilson’s win also locks in the broader statewide ticket dynamics as Democrats try to close the gap in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat statewide in years. Election Integrity Fight: A top DOJ official tied to election security controversies is facing calls for removal after senators linked him to election equipment and voting-system access disputes. Plastics Lawsuit Wave: Georgia and South Carolina joined a multi-state legal challenge to block California’s plastics recycling/packaging rules, arguing states’ rights and economic impacts. Local Government & Transparency: A South Carolina-area story highlights resistance to live-streaming public meetings, with other jurisdictions reversing similar moves after public pushback. Public Safety: SC authorities announced arrests tied to child sexual exploitation cases in York County. Civic/Community: The Citadel paused stadium construction after uncovering more than 50 unmarked graves, while a Lowcountry cookbook author won a James Beard Hall of Fame book award.