AGP Executive Report

U.S. Senate Race: Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews hit Greenville with a “Taxpayer Promise,” pitching fiscal restraint and an end to taxpayer-funded perks as she tries to break South Carolina’s long drought of Democratic Senate wins. State Politics & Health Care: The South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology elected Blake Frazier as its new president, highlighting rural access and anesthesia care. Public Safety: SLED charged four Sumter County men in a dogfighting investigation, adding multiple counts of animal fighting/ill treatment. Military & Federal Policy: Sens. Raphael Warnock and Tim Scott pushed to block a Fort Gordon hospital downgrade that would strip inpatient services at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. Local Government & Community: Columbia’s Harriet Hancock Center named Richland County Councilmember Allison Terracio interim director while it searches for a permanent leader. Education: Fort Mill made free school breakfast available to every student, funded by state lawmakers. Environment/Conservation: Georgetown County school officials backed a plan to expand Carvers Bay into a new state forest after conservation groups bought a larger tract. Economy/Infrastructure: SC Ports and Norfolk Southern restored daily intermodal rail service between Charleston and Huntsville, reopening a key shipping route.

Daylight Saving Fight: The House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, but it still needs Senate action; 19 states have already moved toward year-round DST, though they can’t fully implement it without Congress. State Government & Higher Ed: State and federal leaders marked Piedmont Technical College’s 60th anniversary with resolutions and letters praising its workforce training and growth, including more than $100 million in ongoing construction. Local Courts & Safety: A Fort Mill crossing guard injured in a 2024 crash has sued the school district, SCDOT, and the driver, arguing the posting location contributed to the wreck. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fort Mill broke ground on a new Operations Center to relocate Utilities and Public Works from a 1938 armory to a 33-acre campus, with construction expected to take about 15 months. Politics & Messaging: Rep. Nancy Mace posted a “Go COCKS!” double entendre after saying men keep sending her explicit photos. Voting Outreach: The Congressional Black Caucus Institute launched a “SO VOTE” effort targeting young and lower-propensity voters across key House districts, including parts of the South.

Russia-U.S. Diplomacy: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says talks with the United States on bilateral irritants are expected in the coming weeks, as Trump’s newly signed Russia sanctions law—sponsored by late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham—ramps up pressure. State Tax Politics: Charleston County is holding final public sessions on the Nov. 3 transportation sales tax referendum; mayors will weigh in, while local officials warn the measure could raise water bills due to utility relocation costs. Affordable Housing Tax Fight: South Carolina has paused a key apartment property-tax loophole via a moratorium on new exemptions, after years of exemptions draining money from cities and school budgets. Local Elections & Governance: Greenwood County’s District 1 race continues with incumbent Teresa Griffin seeking another term, while write-in candidate Nadia Primakov’s petition miscalculation kept her off the ballot. Military & Community Remembrance: Upstate service members killed in Vietnam are honored this week ending Sept. 26. Aviation/Tech: Joby Aviation says a self-flying aircraft completed the first autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., with Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina involved.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding Russia pressure and extending Iran sanctions, with authority for up to 100% tariffs tied to Russian oil and gas purchases and “shadow fleet” activity. SC Policy Watch: An editorial urges South Carolina lawmakers to rewrite rules for affordable property tax breaks after this year’s failure to reach a compromise and a one-year moratorium on new breaks. Local Justice: Moncks Corner police say a 3 a.m. Waffle House fight ended in a shooting; a suspect faces attempted murder and weapons charges. SC Courts/Defense: Alex Murdaugh’s attorneys asked a judge to compel more DNA and ballistics testing ahead of a 2027 retrial. Public Safety/Crime: Greenwood police arrested a woman on suspicion of trafficking cocaine after a narcotics operation seized more than five kilograms. Military/State Rights: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring permission before out-of-state National Guard troops enter for military or law-enforcement duties.

International Policy: President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, targeting Russia’s energy, defense, and “shadow fleet” while authorizing tariffs up to 100% on major buyers—an effort Zelenskyy called “critically important” and tied to Graham’s legacy. State Politics & Courts: South Carolina’s Supreme Court is set to hear arguments tied to Gov. Henry McMaster’s National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C., as legal challenges continue over whether the governor exceeded authority. Public Safety & Justice: A new report says women in South Carolina are killed by men at a higher rate than the national average, renewing attention on domestic violence and homicide trends. Local Government: Charleston’s Market Street restaurant dispute has escalated to a judge appointing a financial watchdog amid allegations of millions diverted from the business. Education & Policy: Lee County school leaders are developing AI-in-classroom policies, including parent notice and opt-out options. Weather: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Saturday as storms threaten outdoor plans across parts of the Upstate.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: President Trump signed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” expanding sanctions on Russia’s energy and defense sectors and authorizing tariffs up to 100% on the biggest Russian oil and gas buyers—raising fresh uncertainty for countries like India and China. State Politics & Public Safety: Darlington County arrested a corrections officer accused of smuggling home-cooked meals into a jail for inmates, part of a broader crackdown on contraband. Local Government: Charleston opened Fort Pemberton Park on James Island with new public access features, including a fishing dock and kayak launch. South Carolina Elections & Leadership: Greenville hosted an interfaith prayer breakfast backing Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jermaine Johnson, as he argues against “single party rule.” Health & Consumer Protection: Abbott baby formula faces major penalties after safety allegations, with attorneys general citing unsafe manufacturing practices. Sports: Week 5 SCHSL high school football schedules and results rolled in, with dozens of matchups across the state.

AI & Elections: South Carolina lawmakers and tech experts are weighing whether new rules are needed as AI reshapes political campaigns and ads. Voting Access: A Supreme Court ruling blocking a plan to give USPS major control over mail-in ballots is being framed by advocates as preventing chaos in South Carolina and beyond. Statehouse & Policy: S.C. regulators filed to take over Charleston insurance companies, alleging high-risk debts. Public Safety: SCDPS is pushing free car seat checks during Child Passenger Safety Week, citing high rates of improper installation. Courts & Justice: A Greenville County judge set no bond decision yet for a guardian charged in the death of a 4-year-old girl. Local Government: Darlington County Council rejected a proposed nine-month solar/wind moratorium but tightened rules for future projects. Health Watch: CDC’s measles tracker shows 3,471 U.S. cases as of Sept. 17, with South Carolina among reporting jurisdictions. Economy & Community: Optus Bank and Mechanics & Farmers Bank are moving toward a merger aimed at preserving two historic Black-owned banks and expanding lending across the Carolinas.

Federal Policy & Elections: The House passed the Lindsey Graham-named Russia sanctions bill, sending it to President Trump and pairing it with new war-and-tariff powers that Democrats split on—58 Democrats backed the measure even as many objected to the tariff authority. Online Child Safety: South Carolina is moving to strengthen online protections for children, including age verification requirements for social media access. State Courts & Professional Rules: The SC Supreme Court is seeking input on whether to further restrict non-lawyer ownership of law firms, aiming to protect attorney independence and client confidentiality. Local Government: Clinton City Council advanced the Cambridge Farms annexation by a 4-3 vote, with opponents warning about managing growth “like a city within a city.” Public Safety: Greenwood deputies seized more than 5 kilos of cocaine in an ongoing investigation. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a $694 million multistate settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance, including cash and debt relief plus stronger consumer protections. Tech & Governance: South Carolina lawmakers and tech experts met in Charleston to discuss AI oversight and privacy/data security as campaigns increasingly use AI. Transportation Law: A new SC law will let registered UTVs drive on public roads starting later this year, with safety and insurance requirements.

Congress Midterm Sprint: House Republicans cut short the final September voting day, sending lawmakers home for nearly seven weeks and skipping an impeachment vote on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. South Carolina in Federal Foreign Policy: The House passed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” named for the late South Carolina senator, sending it to President Trump; it targets Russian oil buyers and restricts Iran energy and weapons funding. Public Safety Chase: A Newberry County woman led deputies on a 30-mile I-26 pursuit, hit 140 mph, drove wrong-way, and allegedly tried to strike troopers; authorities say a deputy rammed her vehicle to stop it reaching oncoming traffic. Local Government Watch: Fairfield County is moving to sell 15 surplus properties while questions swirl about whether a Surplus Property Committee followed South Carolina open-meeting rules. Health Alert: Kershaw County confirmed a human West Nile virus case near Camden and is offering free mosquito dunks. City Development: Columbia City Council gave initial approval to sell the historic Royal Motel for redevelopment into a new hotel by Bakari Sellers. State Politics & Policy: Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Maggie Hassan introduced a bill to streamline federal addiction-grant applications.

Russia Sanctions Push: The U.S. House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sending it to President Trump after a 262-159 vote; it expands sanctions on Russian officials, banks and the “shadow fleet,” and gives Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers, with Iran sanctions extended. Tariff Fallout Watch: Democrats and international officials flagged the tariff power as the flashpoint, while India’s government said it’s monitoring and will protect energy security through diversified sourcing. SC Data Center Fight: A judge will consider pausing construction of a nearly $3 billion Spartanburg County data center after residents sued over whether it was properly classified as a “minor” project. Fed vs. Trump: The Federal Reserve raised its key rate for the first time in three years, a move Trump criticized as inflation-fighting that could keep borrowing costs high. Local Public Safety: A Charlotte-to-Spartanburg high-speed chase ended with an arrest and discovery of a large bag of fentanyl. SC Environment Leadership: Gov. Henry McMaster highlighted balancing jobs and education with protecting South Carolina’s scenic lands at a conservation awards event.

Iran War Powers Fight: The U.S. House voted again to force President Trump to end the Iran conflict or get explicit congressional approval, with seven Republicans—including South Carolina’s Nancy Mace—joining Democrats, underscoring GOP splits as gas prices stay high. Russia Sanctions Push: Lawmakers are set to vote on a major Russia sanctions package named for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, targeting Russian officials, banks, and energy-linked shipping. SC Supreme Court—National Guard: South Carolina’s high court heard arguments over whether Gov. Henry McMaster exceeded authority when sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. Local Tech & Privacy: Oconee County became the first SC government to repeal its investment in ALPR “Flock” cameras, citing privacy and civil-rights concerns. Richland Vape Ban: Richland County approved a vape ban covering shoppers and indoor public areas, with $25 fines per violation. SLED Enforcement: SLED charged a Charleston County man with fraudulent driver’s license application. Public Health: Reuters/Ipsos found trust in measles vaccines slipping amid the worst outbreak in decades, with SC among states reporting cases. Rural Health Funding: South Carolina awarded $167M to expand and modernize rural healthcare access. Crime & Courts: Lancaster County Council rejected a Redstone development extension and named a new detention center for former Sheriff Williford L. Faile.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House voted again to force President Trump to withdraw troops from the Iran conflict, passing the measure 220-204 with South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace among the GOP lawmakers backing it. Gas Tax Politics: South Carolina leaders and candidates are debating whether to suspend the state gas tax to blunt rising pump prices, with Gov. McMaster opposing the idea while opponents push for quick relief. SC Courts & Guardrails: The South Carolina Supreme Court is set to decide whether Gov. McMaster exceeded his authority when sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. Local Roads: Charleston leaders rolled out faster pothole repairs and retimed traffic signals for West Ashley, including a new agreement with SCDOT. Rural Health Funding: South Carolina awarded $167 million in grants to expand and modernize rural healthcare access. Election Deadline Reminder: The SC Election Commission reminded voters that registration for the Nov. 3 election runs until Oct. 4. Lottery: Mega Millions climbed to $227 million for the Sept. 15 drawing. Public Safety & Justice: A federal probe is expanding into Hayden Panettiere’s death, including whether she received illicit or possibly counterfeit drugs from a Southern California dealer.

Death Penalty Rhetoric: Rep. Nancy Mace reignited controversy by telling TMZ Lindsay Clancy “should be dead too,” calling for a public execution as a “warning to women.” Insurance Oversight: AG Lynn Fitch and a bipartisan group urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb robocalls and texts. Election Prep: The SC State Election Commission marked National Voter Registration Day, reminding voters the Nov. 3 general election registration deadline is Oct. 4 (online) and Oct. 5 (postmarked). Courts & National Guard: The SC Supreme Court heard arguments tied to Gov. McMaster’s National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C., with the ACLU challenging it as a political stunt. State Roads: Lawmakers approved SCDOT’s $12.5 million Road Buyback Program to shift some lower-traffic state roads to local control. Tech & Policy: Lawmakers reacted to Trump opposing AI guardrails, while John Thune backed a “light touch” approach. Local Business: Shake Shack announced its first SC location will open Sept. 23 in North Charleston.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will get $500 refunds tied to alleged overcharges from Biden-era Obamacare “user fees,” including South Carolina. Ukraine-Russia De-escalation: Zelensky backs a reciprocal U.S.-proposed pause on strikes targeting critical infrastructure, after Trump said both sides agreed to stop hitting energy targets. SC Courts & Voting: The 4th Circuit says South Carolina’s age-based absentee-by-mail rules violate the 26th Amendment for younger voters, while SC appeals decisions also cover family-law discovery limits and probate/estate fraud disputes. Public Safety: SCDPS reports four deaths on South Carolina roads over Sept. 11–13 (preliminary). Local Government: Atlantic Beach approved transferring future municipal elections to Horry County and started Bike Week safety rule updates after a mass-casualty incident. Transportation Policy: Lawmakers set aside $12.5M for an SCDOT Road Buyback Program to shift lower-priority state roads to local control. Crime & Justice: SC AG Alan Wilson announced a Blythewood man faces felony child sexual exploitation charges. Tech & Education: Schools and libraries worry potential federal E-Rate broadband cuts could hit connectivity, as the FCC reviews the program.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return “hundreds of millions” in Obamacare overcharges via $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” surpluses. Death Investigation in Greenville: Reporting continues to swirl around Hayden Panettiere’s Aug. 16 death in Greenville, with multiple outlets citing law-enforcement sources’ working theory that she took a single oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl; the Greenville County Coroner says toxicology and the official cause/manner aren’t released yet. Local Police Transparency: Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, claims Greenville police leaked information during the investigation, and Greenville PD says it follows FOIA rules. Family Court Fight: Kathryn Dennis and Thomas Ravenel are set for S.C. Supreme Court arguments over whether sealed custody records should be opened, with the dispute centered on privacy vs. public access. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows diesel and midgrade prices fluctuating across South Carolina counties in the week ending Sept. 5.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in “overcharges” by issuing $500 rebates to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, for people who paid full premiums on the federal exchange. Crypto Ethics: Trump agreed to a key ethics change in the “Clarity Act” crypto bill, with Republican Sen. Tim Scott and others saying it gives state attorneys general a “meaningful role” in enforcement as the measure heads toward a Tuesday vote. South Carolina Senate Race: Sen. Darline Graham agreed to debate Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews on Oct. 11, setting up a direct clash over Andrews’ “radical positions,” while Andrews says voters pushed her into the matchup. Local Governance: Fort Mill Town Council is set to vote on the first elected pay raise in years, weighing whether part-time roles should be “professionalized” as the town grows fast. Public Safety & Courts: Greenville police detained Hayden Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach after a bar altercation; Zach was arrested for disorderly conduct, and toxicology in Panettiere’s death remains pending. Health Watch: A growing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has added a third adult death tied to complications, underscoring the national resurgence. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports South Carolina’s weekly fuel prices eased, with Horry County premium gas hitting a low of $3.99 in the week ending Sept. 5.