AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 checks after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums beyond what Healthcare.gov needed. Russia Sanctions Push: The House is set to take up a sweeping Russia sanctions bill authored by late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with House Rules scheduling a Monday meeting; Democrats and some Republicans worry about tariff costs and Trump’s expanded authority. Flock ALPR Cameras: Gov. Henry McMaster defended South Carolina’s use of Flock automated license plate readers, saying law enforcement tools should stay available but misuse must be punished; state funding and renewed contracts keep the debate alive. Public Safety & Crime: SLED charged a Barnwell County man with murder and weapon possession in a Blackville shooting, while other local reports highlight ongoing concerns about guns and online networks targeting children. Ports & Infrastructure: SC Ports and the Army Corps signed a feasibility study step to deepen the North Charleston Terminal area, aiming to boost competitiveness. 9/11 Remembrance: South Carolina communities marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies and tributes to first responders.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 checks starting in October after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums. GOP Midterms Pitch: At the RNC’s first midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump promised a $5,000 “Trump dividend” for every adult if Republicans keep control of Congress, drawing mixed reactions from South Carolina candidates. South Carolina Politics: A new InsiderAdvantage poll shows Sen. Darline Graham leading Dr. Annie Andrews by about 2 points, while an Elon University poll finds Roy Cooper ahead of Michael Whatley. Election Rules: South Carolina mail-in voting rules won’t change for now as courts weigh a Trump plan against the state’s absentee law. Juvenile Justice: An ACLU of South Carolina report renews scrutiny of the Department of Juvenile Justice, alleging punishment, trauma, and racial disparities. Local Governance: Spartanburg residents and officials clashed over a proposed data center, with concerns raised about pollution impacts. Public Safety: SCDOT held a meeting on Highway 41’s planned roundabout after 48 crashes, while bond was denied for a father accused in a deadly bus stop shooting. Notary Business: Secretary of State Mark Hammond will host a free notary seminar in Simpsonville.

Insurance & Fire Safety: AAIS says its FLAMES fire-loss scoring framework has been approved by South Carolina and Indiana for homeowners insurers, aiming to better match premiums to local fire risk and recognize community prevention efforts. Environmental Law: A conservation group plans to sue federal officials over denied Endangered Species Act protections for the Venus flytrap, arguing development and habitat loss are pushing the plant toward extinction. Healthcare Politics: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 Obamacare “refund” checks starting in October, tied to alleged excess fees collected on federal exchanges. Midterm Politics: President Trump doubled down on a “Trump dividend” pitch—$5,000 for every adult if Republicans keep House and Senate control—while the Dallas convention continues to spotlight his influence on the 2026 campaign. Public Safety: SLED is investigating an officer-involved shooting that started in Florence County and ended in Williamsburg County, where the suspect died after an exchange of gunfire. Local Business/Jobs: Silfab Solar hired Jamie Watts as corporate director for health and safety at its Fort Mill plant after recent incidents drew regulatory action.

U.S. Midterms in the spotlight: President Donald Trump kicked off the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas with a bold pitch—$5,000 “dividends” to every American adult if Republicans keep control of the House and Senate—while also leaning hard on attacks on Democrats and culture-war themes; South Carolina Senate race: In Greenville, Democratic nominee Annie Andrews pushed an affordability message on housing and healthcare as she campaigns against Republican Darline Graham; Election politics, fact-check mode: A CNN roundup flagged misleading claims from some convention speakers, including a false assertion about Democrats voting to allow noncitizens to vote; Local government: Columbia unveiled a Main Street lighting project adding lanterns in historic oak trees; Public safety and courts: SLED is investigating a Williamsburg County officer-involved shooting after a traffic stop and chase; High-profile trial logistics: Judge moved Alex Murdaugh’s retrial venue to Sumter County; State policy watch: The SEC proposed rescinding the “pay-to-play” investment adviser rule; Education: Applications opened for the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities residential high school and summer programs.

Robocall Crackdown: South Carolina’s AG isn’t named in the latest, but a bipartisan bloc of 48 attorneys general—including Brenna Bird and Jackley—pushed the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls and spoofing. Public Safety & Courts: A Gaffney father of a teen charged in a deadly school bus stop shooting was arrested and accused of helping his son hide from police, while SLED also charged a former Spartanburg County detention center contract employee with financial fraud. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge ruled Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial will move to Sumter County, with jury selection set for April 2027. Health Care in Charleston: MUSC’s proposed $1 billion cancer hospital cleared another step toward reality as Charleston officials review plans for a new cancer-only facility. Education Policy: Palmetto Promise Institute says Christian schools groups joined South Carolina’s school choice coalition. Business & Industry: USA Rare Earth broke ground on a $1.2B magnet manufacturing facility in Blacksburg, targeting hundreds of high-skill jobs.

Defense & Indo-Pacific: Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, deployed to southwestern Japan to train with U.S. and allied forces—swapping in F-35B “fifth-generation” jets to replace Hornets from California’s VMFA-232. Public Safety & Health: A measles outbreak was reported in Illinois’ Douglas County, with South Carolina noted among states with the most cases mentioned in coverage; local health response centers on identifying exposures and immunizations. Law Enforcement Memorials: Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies attended the funeral of fallen Columbia officer Chris DeLong Jr., killed in a domestic-violence shootout Aug. 29. Courts: A judge moved Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial to Sumter County, citing the need for a fair trial after jury-tampering concerns. Local Government: Georgetown County scheduled multiple public meetings on a proposed 1% Local Option Sales Tax for the Nov. 3 ballot, with most revenue aimed at property tax rollbacks. Public Works: Moncks Corner secured a $4M state appropriation for Fire Station 3 to cut response times along U.S. 52.

SNAP Policy: The USDA asked South Carolina to delay implementation of a waiver that would restrict SNAP purchases of items like candy and soda, pushing the start to Nov. 1 while federal lawyers review a court ruling that blocked similar waivers in other states. State Politics & Campaigns: Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews is kicking off a “Gas, Grits, and Groceries” affordability tour with a Rock Hill meet-and-greet, as the SC 2nd Senate race heats up. Local Governance: Mount Pleasant leaders are set to consider a 120-day moratorium on data-center-related requests to study noise and impacts on water and electricity. Justice & Public Safety: A Greenville girl, Allisson Cabrera, remains missing after deputies say she was picked up by an unknown person; authorities are investigating a possible kidnapping. Corrections: South Carolina death row inmate Louis Michael Winkler Jr. died Monday at Kirkland Correctional Institution. National Politics: Republicans are set to hold a first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, with Trump urging supporters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot.

Trade & Tariffs: Canada hit back at President Trump with tariffs on about $20 billion in U.S. goods, arguing the measures match dollar-for-dollar and could test whether a smaller ally can withstand Trump’s pressure. GOP Midterms Pitch: Republicans are gathering in Dallas for Trump’s first-ever midterm convention, with the president urging voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and the party betting the spectacle will boost turnout. SC Election Operations: Richland County is hiring paid poll workers for Nov. 3, with up to $185 for nonpartisan, trained residents. Public Safety & Courts: Georgetown County released an autopsy for 5-year-old Saylor Hayes; officials say the cause and manner of death are still pending further testing. Local Law Enforcement: Charleston County deputies arrested people tied to an illegal street takeover, citing the new Roadway Protection and Safety Act. Labor Day Politics: SC Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews joined union groups for Labor Day, positioning herself against incumbent Darline Graham. State Government & Education: SCETV launched “Zoo Minutes,” a new classroom-friendly series with Riverbanks Zoo content.

Street Takeover Crackdown: Charleston County deputies arrested three people after an illegal street takeover on Storage Road in Hollywood, seizing a 2017 Dodge Charger and finding a stolen Glock with an automatic switch; charges included multiple violations of South Carolina’s Street Takeover Law, resisting arrest, and weapons-related counts. Education & Elections: Eight candidates filed for four Lancaster County School Board seats, with one district set to change hands without a contest; meanwhile, South Carolina’s U.S. News high school rankings highlighted Clover (52nd), Indian Land (61st), and Rock Hill’s Northwestern (73rd) among local standouts. Public Safety: SLED is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Greenville County after deputies exchanged gunfire with Walter Jason Smith, who is charged with attempted murder and related firearm offenses. Consumer Protection: South Carolina will receive nearly $247 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over alleged Instagram/Facebook harms to children, including new usage limits and safety requirements. School Safety Staffing: York School District One named Bryan McDougald as Coordinator of School Safety, bringing 30+ years of law enforcement and school resource officer experience. Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews renewed her call for televised debates with Republican Sen. Darline Graham as the general election ramps up.

FCC & Elections: FCC Chair Brendan Carr says the agency is “looking at a lot of actions” after President Trump demanded “punishment” for NBC’s Kristen Welker, with Carr pointing to possible FCC guidance on “fake polls” and broadcasters’ public-interest obligations ahead of the fall. Congressional Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace highlights new federal proposals, including pesticide industry bills and a “Protecting Girls’ Sports for Military Kids Act,” while also pushing the “SAVE America Act.” State Budget (SC): “In Focus South Carolina” breaks down the new $15 billion state budget, featuring House Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister and Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto on teacher pay, income-tax relief, education, and infrastructure. Public Safety (SC): South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety ramps up Labor Day enforcement under “Sober or Slammer,” and SCDNR plans courtesy boat inspections statewide. Military/China: The U.S. Marine Corps deploys additional F-35B squadron aircraft from South Carolina to Japan as competition with China shapes Indo-Pacific posture. Local Tragedy (SC): Georgetown County releases autopsy findings for 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, with preliminary results consistent with drowning while officials await a final report. Higher Ed/Immigration (Regional): Florida moves to bar undocumented students from enrolling in parts of its public university system, joining SC and other states with similar restrictions.

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.