AGP Executive Report

Local Business: Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers opened a new Chapin location at 515 Columbia Ave, expanding quick-service maintenance and tire support in the Columbia area. State Politics: A top GOP super PAC is set to spend $5 million in South Carolina’s Senate race, signaling heightened competition between Sen. Darline Graham and Dr. Annie Andrews. Public Safety: SLED charged a former Newberry police officer with misconduct in office, ill treatment of animals, and criminal conspiracy. Environment/Industry: York County Council voted on a declaratory judgment tied to Silfab Solar, as the company seeks to restart chemical processes after a state review and an appeal. Roads & Enforcement: Operation Safe DRIVE targets distracted, reckless, impaired and visibility-related driving on major interstates, while SCDOT shifted traffic on Highway 93 in Central for ongoing work. Health & Community: Leaders held the 29th annual Silent Witness Ceremony at the Statehouse to honor 40 South Carolina domestic violence victims. Crime/Justice: SLED continues investigating the 2025 South State homecoming shooting after earlier arrests on related gun charges. National Watch: New York declared a measles emergency as cases rise, and Trump approved a firing-squad execution for Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.

Military Justice: The Pentagon says President Trump has approved the first U.S. Army execution by firing squad since 1945 for Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood attack. Public Health: New York declared a measles disaster emergency as cases climb, expanding who can administer MMR vaccines; Pennsylvania also topped 1,000 cases, with South Carolina among states reporting outbreaks. SC Politics: Trump used anti-trans slurs to attack Democratic Senate nominee Annie Andrews in South Carolina, as the race heats up around Darline Graham. Local Impact: Columbia kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a mayor’s campaign and longtime survivor-support partner Sistercare. Courts & Community: A South Carolina childcare scholarship waitlist reopened after funding limits, but parents want clearer timelines. Environment: A legal fight is underway over an air permit for a Spartanburg data center, with challengers arguing residents weren’t given a chance to review updated formaldehyde calculations.

College Football Hot Seat: South Carolina’s season is spiraling as Week 6 arrives, with a “panic meter” score of 5 for Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer after another SEC loss—Kentucky’s historic overtime comeback left the program without answers and with mounting pressure. Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade Lemon Lime and Orange varieties in 37 states, including South Carolina, because bottles may contain undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6. Local Public Safety: The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a masked armed robbery on White Horse Road where a suspect grabbed cash and property and fled on foot. State Tech & Media: SCETV+ launches Oct. 10, bringing SCETV original and public-media programming into one South Carolina streaming experience. Port & Environment: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Port of Charleston’s Wando Welch Terminal, highlighting federal grant support for cleaner port equipment. Weather & Flooding: Charleston saw record rainfall Oct. 4, triggering flash-flood warnings and road closures as crews responded to stranded vehicles. Politics: Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a letter to Flock Safety seeking answers on privacy and data practices.

Road & Community Updates: SCDOT will temporarily close Fairmont Road at Leesburg Road in Richland County from Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. to Oct. 12 at 6 a.m. for intersection safety work, with detours posted. Local Planning: SCDOT is also taking public comments through Oct. 31 on a proposed shared-use path segment of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Simpsonville along Bryson Drive and Bryson Heights Drive. College Sports (SC focus): South Carolina’s football season keeps getting louder as the Gamecocks dropped a 35-34 OT loss to Kentucky after leading 17-0 at home, while the financial buyout question may complicate any quick coaching change. Public Safety & Health: A federal judge tossed a lawsuit alleging South Carolina violated disabled voters’ rights, dismissing it for lack of legal standing. Immigration: USCIS says the U.S. citizenship backlog has topped 742,000 pending naturalization applications. Food Safety: Frozen berry recalls expanded again over possible E. coli contamination, prompting shoppers to check freezers.

Flood Watch: Heavy rain and a cold front are ramping up flash-flood risk across the South, with a Level 2 threat stretching from Mobile to the Carolinas and the heaviest totals expected to hit southern Alabama into Georgia and South Carolina. State Recognition: Gov. Henry McMaster awarded Dr. Delores Dacosta the Order of the Palmetto, honoring decades of public service and community leadership. Election 2026: A new poll shows U.S. Senate race momentum building in South Carolina, with Democrat Annie Andrews closing in on incumbent Sen. Darline Graham. Public Safety: A Charleston County mother, Justine May, was charged with homicide by child abuse after her two young daughters were found dead from starvation and dehydration. Sports & Local Pressure: South Carolina football’s coaching future remains a hot topic after another late collapse, with Kentucky’s overtime comeback putting more heat on Shane Beamer. Health Alerts: Doctors renewed warnings about energy drinks for kids, pointing to risks tied to high caffeine and recent child deaths.

Daylight Saving Showdown: President Trump posted what he said was Sen. Tom Cotton’s cellphone number on Truth Social, urging Arkansans to call and pressure him over the stalled Sunshine Protection Act that would make daylight saving time permanent. Gamecocks Coaching Pressure: South Carolina’s Shane Beamer faced fresh scrutiny after the Gamecocks blew a 17-0 lead and lost 35-34 in overtime to No. 24 Kentucky, dropping to 0-3 in SEC play. Clemson vs. Miami Recap: Clemson fell 41-13 to No. 4 Miami, failing to finish drives and getting outgained 419-329. Public Safety: Charleston County Sheriff’s Office defended deputy radio actions in the Justine May case after questions about responses to a Ladson home where two girls died. Food Safety: FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products sold in South Carolina. Local Incidents: Spartanburg is investigating a pedestrian death on Highway 176 near Ingles, and Greer crews responded to a commercial vehicle fire at a waste management facility.

Interstate 95 crash: South Carolina Highway Patrol says dense fog led to a massive 50-vehicle pileup on I-95 southbound over Lake Marion, shutting lanes for more than 17 hours; officials reported minor injuries for about 11 people, one airlifted, and no deaths, with crews working to clear the bridge and drivers urged to avoid the area. Child death charges: Charleston County authorities identified Justine May as the mother charged with homicide by child abuse after deputies found two young daughters dead in Ladson during a welfare check; court records say the children died from starvation and dehydration, and investigators had responded to the home multiple times in recent weeks. Health alert: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has been expanded to additional lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, with products shipped to multiple states including South Carolina. Death penalty scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike is renewing national questions about lethal injection procedures and appeals, after the governor halted executions pending a third-party review. Sports betting & Week 5: With college football Week 5 underway, multiple reports highlight odds and promos for top matchups, including Alabama’s game-day spotlight as fans and bettors gear up for Saturday SEC action.

Interstate Chaos: A dense-fog, 69-vehicle pileup on the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion shut down southbound lanes between Clarendon and Orangeburg, sending nearly 40 people to hospitals and injuring at least one seriously. Upstate Emergency Prep: Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties are partnering with SC-HART for a multi-county helicopter rescue training exercise Oct. 5-9, with residents likely to see increased aircraft and response activity. Public Safety Case: SLED charged Jared Michael Scott Graham, 22, with breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and first-degree assault and battery. Statewide Policy Watch: South Carolina lawmakers are urging the Air Force to base F-35A fighters at McEntire, citing infrastructure and the 169th Fighter Wing’s combat experience. Health & Money: The Treasury began sending one-time $500 ACA refund checks to more than 950,000 enrollees across 30 states. Food Safety: South Carolina’s Department of Agriculture reports Lancaster County restaurant inspections mostly earned A grades, with a few B downgrades tied to unresolved priority issues.

Nuclear workforce push: USC and Westinghouse announced a new nuclear workforce development partnership tied to USC’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center, aiming to train operators and craft workers for AP1000 deployments. Local education boost: Winthrop University will guarantee admission and at least $5,000 in merit aid to South Carolina students graduating in the top 15% of their class. Gamecocks update: Shane Beamer said linebacker Kelby Collins is expected to play vs. Kentucky, while the team prepares for a key Week 5 SEC matchup. Public safety & health: South Carolina’s shellfish season is underway, and officials are also urging flu vaccination as the season begins. Child welfare case: A Spartanburg County mother, Taylor Gosnell, faces attempted murder charges after deputies say her two young children were stabbed about 50 times, with prosecutors warning the six-year-old may lose fingers or an arm. Roads: Drivers reported traffic delays after a crash on Highway 501 in Horry County.

Election Prep: South Carolinians have until the Oct. 2–5 deadlines to register for the Nov. 3 general election, with early voting running Oct. 19–31 and a photo ID required to vote. Poll Worker Shortage: Several counties are struggling to staff polling places, raising the risk of longer lines and fewer helpers on Election Day. Education & School Choice: The Trump administration’s federal scholarship tax credit program is set to expand next year, and Treasury released guidance for states and scholarship-granting organizations as it gears up for a Jan. 1 start. Substance Use Prevention: South Carolina’s behavioral health agency is marking October as Substance Use Prevention Month, urging open conversations and early support. Nuclear Workforce: USC and Westinghouse are partnering on nuclear workforce training, including AP1000 simulator-based instruction. Local Government/Infrastructure: SCDOT will close one lane on U.S. 601 under the U.S. 378 bridge in Richland County overnight Oct. 6–7 for bridge work. Health Policy: South Carolina’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is seeking a waiver to extend funding availability through Dec. 30, 2027.

Healthcare Refunds: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 Affordable Care Act “Obamacare” refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, for people who paid full premiums without federal help; payments may arrive by check or direct deposit. Voting Deadline: South Carolina’s voter registration cutoff for the Nov. 3 general election is Sunday, Oct. 4, with in-person registration ending Oct. 2; residents can register online or by submitting a form to county offices. Public Health Oversight: Three Democratic senators are pressing the CDC and HHS to explain a nearly four-week delay in ordering free COVID-19 shots for low-income children, asking for answers by Oct. 9. Crime & Courts: A Greenville County human trafficking and prostitution sting tied to multiple massage businesses has led to at least eight charges, while Spartanburg County prosecutors have filed attempted murder charges against a woman accused of stabbing her two children. Local Notes: MUSC Health named Jason Cox CEO of its Pee Dee division; the Pee Dee State Farmers Market’s Fall Plant, Flower & Food Festival runs Oct. 2-4.

Nuclear Workforce Push: South Carolina is doubling down on nuclear training, with USC and Westinghouse signing an agreement to build a Nuclear Innovation Center featuring hands-on labs and AP1000 simulators. Public Safety—Child Abuse Charges: A Ladson woman, Justine Marie May, was charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse after deputies found two people dead during a welfare check; she remains in custody. Public Safety—Another Attempted Murder Case: In Spartanburg County, Taylor Gosnell, 35, faces attempted murder and weapons charges after authorities say she attacked her 3- and 6-year-old children with a knife, leaving about 50 stab wounds. Health Alert: The FDA upgraded a Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing recall to Class I over possible Salmonella contamination, affecting distribution in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. Business & Delivery: USPS and Amazon launched a same-day delivery pilot for afternoon package drops, expanding delivery options for customers. Local Economy: Huntington Bank announced a new full-service branch opening at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.

Nuclear push: South Carolina leaders used the third annual Nuclear Summit to pitch a “nuclear renaissance,” announcing a new USC–Westinghouse partnership aimed at building the next generation of nuclear workers. Local schools and safety: Lexington-Richland 5 approved an initial motion allowing district security staff to carry SLED-certified, district-issued firearms on campus. Public safety shock: A Spartanburg mother is jailed on attempted murder charges after deputies say her two children, ages 3 and 6, suffered about 50 stab wounds. Politics and voting: With governor-candidate registration deadlines nearing, analysts say the race could reshape taxes and infrastructure; one candidate backs eliminating the state income tax while the other calls for targeted affordability relief. Sports (SC focus): Kentucky is back in the AP Top 25 and visits South Carolina, while USC’s Dylan Stewart faces an indefinite suspension after a punch incident. Business/health: Denny’s, headquartered in SC, plans upgrades at about 500 restaurants as it leans into AI and tech.

USC–Westinghouse Nuclear Training: The University of South Carolina signed an agreement with Westinghouse to launch a nuclear workforce training center, with USC seeking $100 million from lawmakers next fiscal year and private partners to match. Local Housing & Growth: Tri Pointe Homes bought 60.4 acres in Bluffton for 76 homesites in the final phase of the New Riverside development. Public Safety & Justice: Ridge Spring’s police chief Terry Logan is no longer with the department after controversy over threats sent from the department’s Facebook account. Health & Care: A Conway caregiver featured in a WMBF investigation faces new charges including breach of trust, perjury, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Community & Environment: Sustain SC awarded $138,969 for 12 conservation projects across nine counties, protecting thousands of acres. Local Government: Berkeley County Council advanced rural zoning changes, renaming the plan to Flex 1 Conservation Zoning. Politics: A new poll shows South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race tightening, with Darline Graham up by about 1 point over Annie Andrews. Sports (SC): LSU’s men’s golf team tied for ninth at the Bryan Brothers tournament in West Columbia.

College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act on a 77-22 vote, setting new rules on athlete compensation, transfers, eligibility, and adding a disclosure requirement for foreign funding tied to college athletics—now headed to the House, where progress is uncertain. Gamecocks Discipline: South Carolina and the SEC jointly suspended star edge rusher Dylan Stewart for one game after he punched Alabama’s Josh Ford and later argued with coaches. Local Governance: Greenville City Council voted down a proposed change to infill lot width standards, while approving other parts of a 36-month development code review. Public Safety Tech: A WIS investigation in Richland County looks at how automated license plate readers work, who can access them, and the privacy concerns they raise. Data Centers Politics: Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews called for a two-year moratorium on new data center projects, arguing rural communities are outmatched by corporate tax breaks. Courts & Schools: Charleston County School District trustee Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson faced a public hearing tied to Inspector General allegations that could lead to removal.

Child Safety & Courts: A mother in Anderson County, 34-year-old Tynisha Lashae Jones, is accused of killing her 10-month-old by giving morphine, after investigators say lab results showed a high dose in the baby’s blood; she’s charged with murder/homicide by child abuse and remains jailed. Higher Education: Winthrop University highlights how it uses student engagement survey results to update its undergraduate core curriculum and learning competencies. Public Health & Family Support: South Carolina DSS is launching an online waitlist for child care scholarships for families who don’t qualify under current rules, with limited funding. Education & Community: SCETV is accepting submissions for its 3rd annual NextLens Online Film Festival, spotlighting emerging student filmmakers across South Carolina. Sports & Discipline: South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart was suspended indefinitely after punching Alabama’s Josh Ford and clashing with coaches during the Gamecocks’ loss. Local Business: Mazda of Spartanburg opened a new stand-alone dealership in the Upstate. Environment & Youth: Hundreds of butterflies were released at Saluda Shoals Park in a foster-child event supporting local youth services. Shellfish: South Carolina’s recreational shellfishing season begins this week, with state limits and hotline guidance for closures.