AGP Executive Report

MLILY Fire Disrupts Winnsboro: Highway 321 South reopened after a major MLILY mattress plant blaze, but Fairfield County warned the fire is still burning and drivers should expect smoke, slower speeds, and emergency vehicles through Tuesday. Local Recognition: Fountain Inn’s long-running “Christmas INN Our Town” won a Main Street South Carolina Inspiration Award, drawing more than 129,000 visitors downtown each year. Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm warning hit parts of the Upstate, with forecasts of damaging winds up to 60 mph and hail. Public Safety & Growth: Spartanburg County delayed a vote on a 12-month data center pause until Sept. 21 to gather more input, while allowing the NorthMark project to continue. Hollywood in Greenville: Investigators say there were no signs of foul play in Hayden Panettiere’s death at 36; preliminary autopsy results reported no trauma, while authorities continue testing. Politics: Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary calendar keeps South Carolina first, a move drawing pushback from New Hampshire.

Greenville Death Investigation: “Heroes” and “Nashville” actress Hayden Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment complex and pronounced dead at the scene Sunday afternoon. Greenville police say a friend/acquaintance placed the 911 call, and the preliminary investigation shows no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances; the Greenville County Coroner is handling the case and an autopsy is expected. Dispatch audio reported by outlets includes discussion of “cardiac arrest” and “overdose,” but no official cause of death has been released. Coastal Resilience: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, finished a $72 million Grand Strand renourishment, adding about 1.55 million cubic yards of sand across nearly 28 miles to strengthen storm protection for North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Garden City. Heat & Safety: A heat advisory remains in effect across parts of Georgia and central South Carolina, with heat index values reported up to around 109–111, urging residents to limit time outdoors and stay hydrated. Public Health/Policy: South Carolina lawmakers let DUI and THC product bills die for now, meaning THC-infused drink and gummy sales won’t face new limits this year and DUI changes won’t take effect. Local Crime: A Walhalla man was convicted in Anderson County for attempted rape of a Clemson student, tied to a 2024 incident.

South Carolina Politics: The DNC finalized its 2028 presidential primary calendar, putting South Carolina first and sending candidates through a new early lineup that includes Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia. Gamecocks Football: USC announced two more wide receivers are out for the season with lower-body injuries—Jayden Sellers and Jayden Gibson—adding to earlier injury news. Public Health & Safety: Beaufort County says its composting initiative is already diverting tens of thousands of pounds of food scraps from landfills and is projected to save taxpayers more than $1 million over time. Local Food/Industry Oversight: An FDA inspection in Charleston County found one company in the Food and Cosmetics sector in July with “No Action Indicated.” Sports & Community: Wake Forest beat South Carolina 3-0 in women’s soccer, while local triathlon and 5K results highlighted winners across the Upstate and Lowcountry. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Williamsburg County at $4.89 for the week ending Aug. 8.

Democratic Primary Shakeup: Democrats approved the 2028 presidential primary calendar with South Carolina voting first on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1, aiming to force candidates to prove they can win with Black, Latino and union voters early. Murdaugh Retrial Move: A judge ordered Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial moved out of Colleton County, leaving a defense bid to toss the case still undecided. Local Governance & Growth: Blythewood leaders remain locked in disputes over transparency, funding and event safety as the town’s government structure and authority lines shift. Public Safety Tech: Charleston-area police are reviewing Flock camera policy after the company tightened rules following misuse concerns, as privacy critics push back. Transportation Funding Questions: Lawmakers are holding up potential state money for Scout Motors plant cost overruns until an audit investigation is completed. Economic Development: Trison Wells is expanding in Walterboro, adding 30 jobs with a new liquid-fill production line. Community & Culture: A new sign at Jasper County’s Old House Plantation points visitors to Thomas Heyward Jr.’s resting place, part of ongoing site improvements.

Democratic Presidential Calendar: The DNC approved a new 2028 primary schedule, putting South Carolina first with a Jan. 22 vote, followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22) and Virginia (Feb. 29), a move aimed at boosting influence from Black and Latino voters and union members. Local Politics: The same DNC meeting also showed a sharp intraparty fight over ICE, with competing measures—one calling for “concrete reforms” and another pushing to abolish the agency—both passing. Education & Policy: Greenville County Schools announced changes for 2026-27, including removing grade floors tied to new state law and rolling out district rules for AI use in classrooms. Courts & Public Safety: A judge granted Alex Murdaugh a venue change in his murder retrial. Sports & Community: USC’s move-in weekend brought thousands of freshmen to Columbia, while Greenville County’s prep football community marked the start of the season with local broadcast plans. Wildlife: Kiawah Island logged nearly 500 sea turtle nests this year, a standout season for hatchlings heading to the ocean.

South Carolina Health & Life Expectancy: A new CDC map shows a near eight-year gap in male life expectancy between the highest- and lowest-ranked states, with South Carolina among the bottom tier (about 72.2 years for men). Local Public Safety: A fiery crash in Spartanburg County killed three people after a vehicle allegedly fled a scene; investigators say identifying the victims may take time. Housing & Student Life: USC students and families report “unlivable” conditions at a Columbia-area apartment complex during move-in, citing mold, feces, cockroaches, and broken locks. Community & Inclusion: North Charleston officially becomes an autism-friendly city, rolling out autism-trained counselors and first-responders. Scams Watch: Conway landed in the top 10 statewide for July scam reports, with nine reports logged by BBB Scam Tracker. Business Growth: Prysmian is expanding in Lexington County with an $80 million project and about 135 new jobs, while UFP Packaging plans a Gaffney-area facility creating 136 jobs. Sports & Schools: High school football preseason rankings keep Dutch Fork at No. 1, and Winthrop’s 141st academic year opens with its Convocation tradition.

Atomic Weapons Oversight: A nuclear safety watchdog says newly released parts of a JASON study back arguments against building plutonium pit plants in New Mexico and South Carolina, though the study still recommends keeping pit production plans on track. Diabetes Breakthrough: MUSC-linked researchers report a mouse trial where reprogrammed immune cells helped reverse newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes, aiming at the root immune attack rather than just blood sugar control. Public Health & Vaccines: Measles cases are rising nationwide, with South Carolina readers watching as the Trump administration overhauls childhood vaccine guidance and immunity gaps widen. SNAP Changes: Starting Aug. 31, South Carolina SNAP benefits will be restricted from “little to no nutritional value” items like candy and sugary drinks, with some exemptions. Legal Spotlight: In the Alex Murdaugh retrial process, a judge moved the case out of Colleton County but left several key questions for later rulings. Local Safety: Richland County arrested a man training to become a deputy on criminal sexual conduct with a minor charge. Education Update: SC READY results show more students meeting reading and math expectations, but still fewer than half hit math benchmarks. Storm Readiness: South Carolina’s incident support team has deployed to Hawaii ahead of Tropical Storm Lala. Sports & Schools: Winthrop women’s soccer opened with a 4-2 loss; Richland Two named a new principal for Muller Road Middle School.

Murdaugh Retrial Fight: Alex Murdaugh returns to a South Carolina courtroom Friday for a pretrial hearing tied to his April 2027 retrial, with his defense pushing to toss murder and weapons indictments and to limit what jurors can hear, including disputes over grand-jury material and DNA testing plans. Election Coverage: SCETV and the South Carolina Republican Party are teaming up to broadcast and stream the Aug. 18 U.S. Senate special Republican primary runoff debate statewide, moderated by Greta Van Susteren. Military Naming Ceremony: At a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget for fiscal 2027. Local Business: UFP Packaging plans a $5.31 million expansion in Gaffney, creating 136 jobs, with operations expected to start in 2027. Public Safety/Weather: A heat advisory is in effect for much of the Charlotte region, with heat index values near 105. Community & Tourism: Beaufort County is accepting applications for the FY2026–2027 State Accommodations Tax grant program, with a Sept. 11 deadline.

Joint Base Renaming: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget at the Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham. Public Safety—Bus Stop Shooting: In Gaffney, three suspects are in custody after a 17-year-old was killed while boarding a school bus; a manhunt ended with an 18-year-old capture and a 16-year-old arrest. State Politics—Senate Runoff Dates: South Carolina Election Commission set early voting for the Aug. 25 GOP Senate runoff (Darline Graham vs. Ralph Norman) for Aug. 19-21; absentee deadlines are Aug. 14. Education: Beaufort County School District celebrated record-high S.C. READY scores, with biggest gains in math and ELA. Local Economy: Meeting Street Scholarship expands statewide with an $18.7M recurring investment, aiming to help nearly 3,000 students in the class of 2027. Business/Jobs: Trison Wells announced a $3.37M Colleton County expansion creating 30 jobs in Walterboro. Crime/Justice: A federal judge sentenced Derrick Gathers to 15 years for illegally possessing the firearm used to shoot an SC trooper in 2023.

Public Safety: A 17-year-old Gaffney High student, Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr., was fatally shot while boarding a school bus after a brief altercation; balloons and candles now mark the spot as investigators continue and SLED assists. Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing products tied to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 300+ people across 27 states; separate alerts also cover other jalapeño-linked meat and poultry items. Politics & Defense: At a Charleston ceremony renaming Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion military budget for fiscal 2027. Local Media: SCETV will hold its next “Your Stories, Your SCETV” listening stop Aug. 27 in Aiken, focusing on issues like jobs, education, healthcare, broadband, and local agriculture. Economy & Growth: Diversified Trust’s Charleston office surpassed $1 billion in assets under management. Lottery: Powerball’s $1.040 billion jackpot was won by a single ticket sold in Illinois; the next drawing resets to $20 million.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: U.S. Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman will face off Aug. 25 after advancing in the GOP special primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with an SCGOP debate set for Aug. 18 ahead of early voting Aug. 19-21. Extreme Heat: Beaufort County issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Thursday, Aug. 13, with heat index values expected to hit 113 degrees or higher. Public Safety & Crime: A car crashed into a commercial building in Horry County; deputies are also searching for a missing Spartanburg man with dementia. Legal & Accountability: A former prosecutor opened a Summerville law firm after nearly two decades in public service. Food Recalls: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella; Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip extra strong mousse was recalled over a potential aerosol can explosion risk; Frankie’s Organic vegan cheddar puffs were recalled over undeclared milk. Local Economy/Events: NASCAR and state leaders previewed the Cook Out Southern 500 aboard the USS Yorktown, touting the race’s tourism impact. Tech & Schools: SC AG and Superintendent Ellen Weaver warned districts about online threats to students as the school year begins.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman will face off in an Aug. 25 GOP runoff for Lindsey Graham’s seat after neither won a majority in Tuesday’s special primary. Public Safety Leadership: The SC Highway Patrol promoted Christopher M. Wooten to commander of Troop 6, covering Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper. Consumer Scams: The state Department of Consumer Affairs says South Carolinians reported more than $2.25 million in scam losses in the first half of 2026, with phone scams and purchase schemes leading. Local Business & Growth: Big Air USA opened a new 40,000-square-foot indoor trampoline and adventure park in Aiken. Health & Safety Reminder: A nationwide recall includes Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair cans sold in South Carolina due to a packaging issue that could leak or explode under pressure. Weather: Extreme heat advisories warn of heat index values near 110 degrees across much of the state.

South Carolina Senate Runoff Set: Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman are headed to an Aug. 25 runoff after Tuesday’s special GOP primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham. Graham, the late senator’s sister and McMaster’s appointee, led with about 33% of the vote, while Norman finished second with about 24%; no one cleared the 50%+1 threshold. General Election Matchup: The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who won the June Democratic nomination. Campaign Stakes: The race is already being framed as another test of President Donald Trump’s influence in South Carolina GOP primaries, with Graham backed by the White House while Norman positions himself as the “proven conservative.” Local Accountability: In federal court in Charleston, a ship manager and chief engineer were sentenced over the 2024 MSC Michigan VII runaway incident, including a $6 million fine for the company.

South Carolina Senate Primary: South Carolina Republicans vote Tuesday in a special GOP primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with appointed Sen. Darline Graham seeking to win outright and avoid an Aug. 25 runoff; the field includes U.S. Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman and former Gov. Mark Sanford, while Trump’s endorsement is a major factor in the race. Joint Base Renaming: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Darline Graham to rename Joint Base Charleston as Joint Base Lindsey Graham, honoring Graham’s military and Senate legacy. Highway Patrol Update: The South Carolina Highway Patrol released details on a fatal Aug. 10 I-20 pileup near Aiken County that killed 46-year-old Clarice McNeil of Lexington, N.C., involving four vehicles. Traffic Safety: SCDPS reported seven deaths on South Carolina roadways from Aug. 7–9, with figures labeled preliminary. Business & Tech: Rekor won a 7-year, $22M+ SCDOT contract to modernize statewide traffic monitoring, and multiple South Carolina-area firms earned Inc. 5000 growth recognition. Public Health/Environment: Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are seeking additional Atlantic red snapper fishing days from NOAA despite legal challenges.

Special Senate Primary: South Carolina voters head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, to pick a replacement for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and early voting already topping 61,000 ballots; the state election commission is reminding voters to confirm polling locations and bring a valid photo ID, and absentee ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. Public Safety: A Beech Island man died after a single-vehicle crash in Aiken County following a late-night pursuit by Richmond County deputies; the coroner says an autopsy is planned. Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño products continues to trigger recalls, with federal and state health updates warning shoppers to check affected items. Local Recognition: The S.C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the City of Columbia held a joint proclamation honoring Purple Heart veterans at Finlay Park for Purple Heart Viola Week. Sports (SC ties): South Carolina students posted their strongest SC READY results yet, with gains in math and ELA and more “meets and exceeds” scores than in the assessment’s 10-year history.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms is recalling jalapeño products and prepared foods made with jalapeños after a Salmonella-linked outbreak tied to Coast Citrus Distributors; items sold at Kroger, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target, Whole Foods and more across 26 states—including South Carolina—carry “Best If Used By” dates up to Aug. 16, and officials say no illnesses are reported yet. Elections: South Carolina voters head to the polls Tuesday for the special GOP U.S. Senate primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham; polls run 7 a.m.-7 p.m., some York County locations moved, and the winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Education: S.C. Ready scores for the 2025-26 school year are set to be released Monday, with state leaders pointing to gains in English language arts and continued math challenges. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian on Decker Boulevard in Richland County, and drivers are urged to watch for traffic impacts from crashes and fuel spills near Easley and on I-85. Local Government: Myrtle Beach named Josh Kay as its next assistant city manager.