AGP Executive Report

Local Public Health: Columbia launched South Carolina’s first naloxone vending program, placing the overdose-reversal drug in high-need public spaces via smart machines with step-by-step instructions and QR-linked training. Courts & Environment: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration illegally cut environmental justice grants, a decision that could affect $20 million in funding rescinded from the Walker River Paiute Tribe. State Politics & Health Policy: Republican attorneys general, including South Carolina’s, urged the EPA to classify the abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways despite experts saying there’s no proof of harm. Crime & Safety: SLED charged a fifth person in a Chester County drive-by killing of a 16-year-old boy; four of the five face murder charges. Sports (SC): USC running back Sam Williams-Dixon was suspended indefinitely after an arrest tied to alleged vehicle break-ins and thefts. Infrastructure: Greenville reopened the Church Street bridge after a $30 million rehabilitation project. Business & Retail: West Marine filed for bankruptcy and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, including four in South Carolina.

Iran-U.S. Diplomacy: A tentative framework deal is in the works to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with formal signing set for June 19 in Switzerland—details still murky, including how Israel’s Lebanon land grabs fit in. Public Safety: Greenville police say a 17-year-old was arrested after gunfire at Haywood Mall left two people hospitalized; investigators are still working to identify others involved. Health Alert: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest risk level after possible Salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; it was sold in 41 states. Elections: Early voting for South Carolina’s June 23 primary runoffs runs Wednesday and Thursday, with polling open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community & Culture: Columbia’s Juneteenth Freedom Fest marks its 10th year at Finlay Park on June 20, with national entertainment and family-focused activities. Local Life: Georgetown’s Kaminski House museum faces a funding cut in the city budget, raising concerns about preservation and programming.

USC Baseball: Kevin Schnall was officially named South Carolina’s new head coach, signing a five-year deal reportedly worth $1.3 million annually plus bonuses, and he’s already building his staff with Coastal Carolina ties, including pitching coach Matt Williams and hitting coach Bill Cilento. Gamecocks Arrest: Running back Sam Williams-Dixon was arrested and booked in Richland County on charges tied to breaking into vehicles/fuel storage and grand larceny; USC says he’s suspended indefinitely under athletic department policy. Public Safety—Mall Shooting: Greenville police responded to gunfire at Haywood Mall; two people were wounded and a teenager was arrested, with investigators saying the incident stemmed from a personal argument. Heat Preparedness: Columbia installed park misting stations to help residents cool during extreme heat, while Savannah issued an extreme heat advisory for coastal South Carolina and southeast Georgia. Health & Policy: The DOJ is pushing states to share detailed voter registration data under a proposed confidential agreement, and Republican AGs urged the EPA to classify the abortion pill mifepristone as a water contaminant. Community & Culture: North Charleston’s Lowcountry Juneteenth Week Festival returns Monday with events including a conversation with Dr. Cleveland Sellers Jr.

SC250 Charleston Events: Charleston is rolling out Revolutionary-era programming and family-friendly celebrations for America’s 250th, including Independence Day festivities at Waterfront Park and a fireworks show over Charleston Harbor. Flag Day & Local Makers: Ahead of Flag Day, North Charleston flag shops say demand is surging for the 250th, with workers sewing hundreds of flags daily. Governor Runoff Watch: In the SC GOP governor runoff, both sides are trading shots over internal polling and how much Trump’s endorsement actually moved voters. Haywood Mall Shooting (Greenville): Gunfire at Haywood Mall left two people hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; police say the victims knew each other and a 17-year-old suspect is in custody as detectives work to identify others involved. Health Alert—“Dirty Sodas”: Doctors are warning South Carolina readers about the “dirty soda” trend, which can pack dessert-level sugar and calories into a single drink. Public Safety: The SC Highway Patrol is investigating fatal crashes involving a motorcycle in Orangeburg County and a pedestrian hit in Colleton County. Local Water Report: Greenville Water released its 2025 Water Quality Report, saying drinking water meets or exceeds all regulatory standards. Sports (USC Baseball): USC’s new baseball coach Kevin Schnall continues to draw attention as the Gamecocks build their next roster and staff.

Haywood Mall Shooting (Greenville): Greenville police say two people were shot and taken to the hospital after gunfire at Haywood Mall; multiple people were detained and the mall was cleared and closed as officers continued investigating a dispute that wasn’t believed to be random. Local Public Safety (West Ashley): The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early-morning shooting on Sanders Road that left one man dead and two others injured; the road reopened after forensics cleared the scene. Weather Watch (Upstate): Severe storms are possible Sunday afternoon and evening, with the strongest cells capable of damaging wind gusts over 60 mph. State Politics (Miss South Carolina): Columbia is hosting Miss South Carolina competition week, with Teen finals June 19 and finals June 20 and more than $280,000 in scholarships. Health Trend Alert: Doctors are warning about “dirty sodas,” which can pack dessert-level sugar and calories and are being marketed by major chains. Sports (USC Baseball): NCAA president Charlie Baker cited “downhill effects” from a Texas judge’s NCAA ruling, pointing to a South Carolina court injunction involving Clemson WR Tristan Smith.

USC Baseball: South Carolina hired former Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall as its new head baseball coach on a five-year, $1.3 million-a-year deal, with his first priorities including building his staff and working the transfer portal. Local Sports & Culture: Coastal also introduced Schnall’s replacement, Chris Lemonis, as its new head coach after Schnall’s move to Columbia. Education Watch: Richland County teachers are set for raises next year, but district budgets still face pressure from enrollment changes and the end of pandemic-era funding. Politics & Runoffs: The GOP governor runoff is heating up after primary results, with candidates trading attacks and Democrats pushing for debate access in key districts. Public Health: A new Beaufort County measles case has exposure sites tied to graduation and local locations, prompting health officials to urge precautions. Community & Safety: ICE says it ran highway safety operations in South Carolina, arresting more than 100 people and seizing drugs and cash. Weather/Travel: South Carolina’s heat is driving demand for cooling centers and water-park days, while officials warn of busy conditions on major roads.

Heat & Safety: South Carolina’s triple-digit heat is keeping water parks busy and prompting cooling-center openings across the state, as officials urge residents to stay hydrated and watch for heat illness. Courts & College Sports: A judge granted Clemson WR Tristan Smith a temporary injunction against the NCAA, clearing the way for him to play the 2026 season after a dispute over eligibility. Public Health & Food: The FDA announced a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including South Carolina, over possible metal contamination. Local Crime & Justice: An Indian Land man faces federal hate-crime charges after allegedly defacing a Charlotte Jewish community complex with Nazi symbols and threats. Community & Health Care: ECU Health received nearly $1.5 million from the Duke Endowment to expand a maternal-and-infant health screening and referral program across eastern North Carolina and South Carolina. Business & Charleston: The International African American Museum in Charleston plans staggered furloughs for staff through the end of the year due to funding shortfalls. Sports & Culture: A George Washington Continental Army tent replica is set to appear on the College of Charleston campus for America’s 250th weekend events.

South Carolina Politics & Elections: South Carolina’s GOP governor primary is now headed toward runoffs after Nancy Mace’s loss, while Democrats have their nominee in Jermaine Johnson, setting up a high-stakes next phase for statewide leadership. Public Safety: SLED charged a York County man with murder and attempted murder in an ongoing investigation, adding to a busy stretch of serious violent-crime cases across the state. Education & Security: Greenville County Schools approved a $2.5 million security contract using ZeroEyes AI weapons detection, and trustees also moved forward on policy updates tied to non-resident student enrollment. Health Watch: South Carolina continues to track measles activity in the Lowcountry, with officials identifying exposure locations and urging vaccination checks. Local Development: Georgetown residents got an update on cleanup planning for the former Liberty Mill site, as the state works through assessment steps before redevelopment. Community & Business: Novo Regenerative opened a mesenchymal stem cell injection clinic in Mount Pleasant, expanding access beyond its Hilton Head location. Weather & Travel: An early-summer heat wave is pushing heat index values into triple digits, raising heat-illness risks for outdoor plans. Sports: USC named Kevin Schnall as head baseball coach, and local coverage also highlighted South Carolina athletes and honors across college and pro baseball.

USC Baseball: The Gamecocks officially hired Kevin Schnall as head coach, continuing a busy stretch for South Carolina athletics. Coastal Carolina vs. SC ripple: Coastal Carolina turned to former Mississippi State coach Chris Lemonis, a move that lands just after Schnall’s USC announcement. College World Series: The SEC is dominating the College World Series again, with five teams in the field and Troy facing West Virginia in Friday’s opener. Politics & foreign policy: Sen. Lindsey Graham backed Trump’s (then withdrawn) push to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, calling it an “ultimate game changer.” Public safety: A 63-year-old woman in Indian Land died after being hit by her own car in reverse; investigators include the SC Highway Patrol. Health care: Berkeley Hospital’s expansion doubles inpatient capacity and adds new services, including a larger emergency department. Local government: Greenville County Council runoffs are set for June 23 in District 17 and District 23. Weather: Dangerous heat and humidity are expected Friday in the Upstate, with feels-like near 100°.

South Carolina Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace’s governor bid is over after a fifth-place finish in the GOP primary; she blamed her loss on her role in pushing for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, but analysts say voters wanted more than headlines. Runoff Watch: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and AG Alan Wilson advance to the June 23 GOP governor runoff, setting up a tight, issue-focused sprint. Local Government: Summerville residents are watching a Historic District rezoning closely, worried it could open the door to more commercial uses like offices, bars, or restaurants. Education: Dorchester School District Two approved its 2027 budget after projecting a shortage of millions, including a $2,500 teacher pay increase and no millage hike. Courts & Public Safety: A Rock Hill man was indicted for allegedly voting in 2024 despite not being a U.S. citizen. Business & Jobs: Charleston’s Horse Spot, an equestrian-event tech startup, is expanding and adding jobs after seed funding. Health: South Carolina DPH expanded its newborn screening panel, adding Hunter syndrome (MPS-II) and Fabry disease.

USC Baseball: South Carolina’s Board of Trustees approved a five-year deal for new head coach Kevin Schnall, paying him $1.3 million a year with performance-based raises and a signing bonus. Community Event: USC will host a free Schnall welcome party at Founders Park in Columbia on Friday, June 12, with remarks, fireworks, and Gamecock traditions. Religion: Southern Baptists voted to advance a formal constitutional ban on churches with women pastors, setting up a similar vote next year. Health & Food: A new federal report finds synthetic dyes still show up in about 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with the FDA’s voluntary phase-out facing pushback from major companies. Politics: Primary fallout continues in South Carolina after Nancy Mace finished fifth in the governor’s race, raising questions about what comes next. Public Safety Tech: South Carolina’s interagency drone consortium is planning a statewide symposium in July focused on drones, technology, and rules for innovation.

South Carolina Politics: The GOP governor primary is headed to a June 23 runoff after no candidate cleared a majority: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced, while Rep. Nancy Mace finished fifth and conceded, later endorsing Wilson. U.S. Senate: Sen. Lindsey Graham won the SC GOP Senate primary outright and will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Maine Politics: In a separate marquee primary, Democrat Graham Platner clinched the Maine U.S. Senate nomination, setting up a matchup with Sen. Susan Collins amid lingering controversy. Immigration Funding Fight: Lawmakers are still warning a federal shutdown could be hard to avoid even after Republicans moved to fund key immigration enforcement agencies. Local Business & Jobs: Meridian Waste is launching a new Richland County operation with 13 McNeilus refuse/recycling trucks, including automated side loaders, supported by a new Midlands service facility. Food & Culture: North Charleston’s King BBQ earned national attention on Food Network’s “Top 10.” Veterans: Honor Flight brought Vietnam veteran Thomas “Rocketman” Breeds to Washington, D.C., for memorial visits.

South Carolina Primary Day: Polls are open Tuesday for the June 9 statewide primaries, with voters choosing nominees for governor, attorney general, and other statewide offices; Greer-area races include Pamela Evette and others for governor, Stephen Goldfinch for attorney general, and multiple congressional and council contests depending on precinct. GOP Senate chatter: A Mark Lynch video alleges voting-machine corruption, though the outlet couldn’t verify the source; meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham is seeking a fifth term with Trump’s endorsement in the background. Energy & costs: Gas prices remain a hot topic as analyses tie volatility to global oil and Strait of Hormuz risks; the week ending May 30 saw Chester County premium gas hit $4.75 at one station. Public safety: Highway 22 eastbound in Horry County is temporarily closed after a truck overturn spilled rocks. Health alert: FDA expanded a GO Raw LLC pet food recall over dangerously low thiamine levels—check lot codes and best-by dates. Local spotlight: Novant Health marked a construction milestone for a new Greenville hospital, with an expected late-2027 opening.

Primary Day in South Carolina: More than 319,000 ballots already cast in the 2026 GOP and Democratic primaries, smashing the state’s early-voting record as voters head to the polls today (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) in a crowded field where many races could hinge on clearing the threshold to avoid a June 23 runoff. Governor race watch: Polls show a tight South Carolina GOP contest, with President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette putting pressure on rivals including Nancy Mace, and Republicans trying to keep the statewide winning streak going. Senate and national stakes: Tuesday’s primaries also include high-profile GOP battles tied to Trump’s influence, while Maine’s Senate race remains a national focus. Gas prices: AAA reports a near 20-cent dip in South Carolina’s average gas price over the weekend, offering some relief ahead of summer travel. Health and safety: Researchers at MUSC report new findings on protein-repair defects linked to heart failure, while national health coverage flags rising measles and whooping cough concerns. Local life: The Human-Animal Alliance is funding equine summer programs, including support for a Myrtle Beach therapeutic riding club.

SNAP Changes: USDA says 23 states, including South Carolina, are rolling out limits on what shoppers can buy with SNAP—targeting items like soda and candy—at dates ranging from already in effect to later this year. Murdaugh Retrial Oversight: South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge appointed retired Judge Debra R. McCaslin to oversee proceedings tied to Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial. Primary Election Buzz: South Carolina’s early voting surge shattered records, with 319,367 ballots cast statewide during the nine-day period, including Clarendon County hitting 3,046 early voters. Public Safety: SLED is investigating after an Anderson County deputy shot and killed a 70-year-old man accused of trying to stab him with a screwdriver. Sports & State Pride: South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards helped Team USA win gold at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Local Traffic/Crashes: A Marion County hit-and-run left a pedestrian seriously hurt, and Dillon County troopers are seeking a driver after a motorcycle crash.

Charleston Food & Drink: Sonder Wine Bar + Retail Shop opened at 90 Cannon St., serving wine by the glass plus small plates like dirty martini dip and caviar, with happy-hour specials from 4-6 p.m. Health & Safety: A new study in Nature Medicine proposes OBSCORE, a risk tool meant to flag people with obesity who are most likely to develop serious complications—arguing BMI alone misses big differences in health outcomes. State Politics: South Carolina’s record early voting surge is in the rearview as voters head to the June 9 primary; the Election Commission says more than 318,600 ballots were cast statewide. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings show Valley Falls Tearrace in Spartanburg scored a 3 in early 2026, while Patewood Post Acute in Greenville scored a 4, with both reporting no fines or penalties in that quarter. Public Health: The FDA is investigating two unexplained foodborne illness outbreaks (Listeria and Cyclospora) while continuing a salmonella probe tied to recalled moringa capsules.