AGP Executive Report

College & Public Safety: UNC Charlotte student Zyvarius Webber, accused in a gunpoint carjacking on campus, was arrested after a four-day hunt that ended in Spartanburg. Health Policy: South Carolina AG Lynn Fitch joined a 20-state push urging tougher safeguards against unsafe Chinese pharmaceutical ingredients, citing concerns tied to compounded GLP-1 drugs. Elections: Richland County is recruiting hundreds more poll workers ahead of Nov. 3, aiming to reach 1,400 total to keep precincts running smoothly. Animals & Courts: An Oconee County woman’s goats were stolen and her horse was shot; a 14-year-old faces charges including ill treatment of animals and stealing livestock. Community & Culture: A Charleston conference is spotlighting Black tourism as a wealth-building tool, citing major job and economic impact statewide. Sports (Local): Week 6 SCHSL football scores and photos rolled in, including Gaffney’s action at Byrnes. Business/Recognition: Greenville’s Joel Morrow and Scott Todd were named SCBIZ Emerging Leaders Under 40.

State Honors & Health Care: Dr. Meera Narasimhan, a Prisma Health and USC faculty leader, received South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, for decades of work expanding mental health access, including telepsychiatry for rural and underserved communities. Public Safety: An inmate accused in the 2018 Lee Correctional prison riot that killed three prisoners was convicted after a multi-day trial; Larry White faces 30 years to life and will serve three life sentences. Local Crash: A Lancaster County deputy’s patrol vehicle struck a pedestrian on U.S. 521 near Kershaw; the deputy was not hurt, and the injured man was taken to a hospital. Health Systems: Prisma Health will acquire 36 urgent care centers from Novant Health, expanding same-day care statewide. Education Leadership: True North K-12 named Dr. William “Bill” Roach as Director of School Leadership & Business Development. Transportation: One lane on the I-26 bridge over Lake Bowen will close Sept. 25 for repairs, reopening early Sept. 26. Crime Update: SLED is seeking answers in the 2022 shooting death of 24-year-old Devin White in Estill, with a cash reward for tips.

Healthcare Expansion: Prisma Health says it will acquire 36 urgent care centers across South Carolina from Novant Health, with the sites transitioning to the Prisma Health Urgent Care brand on Nov. 1, 2026—patients keep access to walk-in and virtual visits, plus labs and X-rays. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Laurens County and state partners completed stormwater upgrades in the Watts Mill Neighborhood, funded by a $2.3 million ARPA stormwater grant, adding drainage improvements and a detention basin to reduce flooding. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Aiken County hit $3.62 for the week ending Sept. 19, with the county average at $3.98. Politics (National): The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution requiring Trump to end the Iran war or seek authorization, 50-49. Sports (SC Focus): South Carolina heads to Alabama for Week 4, with injury updates including Dylan Stewart probable and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy out, while Alabama lists multiple defensive starters out. Community Loss: South Carolina LGBTQ+ leader Harriet Hancock, “Mama Harriet” and a founder of SC Pride, died at 89.

Food Safety & Lawsuits: A Florida wrongful-death suit claims a woman died after eating contaminated frozen blueberries sold by Publix, tied to an E. coli recall that shipped to South Carolina. Public Health: South Carolina is among states tracking Vibrio vulnificus deaths, with officials warning the “flesh-eating” bacteria can spread through seawater exposure and raw or undercooked seafood. Child Care Access: SCDSS is reopening a wait list for child care scholarships starting Oct. 1, aiming to help working families who don’t fit earlier federally protected categories. Healthcare Policy: A USC law professor says ending temporary Medicare Part D subsidies could strain the “safety net,” with premium impacts still unclear. Local Government: Richland County approved boundary clarification updates that will take effect Nov. 16, shifting lines for affected towns, school districts, and voting precincts. Transportation & Safety: SCDOT is seeking public comments on intersection safety projects in Lancaster and York counties. Economy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain volatile, with national averages climbing again, and South Carolina reporting premium gas deals as low as the mid-$4 range in some counties. Sports & Community: Bethune-Cookman begins SWAC home play this weekend, while South Carolina’s college sports scene stays busy heading into Week 4.

COVID Vaccines: States can now order updated COVID shots for low-income children through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program after a delay, easing access as infections rise. Midterms Politics: Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the GOP’s Senate campaign arm, told colleagues Republicans are in a “fight for our lives” and will concentrate spending on a handful of tight Senate races. I-77 Toll Lanes: In Charlotte, the regional transportation board reversed course and backed privately managed I-77 South toll lanes after lawmakers added repayment requirements for communities that opposed the plan. Education & Workforce: Williamsburg Technical College and FCI Williamsburg launched a CDL program for incarcerated students, aiming to boost job prospects after release. Health & Community: A Greenville man was sentenced to 20 years for running over a victim while stealing her car. Sports (SC): South Carolina football enters Week 4 at Alabama with key edge rusher Dylan Stewart probable and left tackle Jacarrius Peak healthy; defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy is doubtful. Higher Ed: Clemson’s CFO Rick Petillo is leaving for Vanderbilt, and Clemson topped South Carolina’s national university rankings in U.S. News 2027.

Traffic Safety: South Carolina’s 2024 traffic fatality picture is grim: 951 deaths and a 17.36 per-100,000 fatality rate—4th-highest in the U.S.—with car occupants making up 38% of deaths and 53% tied to single-vehicle crashes; the report also breaks down county counts, including Greenville’s 82 deaths. Public Safety Funding: Attorney General Alan Wilson says victim-services groups across SC are set to receive more than $29 million in federal and state grants starting Oct. 1, including VOCA and VAWA awards. Infrastructure Watch: The state’s ASCE report card lands at C- as engineers warn aging roads and drinking-water systems can’t keep up with growth. Daylight Saving Fight: The Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent remains stalled in the Senate, putting Nov. 1 “fall back” back on the table unless Congress acts. Lowcountry Conservation: A proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan could expand coastal wildlife refuges in SC and Georgia by negotiating for willing land sales or donations. Local Roads: I-77 South in Fort Mill sees left-lane closures for bridge repairs, with delays expected through Wednesday. Sports & Culture: Upstate fall concert buzz includes Lil Wayne in Greenville; and SC high school football polls highlight 22 undefeated teams heading into Week 6.

Upstate Jobs & Industry: Woodward is closing a California aerospace facility and investing $200 million in a new 300,000-square-foot plant in Greer, creating 275 jobs and starting production in 2027. Local Development: Greenville unveiled detailed plans for its $500 million Falls Park Conference District, including a conference center, luxury hotel, housing, offices, retail, green space, and a 1,200+ space parking garage. Public Health & Safety: The Greenville County coroner ruled actress Hayden Panettiere’s death an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and other substances, with toxicology details released. Education Policy: South Carolina’s voucher program faces fresh scrutiny as lawmakers and education officials clash over whether enough students submitted “suitable assessments” to prove academic progress. Sports (Local & Statewide): College of Charleston stunned No. 1 South Carolina men’s soccer 2-1, while Greenville beat J.L. Mann 31-17 behind Tristan “Trip” Bryant’s 53-yard TD catch. Community & Lifestyle: Greenville installed South Carolina’s first microforest at Loxley Park, and Upstate farms are opening corn mazes and pumpkin season events.

Greenville County Coroner’s Ruling: Hayden Panettiere’s death has been ruled an accidental overdose, with officials citing toxic effects of fentanyl (and 4-ANPP), plus alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine—no signs of trauma found. Local Sports: Fort Mill High’s girls golf team won the Milltown Showdown Cup, led by Addie Lupton’s 71. State & Community: Greenville City Councilmember Wil Brasington announced a run for mayor in 2027, pitching “keeping Greenville, Greenville” and continued safety. Jobs & Industry: Okonite plans a $400 million Orangeburg County expansion, including a new 552,000-square-foot plant and 105 jobs. Public Meetings: South Carolina’s Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children will hold fall hearings in Conway, Greenville, North Charleston, Rock Hill and Columbia. Weather & Time: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, when clocks “fall back” at 2 a.m.

I-77 South Toll Lanes: Charlotte City Council voted 7-4 to back the Interstate 77 South toll lane expansion, reversing earlier opposition and avoiding an estimated $69 million payback while aiming to secure $300 million in community benefits for the 11-mile stretch from the SC line to Brookshire Freeway. U.S. Senate Race: In Greenville, Annie Andrews and Darline Graham both pushed tax cuts and lower costs, trading barbs while trying to lock in support ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Public Safety for Autism: Aiken County Sheriff’s Office rolled out special-needs awareness stickers to help deputies communicate during traffic stops and calls involving people with autism. Powerball: A $50,000 Powerball ticket was sold in Gray Court for the Sept. 19 drawing; Monday’s winning numbers were 2-7-9-17-58 with Powerball 20. Courts & Corrections: Larry White began trial for his role in the 2018 Lee Correctional riot that killed seven inmates. Local Business/Shopping: Costco delivery via Uber Eats expanded to 47 states, including South Carolina. Sports: Clemson and Georgia canceled future home-and-home games through 2033 amid conference scheduling changes.

Child Care Policy Transparency: The South Carolina Department of Social Services launched a new Child Care Scholarship Program Dashboard, giving families and providers real-time data on enrollment, payments, provider participation, applications, and county-by-county comparisons. Public Safety & Accountability: Darlington County jail sergeant Matrese Grant was fired and arrested after investigators say she smuggled home-cooked food to inmates, hid it under a blanket to avoid cameras, and left it where prisoners could retrieve it. Higher Education Rules: The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education revised statewide college-readiness math requirements and updated which exam scores count for college credit, with changes taking effect this fall. Education Reform: A new push to end “grade floors” in K-12 schools is gaining attention as South Carolina lawmakers try to curb grade inflation and AI-fueled pass-anyway behavior. Politics: Democratic nominee Mallory Dittmer is set to host a “Better Together” town hall in Chester. Local Life: Horry County Fire Rescue reported a mobile home fire that displaced one resident, with the cause under investigation.

SEC Top-25 Shakeup: Ole Miss jumped to No. 4 after holding off LSU 32-24, while LSU fell to No. 10 and the SEC now has 10 teams ranked in the AP Top 25. Gamecocks Fallout: South Carolina dropped out of the AP Top 25 after its SEC opener loss to Mississippi State, where the Bulldogs erased a 16-point deficit to win 41-34. Coaches Poll Watch: Oklahoma slid three spots in the US LBM Coaches Poll after a 14-6 win over New Mexico, with questions about its offense ahead of a Georgia matchup. Local Government: Fort Mill broke ground on a new Operations Center to move Utilities and Public Works out of a 1938 armory. Courts & Safety: A Fort Mill crossing guard injured in a 2024 crash filed suit against the school district, SCDOT and the driver. Housing Numbers: Darlington County’s typical home value rose 12.6% to $171,915 in August 2026, per Zillow. Community Service: North Charleston hosted a 9/11 Day of Service event, “Wrapped in Hope,” crafting items for Lowcountry veterans and neighbors.

SEC Football Shock in Columbia: South Carolina blew a 16-point lead and fell to Mississippi State 41-34 in the SEC opener, with fans chanting “Fire Beamer” after another second-half collapse. Gamecocks’ Road Woes: The loss keeps the pattern going for Shane Beamer, now 2-10 in his last 12 Power 4 games, and it follows a similar blown lead trend. Statewide Sports Buzz: Elsewhere in the SEC, Kentucky notched a signature 31-21 win over No. 9 Texas A&M, while Week 3 top-25 results reshuffled the national rankings. Local Housing Snapshot: Beaufort County’s median home sale price dipped slightly to $610,000 in June, while Pickens County’s typical home value rose to $307,009 in August. Business & Community: Two Shake Shack locations are set to open in South Carolina this month, and North Augusta welcomed a new WhiteWater Express Car Wash. Public Health Watch: Rabies concerns are rising nationally after unusual animal incidents and a CDC advisory, though experts say it’s unclear if cases are truly increasing.

SEC opener drama in Columbia: Mississippi State erased a 16-0 deficit to beat South Carolina 41-34 in its conference debut, with QB Kamario Taylor throwing four TDs and finishing with 251 yards as the Bulldogs scored 27 unanswered points after halftime. Weather delays: The Gamecocks-Bulldogs kickoff was pushed back to 5:35 p.m. after lightning near Williams-Brice Stadium, adding to a week of storm disruptions across college football. Local public safety: A 3 a.m. Waffle House fight in Moncks Corner ended in a shooting; police arrested Shanique Tywanda Brittain and charged her with attempted murder and weapons offenses. Energy reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk in South Carolina and North Carolina, authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas to dispatch additional resources and use backup generation if needed. South Carolina State sports: South Carolina State held off Furman 20-17 behind DJ Maultsby’s TD catch and big yardage, staying unbeaten. Entertainment: Ruby Rose broke her silence on her “best friend” Hayden Panettiere’s death, saying they spoke every day for five years.

Clemson vs. UNC: North Carolina heads into Clemson’s Memorial Stadium for ACC play in a noon ESPN matchup, with Bill Belichick warning about the “hostile environment” and Clemson aiming to keep its home momentum rolling. SEC opener spotlight: South Carolina opens conference action Saturday against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, with the game on SEC Network and streaming via Fubo. Orange Blossom Classic: South Carolina State beat Florida A&M 31-13 in Miami, running for 292 yards and improving to 2-0. Weather watch: A First Alert Weather Day is set for Saturday as storms threaten outdoor plans across the Upstate and mountains late afternoon into evening. Housing snapshot: Georgetown County’s typical home value rose 0.2% to $390,598 in August 2026, according to Zillow. Netflix news: “Sweet Magnolias” is canceled after five seasons, with Netflix ordering a new series, “Ladies of the House,” starring JoAnna Garcia Swisher. Local sports culture: South Carolina State’s win and Clemson’s home opener headline a busy weekend of SC sports coverage.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: President Trump signed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors and its “shadow fleet,” while also authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers—raising fresh uncertainty for countries like India and China. Public Health & Safety: Oconee County rolled out a LOSS team for families grieving suicide, and South Carolina officials joined child car-seat check events during Child Passenger Safety Week. State Politics & Faith: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jermaine Johnson held an interfaith prayer breakfast in Greenville, pitching unity and affordable housing. Local Government: Charleston opened Fort Pemberton Park on James Island with new public access features like a fishing dock and kayak launch. Sports: South Carolina opens SEC play at home Saturday against Mississippi State, while high school football Week 5 schedules and results continue across the state. Entertainment: Netflix canceled “Sweet Magnolias” after five seasons.

Elections & Civic Duty: Aiken resident Nelson Spitnale urges South Carolinians to volunteer as poll workers, pointing out how limited polling sites during primaries can expand for November turnout and directing readers to SCVOTES.GOV to apply. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, with South Carolina set to receive about $261,728.66 and the deal requiring added disclosures and protections tied to risky loan practices. Public Safety & Courts: In Aiken County, the first court hearings for parents accused in the death of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris were removed from the docket for the Sept. 18 appearance because both defendants are incarcerated, with a later hearing set for Nov. 20. Local Government Watch: North Charleston reports uneven council attendance this year, with one member missing 10 meetings and others absent multiple times, raising questions about participation on rezoning and housing votes. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows South Carolina’s typical home value rose to $306,323 in August 2026, while several counties saw mixed results, including Greenville up 1.4% and Marion down 4.6%.