AGP Executive Report

Education Policy: South Carolina House Republicans approved “universal” K-12 school choice vouchers before the pilot even begins, expanding eligibility statewide and drawing sharp criticism over timing and constitutionality. Federal Rules Clash: State Superintendent Ellen Weaver told districts to disregard new Biden-era Title IX regulations that broaden sex-discrimination protections, warning they may violate state and federal law. Health & Courts: A judge ruled SC’s abortion ban can take effect at six weeks, rejecting Planned Parenthood’s push to pause enforcement over how “heartbeat” is defined. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis continues spreading, with cases now reported in 45 states and thousands of illnesses tied to a major outbreak investigation. Local Watch: The latest drought monitor shows little inland improvement, with extreme drought persisting along the Grand Strand and only limited downgrades in parts of the Pee Dee. Business/Tech: Eaton Fiber is buying Ripple Fiber, a move that could expand Verizon’s fiber reach into parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. Lottery: Powerball climbed to about $707 million for Saturday’s drawing after no jackpot winner hit July 29.

Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Eridanous Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Truffle Coating and Apricot after some packages were distributed without English allergen labels, leaving wheat, soy, milk and egg allergens undeclared; no illnesses reported. Public Health: Publix also recalled GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli O145 contamination, with products pulled from stores in multiple states including South Carolina. Local Crime: SLED charged a Greenwood County woman, Kelly Elizabeth Erskine, with intent to defraud and counterfeit game ticket counts tied to scratch-off incidents at a Ninety Six store. Upstate Tragedy: Greenwood County authorities are investigating the death of 17-year-old Zaden Goodman after a late-night shooting; no further details released. Politics/State Impact: South Carolina marked the final return and services for Sen. Lindsey Graham in Columbia, with leaders praising his long record of work for the state. Education & Community: Greenwood and Abbeville counties kept kids fed during summer break through USDA summer meal sites, serving hundreds of thousands of breakfasts and lunches. College Pathway: College of Charleston and Spartanburg Community College announced a five-year partnership with guaranteed admission and tuition assistance for eligible students.

Mega Millions: A single $800 million Mega Millions ticket was sold at a Wawa in Bradenton (near Sarasota) for the July 28 drawing. The winning numbers were 34-48-49-59-70 with Mega Ball 12. The winner has 60 to 180 days to claim, depending on whether they take the cash option (about $344.2 million) or the annuity. The jackpot resets to about $50 million for the next drawing Friday, July 31. Local Schools: Midlands families got a district-by-district first-day calendar for the 2026-27 school year, plus reminders that South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend runs Aug. 7-9. Sen. Lindsey Graham in SC: South Carolina prepares for Wednesday’s public farewell for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, including a State House stop, law enforcement presentation, and an F-16 flyover before services at First Baptist Church in Columbia and a private burial in Pickens County. Health & Tech: MUSC Health is expanding its AI phone agent, “Emily,” using SoundHound’s platform to support retail and specialty pharmacy calls, topping 2.2 million patient calls. Public Health: A study on South Carolina tobacco cessation outreach found that while many discharged ED smokers were interested, only about 1 in 5 accepted a referral to the state Quitline.

Russia Sanctions Push: The U.S. Senate advanced sweeping Russia sanctions inspired by late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, clearing a key procedural vote 86-12 after Zelenskyy watched from the Senate gallery; the bill would expand sanctions and give President Trump major tariff authority tied to Russian energy. Graham Memorial Fallout: World leaders and U.S. officials gathered in Washington for Graham’s services, where Trump called him a “true American original” and repeated Graham’s phone number—then later apologized for sharing it. South Carolina Consumer Watch: South Carolina’s Department of Consumer Affairs says complaints rose 37% in the first half of 2026, with about $853,364 recovered for consumers. Heat & Storms: A heat advisory covers much of South Carolina, with heat indexes often above 105 and storms possible through the evening. Local Safety: Florence County crews responded to two serious crashes minutes apart, including one that flipped and another that overturned and caught fire. Food Recall: Lidl recalled certain Eridanous shortbread cookies because ingredient labels weren’t in English and allergens weren’t properly disclosed. Mega Millions: The jackpot climbed to $800 million ahead of Tuesday’s drawing.

Lindsey Graham Funeral Coverage: South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is being honored Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with a Capitol Rotunda arrival ceremony and a later service at Washington National Cathedral expected to draw President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; his body then heads to Columbia Wednesday for a public procession and funeral at First Baptist Church, with burial in Pickens County. South Carolina Senate Race: With the special GOP primary filing deadline hitting noon Tuesday, the field to replace Graham is nearly set, including Darline Graham, Ralph Norman, Mark Sanford, and Russell Fry, with early voting slated for Aug. 5-7 and the special election primary Aug. 11. Election Rules Fight: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold its sweeping order restricting vote-by-mail, setting up a major showdown with states challenging it. Public Safety: Colleton County officials say a child died after running back inside a burning home in Ruffin; two adults were seriously burned. Business & Local Growth: Straightaway announced it’s buying a Fort Mill repair shop to expand its footprint into the Carolinas, and Charleston-based Beachmate’s Beachmate Shovel is rolling into 100 Walmart stores nationwide.

SEC Basketball Schedules: The SEC released full 2026-27 men’s conference slates, with Missouri opening league play at Arkansas (Jan. 2) and hosting South Carolina (Jan. 16) and LSU (March 6), while Tennessee starts at home vs. Vanderbilt (Jan. 2) and ends at Vanderbilt (March 6). Alabama Football Venue Buzz: USA Today ranked Bryant-Denny Stadium among the sport’s top venues, placing it No. 9 overall and praising its recent home dominance. South Carolina Education & Environment: SCDES announced K-12 environmental education grants and classroom resources, including recycling and food-waste reduction funding for teachers statewide. Feral Swine Funding: USDA will provide $35 million for feral swine eradication partnerships, including South Carolina, as part of a larger $105 million pilot program. Local Courts & Growth: A judge upheld a Fort Mill zoning ruling blocking Silfab Solar’s light-industrial classification for its plant. Public Safety: SCDPS reported four roadway deaths statewide over the July 24-26 weekend period (preliminary). Manufacturing Spotlight: Commerce Secretary Lutnick and SC AG Alan Wilson joined Century Aluminum leaders at Mt. Holly to tout a 10% boost in domestic aluminum production. Privacy Watch: York County and Rock Hill continue expanding Flock Safety cameras, with residents raising privacy concerns.

Democratic Primary Shuffle: The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws panel is set to keep South Carolina first in the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, beating out Nevada—an outcome tied to party strategy and the role of Black voters. Senate Seat After Lindsey Graham: Funeral services for Sen. Lindsey Graham are scheduled this week, including a Capitol Rotunda arrival and a Washington National Cathedral service, with plans also for South Carolina observances. Public Safety & Health: AnMed in Anderson is dealing with a cybersecurity disruption involving malware that led to closures and cancellations Monday. Justice & Courts: A Lexington County man was sentenced to 30 years after becoming the first person convicted under South Carolina’s Fentanyl-Induced Homicide Act. Tech & Policy: SCETA launched ASCENDSC™, a statewide framework aimed at guiding South Carolina’s AI and digital future across energy, identity, privacy, and rural development. Local Life: The South Carolina Arts Commission named eight Individual Artist Fellows for fiscal year 2027, including Charleston poet laureate Asiah Thomas.

South Carolina Politics: Democratic candidates hit the campaign trail at an Irmo forum, with U.S. Senate hopeful Dr. Annie Andrews promising to “fight for South Carolina” ahead of the fall matchup after Lindsey Graham’s death. Public Health: The CDC says U.S. measles cases have surged to a 35-year high, with 2,318 cases in 2026—passing all of 2025—raising alarms as vaccination rates slip. Weather: A new heat wave is building for the Southeast and the Lowcountry, with Tuesday highs near 100° and heat index values that could top 110°. Local Law Enforcement: McCormick County officials pushed back on misinformation while detailing multiple July incidents, including a stabbing between adult siblings and other case updates. Health Care Innovation: A USC-linked trial reports a medically formulated THC/CBD treatment sharply reduced agitation in hospice-eligible dementia patients. Sports & Community: Panthers receiver Xavier Legette is showing early training-camp consistency, while SCDNR says manatee sightings are rising along the SC coast during migration.

WNBA Spotlight: Jonquel Jones powered Team Spoon to a 129-122 win over Team Coop in the WNBA All-Star Game, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to earn All-Star MVP—plus a rare sweep of major league awards. Public Health: CDC data show 2,318 measles cases in the U.S. in 2026, the highest since 1991, with South Carolina among the states carrying the heaviest share. Food Safety: FDA linked a recalled Texas egg product to 98 Salmonella illnesses across 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations, urging anyone with recent symptoms to mention eggs to a clinician. Energy & Environment: South Carolina’s PSC denied landowners’ motion to reconsider approval of the Canadys natural gas power plant in Colleton County, clearing the way for a new 71-mile pipeline. Local Growth & Power: Lexington County residents weigh how to respond as data centers expand elsewhere in South Carolina, with zoning and moratorium debates heating up. Politics: The DNC chose South Carolina to lead off the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar. Weather: Isolated storms are possible across parts of the state.

Democratic Primary Shuffle: South Carolina was picked to lead the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, with Nevada next and New Hampshire, Michigan and Virginia following—part of a DNC effort to boost states with larger Black and Latino electorates and move beyond Iowa’s longtime first-in-the-nation role. Public Health: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people, prompting a recall of about 19 million eggs; consumers are urged to check cartons and stop eating recalled products. Measles Watch: The U.S. measles total hit a 35-year high, and South Carolina is singled out for a major Spartanburg-area outbreak that surged before ending earlier this year. Local Life & Community: We Are Sharing Hope SC held its first “Pickleball for Hope” tournament in Mt. Pleasant to raise awareness and support for organ, eye and tissue donation. Safety & Insurance: South Carolina bars and restaurants are getting a new liquor liability insurance option through a partnership aimed at easing rising premiums. Sports & Education: Spartanburg’s Shoally Creek teacher Misty Bonasia was named Ingles “Amazing Teacher” of the Month, and SEC preseason honors continue to spotlight South Carolina football players heading into 2026.

Public Health: The CDC reports the U.S. is in its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases since the start of 2026—already surpassing 2025—as vaccination rates slip and hesitancy grows. State Politics: South Carolina was selected to lead off the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating calendar, a major break from Iowa and New Hampshire that could reshape early momentum and influence. Local Government & Growth: Orangeburg County approved a first reading of a data-center moratorium after residents raised concerns about health, environment, and affordability. Healthcare Expansion: Novant Health opened a new freestanding 24/7 emergency department in Bluffton, adding 10 treatment rooms and trauma care. Justice System: Four inmates face charges tied to a September 2024 Jasper County Detention Center fire that injured inmates and staff. Sports & Culture: Sen. Darline Graham backed WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham after Cunningham doubled down on transgender sports remarks; meanwhile, SEC preseason polls keep South Carolina in the middle of the pack.

Democratic Primary Shuffle: The DNC selected South Carolina to host the first Democratic presidential primary in 2028, pushing Iowa out of the early calendar and placing Nevada next, a move tied to boosting Black and other diverse voter influence. Measles Surge: The U.S. logged 2,318 measles cases in 2026—more than all of 2025—with South Carolina among the hardest hit states, as vaccination rates remain below the level needed to stop outbreaks. Food Safety Watch: Taylor Farms issued an updated statement amid a cyclosporiasis investigation, saying it expanded a recall and paused sourcing from central Mexico while it reviews its processes. Local Public Safety Tech: Greer fired two officers for alleged misuse of Flock license plate reader cameras, reigniting debate over oversight and privacy as other SC agencies face similar scrutiny. Health Response to Overdoses: Anderson launched a PORT paramedic team to follow overdose patients from 911 calls through hospital care and long-term connections. Crime Update: Georgetown police made a second arrest in a July 7 shooting investigation. SC Politics: Former Gov. Mark Sanford entered the GOP field for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, joining other declared contenders. Water Complaint: A Johnsonville woman says her water—and neighbors’—was shut off without notice and that reconnection fees left some families still without service.

Local Sports: The Steelers drafted South Carolina-born safety Robert Spears-Jennings in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, after a standout Oklahoma career. Recruiting Watch: 4-star safety Kaden Golston lists Tennessee and South Carolina among early standouts. Public Safety & Courts: A former Charleston police officer, long wanted in his wife’s 2005 killing, has returned from China to face charges. Health & Community: A Beaufort nonprofit is helping Lowcountry families get autism evaluations and navigate treatment. Environment & Federal Funding: A federal judge ordered the EPA to fund canceled climate/environmental justice grants, including $20 million tied to a Nevada tribe. Energy & Research: SCRA is a founding partner in an NSF grid modernization effort for the Carolinas, aiming to modernize the electric grid and spur jobs. Weather: Rain and a flash-flood risk are back in parts of South Carolina this weekend, with the heaviest threat focused more on central and Upstate areas. Business & Jobs: Goodwill will close its Augusta Street thrift store in Greenville for renovations starting Aug. 2.

South Carolina Senate shake-up: Former Gov. Mark Sanford jumped into the GOP special primary to replace Lindsey Graham, arguing the national debt is pushing the country toward a “financial tipping point.” The Aug. 11 contest is already crowded, with candidates including Sanford and Darline Graham, who is seeking the full term. Public safety: The SC Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in Orangeburg County after a Honda Ridgeline hit a pedestrian crossing U.S. 21. Wildlife incident: A leopard named Irina was tranquilized and returned to its Greenville Zoo enclosure after escaping due to “human error,” with the zoo saying procedures were adjusted. Health: South Carolina reported 23 cyclosporiasis cases tied to a national outbreak, and officials urged careful produce handling. Housing policy: A new law limits corporate ownership of single-family homes, restricting companies with more than 350 homes from buying individual houses. Local outdoors: Waties Island in Horry County could become South Carolina’s newest state park after a $4 million federal grant to help acquire the barrier-island land.

Budget Deal: South Carolina lawmakers reached a 2027 spending agreement after weeks of talks, including nearly $400 million in tax relief, dropping earmarks, and shifting community project funding to a new oversight committee—now awaiting House and Senate approval before Gov. Henry McMaster signs. Politics: Rep. Russell Fry is pushing for a televised debate in the Aug. 11 GOP special U.S. Senate primary, as the race for the seat left by Lindsey Graham heats up. Public Safety & Privacy: Flock Safety license-plate cameras are expanding across South Carolina, renewing debate over privacy and public safety as lawmakers consider regulation. Health Watch: A lettuce recall tied to cyclosporiasis has spread to 27 states, including South Carolina, prompting food-safety warnings. Weather & Infrastructure: Residents challenged South Carolina’s Highway 41 stormwater permit over flooding fears during a Mount Pleasant hearing. Economy & Industry: Century Aluminum’s Mt. Holly expansion will boost U.S. primary aluminum production by about 10% and grow its workforce to 600, with federal and state leaders set to celebrate July 27. Tech & Energy: The DOE is backing a 1 gigawatt AI data center at the Savannah River Site, with plans for additional on-site power. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $600 million after no big winner; next drawing is Saturday.

South Carolina Politics & National Impact: Zelensky is considering a U.S. trip that could include attending the funeral of late Sen. Lindsey Graham and meeting President Trump, with plans still being worked out. U.S. Senate & Trade: A Senate committee advanced a bill targeting Chinese-connected vehicles, but lawmakers are debating a 15% ownership threshold that could sweep in Mercedes-Benz, which builds vehicles in South Carolina. Local Law & Safety: Greenville police say a parking-lot fight led to an officer-involved shooting; one suspect is in custody. Weather: Forecasters warn of a multiday flash-flood threat across the Carolinas, with heavy rain and possible flooding expected Thursday. Community & Culture: The South Carolina State Museum’s “Big Percy” sweetgrass basket has been added to the Guinness World Records. Sports: SEC Media Days coverage highlights South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers and what the Gamecocks need to rebound.