AGP Executive Report

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman are headed to a GOP runoff for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat after Tuesday’s special primary failed to produce a winner with 50%+1; Graham led the 10-candidate field with about 32.6% and Norman took second with about 24%, setting the Aug. 25 showdown that will decide who faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November. National Security & Transparency: In a separate AP report, Trump says Secret Service and the military wanted him off Air Force One during a Turkey trip due to an Iran threat, describing a secretive “different plane” maneuver. Local Life & Privacy: Myrtle Beach-area authorities say license plates are on camera via an automatic surveillance network, while watchdog groups push back that it’s broader tracking than police admit. Community Health: Virginia measles cases are declining, but outbreaks remain active in Buckingham and Cumberland counties, with officials warning about possible resurgence. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño-linked salmonella recall continues to expand downstream, with more products pulled from shelves. Culture & Fun: Star 99.7 is running a ticket giveaway for a Sept. 5 Charleston concert featuring Columbia’s The Movement and Hawaii’s Pepper.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño recall is widening fast after a Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños imported from Sinaloa, Mexico; FDA/USDA alerts now cover jalapeño products like salsa and guacamole sold nationwide, including in South Carolina, with illnesses reported across 27 states. Politics & Community: South Carolina voters head to the special GOP Senate primary to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with appointed Sen. Darline Graham holding a slim lead in the final Trafalgar poll and a runoff looking likely if no one clears 50%. Local Culture & Education: Greenville County Schools students posted gains on SC READY tests, and an Upstate band from Ware Shoals is headed to Hawaii for the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Parade after a community fundraising push. Sports (Women’s Basketball): The SEC released the 2026-27 schedule, setting big Gamecocks matchups and key dates for South Carolina’s conference opener. Faith & Lifestyle: SC Attorney General Alan Wilson and Superintendent Ellen Weaver warned districts about online threats to student safety as the new school year begins.

South Carolina Senate Primary: With Lindsey Graham’s seat now open, Tuesday’s special GOP primary is a crowded, high-stakes race to replace him—Darline Graham faces a field that includes Russell Fry, Ralph Norman, Mark Sanford and others, and a runoff is possible if no one clears 50% (Local Politics & Civic Life: Polling locations in Lancaster County have shifted due to school schedules, and voters are watching turnout and late momentum). Public Health & Food Safety: Across the U.S., Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño dips, salsas and prepared foods sold at major retailers after a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported peppers; families are urged to check “best if used by” dates and not eat affected products (Health & Wellness: A new federal vaccine executive order would reduce and potentially split childhood shots, drawing sharp pushback from medical groups). Community & Care: South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the City of Columbia honored Purple Heart recipients at Finlay Park for Purple Heart Viola Week (Education & Youth: SC READY results show statewide gains in math and reading, with more students meeting grade-level expectations). Safety at the Beach: A DeKalb County educator died in Myrtle Beach after rescuing a girl from a rip current, underscoring the risks when lifeguards are off duty.

Counterfeit Consumer Safety: South Carolina officials seized more than $214,000 in fake NeeDoh Nice Cube squishy toys and luxury-logo knockoffs from Greenville’s Haywood Mall, warning unknown materials could create safety risks. State Politics & Community Impact: SCETV and Public Radio will broadcast live coverage of the Aug. 11 South Carolina special U.S. Senate Republican primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with results and analysis across TV, radio, and streaming. Food & Health Alerts: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing prepared foods (salsa, guacamole, dips, and more) tied to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak, with products sold in SC and other states; shoppers are urged to check “Best If Used By” dates. Local Culture & Faith: A Pawleys Island-area church faced fallout after allegations that a registered sex offender was allowed to volunteer around children, triggering parent outrage and criminal charges. Public Debate: Rep. Nancy Mace is under fire after saying every Muslim holding public office is a “Trojan horse,” including a tense CNN exchange. Arts & Entertainment: A new documentary, “Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear,” revisits the Blink-182 drummer’s South Carolina plane crash and his comeback. Education Watch: S.C. Ready assessment scores for grades 3–8 are set to be released, showing how students performed in ELA and math for 2025–26.

Men’s Day & fatherhood push: South Carolina Democratic governor nominee Jermaine Johnson spoke at Mt. Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, urging men to “step up” for young people and warning that absent fathers can fuel crime and gun carrying. Back-to-school support: Thousands of Charleston students and families grabbed free backpacks, school supplies, and books at the First Day Festival at the Gaillard Center, with health screenings, food trucks, and aquarium admission. Daylight saving drama: With the Senate in recess, the clock-change debate is back in focus as lawmakers question whether the Sunshine Protection Act can pass before Nov. 1. Local politics on the campaign trail: Interim Sen. Darline Graham held a rare reporter call, tackling national security, data centers, Medicaid fraud, and attacks from challenger Russell Fry. Public health & vaccines: NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya told “Face the Nation” he trusts childhood vaccines, urging parents to vaccinate and send kids to school amid rising measles concern. Community safety: Preliminary autopsy results say Lexington County master deputy Jillian Olson died from freshwater drowning during a Lake Murray dive training exercise. Sports culture: ESPN highlighted five must-watch SEC games for 2026, while South Carolina men’s basketball looks to Kory Mincy’s leadership as the roster turns over. Arts & learning: A pediatrician-author in the region is using children’s books to make health topics feel less scary for kids.

Patriot Games & youth culture: A Trump-backed “Patriot Games” youth competition is drawing attention for its patriotic branding and controversy, with winners earning college scholarships—while participants say the backlash can cost them friendships. South Carolina politics: With Lindsey Graham’s seat up for grabs, coverage highlights how the special GOP Senate primary is tightening and how early voting turnout is shaping expectations for Tuesday’s vote and a possible runoff. Public health & families: A Greenville Medicaid spending snapshot shows Hearing Services payments rising to $3,561 in 2024, up about 11%, underscoring how local health resources shift. New moms, THC tests, and child abuse registries: Reporting shows how THC test results after childbirth can trigger investigations and land some mothers on child abuse registries, even without criminal records. Schools & vaping: SC schools confront teen vaping and a legal gray area around hemp-derived products. Community life: North Augusta’s National Night Out spotlights local partnerships with law enforcement. Arts & education: Westview Middle School music teacher Ronnie Ward receives a $10,000 Manilow Music Teacher Award. Sports: Carolina Crown places third at DCI’s World Championships; NASCAR debut notes Carson Brown’s 15th-place finish.

South Carolina Senate Spotlight: With Tuesday’s special GOP Senate primary closing in, early voting is holding up by special-election standards, and the race is shaping up as a likely runoff between Darline Graham Nordone, Ralph Norman, Russell Fry, and Mark Sanford. Local Civic Life: Rock Hill Schools is teaming up with the Less Than Three Foundation for online safety and sextortion prevention assemblies and a parent forum. Public Safety & Community: Greenville officials seized more than $214,000 in counterfeit NeeDoh toys and luxury-logo knockoffs from Haywood Mall. Culture & Heritage: USC has opened the Richard Samuel Roberts photo collection online, spotlighting nearly 6,000 historic images of Black Columbia families and community life. Lifestyle & Sports: A’ja Wilson keeps the spotlight on South Carolina pride in the WNBA, while Carolina Crown is among the top Drum Corps International finalists heading into finals. Weather Watch: Expect another hot, humid stretch with afternoon “hit-or-miss” storms and heat indices near or above 105°F.

Local History & Culture: USC’s library has gone live with historic portraits from photographer Richard Samuel Roberts, spotlighting Black South Carolinians and the communities that were often erased from the record. Arts & Community Pride: The South Carolina State Museum crowned “Big Percy” with a Guinness World Records title for the largest sweetgrass basket, created by artist Corey Alston. Education & Youth Support: Lowcountry Orphan Relief is expanding its care-kit work for kids entering foster care, packing thousands of “just-in-case” essentials and comfort items. Sports & Local Identity: Dawn Staley confirmed guard Maddy McDaniel is withdrawing from the Gamecocks program, leaving USC to regroup ahead of the season. Lifestyle & Travel: New renderings show Charleston’s proposed Tempo by Hilton near MUSC, with updated plans moving closer to construction. Public Safety & Privacy: Critics keep pushing back on Flock-style camera systems, citing surveillance concerns and vandalism. Health Watch: A Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states, with South Carolina among those affected.

Gamecock News: South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley says point guard Maddy McDaniel has withdrawn and won’t return, stepping away to focus on mental and emotional well-being—leaving the roster reshaped heading into 2026-27. Civic & Culture: Lexington County’s NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Awards Gala in West Columbia with a “Harlem Nights” theme, featuring keynote Nina Turner and honoring community leaders. Local History Under Threat: A Greenville rezoning proposal could change the future of Arlington Avenue’s Greenville Cultural Exchange Center site—the city’s only African American history museum—sparking community pushback. South Carolina Traditions: The State Museum in Columbia honored Corey Alston’s Guinness record for the world’s largest sweetgrass basket, “Big Percy,” a Gullah Geechee craft rooted in generational continuity. Shopping & Families: South Carolina’s tax-free weekend is underway through Sunday, with parents using the savings for back-to-school essentials. Public Safety: A bomb threat at a Pasadena hospital was treated as a swatting call tied to a violent extremist network, with authorities issuing an all-clear after a search.

South Carolina Politics (GOP Senate Primary): Upstate voters got a final “Road to Washington” breakfast pitch as three candidates—Mark Sanford, Ralph Norman, and Russell Fry—made their cases ahead of the Aug. 11 special GOP Senate primary after Lindsey Graham’s death, with the race likely headed to a runoff. Local Culture & Community: Cocky (USC) and Miles (Denver Broncos) were named to the Mascot Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, a fun reminder of how big college and pro spirit culture really is. Back-to-School Living: SC’s annual tax-free weekend is underway, with shoppers getting sales-tax breaks on school supplies, clothing, tech, and bed/bath items through Sunday night. Health & Schools: South Carolina updated vaccine requirements for 2026-27—adding varicella doses for 12th graders and hepatitis A doses for 6th graders—while officials note a confirmed TB case at Summerville High. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states, prompting Chipotle and Qdoba to pull the ingredient. Lifestyle & Work: A new report highlights how post-pandemic workplaces are making interview outfit rules less clear, leaving candidates unsure whether to dress up or go casual. Local Crime: A Bluffton woman faces lottery fraud charges after allegedly passing stolen SC Education Lottery tickets at a Bluffton Food Lion. Greenville Growth: A JW Marriott is coming to downtown Greenville, set to transform the historic Bowater building and link to the Falls Park Conference District via a pedestrian bridge.

Lottery & Local Life: South Carolina Education Lottery released Aug. 6 Pick 3 and Pick 4 results (plus Cash Pop and Palmetto Cash 5), reminding winners how to claim prizes. Public Safety & Community: In Horry County, a family says an alligator killed their dog and their HOA won’t act, even after SCDNR issued a nuisance permit. Health & Back-to-School: SC health officials updated 2026-27 vaccine rules: two varicella doses for 12th graders and two hepatitis A doses for students entering 6th grade, with a TB case already confirmed at Summerville High. Culture & Education: Greenville County Schools named its 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, spotlighting classroom excellence as the school year ramps up. Environment & Accountability: California AG Rob Bonta filed a new PFAS lawsuit amendment accusing DuPont spin-offs of a “corporate shell game” to dodge cleanup liabilities. Sports & Pride: The South Carolina Women’s Open tees off at Cobblestone Golf Club in Blythewood, with free spectator admission and a $20,000 purse.

SC State honors Clyburn: South Carolina State University dedicated its newly renamed James E. Clyburn Engineering and Computer Science Complex, spotlighting the congressman’s decades of support and millions in federal investments. Back-to-school at SC State: Freshmen and transfer students moved in for the 2026–27 semester, with parents sharing hopes for new starts and career paths. Education leadership in Richland One: Four Richland One schools earned Visible Learning Certified School recognition, celebrating classroom strategies aimed at boosting student ownership and growth. Local schools get new principals: Greenville County Schools announced leadership changes at 10 schools for the new year. Community spotlight: Liberty Brew Coffee in Conway was named a 2026 Best of South Carolina Award winner. Public health alert: CDC and FDA confirmed a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños from Mexico, with cases across 27 states including South Carolina. Safety and surveillance debate: South Carolina sheriffs defended license plate reader use as a crime-fighting tool while critics warn about privacy and misuse. Politics close to home: Darline Graham launched her campaign for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat as early voting begins, pitching conservative priorities and election security. Lifestyle & culture: Steeplechase of Charleston returns this fall with tickets now on sale, bringing fashion, tailgates, and live entertainment back to the Lowcountry.

Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions’ Tuesday Aug. 4 drawing landed on 55-65-21-51-14 with Mega Ball 21, with the next draw set for Friday, Aug. 7. Back-to-School & Family Budgeting: South Carolina’s school voucher program is set to expand for 2026-27, and a state sales tax holiday is also on the calendar for Aug. 7-9, helping families stretch essentials. Public Health Watch: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has spread across 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba pulling the peppers after the CDC/FDA link. Education & AI: South Carolina academic libraries are stepping up to help campuses navigate AI with practical guidance and ethics. Local Crime & Justice: A Clemson student kidnapping and assault case ended with a life sentence for Darrell Scott Brooks after a good Samaritan helped the victim escape. Community Culture: Camden City Council recognized the Camden Lugoff Area Shag Society (CLASS) for preserving beach music and shag dancing.

Local Community & Food: Punta Gorda Isles’ Lunch & Learn spotlighted Melon1’s watermelon farming, distribution, and sales, with a candid look at how state rules can shape day-to-day operations. Elections & Voting Access: The S.C. House approved HB 958, tightening early voting timelines and expanding tools to screen voter rolls—moves that critics say could limit due process. Public Safety: South Carolina Highway Patrol reminded drivers to follow school bus stop laws as kids head back to class, warning that passing a stopped bus can bring steep penalties. Health Watch: Dorchester District 2 reported a tuberculosis case exposure at Summerville High School, with DPH contact tracing and free testing options for identified students. Workforce & Education: A federal grant will finish funding the Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, aiming to train hundreds for advanced manufacturing. Culture & Lifestyle: A new floating “classroom on a boat” program is inspiring future riverkeepers on Lake Norman, blending hands-on science with outdoor learning. Tech & Privacy: The backlash against Flock Safety license-plate cameras keeps growing, with more cities deactivating systems amid misuse and surveillance concerns. Sports & Community Pride: Greenville Tech’s welding center is getting support via Duke Energy Foundation welding kits to help students start hands-on training this fall.

South Carolina Politics: Early voting starts Wednesday for the Aug. 11 special GOP U.S. Senate primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with photo ID required and eligibility rules tied to June primaries; the ballot fight over Danny Ford II is still in motion after a judge ordered him added and the SCGOP moved to challenge it at the state Supreme Court. Public Health & Community Care: Mount Pleasant has proclaimed August Overdose Awareness Month, pushing stigma-free support and free resources as South Carolina overdose deaths fell in 2024 but fentanyl remains the main driver. Education & Local Giving: Countybank Foundation donated $25,000 to Piedmont Technical College for expansion of its Family Life & Conference Center in Greenwood. Safety & Justice: Bluffton police arrested a man after a CyberTip led to child sexual abuse material charges, with the case handled by the SC Attorney General’s Office. Culture & Outdoors: Charleston opened Fort Pemberton Park on James Island, a new public waterfront spot with a dock, kayak launch, and walking path. Sports Calendar: South Carolina high school football schedules for 2026 were released statewide.

Public Safety & Families: A North Charleston mother was arrested after her 11-month-old died from starvation; the coroner ruled homicide, spotlighting neglect and child protection failures. Health & Food Safety: Publix expanded its frozen blueberry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak, now covering more lots sold in South Carolina and other states. Politics & Reproductive Rights: Acting AG Todd Blanche reassured religious leaders he’s preparing to roll back abortion access nationwide, aiming to make Dobbs “permanent.” Local Community & Culture: Columbia NBA champ Dillon Jones hosted his annual Back-to-School Bash, supplying students with school gear, haircuts, food, and launching the Dillon Jones Foundation. Lifestyle & Outdoors: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census invites South Carolinians to count pollinators for 15 minutes on Aug. 21–22, turning backyard plants into conservation data. Sports & Community: Upstate SCHSL kickers and punters rankings are out ahead of the Aug. 28 high school football kickoff. Civic Life: Charleston reported a downtown carriage accident that injured two people when a horse was startled by a truck.