AGP Executive Report

HBCU Football: South Carolina State stays atop Week 4 HBCU Legends rankings, holding the No. 1 spot in both the ballot and BC+ model after a 20-17 win over Furman, with Prairie View A&M and Alabama State close behind. Local Culture & Community: North Charleston’s youth-led Blankies 4 My Buddies returned for its Wrapped in Hope 9/11 Day of Service, crafting blankets, hygiene kits, and notes for Lowcountry veterans and neighbors in need. Health & Family: A MUSC study links lower maternal vitamin D levels with higher odds of preterm birth, adding to the push for better prenatal nutrition. Public Health Watch: Residents are urged to check vaccination status as measles cases rise, with local health officials emphasizing prevention. Arts & Lifestyle: JoAnna Garcia Swisher marked Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias finale with a heartfelt goodbye to “Serenity,” thanking fans for finding “somewhere to belong.” Sports Spotlight: Twin sisters from Kellam helped UNC Wilmington shut out Hampton 6-0 in women’s soccer. Wellness & Research Fundraiser: Columbia’s Dancing With The Stars event is set to raise money for Breakthrough T1D research.

Arts & Identity: The South Carolina Arts Commission is drawing backlash after withholding funding from two groups—both LGBTQ+—and a column says the board is effectively turning grantmaking into a political test for LGBTQ art. Local Government: Charleston County is gearing up for a Transportation Sales Tax referendum with a final round of public sessions with mayors from North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston ahead of Nov. 3 voting. STEM for Kids: The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center returned with its SEED STEM Festival at USC Aiken, bringing 79 organizations and hands-on science, robotics, aviation, and more to local students. Health & Pregnancy: A Medical University of South Carolina study links lower maternal vitamin D levels with higher odds of preterm birth. Community Spotlight: Greenwood County’s Keep Greenwood County Beautiful earned a top statewide honor for ongoing litter cleanups and education, while local leaders continue pushing “Trash Time” efforts. Sports (SC ties): South Carolina’s Gamecocks fell to Mississippi State as Kamario Taylor powered a 41-34 win, adding more SEC heat. Culture (Pop): Hayden Panettiere was remembered at a Malibu celebration of life attended by Connie Britton and other stars, with family attendance and guest-list drama still making headlines.

SEC Football Buzz: Ole Miss’ revenge win over LSU and the Week 4 playoff picture are heating up, with bowl projections shifting as Alabama and Penn State move into the CFP bracket. Gamecocks Spotlight: South Carolina’s SEC opener vs. Mississippi State came with big moments and photos from Williams-Brice, while Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor delivered a statement performance in a 41-34 win. Local Crime & Safety: A 3 a.m. Waffle House fight in Moncks Corner ended in a shooting; a suspect faces attempted murder and weapons charges. Community & Culture: Netflix canceled Sweet Magnolias after five seasons, but the creator is already moving on to a new series, Ladies of the House. Lifestyle & Food: A sold-out Coast to Coast event at Euphoria highlighted diverse chefs and flavors, including Filipino-influenced dishes from a Hilton Head chef. Family Fun: Brooklet Peanut Festival pedal tractor races brought out kids for friendly competition. Money Talk: First-time homebuyers are getting creative—TD says many would consider 50-year mortgages and even using 401(k)s if allowed. Tech Backlash: Restaurants are posting handwritten signs promising not to use AI for promotions after viral backlash. SC Business/Legal: Federal indictment charges four South Carolina women in a counterfeit cash wire fraud scheme.

STEM for kids: Aiken’s 41st annual SEED STEM Festival brought hands-on science, robotics, neuroscience and chemistry to local children at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center. Tragedy on the road: A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a pickup on S.C. 421 in Aiken County; the Highway Patrol says the crash is under investigation. Church parking lot death: A 12-year-old girl died after an SUV backed into her at a Loris church parking lot hours after she attended a funeral. Local sports spotlight: South Carolina women’s tennis heads to the ITA All-Americans in Cary, and SC State pushed Bethune-Cookman to four sets in volleyball. Culture on Netflix: “Sweet Magnolias” is canceled after five seasons, with JoAnna Garcia Swisher set for a new series, “Ladies of the House.” Community & safety: Volunteers are being recruited at ECU through “Pirates Perch” to give students a listening ear, while South Carolina lottery results and weekend sports schedules round out the week’s lifestyle buzz.

Digital Safety in Schools: Google’s Internet Safety Roadshow is teaching South Carolina students digital citizenship—strong passwords, scam-spotting, and staying in control of tech use. Public Health Alert: South Carolina health officials are urging testing for tuberculosis among people connected to Hartsville High School after TB concerns. Local Education Staffing: An alternative certification push is gaining traction as vacancies remain high; Teachers of Tomorrow says it’s placed 300+ teachers statewide, especially in special education. Teacher Pipeline: Another report highlights an alternative certification program aimed at easing South Carolina’s teacher shortage by matching career switchers to nearby districts. Community & Faith Politics: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jermaine Johnson held an interfaith prayer breakfast in Greenville, pitching unity, affordable housing, and faith-focused leadership. Sports & School Spirit: Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks women’s basketball announces the 2026-27 theme “Pro,” while SCHSL Week 5 football schedules and scholar-athlete spotlights keep the Upstate and Lowcountry buzzing. Entertainment with S.C. ties: Netflix canceled “Sweet Magnolias” after five seasons, and Hayden Panettiere’s Malibu celebration of life reportedly excludes her mother and boyfriend after her death in a Greenville Airbnb.

Politics & Culture: Gavin Newsom is “messing with Kamala Harris’s head” by saying he wouldn’t run against her in 2028, while noting he’s already been holding events in South Carolina ahead of the state’s early Democratic primary. Arts & Community: Duncan Sheik, the “Barely Breathing” singer-songwriter and Tony-winning “Spring Awakening” composer, has died at 56. Local Living & Food: Chef Saa is expanding plant-based food, wellness education, and culinary training in Columbia through a new production kitchen. Business & Shopping: Primark pushed its Augusta Mall opening to Sept. 24. Finance & Equity: Optus Bank and Mechanics & Farmers Bank are moving toward a merger aimed at preserving two Black-owned institutions and building a major new Carolina-based lender. Safety & Family: SCDPS is offering free car seat checks during Child Passenger Safety Week. Outdoor & Heritage: Aiken residents can take a free hike on Redcliffe Plantation’s trails during a Sept. 26 “Take-A-Hike” event. Sports & Weekend Plans: Week 3 college football matchups spotlight Clemson vs. North Carolina and LSU vs. Ole Miss.

Child Safety & Parenting: South Carolina is rolling out stronger online protections for children, including age verification requirements for social media, as officials warn that apps can expose kids’ personal info and location. Health & Vaccines: A new poll finds Americans’ trust in the MMR vaccine has dropped, even as measles outbreaks keep headlines hot. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Laurens County’s Metric Road water tank is now online, a $12 million project meant to unlock new development by connecting key industrial and education hubs. Early Childhood Literacy: Laurens County First Steps is joining Dolly Parton’s Give Like Dolly Day, topping up its “9 to 5 for Early Childhood Literacy” campaign to expand Imagination Library reach. Education & Workforce: Piedmont Technical College marks 60 years with state and federal leaders praising its job-focused training and ongoing construction growth. Community Events: Columbia’s Greek Festival and Historic Columbia’s Jubilee Festival, plus Irmo’s Okra Strut, are all on the calendar for families. Sports & Culture: South Carolina women’s basketball unveiled its “Pro” theme for 2026-27, and local fans can catch more Gamecock action as schedules and showcases roll out.

Border Politics & Safety: Virginia’s proposed constitutional abortion amendment is already drawing “cars from all over the South,” raising fears it could turn border cities into abortion hubs—and potentially increase trafficking risk. Education & Housing: Fairfield County School District’s Education Foundation won a SC Housing Department award for a teacher-housing partnership in Winnsboro, aiming to boost recruitment and retention. College Access: South Carolina’s College Application Month kicked off at Andrew Jackson High School in Kershaw with pep-rally energy and on-site application help from counselors and college reps. Community Kindness: Greenville marked “Find the Good Day” with a city proclamation and awards honoring local women leading in education, health, crisis support, and community service. Arts & Local Culture: Columbia’s Jam Room Music Festival announced its adventurous 2026 lineup, including headliner Swervedriver and Gullah-rooted Ranky Tanky. Outdoor & Family Fun: Saluda Shoals Riverwalk opened after a multi-phase expansion, and Congaree National Park is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with free events. Food & Tradition: The New York Times named two Louisiana restaurants—Dakar NOLA and Dolfy’s—among the nation’s best, spotlighting cultural, multi-course dining. Health & Caregiving: HALOS will host its HALOS oyster roast fundraiser in Mount Pleasant to support kinship families across the Lowcountry.

School Food Leadership: White House Master Chef Marti Mongiello keynoted South Carolina school nutrition leaders in Columbia, urging “Every Tray. A Promise.” and pushing dignity, tech, and team strength in feeding students. Public Safety Upgrades: SCDOT is proposing safety improvements along a high-crash stretch of Ladson Road after years of frequent crashes involving drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Healthcare Access: MUSC opened a new dental and oral care clinic at Florence Medical Center, adding services for the Pee Dee and launching a MUSC dental residency program starting in 2027. Environment & Growth: Gov. Henry McMaster highlighted conservation as part of South Carolina’s jobs-and-education strategy, earning a lifetime leadership award from Green Tie. Local Community Care: Fairfield County Council recognized first responders after a major HealthCare SC fire response in Winnsboro. Coastal Health Watch: South Carolina reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus in coastal waters/seafood, with officials stressing the risk is low and urging caution with wounds and raw seafood. Culture & Community Table: A StoryCorps segment shares how a long-running South Carolina supper club tradition—especially Beaufort stew—keeps families connected across states. Fed Rate Shock: The Federal Reserve raised its key rate for the first time in three years, likely meaning higher borrowing costs for mortgages and credit cards. Celebrity Investigation: Hayden Panettiere’s rep says her death remains under investigation pending toxicology, as DEA activity around evidence searches continues.

Public Health Recall: FDA classified a recall of Intercon Chemical hand soaps as Class II, citing possible bacterial contamination; the affected products were distributed across multiple states including South Carolina. Local Community & Service: Charleston County Deputy Michael Hendricks was honored with a large Patriot Guard Riders-supported funeral procession after a fatal collision in Ladson. Health & Access: SCETV is inviting viewers to a live studio audience for “Palmetto Perspectives” and an IMPACT South Carolina episode on the healthcare system’s shifting costs, access, and care models. Measles Watch: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds trust in measles vaccines has slipped, as outbreaks continue to hit states including South Carolina. Education Spotlight: A.C. Flora High School earned the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education’s College Application Month School of Excellence award. Culture & Youth: South Carolina Children’s Theatre brings “James and the Giant Peach” to the stage Sept. 18. Crime & Safety: A Charleston-area social media influencer was arrested on multiple child sex crime charges after authorities seized devices and alleged child sexual abuse material. Pageantry & Philanthropy: North Augusta’s Sophia Lindale was crowned Royal Miss South Carolina 2026, with the pageant supporting Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Sports & Community Pride: Clemson students wrapped a second full-length film project, “The High Note,” built to train Upstate talent for professional production. Food & Lifestyle: Tripadvisor named its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Best” restaurants, expanding beyond dining into food tours and cooking experiences.

Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to a $227 million jackpot for Tuesday’s Sept. 15 drawing, with the winning numbers reported as 27-43-58-57-36 and Mega Ball 16. Local Business & Work Culture: Countybank was named one of South Carolina’s Best Places to Work for the second straight year, ranking 8th in the mid-sized category. State Finances: South Carolina collected $321.5 million in motor vehicle license taxes in 2024, according to Census data. City Life & Infrastructure: West Ashley residents can expect faster pothole repairs and retimed traffic signals, with a new pothole hotline planned for early 2027. Education Spotlight: A.C. Flora High School earned a state “School of Excellence” award for helping seniors complete college applications. Community Health & Recovery: Keystone Behavioral Health released a substance use treatment FAQ for York County families, covering MAT, detox, and care options. Politics & Culture Clash: Rep. Nancy Mace renewed calls for a “public execution” in the Lindsay Clancy case, sparking sharp pushback from Clancy’s legal team. Sports & Reading: The Panthers and Bank of America launched “3rd and Goal” to boost third-grade reading proficiency.

Insurance Transparency: Public Citizen says South Carolina’s homeowners insurance “data call” is treated like a black box, with too many commissioners not sharing premium and nonrenewal info publicly—turning a climate-driven crisis into an information crisis. Local Crime & Safety: Greenville coroner ruled the deaths of two young women a murder-suicide. Lottery Watch: A Greer Powerball winner has until Sept. 21 to claim a $200,000 prize. Public Policy & Culture: Nancy Mace again called for Lindsay Clancy’s public execution, reigniting national debate over punishment and deterrence. Community & Early Education: Ivybrook Academy plans an Indian Land campus opening in October for half-day preschool. Health Alert: York County confirms a rabid bat exposure case, prompting quarantine guidance for pets and medical follow-ups for people. Lifestyle & Travel: Wilmington, N.C. gets the “Southern beach getaway” spotlight as an affordable alternative to bigger coastal hubs. Tech & Health: AliveCor rolls out KardiaACCESS, a Medicare-covered program aimed at helping patients manage blood pressure and diabetes. Arts & Reading: A Q&A with Beronda L. Montgomery tees up the Six Bridges Book Festival and her “When Trees Testify.” Sports: Winthrop’s Monssi Avila-Gutierrez earns Big South Co-Offensive Player of the Week after a hat trick. Veterans Support: VA awards $17M+ in South Carolina grants to help homeless or at-risk veterans secure housing.

Local Culture Spotlight: A 79-year-old Green superfan, Virginia Whitmore, is still chasing Barry Manilow—she’s now attended 42 concerts and is hoping his rescheduled shows (including Jan. 17 in Florida) aren’t the last. Education & Access: South Carolina schools and libraries are watching the federal E-Rate broadband program closely as the Trump administration reviews whether it should be narrowed, with officials and advocates warning cuts could hit connectivity. City Growth: Greenville City Council approved record-breaking annexation along Woodruff Road/I-385, including a major commercial area with new zoning plans. Community Safety: Coastal Carolina University and SCDOT agreed on major Highway 544 upgrades after deadly crashes—lower speed near campus and a pedestrian-activated signal are among the changes. Public Health Watch: The FBI is warning parents about a growing online threat tied to nihilistic violent extremism targeting kids and teens. Justice & Accountability: In Laurens County, families say a guilty plea recanted in a boating-deaths case, extending uncertainty for victims’ loved ones. Local Crime: A Blythewood man was arrested on child sexual exploitation material charges, with the AG’s ICAC Task Force citing a CyberTipline report. Sports & Tradition: HBCU football delivered big moments and rivalry energy, with standout performances and marching-band culture front and center. Money News: A $500,000 Powerball Double Play ticket sold in Seneca remains unclaimed.

Upstate Football Buzz: Dorman stays No. 1 in the SCHSL Upstate Super 20 Week 5 rankings, with Byrnes, Gaffney, Westside, and Daniel rounding out the top five. Public Health Watch: A measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has now tied a third death to complications, while CDC says South Carolina and other states have requested federal outbreak help. Health & Aging: “Aging Untold” breaks down what blood pressure numbers can really mean, plus a reminder that “gray divorce” issues can resurface later in life. Local Business Growth: Ford’s Garage is scouting franchise partners to expand across the Carolinas, and IQ Fiber is investing $35M to expand Orangeburg’s fiber network. Education & Access: Joyce University launches the nation’s first 90-credit BSN pathway, and Charleston County School District lands a $300k state grant for leadership coaching and mentoring. Community & Culture: Ink Different Tattoos expands its apprenticeship program in Spartanburg-Greenville with TjayRed Legendary Ink. Food & Fun: Haywood Mall in Greenville is preparing for Round1’s first South Carolina location, bringing bowling, arcade games, and Spo-Cha. Public Safety/Health Risk: Reports say actress Hayden Panettiere died after taking a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill, as investigators pursue a suspected drug source.

Church & Privacy: A debate is heating up over how much privacy people should expect at church, after claims of AI-enabled surveillance at a Texas congregation sparked questions about safety vs. overreach. Faith Communities & Security Funding: Synagogues and churches are urging Congress to protect them now, pointing to rising hate threats and an underfunded federal nonprofit security grant program. HBCU Culture: Nine HBCU marching bands brought big energy to Savannah for the 2026 Big HBCU Battle of the Bands, celebrating music, education, and opportunity. Lowcountry 9/11 Remembrance: More than 600 motorcyclists joined a record 9/11 memorial ride in Mount Pleasant, with survivors, vendors, and live music honoring first responders. Sports & SC Pride: South Carolina State’s band was among the HBCU lineup, while Vanderbilt women’s golf competed in Charleston and USC welcomed a new verbal commitment from swimmer Jacqueline Zipagan for fall 2027. Local Politics: Sen. Darline Graham agreed to debate Dr. Annie Andrews on Oct. 11, setting up a high-stakes South Carolina Senate showdown. Upstate News: Greenville police detained Hayden Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson after a bar altercation, with his brother Zach also arrested amid claims of heckling. Housing & Cost of Living: New data highlights how Charleston rent growth is eroding the “affordable city” appeal for newcomers. Public Health: A new COVID-19 wave is being tracked as routine seasonal reporting, raising concerns about how public health is being handled.

Local Public Safety: A 2-year-old was killed after walking into traffic on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston; police say the child had been found wandering in the same area weeks earlier, raising new questions about supervision near the Bradley Square apartments. Community & Outdoors: Bluffton’s 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep returns Sept. 19 at Oyster Factory Park, with supplies, coffee and lunch provided as volunteers tackle litter along the May River. Arts & Entertainment: Greenville police detained Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, after an altercation at Wild Wing Cafe; his brother was arrested for disorderly conduct, while toxicology in Panettiere’s death is still pending. Food & Culture: Biscuitville was named America’s best fast-food breakfast for the fourth straight year in USA Today’s 10Best, beating national giants like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A. Health & Lifestyle: MUSC boards approved moving ahead on a $1B+ downtown Charleston cancer hospital aimed at boosting Hollings Cancer Center toward top-tier NCI Comprehensive status. Animal Welfare: South Carolina activists are pushing county-by-county updates to animal protection rules, including mandatory microchipping, updated tethering laws, and affordable spay/neuter.