AGP Executive Report

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.

South Carolina Politics: The GOP special U.S. Senate primary is heating up after a debate in Columbia, with Sen. Darline Graham backing major Senate rule changes to pass the SAVE Act and Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews hitting back on costs and health care. Local Justice: A trial began in Anderson County for a man accused of kidnapping and attacking a Clemson student in 2024. Public Safety & Crime: SLED introduced K-9 Chip to help detect hidden electronics and support young victims, while deputies arrested a Georgetown woman accused of stealing $118,000 from a children’s charity. Schools & Youth: Charleston County School District was selected to help lead a lawsuit targeting social media platforms over claims they’re designed to addict children. Health & Food: Publix expanded a frozen berry recall tied to E. coli, and measles concerns continue to dominate national coverage as vaccine debates flare. Culture & Community: Macedonia High School alumni in Moncks Corner are gathering to honor a 30-year legacy after their school burned down in 1996. Business & Growth: Mauldin & Jenkins announced it will acquire Schmoyer and Company in Columbia, strengthening its local health care and small-business services.

State Politics: Sen. Darline Graham launched her political debut in Lexington, pitching Trump’s agenda as she heads into South Carolina’s Aug. 11 special GOP U.S. Senate primary. Public Health & Families: South Carolina health officials reminded parents to review back-to-school immunization records as schedules update for 2026-27, while national measles coverage continues to ripple after the U.S. hits a 35-year high in cases. Community & Learning: Aiken County’s Aiken County Public Library hosts an Aug. 7 lecture on Native Americans’ Revolutionary War roles, part of SC’s Revolutionary Perspectives series. Local Crime & Safety: SLED arrested Clarendon County’s Elijah Glenn Robinson on child sexual exploitation material charges, and Beaufort County’s Rosa Calderon Vega faces lottery fraud allegations. Outdoors & Health Alerts: Upstate residents are warned after a rare mosquito-borne La Crosse encephalitis case was confirmed in Oconee County. Culture & Lifestyle: SCETV and SCDNR roll out “Into the Wild,” a new conservation storytelling initiative premiering Aug. 5. Sports Spotlight: Dawn Staley highlighted WNBA rookie Olivia Miles as she “grows the game,” and the U.S. Women’s Amateur tees off this week at the Honors Course in Tennessee.

Leadership & Community: Leadership South Carolina named its Core Program Class of 2027, spotlighting business, government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and community leaders across the state. Historic Arts: A new stage play is set to bring Susannah “Susan” Twitty—an 18th-century Revolutionary War shero—into the spotlight, with additions to the Schafer Gallery of Southern Revolutionary War heroes. Politics & Voting: South Carolina is slated to lead the 2028 Democratic primary calendar, a move that’s already stirring debate inside the party about who the spotlight favors. Local Sports Culture: Dawn Staley is hyping Lynx rookie Olivia Miles as a future WNBA “logo,” after Miles’ standout performances helped keep Minnesota rolling. Public Health Watch: Measles cases are surging nationwide, and RFK Jr. is urging parents to vaccinate; meanwhile, Publix is expanding frozen berry recalls tied to E. coli risk. Weather & Safety: East Coast storm threats are back, with flash-flood risk flagged from the Carolinas into the Mid-Atlantic. South Carolina Spotlight: Darline Graham made her GOP campaign debut ahead of the Aug. 11 special Senate primary, framing her run around Trump’s agenda and her brother Lindsey Graham’s legacy.

Measles Surge & Misinformation: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged parents to vaccinate children against measles as cases hit a 35-year high, while also reigniting vaccine-safety claims on CNN. Public Safety: A Marlboro County man faces 32 charges after a dog attack; deputies seized six dogs, and one was shot during the incident. Road Tragedy: Two people died and six were hurt, including five children, in a York County head-on crash in Clover. Local Media Spotlight: WCSC won Television Station of the Year Merit Award at the SCBA STAR Awards, with wins for lifestyle, news series, and personality categories. South Carolina Politics: Nine Republicans held a Lexington stump stop ahead of Aug. 11’s Senate special primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with Darline Graham making her first campaign appearance. Culture & Community: Charleston shared a guide to free and low-cost ways to enjoy the city, from historic walks to budget-friendly museums. Parenting Moment: A Charleston mom’s sleep-training story went viral after a baby monitor check revealed unexpected behavior. Health Watch: Experts warn the measles outbreak is straining local health departments and highlight the need for early identification and quick action.

South Carolina Politics & Community: Darline Graham is front-and-center in the run-up to South Carolina’s special GOP Senate primary, with a packed field making stump-speech pitches to voters and leaning hard on Trump-era priorities. Local Justice & Family Safety: The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program is recruiting volunteers for free virtual training to advocate for abused and neglected children. History & Race: Greenwood’s Mays Site unveiled new markers honoring two lynching victims, renewing attention on racial terror and accountability. Public Health & Food Safety: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold in South Carolina due to possible E. coli contamination. Sports & Inspiration: A profile spotlights Olivia Moultrie’s “leap of faith” path to soccer stardom, built on persistence and belief. Safety & Tragedy: A Lexington County sheriff’s dive training accident claimed the life of Master Deputy Jillian Olson on Lake Murray. Lifestyle & Money: South Carolina’s education lottery haul hit a near-record $606.8 million for FY2026, underscoring how ticket sales keep funding schools. Weather Watch: Storm chances ramp up across the Carolinas this weekend, with heavy rain and possible flash flooding concerns.

Food Safety: Publix expanded its recall to all lots of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries sold in eight states, including South Carolina, due to possible E. coli O145 contamination. Local Culture: MOJA Arts Festival is seeking a poster artist for its 2026 event in Charleston, with a $5,000 commission and a Sept. 24–Oct. 1 lineup that spotlights Gullah Geechee, reggae, gospel, and a cook-off. Politics & Community: Trump’s backing of Darline Graham for South Carolina’s special Senate race is sparking GOP backlash and raising questions about “coronations” in a contest that was expected to be more open. Public Health: Doctors are warning about measles resurgence as cases climb, echoing the urgency of past outbreaks. Lifestyle & Travel: A new roundup of East Coast beach towns highlights Fripp Island, S.C., as an alternative to Florida’s crowds. Sports & Tradition: USA Today’s stadium rankings put LSU’s Tiger Stadium at No. 1, fueling the usual college football debate. Nature & Learning: SC Public Radio and SCDNR are teaming up for “Into the Wild” segments, plus a Safe Space episode on how young people find community.

GOP Senate Showdown: Five candidates will face off in a televised SCGOP debate Monday in Columbia ahead of early voting, with the field set by polling averages and a likely runoff if no one clears 50%. Foster Care Tragedy: A Chester County family is demanding answers after a 13-year-old died at a foster placement in McCormick County, with murder charges filed and questions about supervision and safeguards. Food Safety: Publix expanded its frozen berry recall tied to E. coli O145:H28, listing GreenWise Organic whole blueberries and mixed berries shipped to South Carolina and seven other states. Local Accountability: A Georgetown woman was arrested for allegedly stealing $118,000 from Kids’ Chance of South Carolina, a scholarship nonprofit, using transactions routed to her personal PayPal. Community & Care: Mount Pleasant officials plan a Monday meeting to refine animal cruelty and neglect laws after a case sparked public outcry. School Nutrition: A Senate budget proposal would make reduced-price meals in SC schools free for qualifying students, cutting out the remaining student cost. Energy Watch: A Fort Mill solar plant will temporarily idle production next week, starting Aug. 5, as nearby schools return.

Catholic Campus Growth: USC, College of Charleston and The Citadel are seeing a surge in Catholic student life, driven by students living their faith in dorms and classrooms—USC now serves 200+ at a weekly Sunday supper, CofC has tripled Mass attendance, and The Citadel reports its biggest Easter baptism class yet. Hurricane Preparedness: St. Michael the Archangel Church in Murrells Inlet hosted a Hurricane Preparedness Expo, stressing that rainfall is the deadliest hurricane hazard and urging residents to know their evacuation zone. Local Faith & Community Stories: A Daniel Island teen’s adoption journey and pageant platform, plus a look at how faith communities are shaping young lives across the Lowcountry. Gun Policy Clash: The DOJ warned Montgomery County, Maryland over a church firearms ban, arguing it conflicts with the Second Amendment—another reminder of how national culture fights land in local worship spaces. African American History Calendar: August honorees Gideon Gibson and Andrew Ferguson highlight South Carolina’s free Black leadership in law, war and reform. Public Health Alert: Publix expanded a frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, with illnesses and hospitalizations reported. Education & Housing: Mark Sanford launched his GOP Senate bid in Bluffton, pitching affordability fixes tied to federal spending and zoning. State Politics: Jermaine Johnson locked in Charleston Democrat Sam Skardon as lieutenant governor running mate for South Carolina’s gubernatorial race.

Community & Sports Spotlight: USC Upstate hosted a fundraiser with Dawn Staley, raising money for a new Bethlehem Center facility and spotlighting leadership and community impact. Public Health Alert: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen organic whole blueberries and whole mixed berries across multiple states, including South Carolina, due to possible E. coli O145 contamination—check freezers and return or discard. State Health & Care Access: Leaders and advocates met in Orangeburg to tackle South Carolina’s Medicaid waiver waitlist crisis, where thousands face years-long delays in essential care. Education & Second Chances: South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice held a graduation for 145 teens earning diplomas or GEDs through its Birchwood School program. Local Politics & Culture: The race to replace Lindsey Graham is heating up, with coverage ranging from funeral remembrances to the fast-moving special primary and campaign trail. Food & Family Safety: FDA-linked recall updates continue to warn shoppers about berry identification and allergen risks tied to recent supermarket recalls. Tech, Privacy & Daily Life: “Flock” surveillance camera pushback is spreading as cities cancel or deactivate systems amid growing public resistance. Lifestyle & Community Events: Midlands’ 803 Day celebration kicks off with a 5K, scavenger hunt, and charity events starting this weekend.

South Carolina Politics & Community: Jermaine Johnson named Sam Skardon as his lieutenant governor running mate, pairing the Richland County lawmaker with a Charleston-area clean energy and small-business lender ahead of the Nov. 3 race. Public Health & Safety: A new Pawleys Island church sex-offender investigation added a fifth arrest—bond set at $25,000 for the church operations director accused of placing children at risk while a convicted offender volunteered nearby. Environment & Accountability: A Society Hill man says the state’s PFAS records search price tag—$2.4 million plus a $605,000 deposit—left him stunned after he sought information tied to contamination concerns near Black Creek Elementary School. Culture & Lifestyle: The South Carolina State Museum unveiled “Big Percy,” a monumental sweetgrass basket by Gullah Geechee artist Corey Alston, spotlighting Lowcountry craft and heritage. Local Events: HCA Trident is hosting an Aug. 15 ribbon cutting and open house for the new Long Point ER in Mount Pleasant, with family-friendly activities and wellness demos.