AGP Executive Report

Legal & Policy: Iowa AG Brenna Bird and 29 other states filed a U.S. Supreme Court brief arguing 9/11 victims should be able to access frozen Taliban funds to satisfy judgments, challenging a lower-court reading that blocked the money. Business Moves: Steinberg Law Firm named Clark K. Supley COO in North Charleston, a systems-and-operations hire as the firm expands across South Carolina. Local Economy & Housing: South Carolina posted the nation’s highest foreclosure rate in August (1 in 1,547 housing units), with filings concentrated in several counties. Public Health: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes; a separate frozen berry recall tied to E. coli expanded to Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Arts & Community: S.C. Arts Commission chair Flavia Harton will resign after the board denied grants to two LGBTQ+ groups. Tech & Infrastructure: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Port of Charleston, highlighting federal funding for port upgrades. Security & Privacy: S.C. AG Alan Wilson sent a letter to Flock Safety seeking answers on AI use and data retention.

Manufacturing & Trade: GT Radial’s Richburg, S.C. plant helped the tire maker win its second straight Formula DRIFT Tire Cup Championship, highlighting how motorsports R&D is feeding “everyday driver” tire development. Education Policy: A Trump administration proposal would loosen Head Start rules that currently require support for kids with behavioral challenges, raising the risk that families could be pushed out of programs instead of getting help. Higher Ed: Newberry College launched an Alumni Tuition Benefit offering eligible alumni a 20% discount on online undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates. Health Care & Tech: MUSC is rolling out virtual nursing in ED arrival workflows to speed intake and reduce crowding, partnering with VirtuAlly. Public Safety: South Carolina State Transport Police joined a multi-state nighttime crackdown that removed 78 unsafe commercial drivers from the road after 568 inspections. Food Safety: Frozen berry recalls expanded again over potential E. coli contamination, including additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s lots. Local Business/Real Estate: A South Carolina homebuyer using a VA loan is warned that an older roof can affect insurance availability and closing negotiations. Workforce/Immigration: H-1B data shows South Carolina’s Educational Services sector filed 520 petitions in 2025, with a 96.7% approval rate.

Healthcare & Data Privacy: Hawaiʻi reached a settlement with Labcorp debt-collector vendor AMCA over a 2019 breach that may have exposed 27.5 million people, underscoring that HIPAA-covered firms can’t “pass the buck” to vendors. Health Systems Expansion: Prisma Health is buying 36 Urgent Care centers from Novant, expanding access across South Carolina as Novant pivots toward more virtual care. Real Estate & Lending: A South Carolina VA homebuyer debate highlights how an older roof can affect insurance availability and closing requirements—not just repair costs. Public Safety: A pedestrian died in an Anderson County crash at South McDuffie Street and Catlett Street; investigators say it’s in the earliest stages. State Politics: A new poll shows Sen. Darline Graham and challenger Dr. Annie Andrews in a tight race for Graham’s seat, with the margin narrowing ahead of the November vote. Local Business & Community: The South Carolina Aquarium released three rehabilitated sea turtles at Folly Beach, part of its push toward its 500th release.

Energy Drinks & Kids’ Health: Doctors renewed warnings that high-caffeine energy drinks can trigger serious problems for children and teens, pointing to deaths including 16-year-old South Carolina student Davis Cripe (2017) and urging kids to avoid the products. State Tax Revenue: South Carolina collected $18B in state taxes in 2024, with sales and gross receipts taxes rising 27.3% to $9.5B, per Census Bureau data. LGBTQ Arts Funding Fight: Upstate LGBTQ arts groups say they were unfairly denied South Carolina Arts Commission grants after a board vote, despite prior recommendations. Nuclear & Energy Investment: South Korea and the U.S. outlined a major nuclear push, with Korean firms positioning for reactor construction roles tied to U.S. investment plans. Insurance Watch: Florida suspended Atlantic Coast Life Insurance after regulators found a roughly $170M surplus impairment; South Carolina’s regulator had already moved the company toward rehabilitation. Real Estate Wholesaling Crackdown: Missouri joined other states tightening rules on “We Buy Houses” wholesalers, requiring advance seller notices and clearer warnings.

Food Safety & Consumer Impact: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people, prompting shoppers to check specific lots of Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic blends. Energy & Utilities: A new round of debate over dividend strategy pits Dominion Energy’s higher yield but frozen payout against NextEra’s lower yield with steady dividend growth, as a proposed Dominion-NextEra merger awaits regulatory steps including South Carolina. Healthcare Costs: ACA marketplace enrollment fell 4.9% in 2026 while premiums rose 19.7%, with more shoppers gravitating to cheaper tiers as enhanced subsidies fade. Local Infrastructure: Charleston County is accelerating tree-clearing for a Maybank Highway exit-lane project on Johns Island to meet federal timing rules tied to an endangered bat. Business & Banking: Beacon Community Bank completed a “merger of equals” with Coastal Carolina National, creating a larger retail franchise rebranded as Beacon Bank in March. Public Health: Doctors warn energy drinks can be dangerous for kids, citing a South Carolina teen death and renewed scrutiny of youth-focused marketing. Weather & Business Day-to-Day: Rain and possible thunderstorms are forecast around kickoff for Kentucky at South Carolina in Columbia, with lightning risk that could disrupt schedules.

Manufacturing Push: South Carolina officially declared October as Manufacturing Month, rolling out the “More To Be Made” campaign at Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston to spotlight advanced manufacturing’s nearly $300B economic impact and workforce role. Workforce & Training: SC State students took part in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute, connecting with employers and career pathways. Major Investment: Adeptus USA plans a $215.56M wood products facility in Anderson County, targeting 217 jobs by mid-2027. Energy & Agriculture Costs: SC lawmakers urged Gov. Henry McMaster to ease diesel rules for farmers and loggers as harvest-season fuel prices hit record highs. Local Business & Real Estate: Rock Hill approved a $12M parking deck tied to tax credits and tax increment financing, with construction expected next summer. Consumer Protection: The FTC settled with Southern Glazer’s over claims it discriminated against smaller alcohol retailers under the Robinson-Patman Act. Cybersecurity: The SC Department of Consumer Affairs announced free October webinars and shred events for consumers and businesses. Data Breach Watch: Greenville-based World Acceptance Corporation is facing class-action scrutiny after a reported breach involving customer personal information.

Retail Expansion: Jeff’s Bagel Run opened its 40th and 41st locations, bringing the scratch-made brand to 41 shops across 10 states, with more than 150 additional locations in development. Auto Service Growth: Mavis Tires & Brakes opened a new Elgin, S.C. location at 2455 Main Street, adding tire sales plus brake, alignment, battery and other maintenance services, with discounts through Dec. 31. Education & Workforce: South Carolina State University is cutting nine degree programs after a low compliance rate with state enrollment and graduation policies, as leaders push schools to phase out less popular, low-enrollment offerings. Childcare Funding: S.C. DSS launched a childcare scholarship waitlist after federal support ended, aiming to track demand and identify eligible families if new funding becomes available. Healthcare Expansion: Solis Mammography and HCA Trident Hospital expanded breast imaging access in Charleston via a joint venture, offering 3D mammography with AI support and additional services like ultrasound and biopsies. Business Legal Deadlines: Bragar Eagel & Squire urged investors to act before Oct. 5 in class-action matters involving Datavault AI and Alarum Technologies. Local Economy & Community: Horry County Schools Scholars Academy was recognized for a 91.1% FAFSA completion rate, highlighting how financial aid access is being prioritized for college readiness.

Energy & Utilities: Santee Cooper’s new energy plan flags rising costs from “large load” customers like data centers, while delaying solar and pushing more expensive gas and later coal retirements—raising concerns for South Carolina ratepayers. Public Health & Safety: Whitmire’s drinking water violated state standards after disinfection byproducts (THMs) exceeded limits, with residents criticizing late notification and reliance on social media. Workforce & Education: Denmark Technical College hit its highest fall enrollment in 11 years, and South Carolina’s childcare scholarship waitlist launched after federal funding expired—leaving families and providers scrambling. Local Business & Growth: USC and Westinghouse announced a nuclear workforce development partnership aimed at supporting AP1000 deployment. Film & Policy: South Carolina’s Upstate film push could get a boost from a proposed federal tax credit backed by Sen. Tim Scott. Immigration: USCIS reported 505 H-2B approvals in South Carolina for Arts, Entertainment and Recreation employers for fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 100% approval rate. International Business: South Korea-U.S. investment plans face hurdles as Seoul seeks approval and stable returns for Alaska LNG and nuclear projects.

Obamacare Refunds: Nearly 1 million Americans are set to receive $500 refunds tied to HealthCare.gov, but eligibility is narrow—generally people in 30 federal-marketplace states who bought unsubsidized individual plans and paid full premiums. USC Nuclear Pipeline: The University of South Carolina and Westinghouse are launching a nuclear workforce program, including AP1000 simulator training and hands-on labs, aimed at supporting future AP1000 deployment. Defense Supply Chain: A new “FORTRESS America” program is being framed around rare-earth and defense-industrial resilience, with a focus on securing inputs the military depends on. Insurance Shock in SC: Florida regulators suspended Atlantic Coast Life Insurance’s ability to sell or renew in the state, pointing to impairment and South Carolina’s rehabilitation move. Local Business & Growth: Toll Brothers opened clubhouse amenities at The Pines at Sugar Creek in Indian Land, while Greenville Housing Fund promoted Libba King to senior VP for real estate and capital solutions. Workforce & Industry Events: The SC Manufacturing Conference & Expo returns to Greenville Nov. 4-5, targeting workforce, supply chain and operations.

Healthcare & Legal: An appeals court largely upheld a $29.5M verdict against a South Carolina nursing home tied to the death of a patient described as emaciated and covered in wounds and bed sores, trimming punitive damages caps but keeping findings of grossly negligent, reckless, willful and wanton conduct. Data Privacy: Edelson Lechtzin LLP says it’s investigating a Saber Healthcare breach, with reported exposure affecting at least 3,025 South Carolina residents. Nuclear & Energy Investment: Trump announced South Korea’s up-to-$200B energy push in the U.S., including eight nuclear plants with funding that includes South Carolina, plus a Texas gas project and an Alaska LNG review. Public Money & Recovery: FEMA awarded South Carolina more than $5.4M for Hurricane Helene recovery and resilience, including DOT debris removal and generator support for critical facilities. Health Care Expansion: Solis Mammography and HCA’s Trident Hospital formed a joint venture to expand breast imaging services across the Charleston market. Business Growth: Charleston’s Custom Digital Solutions was named a Stevie Awards finalist for fastest-growing women-owned/led companies. Local Business & Community: Pee Dee State Farmers Market’s Fall Plant, Flower & Food Festival runs Oct. 2-4 in Florence, with free admission and parking.

Wood & Manufacturing: Adeptus USA will invest about $216 million to reopen a shuttered Belton Industries plant in Anderson County, creating 217 jobs and producing pine moulding, boards, shiplap and panel products, with operations targeted for next year. Retail Closures: Slim Chickens permanently closed its last Midlands location in Lower Richland, following earlier shutdowns in Columbia (Forest Acres and Killian Road). Nuclear Workforce: South Carolina is pushing the next phase of nuclear growth with a USC–Westinghouse partnership to build a Nuclear Innovation Center focused on AP1000 training, construction and maintenance labs, and engineering certificates. Politics & Business Climate: The two candidates for governor—Jermaine Johnson and Alan Wilson—will debate live Oct. 6 in Columbia. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices in Chesterfield County hit $5.89/gallon in the week ending Sept. 19, while SC’s diesel average was $6.08. Logistics: USPS and Amazon launched a same-day delivery pilot for afternoon package drops at select facilities, aiming to expand delivery options for customers.

Nuclear Workforce Push: South Carolina leaders used the third annual Nuclear Summit in Columbia to announce a new USC–Westinghouse partnership aimed at training the next generation of nuclear workers, with nuclear power already supplying about 54% of the state’s electricity. Data Breach Accountability: A multistate coalition announced a $2.3 million settlement tied to the 2019 Labcorp debt-collector breach involving AMCA, underscoring “vendor management” as a non-delegable duty for HIPAA-covered organizations. Retail Turnaround Investment: Denny’s CEO Christopher Bode says the chain is lining up “Project Grand Slam” upgrades at about 500 restaurants over the next 12–18 months, leaning on AI and new tech to win back customers. Education Safety Policy: Lexington-Richland 5 approved an initial motion allowing SLED-certified district security staff to carry firearms on campus under updated safety procedures. Local Business & Community: Countybank Foundation created a $1,000 annual scholarship for Tri-County Technical College business majors in Anderson County. Consumer Finance Basics: South Carolina Commission on Higher Education highlighted FAFSA guidance, stressing it’s an aid application—not a loan commitment.

Nuclear Workforce: Westinghouse and the University of South Carolina signed an agreement to build a nuclear workforce training program tied to USC’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center in Columbia, aiming to support AP1000 deployment and train technicians, engineers and operators. Local Government: Fort Mill adopted a $74.7 million budget for 2026-27, raising the property tax rate from 83 to 87 mills to fund firefighters (including FEMA-backed staffing), Fire Station No. 3 and an operations center; water and sewer rates also rise. Real Estate/Development: Tri Pointe Homes bought 60.4 acres in Bluffton for 76 homesites in the final phase of New Riverside, with construction expected to start in September 2026 and sales targeted for 2028. Education Policy: South Carolina’s charter schools face more scrutiny under a finalized accountability bill (Act 123 of 2026), tightening expectations for schools and authorizers. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest E15 price in Lexington County at $3.74 for the week ending Sept. 19, while premium gas stayed in the mid-$4 range across multiple counties. Business & Community: Sustain SC awarded $138,969 for 12 conservation projects across nine counties, protecting thousands of acres of land and water.

Data Center Politics: South Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews is calling for a two-year moratorium on new data center projects, arguing communities are being “steamrolled” while companies receive major tax breaks. Energy & Utilities: Critics of the Dominion Energy–NextEra merger say Virginia is getting a richer benefits package than South Carolina, including longer bill credits and more low-income assistance, while SC leaders are pushing less publicly. College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, a major overhaul aimed at reining in athlete compensation and transfer rules, with House action still uncertain. Local Development: Greenville City Council voted down a proposed change to infill lot width standards, a move that could affect housing development in established neighborhoods. Workforce/Business Growth: Huntington Bank opened a new freestanding branch in Mount Pleasant, expanding its South Carolina footprint. Education Leadership: USC’s College of HRSM launched the Dawn Staley Leadership Academy with an initial cohort of 110 students. Legal/Church Autonomy: A federal judge dismissed a South Carolina lawsuit involving the Anglican Church in North America, citing church autonomy. M&A/Real Estate: Post Real Estate Group discussed its strategy for converting market-rate housing to affordable units, including in South Carolina.

Military Finance Leadership: U.S. Army Financial Management Command named Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald B. Oyardo as senior enlisted advisor, handing off the role from Joy L. Allen during a Sept. 3 ceremony in Indianapolis. Higher Education & Workforce: Niche.com ranked USC Sumter No. 1 among South Carolina’s 2027 best community colleges, highlighting the Palmetto College system’s statewide reach. Public Finance & Child Care: South Carolina DSS launched an online waitlist for child care scholarships as funding constraints pause new applications. Energy & Regulation: Verizon’s copper landline retirement plan in South Carolina was pulled from FCC expedited review after state officials protested, slowing the timeline for legacy voice shutdowns. Data Centers & Power Oversight: The Southern Environmental Law Center asked the Public Service Commission to reconsider a ruling that exempted certain data-center power projects from the Siting Act, arguing oversight should apply as more proposals arrive. Local Business: Pinky’s Revenge in Greer will sell off games and memorabilia after announcing closure; separately, Mazda of Spartanburg opened a new stand-alone dealership. Education Cuts: S.C. State University voted to end multiple low-enrollment degree programs at its Orangeburg campus.

Auto Policy & Markets: President Trump says he approved looser federal fuel-economy standards, framing it as an end to the Biden EV mandate and promising cheaper cars and more U.S. auto jobs; shares of Stellantis, Ford and GM climbed on the news. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported South Carolina’s week-ending Sept. 19 averages near $3.98 for regular and $6.08 for diesel, with local lows including $3.69 regular in Sumter County and $5.99 diesel in Williamsburg County. Workforce & Immigration: USCIS data show 6,685 H-2B worker approvals tied to South Carolina worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, 2026, with a 100% approval rate. Education & Civic Life: Fourth grade teachers can apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse (Feb. 19, 2027), with a Friday, Oct. 2 deadline. Local Economy & Culture: Model A Brewing of Tega Cay won gold at the 2026 South Carolina Brewers Cup for its winter seasonal beer, “Not My Gumdrop Buttons.” Community Spotlight: Anderson County will mark its 200th anniversary with a downtown parade Oct. 4 featuring local schools, nonprofits, businesses and public-safety groups.