AGP Executive Report

SC Education & STEM: Kingstree Middle Magnet School of the Arts student Conner Burroughs earned a GoSciTech Residential Summer Program certificate after a weeklong STEM immersion. Arts & Culture: Columbia Museum of Art named Laura J. Mueller as its new executive director. Sports Spotlight: South Carolina’s SEC Media Days buzz included fresh Gamecocks QB and coach quotes, plus updates from around the conference. Local Travel & Lifestyle: A new piece spotlights Hilton Head’s laid-back beach vibe as a “pick this over the Hamptons” destination. Weather & Safety: Charlotte-area storms and heavy rain are expected to bring possible flooding and power outages across the Carolinas, with real-time outage maps and safety tips shared. Politics & National Headlines (SC angle): House Republicans and Democrats sparred in a Smithsonian hearing over how American history is presented, with South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace among the critics.

SEC Football Buzz: South Carolina fans get plenty of Gamecocks talk as LaNorris Sellers and Shane Beamer weigh in during SEC Media Days, with coverage also spotlighting how Beamer’s offense and defense are being shaped for 2026. Local Arts & Events: Greenville is pitching itself as a weekend arts hub, pointing readers to Peace Center shows, symphony nights, and more. Comedy: South Carolina-born Rory Scovel announces a new Netflix special, Show Must Go On, premiering Aug. 11. Sports Entertainment: The WNBA’s 2026 All-Star Weekend lands in Chicago July 24-25, with fan festival programming at McCormick Place and big events at Wintrust Arena and the United Center. Culture & History Books: Two new American Revolution companion books focus on the North and the South, including South Carolina’s role, plus a spotlight on the overlooked Southern campaign. Legal Fight Over Ink: South Carolina tattoo rules face a First Amendment challenge, targeting both where shops can operate and bans on face/neck tattoos. Tax-Free Weekend: SC’s back-to-school Sales Tax Holiday runs Aug. 7-9 for eligible school supplies, clothing, and more.

Local Food Recall: Fresh & Ready Foods LLC is recalling limited Sprig & Sprout and Fresh and Ready Spicy Breakfast Burritos because they may contain undeclared soy; the products were distributed in South Carolina and other states. Upstate Industry: Fortified Solar is investing $22.75 million in a new Greenville County facility, adding 150+ jobs to expand steel solar roofing manufacturing. Sports & Community: Bishop England senior Mary Bennett Anderson launched “Beyond the Baseline,” a free tennis camp for kids ages 6–11, giving first-timers a week of coaching and a final “perfect forehand” challenge. SEC Football Buzz: At SEC Media Days in Tampa, South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers says he’s staying put for 2026, and coach Shane Beamer revisits key moments from recent seasons as the Gamecocks chase a turnaround. Statewide Arts/Media: The Daniel Island News won multiple PALMY advertising awards, including Best of Show and top honors for its “Best of Daniel Island” campaign. Public Service Voting: South Carolina Election Commission reached a deal with the DOJ to help military and overseas voters cast ballots in the fast-moving Senate primary. Big SC Sports Culture: USA Today ranked Bryant-Denny Stadium among the toughest SEC venues, placing Alabama’s home field near the top.

SCETV Emmy Buzz: South Carolina ETV’s “Fork & Hammer” earned a nomination for the 53rd Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Culinary Cultural Series category, spotlighting the show’s mix of food, history, and independent restaurant life. Revolutionary History on TV: SCETV Classics’ “Yorktown, Part Two” revisits the Yorktown climax with Dr. Henry Lumpkin’s on-site style of Revolutionary War storytelling. Budget Crunch Hits Daily Life: South Carolina’s delayed state budget is raising alarms for SNAP and Medicaid funding, with agencies stuck on continuing-resolution levels while lawmakers negotiate. Autism Support Launch: Action Behavior Centers rolled out a no-cost Family Resource Hub to help families navigate autism screening, ABA therapy, insurance, and school readiness. Tech & Infrastructure Watch: DOE selected DC Blox (with Amentum) to develop a major AI data center campus at the Savannah River site, while Google connected a new transatlantic cable linking Myrtle Beach to Portugal. Food Safety Reminder: General Mills recalled 730,000+ Pillsbury bread rolls sold at Walmart due to possible glass fragments, including South Carolina stores. Local Sports/Entertainment: NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin photos surfaced from Darlington, and Savannah Bananas’ mascot Split is in the running for the National Mascot Hall of Fame.

Senate Shake-Up: Darline Graham says “I’m in” and will seek a full six-year term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham, after being sworn in as interim last week; the GOP special primary is Aug. 11 with filing opening Tuesday, and Trump has thrown his backing behind her while other South Carolina Republicans (including Russell Fry and Ralph Norman) also enter the crowded race. Edutainment in Columbia: SCETV is hosting CTRL+ALT+CREATE, a free July 25 family event with hands-on exhibits, interactive learning, and a teacher-supply drive at its studios. SEC Football Buzz: SEC Media Days kicked off in Tampa with Commissioner Greg Sankey touting fan support and the league’s new nine-game schedule, with South Carolina set to speak Tuesday. Local Sports Spotlight: McKeel standout KJ Scobey is using pro-style bats ahead of his Texas Tech transfer path after strong college and Cape Cod League play. Tech & Power Watch: A new Savannah River Site AI data center consortium (including DC BLOX) is drawing scrutiny over energy demand as South Carolina weighs major data-center investments.

Food Safety: FDA says a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was first flagged as a Cyclospora positive, then re-reviewed as a false positive—while the company still recalls iceberg lettuce tied to the outbreak across multiple states, including South Carolina. Retail Recall: Taco Bell and Walmart both pulled shredded/iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms as cyclosporiasis cases are investigated, with health officials urging customers to dispose of the recalled product. Politics (SC): Rep. Russell Fry jumps into the GOP Senate race to replace Lindsey Graham, setting up a special primary on Aug. 11. Sports (SC Basketball): Chloe Kitts is back after an ACL tear, returning to give Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks more mid-range scoring punch. Legal/Arts (SC): A Williamsburg tattoo shop sues South Carolina over face-and-neck tattoo restrictions, arguing the bans violate free speech. Local Culture/Business: Saga Communications elevates Charleston GM Paul O’Malley to a senior revenue role focused on digital and local ad growth. Environment: Landowners ask for reconsideration of South Carolina’s approval of the Canadys natural gas power plant, citing environmental review concerns.

Food Safety: Walmart pulled Taylor Farms-supplied bagged iceberg lettuce in select locations across 27 states after a cyclospora outbreak risk, following similar action by Taco Bell. Legal Fight Over Art: A NYC tattoo shop sued South Carolina officials over the state’s 1,000-foot buffer rule near churches/schools/playgrounds and a face/neck tattoo ban, arguing they violate First Amendment rights as it seeks to expand to Charleston. Live Music & Gaming: The South Carolina Philharmonic is bringing “Video Games In Concert” to the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia on Aug. 22, with orchestral hits from major franchises plus a free lobby gaming experience. Local Arts/Community: Brookgreen Gardens announced summer events, art exhibits, and new programming. Politics Meets Culture: Trump endorsed Sen. Darline Graham Nordone to run for a full term after Lindsey Graham’s death, while Rep. Ralph Norman also jumped into the Aug. 11 GOP Senate primary. Roadside Notes: Pickens County deputies announced a morning road check Monday (6–8 a.m.) at Pelzer Highway and Sheriff Mill Road.

SEC Media Days: The league heads to Tampa with six new head coaches and a four-year national-title drought hanging over every program, with each team’s biggest questions on full display. South Carolina Sports & Culture: Gamecocks fans get more options as Miss Cocky opens a third Midlands location in Lexington, joining recent Gamecock apparel moves. Local Business/Community: A “Townfall” investigation finds SC is withholding over $9.2M from towns that missed required annual audits, including Lancaster and Cottageville. Politics & Legacy: USC is curating Sen. Lindsey Graham’s papers at the South Carolina Political Collections, while Darline Graham releases a constituent letter amid talk of a full term. Entertainment Spotlight: Darius Rucker says he’s considering retirement from full touring in about two years, with one more big Hootie run planned. Outdoor/Environment: SCDNR seeks public input on controversial deer hunting with dogs, limited to specific coastal plain zones. Sports Outdoors: Rascal wins the Edisto billfish tournament in the Governor’s Cup series. Food Safety: Pillsbury frozen bread rolls are recalled in multiple states over possible glass contamination. Arts/Reading for Kids: Pigskin Poets highlights a Gamecock freshman and a local reader with newly published children’s books.

South Carolina Senate Shake-Up: U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman officially jumped into the GOP special primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, arguing he’ll carry on Trump’s “America First” agenda and push the SAVE America Act; the Aug. 11 primary will decide who faces Democrat Annie Andrews. Local Politics & Continuity: Graham’s sister, interim Sen. Darline Graham, was sworn in earlier this week after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to finish the term, and Trump has publicly endorsed her for a full run. Sports Spotlight: The WNBA is roiled again after Atlanta Dream coach Sandy Brondello was suspended over a hot-mic comment calling Angel Reese a “protected species,” then apologized after backlash. Arts & Culture: Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. are set to stop at the Capitol Theatre on July 30, with Band of Horses planning to play its “Everything All the Time” album in full. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including South Carolina, due to possible cyclospora contamination. Public Safety Tech: Florence received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Drone First Responder program, built to help with police staffing shortages.

Senate Shake-Up: President Trump backed Darline Graham Nordone for South Carolina’s special GOP U.S. Senate primary to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, with the filing window set for July 21-28 and the primary on Aug. 11. Local Arts & Rights: A New York tattoo company and a Greenville couple sued South Carolina in federal court over rules banning face/neck tattoos and restricting studios near churches, schools, and playgrounds, arguing the limits violate free-expression rights. Community & Culture: The A-H-J Library system marked the retirement of Hampton County branch manager Chrissy Cook after 25 years, while the South Carolina State Fair opened entries for 2026 competitive exhibits through Sept. 1. Music Night Out: Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. bring their anniversary tour to The Eastern, with J Mascis set to play “Where You Been” in full. Sports Spotlight: Caitlin Clark poured in a career-high 45 points in the Fever’s win over Seattle.

AI & Crime: Elon Musk’s xAI sued a user over alleged Grok-assisted creation of child sexual abuse materials, tying the case to a South Carolina arrest. Local Safety: A Pawleys Island-area church and school accepted resignations after a convicted sex offender was accused of volunteering near children; a $25M lawsuit is now in play. Politics & Power: Trump threw his weight behind newly sworn-in Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, urging her to run in the Aug. 11 special Republican primary to replace late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Sports & Entertainment: Darius Rucker says he’s retiring from touring in about two years. Community & Culture: South Arts named Meridian artist Brejenn Allen as a 2026 Mississippi State Fellow in its Southern Prize visual arts program. Sports Brief: The South Carolina Stingrays’ ECHL affiliate added forward Lynden Breen to the New Mexico Goatheads roster. Mega Millions: The jackpot climbed to $672M for Friday’s drawing.

Charleston Creative Scene: Ink Different Tattoos is expanding its apprenticeship program to Charleston through a new partnership with Hidden Dragon Tattoo Studio and mentor Julian Lightner. Lowcountry Arts & Culture: City Gallery opens “Testaments & Revelations: Second Verse” with Charleston-area artists exploring memory, place, and identity through painting, photography, and sculpture. Community & Nightlife: North Charleston’s new LGBTQ+ social club, The Velvet Pony, is set to open after renovations, aiming to create a dedicated queer gathering space. Music Spotlight: Charleston folk-rock duo Shovels & Rope brings its high-energy live show to The United Theatre as it wraps support for its 2024 album. Local Sports Buzz: South Carolina football marks 50 days to kickoff with a look back at No. 50 standout AJ Cann. Public Health Watch: Officials warn that smoke from Canadian wildfires is impacting parts of the Carolinas, with sensitive groups urged to limit outdoor time. Food Safety: FDA/USDA continue work on a federal ultra-processed food definition, with public health groups pushing for speed and industry warning against disruption. Tech & Legal: xAI sues a South Carolina man accused of using Grok to generate child sexual abuse material and explicit adult deepfakes.

Blue Angels Backlash: After a viral low-altitude flyover at Pensacola Beach, the Navy says there will be “no reprimands” or firings, closing the safety review and letting the air show continue. College Football Preview: ESPN/Bill Connelly returning-production rankings put South Carolina’s offense at the top of the SEC for 2026 experience, ahead of Oklahoma and Texas. UFC Spotlight (SC): Birmingham’s Anna Melisano, a South Carolina native, gets a short-notice UFC debut this weekend after an injury replacement, aiming to prove she “belongs.” Gamecocks Update: Women’s basketball point guard Maddy McDaniel is stepping away for mental health reasons, a major shift for Dawn Staley’s team. Arts & Culture (SC): Penn Center’s York W. Bailey Museum hosts National Craft Open Studios Weekend, featuring Lowcountry Gullah-Geechee artists and hands-on craft experiences. Local Sports/Leadership: Wiley University hires Aurmon Satchell to lead new women’s flag football and bass fishing programs, adding a veteran strength-and-conditioning coach to the staff.

AI & Safety: xAI has sued a South Carolina man accused of using Grok to create sexualized AI deepfakes involving children, seeking damages and a permanent ban. Public Health: The CDC says measles is spreading faster than in decades, with most cases tied to people unvaccinated or with unknown status; South Carolina reports cyclosporiasis cases as well. Arts & Culture: Charleston Porch Talks is set to host bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray discussing their new novel “A Pair of Aces.” Sports & Community: Coaches and the community mourn Clemson-bound Lady Pirates standout Quinyotta Pettaway after her death. Local Life: Columbia Metropolitan Airport dedicated a new U.S. Customs facility for processing international air cargo and business aviation. Practical SC Living: South Carolina fire officials remind apartment residents about grilling rules under state fire codes. Sports Recruiting: Upstate/SC high school updates include DeMarcus Vinson’s verbal commitment to The Citadel.

South Carolina Politics & Culture: The big local political storyline is the Senate succession after Lindsey Graham’s death, with Darline Graham Nordone sworn in to finish his term and South Carolina GOP figures debating what comes next. Local Arts & Community: The SC Center for Architecture is gearing up for its 2026 Design Awards and People’s Choice announcements, with a public reception in Columbia. Upstate Business & Jobs: EPC Power opened a new Fountain Inn facility to boost production for AI data center power needs, creating 275 jobs. Entertainment Spotlight: South Carolina native Tate Butts is making waves in Christian music, with a fast-rising debut EP and Billboard-charting breakout single. Health & Science (SC tie-in): MUSC urology oncologist Matvey Tsivian discusses early cystectomy for non–muscle invasive bladder cancer in a new medical program, while Viz.ai backs the MINUTE trial for ultra-early treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Senate Confirmation: Acting AG nominee Todd Blanche faces a tough Senate Judiciary hearing as lawmakers zero in on his brief tenure and the handling of sensitive files tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Local Arts & Education: Georgia State and the Georgia Art Education Association hosted a free “First Years Experience” art training for new teachers, with hands-on workshops and classroom strategies. Upstate Business: EPC Power opened a 167,000-square-foot Fountain Inn manufacturing facility, aiming to nearly triple output and add 275 jobs for AI/data-center and grid power needs. Sports (SC): South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers enters 2026 with a make-or-break season, leaning on experience as the Gamecocks face a brutal SEC slate. Culture & Music: Charleston blues promoter Shrimp City Slim (Gary Erwin) received South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto for decades of shaping the state’s blues scene. Community Events: Charleston Music Hall debuts “Red Shirts,” and this weekend also features Reggae Nights at James Island County Park. Weather/Travel: Forecasters are tracking a Gulf disturbance that could develop near the Florida/Georgia/South Carolina coasts. Public Safety: Police are investigating after an alligator was found in a ditch in South Carolina, asking for the owner. Politics in SC: Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in to finish Lindsey Graham’s Senate term, with flags ordered at half-staff in his honor.