AGP Executive Report

Savannah River Site: A laboratory fire triggered an emergency and temporary air, rail and river restrictions; officials later said no contamination was found outside the facility. Nuclear watchdogs are calling for a fuller account of what happened. Senate Race: President Trump rallied in Rock Hill for Republican Darline Graham, attacking Democrat Annie Andrews as polls show the contest tightening to a toss-up. South Carolina has already recorded more than 671,000 early ballots, with Election Day approaching Tuesday. West Ashley Traffic: A proposed $100 million upgrade to the Magwood Drive–I-526 bottleneck depends on voters approving a transportation sales tax referendum. Jobs and Investment: A Scout Motors supplier plans 330 jobs in Richland County, while an auto-seat maker is investing $30 million in a Blythewood plant.

Savannah River Site: A laboratory fire triggered an emergency and temporary air, rail and road restrictions near Aiken. The blaze was extinguished, the emergency lifted Wednesday night, and officials reported no contamination outside the facility. Senate Race: A New York Times poll puts Republican Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews tied at 48% as South Carolina’s Nov. 3 election nears. Surveillance Debate: More Upstate counties are moving to restrict license-plate cameras, but Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office says local rules could face legal challenges because regulation may rest with the state Legislature. Midlands Jobs: Polish manufacturer Brose Sitech plans a $29.5 million factory at the Scout Motors campus in Blythewood, creating 330 jobs and marking its first U.S. production site. Abortion Law: South Carolina doctors described uncertainty and fear of criminal charges as a federal trial examines the state’s six-week abortion ban and its medical exceptions. Florence Park: An $18 million redesign of Levy Park aims to create safer, more accessible play areas, including by rerouting a road that currently cuts through the park.

Election Watch: South Carolina early voting has topped 671,000 ballots, a new midterm record, as a poll shows Senate candidates Annie Andrews and Darline Graham tied. Thirty-one sheriffs have endorsed Republican attorney general candidate David Stumbo. Public Safety: A rabid bat found in Rock Hill is York County’s eighth rabies case this year; health officials urge anyone who may have had contact to call the state’s rabies program. Households: South Carolina’s Healthy Food SC pilot starts Nov. 1, barring SNAP purchases of candy, energy drinks and sweetened drinks. Jobs: Auto-seat maker Brose Sitech plans a $30 million Blythewood plant with about 330 jobs, while SteelFab’s planned Richland County expansion adds 100 jobs. Coastal Conditions: King tides have flooded streets and homes in Carolinas beach communities, with high water possible into the weekend. Campus Life: South Carolina State alumni packed Orangeburg for Homecoming, where the Bulldogs beat Norfolk State and the university crowned its newest student leaders.

Midterm Push: South Carolina’s early-voting turnout has set a new midterm record as Senate candidates Darline Graham and Annie Andrews make their final appeals. Andrews is calling for a two-year pause on data-center development; Graham says local communities should decide. In the governor’s race, Republican Alan Wilson pitches a new generation of conservative leadership, while Democrat Jermaine Johnson promises a “New South Carolina.” Local Infrastructure: Laurens County’s water commission approved nearly $2 million in upgrades to the Clinton-Joanna wastewater plant, with state funding expected to cover 97.5% of the cost. Ports & Jobs: SC Ports says its recovery is gaining momentum after cutting expenses by 20%, while SteelFab plans a $30 million Richland County investment expected to add 100 jobs. Education & Health: A new USC–state education report links student achievement to billions of dollars in potential economic activity. South Carolina also launched a federal-backed cybersecurity pilot to help protect rural hospitals. Gamecocks: South Carolina heads to Oklahoma after back-to-back wins over ranked opponents, seeking a third straight victory.

Elections: South Carolina early voting has set a new midterm record, as the Senate race tightens. Former governors Jim Hodges and Mark Sanford have endorsed Democrat Annie Andrews in her contest with Republican Darline Graham. Education and Economy: A USC Moore School and state Education Department report estimates meeting South Carolina’s “Drive to 75” student achievement goal could generate up to $207.9 billion in economic activity over 35 years. Healthcare: Gov. Henry McMaster and federal officials launched a pilot offering free cybersecurity upgrades to rural hospitals. Jobs and Trade: SteelFab plans to invest $30 million and add 100 jobs at a Richland County facility. South Carolina Ports says cost-cutting has helped secure nearly 160,000 containers of new business, with growth expected through 2027. Public Safety: Greenville County authorities say a man charged in four burglaries targeting women home alone may be linked to five other incidents and are seeking additional victims. College Football: South Carolina, riding back-to-back wins over ranked teams, visits Oklahoma on Saturday seeking its first three-game SEC winning streak under coach Shane Beamer.

Election 2026: South Carolina early voting has topped 500,000, setting a new midterm record. Former governors Mark Sanford and Jim Hodges endorsed Democrat Annie Andrews in the closely watched Senate race, while President Trump is set to return to Rock Hill to campaign for Republican Darline Graham. Rural Health: South Carolina is the first state to launch Project Lifeline 250, a six-month pilot offering rural hospitals cybersecurity help at no cost. Columbia Services: A ransomware attack disrupted some online city services, though the available report did not specify which systems were affected. Automotive Industry: Volvo says its South Carolina plant is central to its turnaround as the automaker faces steep losses, falling sales in China and plans to cut 2,500 jobs, mostly in Sweden. Gamecocks: The SEC fined South Carolina $500,000 after fans stormed the field following the Tennessee upset.

Senate Race: President Donald Trump will return to South Carolina Thursday, rallying in Rock Hill for Republican Sen. Darline Graham as Democrat Annie Andrews gains support from former Republican Gov. David Beasley and former Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges. Early Voting: More than 500,000 South Carolinians voted in person during the first six days of early voting, with Greenville, Charleston, Richland, Horry and York counties leading turnout. Columbia Services: A ransomware attack knocked some city online services offline. Data Centers: State lawmakers are preparing for a 2027 debate over data center rules, as residents and officials weigh development against local impacts. Higher Education: South Carolina State University broke ground on a $30.3 million library that will also house its Honors College. Gamecocks: The SEC fined South Carolina $500,000 after fans stormed the field following the upset win over Tennessee.

Gamecocks: South Carolina stunned No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on a last-second field goal, then was fined $500,000 after fans stormed the field; the penalty could be reduced if the school shows it took reasonable steps to prevent it. Next up: USC visits Oklahoma Saturday, Oct. 31, at 4:15 p.m. on the SEC Network. Elections: Early voting is underway, and South Carolina’s statewide races include contests for agriculture commissioner, treasurer, secretary of state and comptroller general. State business: Westinghouse is expanding its Richland County nuclear-fuel operations with a $1 billion investment. A new state law also requires restaurants to disclose imported shrimp. Public safety: A woman was sentenced to life in prison for beating 11-year-old A’Kyri Bell to death in a Myrtle Beach-area home. Around Columbia: The State Fair drew visitors from England, who made the trip to experience the rides, games and fair food.

Gamecocks: South Carolina stunned No. 11 Tennessee 26-20 on LaNorris Sellers’ late heroics and a fumble recovery. Fans stormed the field, putting the program at risk of a major SEC fine; the win also helped bring Charlotte defensive tackle Nate Kamba, who flipped his commitment from Auburn. Election 2026: More than 280,000 South Carolinians had voted early as the tight Senate race between Darline Graham and Annie Andrews drew fresh attention. Voters cite health care and affordability among their top concerns. State Watch: SLED confirmed a ransomware attack behind a cyber incident in Columbia. State lawmakers are weighing new rules for data centers, and a new law requires restaurants to disclose imported shrimp. Jobs & Education: Westinghouse is investing $1 billion to expand its Richland County nuclear-fuel operations. SC State has broken ground on a $30 million library.

Gamecock Upset: South Carolina stunned No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on a last-second 48-yard field goal in Columbia. Fans stormed the field, risking a $500,000 SEC fine, and players clashed after the game. Charleston History: Faith leaders honored ancestors at a site where radar surveys suggest thousands of graves may lie beneath a planned College of Charleston dorm, including graves of enslaved people. Senate Race: Darline Graham and Annie Andrews remain sharply divided on national security, federal spending and data centers as early voting tops 363,000 ballots statewide. Local Government: Hollywood is behind on its audit, and years of poor record-keeping have led the state to withhold $304,000 in funds. Public Safety: SLED says a cyberattack on Columbia was ransomware. In Orangeburg County, a woman has been charged after a 12-year-old girl was found severely malnourished; authorities say they found no school records for her after kindergarten. Consumer Rules: A new state law requires restaurants to disclose imported shrimp.

Industry: Volkswagen plans to expand its Scout Motors plant under construction in Blythewood, adding capacity for 25,000 vehicles a year. Elections: South Carolina early voting has topped 363,000 ballots, more than double the pace at this point in the last midterm cycle. Cybersecurity: SLED says a ransomware attack caused a Columbia cybersecurity incident; Gov. Henry McMaster is set to launch a pilot to strengthen protections at rural hospitals. Public Safety: An Orangeburg County mother faces a child-conduct charge after deputies say they found her 12-year-old daughter severely malnourished at 47 pounds, with no education records after kindergarten. College Sports: South Carolina State volleyball snapped its MEAC losing streak with a 3-0 sweep of Maryland Eastern Shore. The Citadel fell 28-13 to No. 17 Tennessee Tech at home.

Election 2026: More than 363,000 South Carolinians had voted early by Friday, roughly double the total at this point in the last midterm cycle, as candidates make their final push before Nov. 3. Growth and Regulation: State lawmakers are drafting data-center rules that could require water-recycling cooling systems, encourage facilities to provide their own power and limit where they can be built. A new law taking effect Oct. 28 will require restaurants to disclose imported shrimp. Charleston Preservation: City leaders are weighing new safeguards and funding options to prevent neglected historic buildings from deteriorating until demolition is unavoidable, following a church’s controversial teardown. Education: USC says its construction debt has climbed to $1.7 billion, while South Carolina State broke ground on a $30.3 million library in Orangeburg. Public Safety: Columbia police ruled the Oct. 20 Costco shooting a suicide; a Lexington worship singer faces nine federal charges related to child sexual abuse material. Gamecocks: Five-star recruit Jordyn Palmer, ranked No. 7 nationally in the 2027 class, committed to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina women’s basketball program.

Election 2026: More than 363,500 South Carolinians voted early in the first four days—more than double the pace in the 2022 midterms. The governor’s and U.S. Senate races are tightening, with Republican gubernatorial candidate Alan Wilson campaigning in the CSRA and Summerville police asking SLED to investigate Democratic Statehouse candidate Montez Aiken over alleged texts to former students. Growth & Conservation: Gov. Henry McMaster created a conservation commission, while lawmakers proposed statewide rules for data center development and Spartanburg County approved a preliminary agreement for a major project. Westinghouse also plans a $1 billion investment in its South Carolina nuclear fuel plant. Helene Recovery: FEMA is set to provide South Carolina more than $10 million for recovery work. Public Safety: A North Charleston school bus driver faces DUI and child-endangerment charges after police say she led officers on a chase with her child aboard. On the Calendar: The State Fair enters its final weekend, with organizers warning of heavy traffic during Saturday’s Gamecocks football game.

Data Center Rules: South Carolina lawmakers are drafting statewide standards for data center projects, including limits on water use, power costs and noise, public hearings and a proposed 5,000-foot buffer from homes and schools. Greenwood County also approved $50,000 for a committee to study local rules, while Spartanburg County advanced a preliminary development agreement. Education: State Superintendent Ellen Weaver is seeking another term against Democrat Sylvia Wright, with school choice, teacher pay and gaps in public education central to the campaign. Elections: Early voting continues statewide, with turnout already topping 280,000. The closely watched Senate race drew fresh attention during President Trump’s Upstate rally for Darline Graham. Higher Education: Clemson is offering voluntary buyouts to 452 employees as it works to control costs; eligible workers would receive nine months’ base pay. Public Safety: Authorities charged 25 people in a South Carolina drug-trafficking and dogfighting case after seizing 47 dogs and 17 pounds of drugs. Local Sports: Florence Motor Speedway will pause racing in 2027, worrying fans and racing families about fewer opportunities for young drivers.

Senate Race: South Carolina’s close contest between Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews intensified as Graham challenged Andrews to release her tax returns. Early voting is brisk, with 191,845 ballots cast statewide as of Thursday. Rally Investigation: Authorities are investigating after a protester said he was choked and punched at President Trump’s Clemson-area rally for Graham. Trump praised the punch, according to video; the protester says the president may help identify those involved. Federal Aid: South Carolina will receive more than $10 million in FEMA funding, including nearly $7 million for Hurricane Helene case management and grants for parks, roads, utilities and disaster response. Jobs and Investment: Westinghouse plans a $1 billion expansion of its Richland County nuclear-fuel facility. Nestlé is also moving manufacturing from Ohio to Gaffney, though about 370 jobs will be cut at its closing Solon plant. Crime: A state investigation has charged 25 people in an alleged drug-trafficking and dogfighting operation. Authorities seized 47 dogs, drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine, and more than 30 guns. Campus: SC State expects thousands for Saturday’s Homecoming game; on-campus parking is sold out, and visitors need game tickets to enter campus.

Election 2026: Midlands early voting more than doubled its first-day turnout from 2022 as South Carolinians prepare to choose local officials and weigh penny sales taxes for community projects. President Trump rallied in Pendleton for Senate candidate Darline Graham, whose race has drawn national attention and protests. Public Safety: An Aiken County deputy was shot during a traffic stop late Wednesday; the suspect remained at large after the vehicle was found. Separately, authorities indicted 25 people in a drug-trafficking and dogfighting case, reporting seizures of firearms, drugs and 47 dogs. Jobs and Investment: Westinghouse is building a $1 billion nuclear-fuel plant in Richland County, with production expected to begin in 2030. SC Ports also moved the first container of equipment for Isuzu’s Greenville County production site from Charleston to Inland Port Greer. Gamecocks: South Carolina’s women’s basketball team begins the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25.