AGP Executive Report

National Parks Fight: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore removed national park signs and exhibits on topics including slavery, climate change, and civil rights, calling it “censorship and sanitization” and requiring restoration by the 250th anniversary. Greenville Public Safety: Haywood Mall in Greenville was rocked by a shooting that left at least two people hospitalized; police detained multiple suspects and said the incident stemmed from a dispute, with the mall closed while investigators work. SC GOP Runoff Politics: After Nancy Mace’s primary loss, Alan Wilson’s campaign leaned into unity messaging as Mace endorsed Wilson for the June 23 governor’s runoff against Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette; the race is now set for a final showdown. AG Runoff Contrast: South Carolina’s attorney general runoff is set between Stephen Goldfinch and David Stumbo, with both emphasizing prosecution and public safety credentials. Clemson/NCAA Eligibility: Clemson WR Tristan Smith won a temporary injunction allowing him to play the 2026 season after a court challenge to NCAA eligibility rules. Local Justice: Darlington County deputies are investigating a death at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center, with SLED and the coroner’s office involved.

GOP Runoff Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace’s loss in South Carolina’s governor primary is now driving the next phase of the race, with Mace vowing “revenge” on Trump after blaming her defeat on the Epstein files fight; the GOP runoff is set for June 23 between Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and AG Alan Wilson. Democratic Ticket Certified: The SC Election Commission certified Democratic nominees Jermaine Johnson for governor, Sylvia Wright for superintendent, and Dr. Annie Andrews for U.S. Senate—setting up Andrews vs. Lindsey Graham. Federal Courts, National Parks: A federal judge ordered the National Park Service to pause Trump-era removals of “negative” exhibits and signs tied to slavery, climate change, and other topics, calling it a censorship risk. State Policy Watch: A new “Smart Heart Act” requires school cardiac emergency plans and AEDs at sporting events, aiming to speed response after collapses. Local Government Accountability: An inspector general report backed an editorial push for expanding the watchdog role after Marlboro County’s school board spending and pay practices came under scrutiny. Immigration Enforcement: ICE announced highway operations in South Carolina that it says led to 114 arrests tied to immigration and criminal violations. Business & Housing: A Park Circle townhome project in Charleston’s North Charleston area is moving forward with 28 luxury units starting in the mid-$500,000s.

SC Politics & Elections: The South Carolina Election Commission certified Democratic primary results, setting up June 23 runoffs for governor (Pamela Evette vs. Alan Wilson) and superintendent (Sylvia Wright vs. Ellen Weaver), while Jermaine Johnson and Dr. Annie Andrews also secured nominations. Runoff Politics: A Politics Desk look frames the June runoffs as Trump’s next big GOP tests, noting that first-round winners in SC and elsewhere still face tough opponents. Murdaugh Update: Alex Murdaugh’s legal saga is back in the spotlight after the state Supreme Court overturned the double-murder convictions, teeing up what comes next. Public Safety: Deputies say a high-risk, multi-day domestic standoff in Kershaw County ended peacefully after SRT and SLED involvement. Community & Justice: An Indian Land man faces federal hate-crime charges over alleged antisemitic vandalism at a Charlotte Jewish complex. State Government & Services: Social Security is ending paper checks nationwide, pushing recipients toward electronic payments. Culture & History: Charleston will host a free, weekend replica of George Washington’s Continental Army headquarters tent as part of a national traveling exhibit. Health & Food: Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers are recalled in multiple states over possible metal contamination.

Gubernatorial Runoff Politics: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s campaign is going negative in the June 23 GOP runoff, launching an ad attacking AG Alan Wilson over a reported 126% pay raise—while her team argues it’s “cashing in,” and Wilson’s side points to a commission-authorized adjustment under a 2022 law. Campaign Finance/Transparency: A dark-money-linked group behind TV ads targeting a Spartanburg candidate is refusing to name its funders, raising fresh questions about who’s driving messaging in SC races. Local Government/EMS Funding: Edgefield County approved a $1,600 impact fee on new construction to fund EMS capital projects, with the fee potentially stacking in growth areas that overlap North Augusta. Public Safety: SLED is investigating after an officer and suspect were shot in a West Columbia apartment shootout; the officer has been released and the suspect remains hospitalized. Statehouse/Policy: CMS released an interim final rule for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out how states will verify compliance and exemptions. Agriculture Politics: Two candidates are set for the GOP runoff for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, with farmland and solar/data development pressures front and center.

Southern Baptists: The Southern Baptist Convention voted 6,028 to 2,026 to advance a formal constitutional ban on women pastors, a move aimed at tightening existing rules and requiring a similar supermajority next year. SC Law Enforcement: Attorney General Alan Wilson announced arrests tied to child sexual exploitation charges in two separate cases, including allegations involving CSAM and AI-generated CSAM. Runoff Voting in SC: South Carolina’s June 23 primary runoffs are set, with early voting open next Wednesday and Thursday (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), and no crossover between party primaries and runoffs. SC Politics/Justice: In the GOP gubernatorial runoff, Evette backers accused AG Alan Wilson of lobbying for a 2024 judicial candidate, while Wilson’s campaign called the attacks desperate; a one-on-one debate is scheduled. State Government Aviation: SC’s aeronautics agency got approval to replace a second aging state plane, with plans that could include a third. Public Safety/Crime: SLED charged a York County man in a drive-by killing case, and SC officials also reported investigations into school bus thefts across 10 counties. Community & Culture: SC State’s Concert Choir is set to debut at Carnegie Hall, and Berkeley Hospital in the Lowcountry completed an expansion doubling inpatient capacity.

SC Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace’s GOP governor bid is over after she finished fifth in Tuesday’s primary, and she says she’ll head back to the private sector when her House term ends—while the runoff for the GOP nomination now sets Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette against AG Alan Wilson. Elections & Voting Integrity: A Rock Hill man, Ekam Monfum, was indicted for allegedly voting in the 2024 election after registering through the SC Election Commission portal while not being a U.S. citizen. Education Policy: An editorial argues a new SC school-board “proviso” could cut costs and reduce deception, but says it’s only a start. Local Government: Summerville is weighing another Historic District rezoning, with residents worried it could open the door to more non-residential uses. Courts: A judge will decide whether Weldon Boyd’s lawsuit against an attorney in the Spivey wrongful-death case can continue. Public Safety: West Columbia is investigating an officer-involved shooting that left both an officer and a suspect hurt. Statewide Watch: Cayce leaders are moving toward new rules for who can drive golf carts on city streets.

SC Politics Runoff Watch: South Carolina’s GOP governor primary is headed to a June 23 runoff after Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and AG Alan Wilson failed to clear 50% Tuesday; Evette led with 28.86% and Wilson followed with 26.15%, setting up a direct matchup while Democrats chose Jermaine Johnson. Local Elections: York County voters picked probate judge Anna Miller and multiple House and council nominees, while Lancaster County House incumbents won primaries and will face Democrats in November. Congressional Race (York/Lancaster): In the open 5th District seat, Democrat Mallory Dittmer won her primary and will face Republican Wes Climer this fall. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved $9M for Hurricane Helene/Tropical Storm Debby recovery, with York County landing $3.3M for the North Burris Road bridge repair. Education & Federal Courts: House Republicans grilled Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King over transgender and DEI-related policies, while the Education Department admitted it violated a court order in Title IX cases. Public Safety Oversight: Horry County’s police department is bringing in an outside team for a full management review amid ongoing controversies. National Policy Ripple: The U.S. is warning hospitals to post prices or face fines, and a new report finds synthetic dyes still show up in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods.

GOP Governor Race: Rep. Nancy Mace’s Trump-linked bid collapsed in South Carolina’s June 9 primary, finishing fifth and conceding after Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and AG Alan Wilson—both backed by President Donald Trump—advanced to a June 23 runoff. Statehouse Shakeup: In the GOP Senate primary, Sen. Lindsey Graham won outright and will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Congressional Primaries: House District 1’s open-seat fight after Mace’s move to governor sent Nancy Lacore and Mac Deford to a runoff; House District 121 in Beaufort County saw Shannon DeLoach upset incumbent Michael Rivers. Local Governance: Beaufort County Council District 5 heads to a June 23 runoff between Joshua Hower and Mary Jeans Otto. Policy & Industry: Mace also pushed the “SHRIMP Act” to require federal shrimp origin testing—aimed at cracking down on illegal imports and protecting South Carolina’s shrimpers. Business/Jobs: McNeilus delivered 13 refuse and recycling trucks to Meridian Waste for a Richland County contract startup.

South Carolina Primary Results: Polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday as voters chose nominees for governor, attorney general, U.S. Senate, and key House races, including the crowded GOP/DEM primary for the open 1st Congressional District seat. Election Night Logistics: Statewide results are being tabulated through the evening and are considered unofficial until certified by the S.C. Election Commission. Record Turnout: Early voting broke records, with Charleston County alone reporting more than 20,000 ballots cast. GOP Senate Race Noise: One Lindsey Graham primary opponent alleged voting-machine corruption after a short video circulated online; the report said the outlet couldn’t verify the video’s source. Campaign Stakes: Republicans are trying to keep a long statewide winning streak alive, while Democrats are aiming for their first statewide win in 20 years. National Politics Spillover: The day also featured major federal immigration and border funding action in Washington, alongside fresh U.S.-Iran military developments.

Election Day in SC: Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for the June 9, 2026 primaries, with early voting smashing the state record (319,000+ ballots cast). South Carolina’s open primary means voters can choose either party’s ballot, but not both—important if races head to a June 23 runoff. Weather watch: Damp conditions are expected across the Upstate, with showers and possible thunderstorms, so voters may want rain gear. Governor and Senate stakes: Republicans are trying to keep their statewide winning streak alive in the governor and U.S. Senate races, where Trump loyalty is a major theme and runoff risk looms if no candidate clears 50%. Regional context: National coverage also highlights Trump’s renewed Iran “total victory” claims and the broader Middle East backdrop as South Carolina voters head to the polls. Local life: Greenville city leaders preview major projects, including a downtown conference center and a real-time crime center.

Murdaugh Retrial Control: South Carolina’s Supreme Court has assigned Judge Debra R. McCaslin to oversee Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial and related proceedings after the high court overturned his convictions. GOP Governor Race: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and AG Alan Wilson condemned anonymous racist attacks targeting Republican rival Rom Reddy and his Indian heritage, as the June 9 primary nears. Primary Turnout Surge: Early voting for the June 9 primaries shattered records, with 319,367 ballots cast statewide during the nine-day period. Statewide Primaries Watch: The Senate GOP primary field includes multiple challengers to Sen. Lindsey Graham, setting up a crowded Tuesday vote. Public Safety Prep: The Department of Public Safety and partners will run a full-scale hurricane evacuation exercise June 10, simulating reversal operations on U.S. 278 and U.S. 21. Law Enforcement Update: SLED is investigating a deadly Anderson County deputy-involved shooting after a welfare check turned violent. Attorney General Race: South Carolina voters will also pick nominees for attorney general in a GOP primary with three candidates.

South Carolina Primary Countdown: Polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, with voters required to bring a valid photo ID, as the state’s early voting record tops 318,600 ballots statewide. Governor Race Watch: The GOP governor primary is shaping up as a Trump endorsement test—Rep. Nancy Mace’s campaign fallout after Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, plus the question of whether Evette can survive a crowded field and avoid a runoff. U.S. Senate Spotlight: Sen. Lindsey Graham seeks a fifth term with a crowded GOP challenge list, making Tuesday’s results a key “who survives” moment. Nonprofit Transparency: New SC amendments to the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act aim to boost donor disclosure and make compliance easier for charities and fundraisers. Legal Developments: In the Alex Murdaugh case, the state AG is moving to unseal court records tied to the dismissal of the “Egg Juror,” Myra Crosby. Local Governance & Growth: A Lowcountry piece highlights how infrastructure strain and climate pressures are colliding with development debates, including data centers and gas plants. Public Safety: SLED is investigating the death of a Union County inmate at the detention center, with an autopsy scheduled.

South Carolina Primaries: Tuesday’s June 9 statewide GOP primaries are set, with early voting already ending and voters urged to confirm registration at scvotes.gov; in Aiken County, North Augusta City Council races require requesting a Republican ballot, and multiple statewide offices—including governor, AG, comptroller general, and education posts—are on the ballot. U.S. Senate Race: Lindsey Graham is defending his seat in a crowded GOP primary field, with polling from The Citadel showing him with a double-digit lead over challenger Mark Lynch. Redistricting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court let Alabama use a Republican-favored congressional map, rejecting an NAACP claim it “intentionally discriminate[s]” against Black voters—another sign redistricting battles may keep spreading. Public Safety: North Charleston police referred a Sunday Circle K shooting on Rivers Avenue to SLED for investigation. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reported a lowest midgrade price of $3.99 in Horry County and $3.79 regular in Newberry County for the week ending May 30, as South Carolina averages stayed volatile amid broader fuel-supply pressures. Military & Service: Shaw-based Air Force Viper Demonstration Team highlighted service overseas during Fairchilds’ SkyFest 2026, tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Health: A new study links upstream wetland loss since the 1980s to higher flood insurance payouts for coastal South Carolina homeowners, with Charleston-area impacts highlighted.

South Carolina GOP Primary: Rep. Nancy Mace says President Trump’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette didn’t deliver a real “Trump bump,” arguing grassroots conservatives are “very upset” and that any gains are small ahead of the June 9 runoff. Ballot Questions: South Carolina Republicans will also answer two non-binding advisory questions on the primary ballot—whether voters should be able to register with any party and whether school board candidates can run with party labels—framed as a “political temperature check,” not a referendum. Campaign Trail: Evette campaigned in Florence, touting Pee Dee growth and urging voters to show up Tuesday with photo ID, as polling shows her leading in the governor’s race. Media & Accountability: The Post and Courier is reshuffling its opinion leadership, with Rick Nelson retiring as editorial page editor and Cindi Ross Scoppe set to take over June 22. Public Safety: Port Royal police say a sergeant was injured in an accidental discharge while cleaning his service pistol, with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Statehouse Watch: SLED charged a Blythewood man with threatening a public official, alleging detailed letters including possible vantage points and a “silencer.”

Elections & Voting Rights: The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, rejecting voting restrictions that would have required document checks for registration, photo ID at the polls, and tighter rules on voter registration drives. South Carolina Politics: As South Carolina’s June 9 primaries near, early voting hit record levels, with York County topping 10,000 ballots and the state setting a new participation mark as voters head to the polls. Gubernatorial Race Watch: Rep. Nancy Mace’s primary bid faces fresh headwinds after Politico reported GOP insiders say her past controversies could give conservative voters pause, even as Trump’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette looms large. Government Transparency: An editorial blasts Clemson trustees for a “secret search” that delays releasing finalist names, arguing it undermines the new president’s transparency pledge and the spirit of South Carolina’s public-records law. Public Safety: Charleston County’s pursuit of a motorcycle ended in a fatal crash in Summerville; the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show scattered low-price pockets across the state for the week ending May 30, with regular as low as $3.99 in Hampton County and diesel as low as $4.49 in Greenville County.

Immigration Enforcement: A federal investigation into a fake-identity hiring scheme led to an ICE raid at a metal casting business in Abbeville, detaining 48 workers and arresting two top managers, while state charges were filed against others tied to forged IDs. Local Public Safety: SLED arrested a man accused of stalking and threatening state Rep. Seth Rose and his family, alleging letters included “vantage points” and references to a “silencer.” Energy & Property Rights: A pipeline company filed dozens of court petitions seeking survey access from landowners in Hampton and Colleton counties for a proposed natural gas line tied to a new Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper plant. Election Pulse: South Carolina’s early voting ended with record turnout, with 318,000+ ballots cast ahead of the June 9 primary. Housing/Industry Zoning: Greenwood County Council advanced data center zoning rules as a conditional use, rejecting calls for a moratorium. Military & Defense: The U.S. Army is accelerating low-cost interceptor drone development after drone-kill lessons from a South Carolina exercise. Revolutionary War Commemoration: Fort Moultrie is set for a fee-free weekend marking the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, with 10,000+ expected.