AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Consumer Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 Obamacare refund checks starting in October, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Solar Manufacturing: Suniva secured $835 million to build a 4.5 GW PERC cell plant in Laurens County, aiming for 564 advanced manufacturing jobs and completion by June 2027. Energy Deal Watch: Wynson Securities says shareholder approval clears the way for the proposed NextEra–Dominion all-stock combination, targeting about 10 million customer accounts across the Carolinas and more than 110 gigawatts of generation. Local Industry & Permitting: Jasper County residents are pushing back on a proposed expansion of the Glover Plantation sand mine, citing dust, noise, traffic, and impacts to wetlands and drinking water. Upstate Growth vs. Concerns: Spartanburg County leaders and the public clashed over a data center project, with debate centered on potential pollution risks and health impacts. Transportation Project: SCDOT is moving forward with a $4.3 million roundabout plan for Highway 41 after residents report frequent crashes, while short-term fixes are underway. Manufacturing Support: Bay Plastics Machinery expanded its regional repair routes across the Carolinas and the Florida Panhandle, adding staff to reduce downtime for pelletizer equipment.

Rare Earths & Recycling: Cyclic Materials opened a $20M rare-earths recycler facility in Mesa, Arizona, and is building a second U.S. site in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, targeting readiness by 2028. Solar Manufacturing: Suniva completed an $835M capital raise to expand U.S. solar cell capacity to 5.5 GW, with a 4.5 GW plant planned in Laurens County, SC, expected to reach full production in 2028. Industrial Growth: Carolina Heavy Steel will invest $15M in Ridgeville, creating up to 50 jobs, for heavy steel processing, fabrication and coating. Energy & Water: Dominion Energy will begin lowering Lake Murray this fall to manage aquatic vegetation and protect water quality, with boater cautions during the drawdown. Insurance & Fire Risk: AAIS’ FLAMES fire-loss scoring framework was approved for use by homeowners insurers in South Carolina and Indiana, aiming to better match premiums to local fire protection and mitigation efforts. Healthcare Policy: Trump announced $500 Obamacare refund checks for nearly 1M Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina. Community & Public Safety: Kroger’s “Stock the Station” drive runs Sept. 10 across Georgia and South Carolina to stock first responders’ stations with supplies. Workforce/Construction Leadership: Alston Construction promoted David Babb to vice president/general manager of its Carolina business unit.

Food Security: A South Carolina farmer, Willie Capehart, is partnering with Harvest Hope Food Bank to help fight hunger across 20 counties, highlighting how local agriculture and community support feed families. Politics & Cost of Living: In Dallas, President Donald Trump launched a high-energy push for the midterms, promising a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to adults if Republicans keep control of Congress—though details and legality remain unclear. Aviation & Liability: A Miami cargo plane crash involving an Amazon-branded aircraft raises fresh questions about who has operational control and how liability may be handled. Energy & Training: Duke Energy Foundation awarded $180,000 to nine South Carolina technical colleges for construction-focused workforce training and certifications. Utilities & Lake Murray: Dominion Energy will lower Lake Murray this fall to manage aquatic vegetation and protect water quality, with boaters urged to use caution. Manufacturing Jobs: Tyson Steel Building Products will invest $15.15M in Pickens County, building a Liberty facility expected to create about 20 jobs. Tech & Cyber Education: USC Aiken is expanding into AI and cybersecurity education, positioning the CSRA as a tech and national security corridor. Data Centers Scrutiny: Jasper County is considering a one-year pause on new data center and related proposals to study environmental and infrastructure impacts. Local Development: Columbia unveiled a Main Street lighting project designed to brighten historic tree-lined blocks and boost downtown safety and appeal.

Rare Earth Manufacturing: USA Rare Earth broke ground on an $1.2B rare earth metal and magnet facility in Blacksburg, targeting 6,400 metric tons of sintered NdFeB magnets and 490 high-skill jobs as commissioning is slated for 2028. Solar Industry: Suniva’s $835M financing milestone is lifting SUNation Energy shares and backing a major South Carolina solar cell buildout in Laurens County. Workforce Development: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions was named South Carolina’s 2026 Workforce Champion for its student outreach, internships, and a no-cost 24-month apprenticeship pathway. Local Government & Utilities: Greer City Council approved changes to the Blaize Ridge design review district and advanced financing for public works water and wastewater projects. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA expanded an E. coli berry recall to include Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, with cases reported across multiple states including South Carolina. Legal System: A judge moved Alex Murdaugh’s retrial to Sumter County, setting jury selection for April 5, 2027. Tech Policy: South Dakota AG Jackley and coalition partners urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Healthcare Infrastructure: MUSC’s proposed $1B cancer hospital in Charleston is advancing to the architectural review stage. Invasive Species Watch: Great Smoky Mountains officials flagged the Joro spider as an invasive spread risk, with reports reaching South Carolina.

Veterans Hiring Recognition: Dominion Energy earned a gold-level honor from the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs for its veteran recruitment and support, with one in five employees serving in the military. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Moncks Corner secured a $4M state earmark for Fire Station 3, aiming to cut response times along the U.S. 52 corridor as growth accelerates. Local Tax Planning: Georgetown County is holding a September roadshow for residents to learn about a proposed 1% Local Option Sales Tax, with most revenue earmarked for property tax rollbacks ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Construction & Community Development: Mungo Homes broke ground on the second Michael’s House in Hopkins, targeting $200K+ for Homes for HOPE. Land Conservation: Upstate Forever permanently protected 800+ acres across Laurens and Union counties via three conservation easements supporting farms, forests, clean water, and wildlife. Workplace Accountability: A year after a Taylors crash killed Greenville Water utility locator Cesar Peña Franco, his family says answers are still missing and is offering a $1,000 reward.

Transportation & Infrastructure: SCDOT will run a temporary nighttime detour on I-77 southbound in Richland County (mile markers 24–27) for the Exit 26 interchange work. Trail & Community Development: The first five miles of the Saluda Grade Trail near Landrum are about 60% designed, with route, bridge, and retaining wall locations set and permitting ahead of schedule. Hospitality Construction: Charleston’s long-awaited Four Seasons Hotel and Residences has a new contractor (Hoar Construction) and a revised timeline, targeting a 2030 completion. Manufacturing & Jobs: Packaging makers filed WARN notices affecting South Carolina and beyond, including Pactiv’s planned Jackson thermoforming facility closure. Energy & Security Tech: Altera says it added post-quantum cryptography support to Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 FPGAs, aiming to harden long-life systems. Healthcare Workforce: Trinity Health plans to permanently lay off about 557 IT-related roles in Michigan. Food & Consumer Safety: A frozen berry E. coli recall expanded to more stores and states, including South Carolina. Local Economy & Growth: Mount Pleasant leaders are set to consider a 120-day data center moratorium to study noise and water/electricity impacts. Business & Policy: A major Disney streaming antitrust settlement is prompting last-day claims for eligible YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers.

Trade & Tariffs: Canada hit back at the U.S. with tariffs on about $20B of American goods, targeting items like steel, aluminum, cheese, appliances, clothing, cosmetics and farm equipment—another sign of how tariff pressure can ripple into North American supply chains. Gas Prices: Labor Day travel is starting with record pain at the pump: AAA says regular gas averaged about $4.14 nationwide, with prices tied to Middle East disruption and refinery issues; in Fort Mill, some stations are still nearly 40 cents below the state average. SC Consumer & Tech: South Carolina is set to receive nearly $247M from a multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook safety for kids and teens, with new usage limits and protections. Food Policy: SC is delaying SNAP “Healthy Food SC” restrictions until Nov. 1 as federal review continues after court setbacks in other states. Education & Culture: SCETV and Riverbanks Zoo are launching “Zoo Minutes,” immersive classroom-ready animal and conservation content. Local Business: Eggs Up Grill says it has reached 110 restaurants in South Carolina, highlighting franchise growth. Public Works: State leaders say infrastructure investments could drive major job creation and economic impact, with transport and storm-resilience projects continuing. Cyber/Auto Jobs: Jaguar Land Rover plans to cut about 4,000 jobs globally over two years, citing competition, tariffs and a prior cyberattack.

Regional Sports & Construction: Lancaster County will break ground Tuesday on a $36.9 million Regional Athletic Complex with turf baseball and grass soccer fields, parking, a community room and a splash pad, aiming to draw regional tournaments; construction runs up to 14 months with a Q4 2027 opening. State Economic Engine: South Carolina infrastructure investments are projected to drive about $66 billion in economic impact (FY2021–2028), support roughly 140,000 permanent jobs, and include major road, bridge and storm-resilience work. Education Leadership: Clover School District Superintendent Sheila Quinn announced her retirement after eight years; the board is starting a search for her successor. Consumer & Tech Regulation: South Carolina will receive nearly $247 million from a multistate Meta settlement over alleged harms to children and teens on Instagram and Facebook, with new usage limits and safety requirements. Food Assistance Policy: South Carolina is delaying SNAP “Healthy Food SC” restrictions on sugary drinks and certain foods until Nov. 1 after federal review of court orders. Healthcare Construction Milestone: MUSC topped out its $175 million College of Medicine building in Charleston (186,000 sq. ft.), targeting late 2027 for opening. Energy & Cost Pressure: Labor Day gas prices hit record highs nationwide, with South Carolina averaging about $3.75 a gallon, as Iran-related supply disruptions keep fuel costs elevated. Advanced Manufacturing & Defense: 3D Systems and Savannah River National Laboratory entered a CRADA to speed additive manufacturing for advanced energy and national security uses. Workforce & Growth: A new study finds South Carolina retains most college grads in-state early, but retention drops sharply by year five. Public Safety Infrastructure: Florence stormwater improvements on North Church Street and Oakland Avenue will start in September, with lane closures and a target completion in early summer 2027.

Energy Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices hit a record $4.14 a gallon nationally, with volatility tied to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Power Planning: Duke Energy filed a 2041 Carolinas Resource Plan that would add major solar, gas, storage, and new nuclear—aiming to meet rising winter peak demand. Shipbuilding & Jobs: Huntington Ingalls Industries says it’s targeting a 15% year-over-year shipyard throughput increase in 2026, built around workforce growth, infrastructure upgrades, and expanding the supplier base. Local Food Safety: South Carolina Department of Agriculture inspections logged multiple B and C grades in Lancaster and York counties, with follow-ups still finding priority issues at some sites. Policy & Regulation: Rep. Nancy Mace highlighted new pesticide-related bills and girls’ sports protections for military families, while broader national debates continue over how politics is funded and regulated. Tech & Mobility: Tesla’s Cybercab rollout faces an NHTSA audit of about 1,000 vehicles as regulators test safety compliance for robotaxi deployment. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches affected parts of the Carolinas around Sept. 6, with damaging wind and hail risks.

Cybercab Scrutiny: Tesla’s paid robotaxi rollout in Austin is prompting a U.S. safety audit as NHTSA reviews about 1,000 Cybercab vehicles for compliance with federal rules. Food Safety Watch: South Carolina Department of Agriculture inspections in August found multiple retail food grade issues—Lancaster County logged one B and one C, while York County saw nine B grades and two C grades, including repeat priority problems at two businesses. Defense & Industry: The U.S. Marine Corps deployed an F-35B squadron from South Carolina to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, boosting forward stealth strike and air-defense capacity amid China competition. Energy Costs: Labor Day travel is hitting drivers with a national gas average of $4.14, tied to crude volatility. Local Development: HYLO Fitness is set to open in Greenville’s former Baby Bi-Lo center, part of a broader N. Main redevelopment. Road Work: SCDOT will temporarily close the I-26 eastbound Exit 129 ramp to US 21 starting Sept. 11 for a ramp alignment project. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Beaufort tied for 18th in South Carolina for July scam reports, with four reports and $471 in losses.

Cybercab Scrutiny: NHTSA opened an audit of about 1,000 Tesla Cybercab robotaxis just hours after paid rides began in Austin, spotlighting whether the wheel-less, pedal-less design can meet decades-old federal safety rules. Local Manufacturing & Growth: Installed Building Products (IBP) posted record Q2 revenue ($777.8M) while margins slipped, citing acquisitions and continued cash returns to shareholders. Upstate Retail Expansion: Paris Baguette is moving into Greenville’s Woodruff Road corridor with a new cafe at Magnolia Park, adding another international food option to a high-traffic shopping stretch. South Carolina Weather Watch: Labor Day weekend starts with severe thunderstorm alerts across parts of the Carolinas and the Charlotte region, with damaging wind and hail possible. Agriculture Heritage: The Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum in Pendleton is highlighting how South Carolina farming history still shapes today’s work—from tractors to hydroponics and drones. Public Safety Tech & Trade: New U.S. tariffs on thermal drones and docking systems could affect DJI equipment used by public safety agencies, including a South Carolina DNR contract for thermal drones. Game Day Heat: South Carolina’s opener vs. Kent State hit 99 degrees (heat index 110) but the Gamecocks won 57-0 without heat-related injuries.

Autonomous Tech & Regulation: NHTSA opened an audit of about 1,000 Tesla Cybercab robotaxis hours after Austin launched paid rides, testing whether the steering-wheel-free vehicle meets federal safety rules. Local Retail Expansion: Paris Baguette plans a new Greenville cafe on Woodruff Road at Magnolia Park, adding its self-serve pastry and coffee format to a high-traffic Upstate corridor. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Hopkins tied for 62nd among SC cities for July scam reports, with employment scams driving reported losses and compromised personal info. Food Safety: FDA expanded a frozen berry recall tied to E. coli risk, including Walmart Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend sold in 16 states that include South Carolina. Healthcare Supply Chain: Two separate recalls of 0.9% sodium chloride IV bags hit multiple states after reports of fiberglass or iron-oxide particles in sealed solutions. Infrastructure & Environment: Murrells Inlet dredging efforts moved closer to reality, aiming to deepen the inlet and improve navigation safety while protecting marsh habitat. Tribal Concerns: Waccamaw Indian People raised worries about potential impacts from the I-73 project near the Little Pee Dee River. Manufacturing/Industrial: ECHO says its new portable LED light towers are assembled in South Carolina, with long runtime between refuels for jobsite power needs. Local Business Positioning: Saltwater Moving is pushing its locally owned model as national chains expand into the Charleston market.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers in 16 states, including South Carolina, are being told to check freezers after FDA expanded an E. coli-related recall to Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot code 6040 01-6; best-if-used-by Feb. 9, 2028). No illnesses are tied to this specific product yet, but it traces back to the same Chilean supplier linked to the broader outbreak. Public Health/Medical Supply: Two separate recalls of 0.9% sodium chloride IV saline hit late August, with Baxter citing fiberglass particles and B. Braun citing iron oxide; both say no patient injuries have been reported. Energy & Tech: Santee Cooper is partnering with Google Cloud to deploy Gemini Enterprise and WeatherNext 2 for AI-driven load forecasting and faster financial scenario planning. Infrastructure & Growth: Moncks Corner secured $4M for a new Fire Station 3 on U.S. Hwy 52 to cut response times as the town grows. Coastal/Waterways: A seven-year push to dredge Murrells Inlet is nearing reality, aiming to improve navigation safety and protect marsh habitat. Local Industry/Manufacturing: ECHO says its new portable LED light towers are assembled in South Carolina, with up to 310 hours of runtime between refuels. Transportation Safety: A serious I-77 ramp crash near the SC line sent three people to the hospital with life-threatening injuries as Labor Day travel ramped up.

Energy & Trade: A U.S. Russia sanctions bill that could authorize 100% tariffs on top Russian oil and gas buyers appears headed for delay, with House resistance raising the odds India gets a breather—an outcome that could affect energy costs and supply chains. Food Safety: Walmart expanded a recall of Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend in 16 states, including South Carolina, over possible E. coli contamination; the FDA says no illnesses are linked to this specific product so far. Logistics & Manufacturing: Flex is buying EPC Power for $4.4B to strengthen data-center power tech, including 800V DC architecture—aimed at supporting AI power density needs. Local Business: PepsiCo plans a new regional distribution hub in a build-to-suit warehouse near an airport, designed for transferring finished snack products and staging route-specific quantities. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Coastal Carolina University will honor a student killed in a Highway 544 hit-and-run and says the pedestrian overpass project is moving through planning and approvals, with no construction timeline yet. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Bonneau tied for 44th in South Carolina for July scam reports, with two reports logged. Animal Welfare: Federal authorities say a dogfighting probe led to the largest property seizure of dogs in South Carolina history, with seven defendants indicted.

Food Safety: Walmart expanded its recall of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) sold in 16 states, including South Carolina, due to possible E. coli O145 contamination; no illnesses tied to this specific product were reported, but consumers are told not to eat and to return for a refund. Energy & Utilities: Santee Cooper asked to intervene in the Dominion–NextEra merger review, arguing the deal’s impact on South Carolina’s power planning and timing; a final SCC decision is expected by January 2027. Ports & Logistics: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District and SC Ports launched a feasibility study to deepen the upper Charleston Harbor, building on the 2022 deepening to support competitiveness and North Charleston Terminal upgrades. Nuclear & Defense Tech: The Army selected Antares’ transportable microreactors, built with Savannah River National Laboratory support at USC Aiken, for deployment across multiple bases, with dozens expected under the program. Workforce & Business Growth: DEW and SC Works will host the Capital City Career Expo Sept. 9 at Dutch Square Center with 80+ employers, including Dominion Energy and Giti Tire Manufacturing. Public Investment: Charleston County’s Main Library renovation cleared over $7 million in funding, aiming to reshape flexible community spaces. Policy Watch: South Carolina’s nicotine vapor products tax registration opens Sept. 24 and collections begin Oct. 1. Local Land Conservation: Congaree Land Trust permanently protected a 168-acre Orangeburg County property via a conservation easement, preserving wetlands and forest habitat.

Workforce & Nuclear Industry: Gov. McMaster and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce named Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) the 2026 Workforce Champion Award recipient, citing student outreach, internships, and a no-cost 24-month Apprenticeship School in Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell. AI in Utilities: NextEra and Santee Cooper say AI dispatch and outage-scheduling tools are already cutting costs—NextEra reports $20M+ in savings this year, while Santee Cooper points to better forecasting to avoid expensive spot-market power. Advanced Manufacturing for Nuclear: 3D Systems and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) launched a CRADA to speed additive manufacturing of nuclear-grade components, including radiation-tolerant materials and cybersecurity plus workforce training. Local Housing/Real Estate: FG Communities completed a manufactured housing community acquisition in Easley, adding 59 homesites near Greenville’s job and education hubs. Food Safety: Hodo recalled 10,000+ cases of chili crisp lightly fried tofu across 29 states, including South Carolina, over possible ink contamination; FDA also expanded recalls for frozen organic blueberries and Great Value triple berry blends due to potential E. coli. Community Jobs: SC Works Midlands held a dislocated workers job fair in Winnsboro after the MLILY Mattress Company fire, matching displaced workers with 41 employers across manufacturing, healthcare, maintenance and more. Agriculture Spotlight: A South Carolina watermelon promotion initiative highlights the industry’s $18M annual impact and its role in fueling athletes and farmers.