AGP Executive Report

Silfab Solar Fight in Fort Mill: Fort Mill School District is asking South Carolina leaders to step in after a court ruling that the Silfab Solar manufacturing operation doesn’t match its zoning, citing past chemical-leak disruptions near Flint Hill schools and urging limits to non-hazardous assembly. Upstate Policing Tech Scrutiny: Greenville County Sheriff’s Office fired two employees for misusing automated license plate reader tech (Flock), following similar Greer Police firings—privacy advocates warn safeguards aren’t enough. Boeing in the Charleston Spotlight: A new Netflix documentary, “Freefall,” highlights safety concerns from Boeing 787 workers in South Carolina, while Boeing also reported a bigger-than-expected Q2 loss tied to rising Air Force One replacement costs. Mortgage Training Expansion: 24hourEDU says it’s now NMLS approved for mortgage loan originator continuing education in all 50 states. Education Support: GSSM Foundation received a $1,000 grant from SPC Cares Foundation to cover meal plan fees for students in multiple Upstate counties. Local Business Growth: Charleston-based Beachmate says its shovel is now in 100 Walmart stores nationwide. Politics on the Move: South Carolina’s special GOP Senate primary to replace Lindsey Graham is set as candidate filing closes Tuesday, with early contenders including Ralph Norman and Mark Sanford.

Aluminum Manufacturing Expansion: Century Aluminum’s Mt. Holly smelter in South Carolina is ramping up to full capacity after a major expansion, adding 150 jobs and boosting U.S. primary aluminum output by about 10%, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and state leaders touting tariffs and domestic investment. Battery Supply Chain: BMW is previewing a new Woodruff, S.C. plant to assemble high-voltage Gen6 batteries for the all-electric iX5, with series production starting in December 2026. Solar Zoning Fight: A judge upheld a Fort Mill ruling that Silfab Solar’s plant isn’t allowed under the area’s light-industrial zoning, keeping pressure on how solar manufacturing is sited near schools. USDA Feral Swine Funding: USDA announced $35 million in partnerships to help eradicate feral swine, with South Carolina among the eligible states. Data Center Scrutiny: A South Carolina lawmaker is seeking details on where data centers are planned, reflecting growing local pushback over rezoning and community impacts. Public Health & Food Safety: SNAP rules in South Carolina will soon restrict sugary items, while federal updates continue to track outbreaks tied to recalled eggs and cyclospora-linked produce. Defense Industry Ties: HII hosted an Australian defense industry minister at its Newport News Shipbuilding Charleston operations site, highlighting AUKUS-related submarine industrial ramp-up.

Data Centers & Power Grid: Duke Energy says utilities across South Carolina are expanding generation and grid upgrades as data centers surge, with some projects seeking up to one gigawatt of power—raising reliability and cost questions for ratepayers. Digital Future: SCETA launched ASCENDSC™, a statewide framework tying AI, compute infrastructure, energy, digital identity, privacy, and rural prosperity into one policy approach. Manufacturing & Trade: Century Aluminum marked an Mt. Holly expansion tied to a Section 232 aluminum push, aiming to lift U.S. primary aluminum output by about 10% and grow its workforce past 600. Solar Zoning Fight: Fort Mill Schools urged state action against Silfab after a York County judge ruled the company’s solar manufacturing can’t operate in a light industrial zone near district schools. Workforce/Health Policy: A South Carolina law guaranteeing in-school ABA access for autistic students is running into TRICARE’s “school exclusion” rule, leaving military families in a bind. Food Safety: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled select spicy breakfast burritos distributed across multiple states, including South Carolina, due to undeclared soy and possible sausage. Public Health: South Carolina reported 23 cyclosporiasis cases amid a wider outbreak, while measles coverage highlights record-high U.S. cases. Legal/Environment: A federal judge ordered EPA to resume distributing $2.8B in climate justice funds for underserved communities. Tech Infrastructure: Google’s Nuvem subsea cable landing in Portugal adds another U.S.-Europe data route as cloud and AI demand grows.

Food & Public Health: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with investigators pointing to Midwest Poultry Services as the likely source. Hospitality Insurance: South Carolina bar and restaurant owners may soon get more options as the South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association partners with Ragnar Hospitality Insurance to offer liquor liability coverage amid rising premiums and shrinking availability. Medical Breakthrough: A THC/CBD treatment trial led by MUSC and Georgetown reported a major reduction in agitation for hospice-eligible late-stage dementia patients, with results presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference. Defense & Manufacturing: U.S. production is planned for Ukraine’s MAGURA battle-tested naval drones, with reporting that facilities in Oregon and South Carolina are in the mix. Energy & Industry: SEG Solar says it will build a third solar module factory in the Greater Houston area, targeting 10.6 gigawatts of annual U.S. module capacity. Local Safety: The McCormick County Sheriff’s Office addressed misinformation circulating among residents while detailing several July incidents, including a stabbing and other case updates.

Housing & zoning policy: A new push to cut or eliminate parking minimums is gaining traction as housing shortages drive states and cities to rethink rules that can make projects too expensive or even block them from being built. Food safety: The FDA linked a Texas egg recall to 98 Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses across 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations, urging shoppers to check cartons for affected Midwest Poultry Services lots. Manufacturing recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) in 28 states due to a pull-tab seal defect that could lead to spoilage. Local land-use & growth: Lexington County is weighing how to respond as data centers expand, with nearby counties already moving toward moratoriums or limits. Energy regulation: South Carolina’s PSC denied a reconsideration motion tied to the Colleton County Canadys natural gas plant, clearing the way for a 71-mile pipeline. Hospitality insurance: South Carolina bar and restaurant owners may get a new liquor liability insurance option through a partnership announced by the SC Bar and Tavern Association.

GLP-1 Access Crunch: Medicaid in states including Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island is cutting coverage for weight-loss GLP-1s, leaving patients facing steep out-of-pocket costs and potential weight rebound. Food Safety Watch: FDA and CDC linked a salmonella outbreak to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, with illnesses reported in 17 states including South Carolina; separately, Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup was recalled nationwide over a can pull-tab manufacturing issue, including SC. Hospitality Insurance Shift: South Carolina bars and restaurants may get more liquor liability options via a new partnership between the South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association and Ragnar Hospitality Insurance amid rising premiums. Healthcare Expansion: Novant Health opened a 10,000-square-foot freestanding emergency department in Bluffton, adding 24/7 capacity. Data Center Backlash in SC: Orangeburg County leaders approved a moratorium on new data center construction after concerns about environmental and community impacts. Automation in Manufacturing: Humanoid robots are moving from labs to factories, with IEEE Humanoids 2026 framing “future of work” around labor and production changes.

Healthcare Expansion: Novant Health opened a new 10,000-square-foot freestanding emergency department in Bluffton, adding 24/7 ER capacity with 10 treatment rooms and a trauma room as part of its Washington Square Medical Park phase one. Data Center Pushback: Orangeburg County leaders moved toward a data center moratorium after hearing concerns from residents about environmental and health impacts, land use, and affordability in an agriculture-heavy county. Local Governance Tension: Spartanburg County’s council meeting on a proposed 12-month data center pause turned heated, with residents citing noise, soil concerns, generators, emissions, traffic, and water use while business leaders argued the projects can support the electric grid. Food Safety Watch: South Carolina reported 30 cyclosporiasis cases tied to a broader U.S. outbreak investigation, while Taylor Farms reiterated it is taking added precautions and issued broader recalls tied to iceberg lettuce sourcing. Energy & Industry Signals: LinkedIn named Augusta, Georgia (regional to SC’s workforce market) the No. 1 “City on the Rise,” citing cybersecurity growth and expanding data center development as job drivers. Business/Legal: A South Carolina FOI dispute over polluted school land drew attention after a report said the state’s environmental agency sought $2.4 million to answer records requests.

Data Center Siting Fight: A group opposing a 450-megawatt power plant tied to the NorthMark Cloud and Compute data center in Spartanburg County is asking the South Carolina Public Service Commission to review the project under the state’s utility facility siting and environmental rules. Food Safety: Federal health agencies say the Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is broader than first thought, with cases tied to Taco Bell exposure and new state additions; South Carolina reports 30 cases with none linked to the national outbreak. Recall Watch: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled vending-machine and grab-and-go spicy breakfast burritos in multiple states, including South Carolina, after undeclared soy and sausage were found in products labeled vegetarian. Hospitality Insurance: The South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association teamed with Ragnar Hospitality to expand liquor liability coverage for bars and restaurants as owners continue to face high premiums. Public Health: CDC says 2026 measles cases are at a 35-year high, with vaccination drops cited as a key driver. Energy/Utilities: Duke Energy asked the FCC to pause AT&T’s pole attachment rate complaint, arguing the dispute should go through contract arbitration.

Public Health Watch: The CDC says U.S. measles cases hit 2,318 in 2026—passing all of 2025 and marking the highest total in 35 years—driven largely by low vaccination rates, with outbreaks including South Carolina. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 15,530 cases (12 cans each) of Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium, shipped to South Carolina, due to a potential spoilage risk tied to can “easy open tab” defects. Hospitality & Insurance: South Carolina bars and restaurants are still grappling with a $1M liquor liability requirement; a new captive insurance approach is pitching lower-cost coverage through tighter vetting and inspections. Energy & Grid: SCRA joined the NSF Grid Modernization Engine for the Carolinas, aiming to modernize the electric grid with up to $160M over a decade and major job and economic impact. Construction Pipeline: “Under Construction” highlights new South Carolina projects, including Dorchester Paws’ $12M Summerville shelter/clinic and the Georgetown County detention center. Agriculture: USDA is making $35M available to fight feral swine damage across American agricultural lands. Tech & Manufacturing: Spectra touts FDA-registered, climate-controlled fulfillment for peptides from its Columbia base, while GE Aerospace landed a record single-order for LEAP engines.

Student Housing Demand: A Columbia investor portfolio tied to USC enrollment growth is turning historic mill homes and duplexes into 19 rental units, highlighting how tight near-campus supply is pushing redevelopment and rent demand. Mortgage Market: South Carolina’s 2025 Mortgage Log shows 200,286 applications (+9.5% vs. 2024) and a slight APR dip to 6.5%, with refinances rising to 34.6% of applications. Energy & Manufacturing: EnerSys plans a defense-focused lithium cell facility in Greenville County with about $150M in DOE support and roughly $500M total investment, aiming at secure U.S. supply for aerospace and defense. Solar Expansion: Fortified Solar will invest about $22.75M to expand in Greenville County, adding 150+ jobs. Data Centers & Power Costs: Orangeburg County advances a one-year moratorium on data center developments as residents and officials push for more clarity on impacts; meanwhile, Congress and the White House move to keep grid upgrade costs from landing on utility customers. Automotive Trade Risk: A U.S. Senate committee advances a bill that could ban Mercedes sales tied to Chinese ownership thresholds, putting Charleston-area production in the spotlight. Public Health Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalls 184,200 cans of lentil soup in 27 states and parts of Canada due to a pull-tab seal defect that can risk spoilage. Wildfire Preparedness: The national wildfire preparedness level hits 5, the highest setting, as resources are stretched.

Aluminum Expansion: Century Aluminum will celebrate a Mt. Holly smelter expansion that boosts U.S. primary aluminum output by about 10% and grows the workforce to 600+—a direct nod to tariff-driven ramp-ups. AI + Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. plans a 1 gigawatt AI data center at Savannah River Site, with 2 GW of added on-site power and a longer-term nuclear transition—big implications for South Carolina’s power and industrial future. Broadband/Multifamily Tech: Elauwit Connection won awards for 14 more multi-family communities totaling 4,100+ units, expanding turnkey WiFi networks across several states including the region. Manufacturing Growth: Detpak opened a Spartanburg facility for paper-based packaging for QSR and foodservice customers, aiming to cut lead times and improve supply reliability. Local Industry + Logistics: Brennan Investment Group acquired a 157,412-square-foot Class A industrial building in Piedmont near I-85, adding to its Carolinas portfolio. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora now spans 27 states, including South Carolina—while Amy’s Kitchen also recalled 180,000+ soup cans over spoilage risk. Policy Watch: South Carolina lawmakers report a tentative 2026-27 state budget deal, still requiring passage, with earmarks likely to move later. Community + Permitting: Mount Pleasant residents pressed regulators over Highway 41 stormwater permitting, warning the project could worsen flooding.

Storm Watch: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the Carolinas late Wednesday into Thursday, with localized flooding and possible power outages prompting residents to track real-time outage maps and avoid downed lines. Food Safety: The cyclospora-linked lettuce recall keeps expanding, with Taylor Farms pulling iceberg lettuce distributed to 27 states including South Carolina, plus related Marketside items. Manufacturing & Jobs: Scout Motors is moving ahead with a major Blythewood production center investment, aiming to build advanced manufacturing capacity and create thousands of jobs statewide. Energy & Policy: A U.S. Senate committee advanced a bill targeting Chinese-connected vehicles, raising questions for automakers with Chinese ownership stakes—an issue with ripple effects for South Carolina’s auto supply chain. Regulatory Courtroom: A federal judge ordered the EPA to keep administering a $2.8B environmental grant program, pushing back against attempts to pause it. Education & Workforce: A South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics GoSciTech Residential Summer Program recognized a Williamsburg County student for STEM progress, highlighting the pipeline to advanced manufacturing and engineering careers.

Solar Manufacturing Expansion: Fortified Solar will invest $22.75M in Greenville County, adding 151 jobs and expanding steel solar roofing and building-integrated photovoltaic production, with full output targeted for October. Solar Dispute in Fort Mill: A court ruling dealt Silfab Solar a legal blow in Fort Mill, as opponents push to shut down the facility. Defense & Maritime Tech: UForce and ReconCraft signed an MoU to manufacture Ukraine’s Magura unmanned surface vessels in the U.S., leveraging ReconCraft’s Oregon and South Carolina operations. Port & Worker Injury: A Charleston port truck driver won a confidential $325,000 settlement after a traumatic brain injury claim was denied, highlighting how injuries can be disputed when there’s no clear head impact or video. Local Infrastructure Funding: Charleston County Council approved the 2026 Transportation Sales Tax ballot measure for Nov. 3, projecting about $4.25B over 25 years across roadways, public transit and greenbelt programs. Food Safety & Recalls: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce continues to drive recalls across multiple states, including products shipped into the Carolinas. Regulation Watch: South Carolina’s tattoo shop location rules and head/neck/face tattoo ban face a First Amendment challenge in federal court. Healthcare Access: Novant Health opened a freestanding 24/7 emergency department in Bluffton to expand Lowcountry emergency care.

Manufacturing Expansion: Fortified Solar is investing $22.75M in a new Greenville County facility, adding 150+ jobs to build steel solar roofing systems. Packaging & Food Supply Chain: Detpak opened a U.S. paper-based packaging plant in Spartanburg, targeting faster local supply and flexibility for foodservice and FMCG customers. AI + Energy Infrastructure: NNSA selected Amentum to negotiate a phased AI data center and on-site power at Savannah River Site, starting with natural gas and transitioning to nuclear. Workforce Pulse: South Carolina’s unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in June, with record employment and 86,000+ jobs listed statewide. Public Health: FDA-linked cyclospora concerns keep pressure on lettuce supply chains; a Taylor Farms recall remains in focus as officials address testing questions. Food Safety Recall: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled select Sprig & Sprout and Fresh and Ready spicy breakfast burritos due to undeclared soy, distributed in multiple states including South Carolina. Local Governance: Clarendon County residents are preparing for the 2026 property reassessment, with reassessment notices tied to value changes and an appeal window. Politics Affecting Business: Filing opened for South Carolina’s special Republican U.S. Senate primary to replace Lindsey Graham, with a crowded field expected before the July 28 deadline.

AI & Power Infrastructure: DOE selected DC Blox (with Amentum) to develop a 1GW AI data center campus with about 2GW of on-site generation at the Savannah River site in Aiken County, with natural gas as a bridge to nuclear. Industrial Growth: Amentum and GHD also landed major USACE Savannah District work, underscoring continued federal-backed engineering and civil projects in the state. Data Center Scrutiny: South Carolina’s $80M data-center push is drawing questions from industry leaders about whether projects deliver real value—especially as counties debate moratoriums and Lexington County weighs rules. Manufacturing & Jobs: Detpak opened a new paper-based packaging manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, aiming to cut lead times and boost supply reliability for foodservice and retail customers. Medical Device Launch: Lexington County’s ElectroWire Medical received FDA clearance for its LightningWire transseptal puncture system, targeting first in-human procedures in August and a broader rollout in 2027. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a cyclospora-related iceberg lettuce recall affecting multiple states, including Georgia, after earlier recall coverage. Legal/Policy Watch: A new report highlights legal confusion around e-bikes and how unclear definitions can complicate liability and insurance coverage, with local regulators like Charleston taking stricter approaches. Tech Connectivity: Google connected a new transatlantic subsea cable system linking Myrtle Beach, SC to Portugal, adding another U.S.-Europe data route as cloud and AI demand grows.

Energy Grid Workforce & Innovation: The NSF is backing a $160M “Grid Modernization Engine” across 36 counties in the Carolinas, with York Technical College in Rock Hill leading workforce development for a more reliable, tech-forward power grid. Data Centers & Power Scrutiny: South Carolina’s $80M push to attract data centers is drawing questions about what projects deliver, as communities weigh energy demand and job impacts. Nuclear/AI Infrastructure: DC BLOX was picked for a DOE/NNSA consortium to pursue a phased lease for an AI data center and dedicated energy generation at the Savannah River Site. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states over potential cyclospora risk, including South Carolina; the FDA later walked back an earlier cyclospora test as a false positive while testing continues. Workforce Training Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster designated DEW to implement the Workforce Pell Grant program, aiming to fund short job-training credentials. Mining Council: The S.C. Mining Council meets July 22 at SCDES in Columbia. Tech/Manufacturing Research: Rutgers researchers developed safer, cheaper lithium-ion battery current collectors, with a South Carolina-based consortium now helping move the tech toward market. Local Business Growth: Georgetown County’s Minority Business Accelerator graduated 15 entrepreneurs, bringing the total to 82. Sports/Community: USC Upstate launched/expands an esports program with coaching and academic support for students.