AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing Investment: Austrian Mosdorfer will open its first U.S. factory in Oconee County, investing about $44.55M and creating 107 jobs, with operations expected to start in Q3 2027. Public Safety Law: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a measure boosting penalties for harming police K-9s and horses, including up to $20,000 in fines and as many as 15 years for intentional killing. Governor’s Race (Democrats): Three Democratic candidates—Jermaine Johnson, Billy Webster and Mullins McLeod—took the stage for a SCETV debate ahead of the June 9 primary, focusing on health care, infrastructure and data-center concerns. Upstate/Legal Watch: Authorities are expected to announce new state grand jury indictments tied to an Abbeville County investigation involving a business and alleged illegal immigration activity. Gun Theft Crackdown: Sen. Lindsey Graham reintroduced legislation to raise penalties for “smash-and-grab” firearm thefts from licensed dealers, citing ATF data showing hundreds of thefts in South Carolina. Business & Community: Lexington’s Shoto’s and the adjacent Candy Factory will be demolished after a downtown fire, shifting attention from recovery to rebuilding. Travel Economics: Expedia reports domestic travel interest is up this summer as travelers opt for shorter, nearby trips.

Rare Earth Manufacturing: USA Rare Earth will invest $1.2B in a Cherokee County facility to make rare-earth metals and neodymium-iron-boron magnets, targeting commissioning in 2028 and boosting domestic supply for defense, aerospace and other high-demand sectors. Healthcare Expansion: Novant Health bought a Hilton Head Island site for a new $25.3M medical campus, expected to create about 50 jobs and add primary care, urology and physical therapy. Local Housing Deal: Charleston County approved $1.6M in subsidies to help convert a vacant hotel into affordable efficiency apartments, with 100 units tied to low-income rent limits for 30 years. Public Health Access: Prisma Health opened a new urgent care in Florence, aiming to reduce travel time for walk-in treatment across the region. Environmental Watch: State officials said they found no link between a 683-acre Greenwood property and the Lake Greenwood fish kill, closing out further investigation for that parcel. Nursing Home Snapshot: CMS data across multiple South Carolina facilities shows a wide spread in star ratings, with several homes scoring 1–2 stars and others hitting 4–5, alongside reported fines and penalties.

Education Oversight: The SC State Board approved the SC Department of Education taking full management of the Marlboro County School District, citing years of financial instability and audit/control issues, with SCDE already helping stabilize leadership and produce the district’s first balanced budget since 2018-19. Energy & Cost of Living: AAA says gas prices fell the most in a week since 2008; South Carolina’s average is about $3.87 a gallon. AI Policy: President Trump signed a new AI executive order, keeping a voluntary federal review of powerful AI models but shortening the government’s review period from 90 to 30 days. Upstate Manufacturing Jobs: USA Rare Earth will invest about $1.2B in Cherokee County, opening its first SC operation in Blacksburg at Bailey Park, targeting ~490 jobs and starting production in April 2028. Local Business & Community: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is bringing back “Toucan Tuesdays” with Harvest Hope Food Bank, offering buy-one/get-one admission and ICEEs with donations of two nonperishable items. Health Systems: SC DPH expanded newborn screening by adding Hunter Syndrome and Fabry Disease, now testing for 60 disorders statewide.

Local Development: Effingham County commissioners will vote Tuesday on rezoning and annexation requests, including a revised 1,000-home plan in Guyton (down from 1,300) plus industrial and commercial proposals. Consumer Protection/Legal: After HBO’s John Oliver spotlight on settlement factoring, NSSTA and the National Consumers League point to Maryland’s reforms that cut predatory factoring approvals by more than 99% and urge similar state action. Workforce & Tech Skills: USC Salkehatchie is offering free in-person AI workshops in June for residents and business owners, covering AI basics and workplace productivity. Healthcare Real Estate: The Ensign Group announced two June 1 acquisitions—an Iowa skilled nursing facility and a California memory care property—expanding its Midwest and West Coast footprint. Education Funding: Greenville County Schools approved a nearly $981M FY27 budget with teacher step increases and a 3.75% minimum raise for other employees. Business Litigation: IKEA customers filed a proposed class action seeking refunds tied to higher prices charged during Trump tariff periods later struck down. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Boeing’s 777X certification is delayed again, with early 2027 deliveries now at risk. SC Politics: SCETV’s Republican governor debate drew controversy after multiple candidates backed out, leaving the stage half-empty.

SC Politics: A Trafalgar Group tracking poll shows Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette leading the GOP governor primary with 26.3% among likely voters, ahead of Rom Reddy (17.2%), Alan Wilson (16.9%) and Ralph Norman (16.1%), with Nancy Mace at 14.8%. Upstate Business & Sports: Greenville Triumph’s GE Vernova Park opens June 3 with a sold-out home opener against Forward Madison FC, highlighting the new stadium’s fan experience and capacity. Campaign Moves: U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman names Adam Morgan as his running mate, doubling down on a hard-right Freedom Caucus brand in the six-way race. Small Business Relief: The SBA announces low-interest disaster loans for South Carolina small businesses and private nonprofits hit by drought in six counties, using the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Corporate Deals: CordenPharma agrees to buy AmbioPharm, adding peptide manufacturing capacity in North Augusta and expanding its global CDMO platform. Legal/Markets: Bragar Eagel & Squire urges investors to contact them over class-action filings tied to Phreesia, Upstart and Stellantis, with lead-plaintiff deadlines in early June.

Housing Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster signed H. 4270 sealing South Carolina eviction records after seven years, a major shift from evictions staying on public records for life and creating barriers to renting and buying homes. Upstate Growth & Sports Business: Greenville’s new pro soccer home, GE Vernova Park at BridgeWay Station in Mauldin, opens this week for the Greenville Triumph, with capacity up to 6,300 standing and support from local and state funding plus major developer contributions. Local Infrastructure: Chapin is set to break ground on a $75.3 million Columbia Avenue Corridor Improvement Project to expand key stretches to four lanes and ease congestion into downtown. Lowcountry Planning: Charleston County Council advanced a first reading to expand the Hamlin Beach Historic District, adding 37 properties tied to Gullah Geechee heritage, with more approvals needed. Politics & Jobs: South Carolina’s June 9 primary ballot preview highlights contested statewide races, including GOP attorney general and Democratic secretary of state contests. Health & Oversight: Telehealth-linked GLP-1 overdosing concerns continue as reports describe patients receiving far higher first doses than typical. Business Deal: Arvind Advanced Materials acquired U.S. nonwovens maker Dalco-GFT, expanding capacity across North and South Carolina for automotive and industrial markets.

SC Politics & Elections: President Trump endorsed South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette over Rep. Nancy Mace in the June 9 GOP governor primary, spotlighting Evette’s aggressive voter-restriction agenda and her attacks on rivals. Redistricting & Voting Rules: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” he supports banning partisan redistricting and backing a constitutional amendment to stop it, while also calling for Supreme Court term limits and overturning Citizens United. Federal Money & Legal Fight: A South Carolina man tied to Jan. 6 is offering to help other rioters seek payouts from a nearly $1.8 billion “weaponized government” fund, taking a 10% cut, as claims continue despite a judge freezing the fund. Treasury/Commemorative Currency: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the department has prepared a design for a $250 bill featuring Trump, but issuance depends on Congress. Consumer & Housing Pressure: A Winthrop Poll finds many South Carolinians are down on the economy and struggling with groceries, while HUD raises SC homebuyer-assistance income limits. Local Business: Downtown Greenville’s Menkoi Noodle House is closing after 10 years.

Telehealth for Rural Hospitals: MUSC and Manatt Health are rolling out a telehealth “playbook” to help cash-strapped rural hospitals expand virtual care as Congress moves to cut Medicaid/ACA funding, while a new Rural Health Transformation Program aims to inject $50B over five years. South Carolina Politics: President Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for South Carolina governor, boosting her in the June 9 GOP primary and fueling speculation about whether she’ll name Gov. Henry McMaster’s son as running mate. Retail Investment: Walmart plans to remodel 29 South Carolina stores this year, including Boiling Springs, Clemson and Simpsonville, with upgrades to pharmacies, Vision Centers and faster delivery options. Food Safety Watch: Lancaster and York County inspections show mostly A grades, but a Lancaster Subway earned a rare C in May, while three York County sites briefly fell to B before fixing issues. Manufacturing & Trade Risk: A House bill could restrict automakers with more than 15% Chinese ownership stakes, putting Mercedes-Benz’s Charleston and Alabama production at risk if no exemption is reached. Public Safety: Federal and state investigators are probing a deadly I-95 bus crash in Virginia that killed five and left dozens injured; charges are pending for the driver.

Gubernatorial Race: President Donald Trump endorsed South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for governor, praising her “courage and wisdom” and hinting Henry McMaster Jr. could be her running mate—an endorsement that reshapes the June 9 GOP primary and undercuts Nancy Mace’s momentum. Local Transportation: James Island voted unanimously to reject SCDOT’s Folly Road safety plan after concerns that raised medians could worsen congestion and push traffic into neighborhoods; the dispute centers on how to improve safety without creating new bottlenecks. Public Safety & Health: A new UF/IFAS survey finds growing regional concern about agricultural disease threats, with strong support for regulations and stronger government action to protect food-system resilience. Historic Charleston: The only known surviving Charleston-printed Declaration of Independence broadside is returning to the Charleston Museum for display this summer. Business & Community: GE Vernova Park at BridgeWay in Mauldin is nearing completion ahead of the Greenville Triumph’s June 3 home opener, signaling continued investment in local sports and development. Policy Watch: South Carolina’s new law curbs addictive social media features for minors under 16, requiring enhanced safety steps and limiting targeted ads.

Banking & M&A: Beacon Community Bank (Mount Pleasant) agreed to merge with Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Carolina National Bank in a “merger of equals” stock swap valued at about $60.6 million, expanding to 16 branches statewide and targeting a year-end close. Housing Finance: SC Housing is raising income limits for its Homebuyer Bond Program and Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, with household income brackets moving up to $95,000–$164,000 depending on county and household size. Legal/Politics: The S.C. Supreme Court’s remittitur makes Alex Murdaugh’s conviction reversal official and sends the case back to Colleton County for a new trial process. Privacy & Finance: AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail, arguing it’s a surveillance database that threatens financial privacy and exceeds statutory authority. Economic Development: SC Housing’s updates and a separate conservation win highlight growth pressures and opportunities—while Greenville-area groups preserved 12 acres of Saluda River frontage for a new Piedmont park. Tech/Policy: A U.S. debate over social media age assurance remains fragmented by state, with NetChoice threatening legal action against new guardrails.

South Carolina Politics: Republicans are set to choose a new attorney general in June 9’s GOP primary, with State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe and Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo battling to replace Alan Wilson as he runs for governor. Healthcare Workforce: South Carolina leaders met to address a certification testing backlog that’s blocking about 4,000 trained nurse aides from starting work, with one testing vendor serving the whole state. Medicare Coverage/Medical Tech: AngioDynamics says Palmetto GBA issued a final Medicare coverage decision for NanoKnife irreversible electroporation for prostate and liver cancer, effective July 5, 2026. Real Estate/Development: Irmo’s planning commission will consider rezoning for a 300-unit luxury apartment complex near I-26, while Rock Hill Schools approved teacher pay raises amid statewide staffing shortages. Courts/Legal: Jurors heard surveillance video and pathologist testimony in the Rick Chow murder trial. Public Safety: SLED charged a Chesterfield man for allegedly tampering with lottery tickets, and authorities urged boating safety after a Lake Wylie death. Policy Watch: The U.S. Treasury confirmed it’s preparing designs for a proposed $250 note featuring Trump, a move tied to a South Carolina lawmaker’s bill and facing legal and congressional hurdles.

Subsea Connectivity: Google’s Nuvem cable has made landfall at Myrtle Beach, with DC Blox hosting the landing station—another boost for South Carolina’s role in transatlantic data routes. Currency & Politics: Treasury officials say they’re “prepared” to print a new $250 bill featuring President Trump if Congress changes a 1866 law barring living people on U.S. currency; the move hinges on legislation from SC Rep. Joe Wilson. Home Insurance Outlook: NOAA and other forecasters call for a below-average 2026 hurricane season, which could ease pressure on home insurance rates if claims stay low. Education Policy: South Carolina’s new law bans “grade floors,” requiring teachers to reflect earned scores and threatening districts that ignore the rule with funding penalties. Local Business Growth: PaddleWar, a nationwide amateur pickleball league, announced new ownership and plans to expand across more states, including South Carolina. Real Estate & Housing: FG Communities completed an acquisition of a 93-homesite manufactured housing community in Myrtle Beach, targeting affordable housing demand on the Grand Strand. Risk & Infrastructure: The Army Corps will hold public meetings on a Charleston Harbor EIS scoping process tied to navigation dredging impacts, with comments due June 29.

Road & Housing Policy: James Island pulled out of SCDOT’s Folly Road safety project over raised median plans, escalating a local fight over how state transportation dollars get approved. Politics & Redistricting: Republicans look poised to finish South’s redistricting push with up to 10 more House seats than Democrats, after Supreme Court changes and GOP-led map moves reshaped districts across the region. SC Elections: With two weeks left before South Carolina’s GOP governor primary, Trump’s silence is becoming a campaign factor as candidates court an endorsement; meanwhile, House District 112’s GOP primary pits incumbent Joe Bustos against Woody Sprouse and Brian Zuckerberg. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in South Carolina and nationwide face a recall of Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning tied to potential salmonella contamination from powdered milk. Energy & Consumer Costs: GasBuddy reports Lexington County midgrade prices at $4.21 for the week ending May 16, underscoring how volatile fuel costs remain. Business & Regulation: A coalition led by Ohio AG Dave Yost urged the CFTC to keep sports-related prediction markets under state gambling rules, arguing they function like sportsbooks. Global Watch: U.S. forces carried out new defensive strikes on Iran after drone threats near the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations and nuclear demands stay in flux.

SC Redistricting Fight: South Carolina’s GOP-backed congressional map overhaul collapsed in the state Senate on a 26-18 vote, with a record early-voting surge pushing lawmakers to abandon the bill as voting already began. State Politics: The failed effort would have shifted the Republican advantage and triggered a fast timeline debate, but senators cited the need to follow the rules of the election underway. Internet Safety Policy: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and leave child online protections to Big Tech. Energy & Utilities: A proposed Dominion Energy–NextEra merger is drawing affordability questions from lawmakers as Virginia’s demand grows, with approvals needed across multiple states including South Carolina. Business & Growth: Ryman Hospitality said it will participate in major investor conferences, while Whataburger rolled out a National Hamburger Day deal and community food donations across the Carolinas. Local Government: Lancaster City Council advanced annexation and rezoning tied to medical office and pediatric therapy plans, and Lancaster County Council moved forward on a large FY budget on first reading. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices in parts of the Midlands and Upstate stayed volatile, with multiple counties reporting the lowest week-ending May 16 figures.

Redistricting Backlash: South Carolina Republicans dealt Trump a rare self-inflicted loss as the state Senate rejected a plan that would have disrupted early voting and targeted Jim Clyburn’s district, while Alabama’s GOP map also got blocked in federal court—another sign the redistricting push is running into resistance inside the party. Politics Meets Culture: The NAACP’s “Out of Bounds” campaign is drawing fire for urging Black athletes to boycott southern college football over map disputes, turning sports into a political pressure point. Local Business & Growth: North Charleston’s Carver Maritime-related shipping story continues to ripple, and Greenville’s Michelin trade numbers highlight how tires and TVs remain major South Carolina exports. Health & Safety: A Sequim youth soccer collapse ended with CPR and an AED saving a 12-year-old’s life, underscoring how preparedness can change outcomes fast. Industry Moves: CordenPharma is buying AmbioPharm to expand peptide API capacity, adding more manufacturing muscle in North Augusta. Sports Recruiting: Clemson’s 2027 class is starting to firm up with a new commitment, giving the Tigers a top-20 national position early.

South Carolina Politics: The state Senate rejected a GOP plan to cancel South Carolina’s congressional primaries and redo them under revised districts, with lawmakers citing the election already underway as early voting began. Legal & Voting Rights: The push is part of a broader Republican strategy after a Supreme Court ruling weakened minority protections under the Voting Rights Act; a federal court also blocked a similar Alabama map. Auto Industry: Volvo won U.S. approval to keep importing vehicles with Chinese “connected car” technology, a sign of how the rules are being negotiated case-by-case. Local Business & Growth: Buc-ee’s announced its first Arizona store and more Florida openings, while Westminster (Oconee County) received $1.314M for water treatment upgrades. Public Safety: Authorities released identities tied to a deadly Cayce shooting and chase. Health & Economy: A new class action notice targets Gossamer Bio investors, and Mega Millions sits at a $311M jackpot after Memorial Day.