AGP Executive Report

Health Coverage Red Tape: A Florida couple says a switch in coverage left a heart-transplant patient without life-saving antirejection meds, highlighting how approvals and formularies can turn routine paperwork into medical emergencies. Surveillance Cameras Debate: In South Carolina, Irmo council voted to expand Flock Safety cameras despite resident concerns about privacy and potential misuse; elsewhere, Newburgh residents pressed for ending a Flock contract over fears of third-party access. STEM Education: Williamsburg County recognized Kingstree Middle Magnet School of the Arts student Conner Burroughs for completing the GoSciTech Residential Summer Program, while GSSM wrapped another STEM camp. Climate & Insurance: A new report warns coastal South Carolina homeowners could face steep insurance premium increases over the next decade as hurricane and flooding risk rises. Connected-Vehicle Security: A Senate panel advanced a bill targeting Chinese-connected vehicles, with South Carolina’s auto supply chain in the crosshairs. Shellfish Access: Georgetown County’s Hobcaw Barony marsh will open to public recreational shellfish harvesting this fall under a new foundation–SCDNR partnership. Data Privacy & Genetics: South Carolina is set to receive $280,000 from a multistate settlement tied to the 23andMe genetic data breach. Public Health Watch: U.S. measles cases topped 2,260 as summer travel drives new exposure.

Upstate Manufacturing Jobs: Fortified Solar will invest $22.75M in a new Greenville County facility, adding 151 jobs and expanding production of steel solar roofing and building-integrated PV. Defense Tech in SC: UForce and ReconCraft plan to manufacture Ukraine’s Magura unmanned surface vessels in the U.S., using ReconCraft’s Oregon and South Carolina facilities to scale production for U.S. defense needs. Healthcare System Move: Erlanger signed a non-binding letter of intent to partner with Prisma Health, including $2B in strategic capital investments aimed at expanding access and care delivery. Local Tech & Privacy: Charleston County advanced its 2026 Transportation Sales Tax ballot measure, while separate reporting highlights growing public pushback on surveillance tech like Flock cameras in other states. Public Health Watch: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 across 41 states, with South Carolina listed among states not reporting cases in the latest update. AI in Policing Under Scrutiny: A report on Axon’s AI police-report tool finds officers say it can increase paperwork time and produce inaccuracies. Food Safety/Local Business: Detpak opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Spartanburg to supply paper-based food packaging.

AI & Energy Infrastructure: NNSA selected Amentum to negotiate a phased public-private deal for a 1-gigawatt AI data center at the Savannah River Site, backed by about 2 gigawatts of on-site power that would start with natural gas and transition to nuclear. Manufacturing Expansion: Fortified Solar will invest $22.75 million in a new Greenville County facility, adding 150+ jobs to build steel solar roofing systems. Public Health: CDC reported cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 4,173 lab-confirmed cases across 41 states, with more expected as reporting lags. Food Safety: FDA says an iceberg lettuce recall tied to Cyclospora remains in effect after a false-positive test result, with products distributed to 27 states including South Carolina. Local Tech/Policy: South Carolina lawmakers are still split on the state budget, delaying funding for key programs while negotiating earmarks and community projects. Legal/Pharma: South Carolina’s AG joined a multistate $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition. STEM Education: GSSM launched an inaugural A.I. Educator Summer Institute with Google support. Environment & Conservation: Environment groups sued after federal rollbacks to endangered species protections.

Medical Device Push: Lexington County’s ElectroWire Medical got FDA clearance for its LightningWire Transseptal Puncture System, with first in-human procedures slated for August and a limited regional rollout before a wider launch in 2027. AI Data Centers & Power: DOE selected Amentum and DC Blox to build a 1GW AI data center campus with about 2GW on-site generation at the Savannah River site, while South Carolina’s $80M data-center push draws scrutiny over what communities actually get. Local Data-Center Debate: Lexington County is weighing whether to set rules or keep an “open mind” as nearby counties consider moratoriums. Grid Workforce & Innovation: NSF’s $160M Grid Modernization Engine targets 36 Carolinas counties, with York Technical College leading workforce development for a more reliable, modern electric grid. Public Health Alert: Health officials say clinicians should test for Cyclospora in patients with watery diarrhea and related symptoms as tracing continues after a large multi-state outbreak. Food Safety Confusion: FDA traceback work tied the outbreak to iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms, but officials later flagged a “false positive” sample, leaving consumers uncertain. Coastal Conservation: Over 4,000 acres of Georgetown County marsh will open for recreational shellfish harvesting, paired with ongoing reef monitoring and habitat restoration. STEM Research: MUSC researchers report a stem cell approach that reversed newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes in mice by reprogramming the immune system.

Energy Grid Workforce & Innovation: The NSF’s $160M Grid Modernization Engine is taking shape across 36 Carolinas counties, with York Technical College in Rock Hill leading workforce development to help modernize the electric grid and train for new reliability and security needs. AI + Data Centers Scrutiny: South Carolina’s $80M push to attract data centers is drawing questions about power demand and what communities actually get from each project. Battery Safety Research: Rutgers engineers say a new lithium-ion battery current-collector design could make batteries safer and cheaper, with commercialization support via a South Carolina-based consortium. Public Health: Experts warn measles risks are rising as cases climb nationwide, including a reported severe outbreak tied to travel. Healthcare Breakthrough: A MUSC/Georgetown study reports THC+CBD reducing agitation in most dementia patients, adding momentum to nontraditional symptom treatments. Privacy + Policing Tech: Greer fired two officers for misusing Flock license-plate reader data, raising fresh concerns about surveillance and accountability. Local Environment: Murrells Inlet water-quality efforts move forward after a settlement over stormwater runoff monitoring. STEM in the Community: SCETV’s free CTRL+ALT+CREATE event brings hands-on learning and interactive exhibits to families in Columbia.

Public Health: The CDC reports 2,260 measles cases across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the odds of new outbreaks—most cases are tied to existing outbreaks and many involve people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccine status. Cyber & Safety: Experts warn of a rise in “sadistic online exploitation” where predators coerce vulnerable teens into producing child sexual abuse material, often using threats and leverage to drive self-harm. South Carolina Tech & Data Privacy: South Carolina will receive $280,000 from a multistate 23andMe settlement tied to a 2023 genetic data breach affecting 80,000+ residents. Energy & Environment: Lowcountry landowners ask for reconsideration of South Carolina’s approval of the Canadys natural gas power plant, arguing environmental impacts weren’t properly weighed. Health Tech/Devices: Lexington medical manufacturer ElectroWire Medical gets FDA clearance to market its LightningWire transseptal puncture system for heart procedures, with a limited South Carolina launch planned later in 2026. STEM/Space & Weather: A major Perseids meteor shower is set to peak in mid-August, and forecasters flag hot, stormy conditions across parts of the Carolinas and nearby regions.

Weather Watch: Hot, humid conditions are building across South Carolina’s Upstate with afternoon-to-evening storm chances, including the risk of strong to severe weather. Food Safety: A nationwide cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has triggered a 27-state recall that includes South Carolina—health officials warn not to eat affected product. Local Tech & Public Safety: Florence is earning recognition for using drones as a first-responder tool to help cover police staffing gaps. NSF Research Boost: NSF renewed $16M for a North Carolina State University textile innovation push, targeting next-gen materials and embedded sensing tech. Biology Discovery: UNC Charlotte researchers helped uncover a sea anemone antiviral defense system that works in a surprising, opposite way from human immunity. Policy & Conservation: A commentary argues the Endangered Species Act is essential for protecting habitat, after new federal rollback moves. South Carolina Politics: The state election commission says GOP candidates already on the November ballot can also run for the Aug. 11 special Senate primary.

Smart Home & Consumer Tech: The Verge’s “Version History” revisits The Clapper, a viral clap-activated gadget that often failed and could even fry devices—an entertaining reminder that hype isn’t the same as reliability. Military Aviation: Lockheed Martin’s new CF6-based engines for the C-5M Galaxy are credited with boosting fuel efficiency and readiness versus older TF39 powerplants, with Charleston AFB tied to the fleet’s history. Public Safety Tech: Florence, S.C. earns a state award for using drones as a “first responder” tool amid police staffing shortages. Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms expands a 27-state iceberg lettuce recall after cyclospora-linked illness reports; officials urge consumers to discard affected products. Cyber/Surveillance Rights: Reports highlight misuse of Flock-style automated license plate cameras, raising fresh questions about how police use location data. State Policy & Water: Aiken rescinds a voluntary non-essential water reduction request as drought conditions ease. Local Infrastructure: SCDOT plans to replace 12 I-95 bridges in Dillon and Florence counties, with public comments open through Aug. 6. Politics & Archives: USC begins curating Sen. Lindsey Graham’s papers at the South Carolina Political Collections.

Senate Watch: Mitch McConnell’s absence could complicate defense and farm legislation as Republicans juggle a slim 53–47 majority. Water Supply: Aiken rescinded its voluntary non-essential water reduction request after conditions improved. Public Safety Tech: Florence won a state award for using drones as a “first responder” tool to ease staffing strain. Food Safety: Taylor Farms launched a 27-state recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclospora outbreak; consumers are told to discard affected products. Surveillance Cameras: A new report highlights police misuse of Flock automated license plate readers to track people, raising privacy concerns. Transportation Infrastructure: SCDOT plans to replace 12 I-95 bridges in Dillon and Florence counties, with public comments open through Aug. 6. Health & Policy: Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham, shifting South Carolina’s Senate lineup. Weather: Dangerous heat and storm chances are forecast for the Upstate and nearby regions.

Coastal Ecology: Alabama anglers are reporting a surge of “common” snook far beyond their historic South Florida range, prompting University of South Alabama and Dauphin Island Sea Lab researchers to track how fast the fish are spreading from Perdido Bay toward the Florida Panhandle and even Mississippi. Forensics & History: DNA testing has identified Pvt. John Pumphrey, a Revolutionary War soldier who died at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina, ending his “America’s oldest John Doe” mystery after remains were found during battlefield work. Public Health & Research: South Carolina State University is launching a nationwide search for a new provost/vice president for academic affairs after a resignation, with an interim leader overseeing academics while the school looks to boost teaching and research. Digital Safety & AI: xAI has sued a South Carolina man accused of using Grok to generate nonconsensual sexual deepfakes involving children, as legal pressure grows over how AI systems handle harmful requests. Surveillance Oversight: Irmo is weighing a deal to triple its Flock license-plate camera coverage, while residents raise privacy concerns about expanded monitoring.

Public Safety Tech & Privacy: Irmo is weighing a five-year, $403,050 deal to add 22 more Flock license-plate cameras, while officials say the system lacks facial recognition and is used for investigations—amid broader concerns about surveillance creep. Local Governance: Irmo’s push follows other South Carolina-area debates over Flock use, including questions about oversight and how camera data is shared. Higher Ed Leadership: South Carolina State University announced a nationwide search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs after Frederick Evans resigned; Louis Whitesides will serve as interim provost. Genomics in SC: A statewide pilot called In Our DNA SC is rolling out genomic screening to 50,000 adults, aiming to flag inherited risks for major diseases early. Health & Consumer Protection: South Carolina joined a multistate settlement with 23andMe over its genetic data breach, with the state receiving $280,000 from allowed claims. Policy & Justice: Beaufort County indicted seven people in connection with the July 4 Coligny Beach shooting, with charges centered on assault and battery after prosecutors’ strategy shift. Space Watch: NASA says the Perseids meteor shower peaks in mid-August, with South Carolina stargazers urged to look before dawn for the best fireballs.

Revolutionary War DNA ID: DNA from bones found at the 1780 Battle of Camden has identified Pvt. John Pumphrey of Maryland—“America’s oldest John Doe”—giving the soldier a name and setting up a new headstone. Public Health Watch: USC epidemiology researcher Brandon Hollingsworth warns of a possible Cyclospora outbreak tied to raw produce; symptoms can lag 10 days to two weeks, and South Carolina reports 16 cases this year (8 in the Upstate). Cannabis & Dementia: A Georgetown University-led trial reports THC/CBD significantly reduced agitation in late-stage dementia patients over 12 weeks. Local Tech & Privacy: Greer fired two officers for improper use of Flock license plate readers; Bluffton police also defended the cameras as investigative tools, not facial-recognition surveillance. South Carolina Industry: EPC Power opened a new Fountain Inn facility to make grid-scale power inverters for utilities and AI data centers. Defense Contract: NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic awarded nearly $488M for F-35 and CH-53K facilities at MCAS Cherry Point, with work through 2030. Housing Pressure: A new study finds home insurance is consuming a growing share of monthly housing costs in many states, worsening affordability.

AI & Health Policy: The U.S. Senate rejected a Democratic push to end CMS’s WISeR AI prior-authorization pilot for Medicare, keeping the program alive as critics warn it could delay or deny care. Public Safety Tech: Bluffton police defended Flock license-plate readers, saying they capture still images of vehicle plates on public roads and do not use facial recognition or video. State Science Infrastructure: South Carolina opened a new joint public health and environmental laboratory in Columbia, expanding testing capacity for health and environmental work. Local Tech & Trade: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) cut the ribbon on an expanded U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, aiming to boost international passenger and cargo operations. Cyber & AI Misuse: xAI sued a South Carolina man in federal court, alleging he used Grok to generate child sexual abuse deepfakes, marking a rare case of an AI company suing a user over alleged output. Nuclear Oversight: Nuclear watchdog groups asked the NNSA for more detail on whether new plutonium pits are actually needed, as a public comment period nears its deadline.

AI & Safety: xAI sued a South Carolina man, Terry Wayne Harwood, alleging he used Grok to create sexualized deepfakes and child sexual abuse material, seeking damages and a permanent ban. Public Health: The CDC reports measles cases are surging to 2,231 nationwide, with 93% tied to unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status—raising alarms for summer travel and gatherings. Local Tech & Industry: EPC Power opened a new Fountain Inn manufacturing facility to nearly triple inverter production for AI data centers, creating 275 jobs. Renewables Research: South Carolina State University earned national recognition for solar-hydrogen education and workforce development research. Energy Infrastructure: Dominion and NextEra filed to combine, aiming to meet growing power demand across multiple states including South Carolina. Border Operations: Columbia Metropolitan Airport opened a new U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility for inbound air cargo and business aviation. Wildfire Science: A South Carolina nonprofit is intentionally burning houses to study how wildfires spread and how to better protect communities. Weather Watch: South Carolina faces another hot stretch with heat index values near or above 100°F.

Upstate Power Supply: EPC Power opened a new 167,000-square-foot inverter factory in Fountain Inn, nearly tripling production to meet AI data center and grid stability demand, creating 275 jobs. Clean Energy Research: South Carolina State University researchers showcased solar-hydrogen education and workforce work at the American Society for Engineering Education conference, earning national recognition. Medical Tech in Trials: Viz.ai will support the MINUTE trial using its AI imaging and care-coordination tools to speed ultra-early treatment decisions for basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage. Dementia Care: A new trial presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reports a purified THC/CBD combo sharply reduced agitation in late-stage dementia for most patients. Privacy & Policing: Two Greer officers were fired for violating policy on Flock automated license plate readers, reigniting debate over surveillance safeguards. Public Health & Data: South Carolina joined a multistate settlement over the 23andMe genetic data breach, with limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate. Energy Industry: NextEra and Dominion filed to combine, seeking approvals from multiple regulators including South Carolina’s commission. Weather Watch: Another round of intense heat is forecast for July 16, with humidity pushing feels-like temps near 100 and pop-up storm chances.

Rural Broadband Push: South Carolina’s Commerce Department says Rural Broadband Grant and Rural Initiative Grant work has delivered high-speed fiber to 21,644 homes across 21 underserved counties, using $30 million of a $65 million rural fund and adding 2,041 miles of cable. Public Health Lab Upgrade: The state opened a new joint public health and environmental laboratory in Columbia, a 140,000-square-foot replacement for a nearly 50-year-old facility, expanding newborn screening, infectious disease testing, drinking water analysis, and rapid response to chemical or biological emergencies. Energy Storage Deal: Fluence and Avantus agreed to deliver an energy storage solution and EPC services for the Rexford 2 project, pairing a 200 MW/800 MWh battery with solar and using US-made components. Tech in Policing Under Scrutiny: Greer fired two officers after an internal review found misuse of Flock automatic license plate recognition cameras, raising questions about safeguards. Measles Warning: The CDC reports 2,231 measles cases in 2026, nearly matching last year’s total with months still left in the transmission season. Local Infrastructure Uncertainty: Residents in Ware Shoals are pressing for answers as the dam owner moves toward surrendering the federal license, but hasn’t decided whether to breach the dam.