AGP Executive Report

Public Media: SCETV+ launches Oct. 10, bringing local productions, public-affairs shows and cultural programming to a new streaming platform. SCETV will also meet fairgoers at the State Fair, running Oct. 15–25. Live Music: Charleston’s Riverfront Revival canceled its Saturday show because of expected rain and wind. Camden is mourning musician Rusty Davis, who died after a stroke; his son, South Carolina Poet Laureate Patrick Davis, shared memories of their final performance together. ArtFields: Applications are open for Lake City’s 2027 festival, with more than $100,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 grand prize. Artists can apply through Nov. 1, and organizers are accepting public-art proposals for the first time. Arts & Culture: The S.C. Arts Commission’s denial of grants to two LGBTQ+ groups prompted its board chair to announce plans to step down.

South Carolina Star: Columbia native and former Gamecock A’ja Wilson won a record fifth WNBA MVP, becoming the league’s first three-time consecutive winner. Live Music: Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival canceled its Saturday show because of expected rain and wind; the Lowcountry festival was scheduled for Oct. 9–10. Arts & Culture: The South Carolina Arts Commission’s denial of grants to two LGBTQ+ arts groups drew criticism, and its board chair announced plans to resign. Coming Up: The State Fair returns Oct. 15–25 with new food, rides and attractions, while South Carolina Ballet invites audiences to experience “Dracula” through dance. Local TV: SCETV+ launches Oct. 10, bringing local and national programming together on a new streaming service.

Live Music: Riverfront Revival returns to North Charleston Oct. 9–10, with Darius Rucker leading a lineup that includes Nelly, Trombone Shorty and Lowcountry performers, plus local food trucks and arts vendors. Onstage: The Aiken Symphony’s Oct. 23 concert at USC Aiken pairs Mozart’s “Linz” Symphony with Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, featuring soloist Claire Wells. State Fair: New attractions, food and entertainment are on the way, according to the South Carolina State Fair’s latest announcement. Arts Funding: State lawmakers have promised $31 million in additional one-time film-grant funding as South Carolina works to grow its screen industry. Meanwhile, the state Arts Commission chair is stepping down after the board denied grants to two LGBTQ+ arts groups. Local TV: SCETV+ launches Oct. 10, bringing local and national programming together in a new South Carolina streaming service.

Dance: KFA Dance Company is marking 37 years of training young South Carolina dancers, with performances at community events and major venues around the country. State Fair: The South Carolina State Fair has announced new attractions, food and entertainment for this year’s run. Film Industry: State lawmakers have promised $31 million in additional one-time film-grant funding and signaled possible policy changes, a potential boost for productions in the state. Arts Funding: South Carolina’s Arts Commission denied grants to two LGBTQ+ arts groups despite earlier recommendations, drawing concern from the organizations over their exclusion. Live Music: Aiken Concert Band plans a concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Film Incentives: South Carolina legislators say they’ll add $31 million in one-time film grants, while hinting at changes to the state’s film policies. Live Music: The Aiken Concert Band marks America’s 250th anniversary with a concert Oct. 13 at USC Aiken’s Etherredge Center. Festival News: The Black Heritage Festival has announced a lineup for 2027. Arts Funding: The state arts commission’s rejection of grants for two LGBTQ+ arts groups has prompted criticism, and its chair has stepped down. Books: Upstate native Ronnie Vergnolle has released his debut novel, “The Book of Ribbner,” inspired by fishing adventures and questions about humanity’s connection to nature.

Military Justice: Nidal Hasan, convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood killings, is set for a Dec. 3 execution by Army firing squad at Fort Hood—the first U.S. military execution in 65 years. SC Arts & Culture: The South Carolina Arts Commission chairwoman is stepping down after the board voted to deny grants to two Upstate LGBTQ arts groups, including the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and Proud Mary Theatre Company. College Sports (SC): South Carolina coach Shane Beamer got emotional after online attacks spilled onto his teenage daughters following the Gamecocks’ brutal SEC stretch. Pro Sports Business: Fans are questioning the Atlanta Dream’s playoff ticket limits after the team opened fewer seats than the arena’s capacity despite prior sellouts. Entertainment/Media: Skydance CEO David Ellison pushed back on claims he’s politicized the company amid his close ties to the Trump White House. Motorsports: DragChamp Jr. Racer ranks top young drag racers, with Christian Brashier leading the latest list.

College Football Pressure: Shane Beamer addressed the heat on his job after South Carolina’s overtime loss to Kentucky, saying he’s focused on fixing what he can as the Gamecocks head into a Week 6 matchup at Florida. Local Sports Broadcast: The Charlotte Hornets’ preseason opener vs. the Brooklyn Nets will air Tuesday on WMBF’s Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network, part of a multi-market deal. Politics Meets Culture: President Trump used an anti-trans slur in posts attacking South Carolina Senate candidate Annie Andrews, escalating a race that’s already drawing national attention. Entertainment/Local Legacy: Jim Bakker, the Fort Mill-based televangelist behind PTL and “Christian Disneyland,” died at 86, with his wife citing a “broken heart” announcement. Arts & Travel Spotlight: Greenville earned a top-10 spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Best Small Cities list, ranked No. 4. Community & Safety: South Carolina State Transport Police launched Operation Safe DRIVE to crack down on distracted, reckless, impaired and visibility-related crashes on major interstates. Business/Workplace: Pinnacle Financial Partners ranked No. 3 on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list. Public Health: Measles continues surging nationally, with New York declaring an emergency as cases rise in rural areas.

South Carolina Politics & Tech: S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson pressed Flock Safety for answers on its AI, privacy, data access, and retention policies, warning that broad camera reach raises misuse risks. SC Arts & Community: The USC Music Industry Studies program earned Billboard recognition for its hands-on training and student-run label/venue, while SC Arts Commission leadership faced backlash after denying grants to LGBTQ+ groups. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Televangelist Jim Bakker—PTL Club founder and Fort Mill’s Heritage USA figure—died at 86 amid scandal fallout. Sports (SC Spotlight): Florida’s Jon Sumrall vowed accountability after a 45-17 loss to Missouri, with the Gators set to host South Carolina next. Local Life & Housing: South Carolina topped the nation in foreclosure activity, with August filings up 41%, as affordability pressures drive demand for assistance programs. Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak passed 1,000 cases, highlighting how low vaccination rates are fueling major regional surges.

Food Safety: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) sold in 37 states, including South Carolina, because Yellow No. 6 and/or Yellow No. 5 dyes weren’t declared on labels; the FDA lists it as a Class II recall. Arts & Culture: The S.C. Arts Commission chair, Flavia Harton, will resign effective Oct. 16 after the board denied public grants to two LGBTQ+ groups—Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and Proud Mary Theatre Company. Local Tech/Policing: North Augusta is moving ahead with a plan to add a Flock license-plate reader camera on a key corridor, partnering with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Streaming for SC: SCETV+ launches Oct. 10, bundling local South Carolina programming with national public media content in one streaming experience. Politics on TV: South Carolina governor candidates Jermaine Johnson and Alan Wilson debate live Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. (Columbia).

South Carolina Sports Buzz: Kentucky stunned South Carolina 35-34 in overtime after erasing a 17-point deficit, with Will Stein going for two to seal the win and keep the Wildcats rolling in SEC play. College Football Rankings: Missouri surged to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 after routing Florida 45-17, while Alabama moved to No. 6 and Clemson fell after a 41-13 loss to Miami. Local Arts & Community: Charlotte’s Hornets kicked off “The Pull-Up,” a month-long fan tour with stops across North and South Carolina, mixing team appearances with local festivals and venues. Film & Entertainment Industry: A bipartisan push in Congress aims to boost U.S. film production jobs, including incentives for rural communities—an effort that could matter for South Carolina’s growing screen industry. Food & Travel Recall/Plans: Frozen berries sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart were recalled again over possible E. coli risk, while travel roundups highlighted small-town November getaways and Appalachian food-and-fall road trips.

Capital Punishment Fallout: Tennessee’s prison chief resigned after Christa Pike survived a botched execution, leaving the case in the spotlight again. South Carolina Sports Buzz: Missouri jumped to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 after routing Florida 45-17, while South Carolina football chatter keeps circling around Shane Beamer after a tough Week 5 loss to Kentucky. Local Entertainment & Community: The Charlotte Hornets launched “The Pull-Up,” a month of pop-ups and community events across the Carolinas leading to the Oct. 23 home opener. SC Arts Funding Fight: South Carolina’s Arts Commission denied Upstate LGBTQ+ arts groups state grant funding after an initial recommendation, sparking pushback. Film & Media in the Palmetto State: A conservative action flick filmed at a defunct Upstate college campus received SC tax credits, adding fuel to the debate over what gets funded. Health Watch: Doctors renewed warnings about energy drinks for kids and teens, citing risks tied to high caffeine.

Food Safety: Frozen Great Value organic blueberries and Triple Berry Blend, plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic Mixed Berry Blend, were recalled for possible E. coli contamination, with affected lot codes and “best if used by” dates listed by the FDA. Health Watch: Doctors renewed warnings that energy drinks are risky for kids and teens, citing caffeine-linked heart rhythm, sleep, dehydration, and seizure concerns—after a South Carolina teen death tied to energy drink use. Local Arts & Community: The Mermaids and Mateys Festival drew crowds to Folly Beach despite rain, keeping Center Street packed with vendors, live music, and costume contests. State Arts Funding: Upstate LGBTQ arts groups say they were denied South Carolina Arts Commission grants after a vote, sparking claims of discrimination. Sports—Gamecocks Under Pressure: South Carolina fell to Kentucky 35-34 in OT after leading 17-0, reigniting debate over Shane Beamer’s future as the program drops to 0-3 in SEC play. Politics/Time Change: Trump escalated the daylight saving fight by publicly sharing a senator’s phone number to pressure support for the Sunshine Protection Act.

Daylight Saving Showdown: President Trump escalated his feud with Sen. Tom Cotton over the Sunshine Protection Act by posting what appeared to be Cotton’s personal phone number, arguing permanent daylight would boost afternoon light while critics warn winter mornings could get darker and riskier. SEC Football Pressure: No. 24 Kentucky visits South Carolina at 4:15 p.m. in Columbia, with rain and thunderstorms possible at kickoff—while the Gamecocks face mounting heat after a rough SEC start and a Dylan Stewart suspension following an on-field incident. WNBA Culture Clash: Indiana Fever coverage keeps circling Caitlin Clark’s playoff run, including backlash and debate over a public apology tied to comments involving A’ja Wilson. Local Tragedy: In Ladson, a mother was charged with homicide by child abuse after two young girls were found dead from starvation and dehydration during a welfare check. Road Safety Update: I-95 reopened after a massive fog-linked pileup near Lake Marion shut down southbound lanes for hours. Sports Betting Buzz: Week 5 promos and odds coverage is everywhere, with Alabama–Mississippi State and other top matchups driving heavy attention.

Local Arts Funding Fight: The South Carolina Arts Commission denied grants to Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus and other Upstate LGBTQ+ groups, with critics calling it discrimination and raising First Amendment concerns. College Sports Discipline: South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart was suspended indefinitely after punching an Alabama player and arguing on the sideline; the SEC also issued a one-game suspension. Film & Music in the Palmetto State: “American Pickers” is coming to South Carolina in November, and the state is also pushing to grow the film industry as a federal incentive bill advances. Classical Music Event: A free piano concert featuring John Noel Roberts runs 2–4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Burnet Presbyterian Church. Outdoor & Community Events: Tryon’s TRIFF brings four days of independent film, and Belton’s Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival is set for Oct. 3. Coastal Conservation: An old boat off Little River is being sunk to restart South Carolina’s artificial reef program. Sports TV/Weekend Watch: Kentucky vs. South Carolina (Oct. 3) has viewing options and matchup notes for Gamecocks fans.

Community Fundraiser: The S.C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs is hosting a SCDVA 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 10 (8–11 a.m.) at Strictly Running in Columbia, with proceeds benefiting the South Carolina Veterans Trust Fund. Online Safety: Officials are urging parents to talk about online safety after a federal case alleging an online predator used Roblox to target an 11-year-old in South Carolina—experts recommend reviewing privacy settings and keeping devices in shared spaces. Local Business Growth: Jeff’s Bagel Run opened its 40th and 41st locations, expanding to new communities in Georgia and Florida while continuing growth across multiple states, including South Carolina. Healthcare Expansion: Solis Mammography is expanding breast imaging access in the Charleston area through a new joint venture with HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital, adding services like 3D mammography and ultrasound. Education Spotlight: Horry County Schools Scholars Academy in Conway earned a 91.11% FAFSA completion rate, recognized statewide for college-and-career readiness. Upstate Arts & Dining: A Greenville restaurant roundup highlights new independent concepts arriving this fall, with local chefs sharing top Charleston food picks.

Film & TV Industry: South Carolina is pushing to grow its Upstate film scene as a federal film-production tax credit proposal advances, with the state Film Commission pointing to training partnerships and new incentives to bring more consistent, full-time work. Nuclear Workforce: USC and Westinghouse announced a nuclear workforce development partnership tied to USC’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center, aiming to train operators and support advanced construction and manufacturing. College Sports Policy: South Carolina lawmakers are reacting as the U.S. Senate passes major college sports rules, including a national framework for athlete pay, transfers, and eligibility that could reshape NIL-era competition. Public Health & Trust: Whitmire residents are questioning notification timing after drinking water violated state standards due to treatment equipment failures that drove up disinfection byproducts. Local Arts & Community: Lander University will host the American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit, bringing interactive history programming to the campus and region. Sports Betting Buzz: Week 5 college football coverage keeps rolling, with multiple SC matchups drawing heavy odds and prediction attention.