AGP Executive Report

Women’s Basketball & HBCU Spotlight: South Carolina’s Dawn Staley will host the PowHER Player Classic over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 28-29) at Colonial Life Arena, bringing in NC Central, Alabama A&M, and Tennessee State, with community and NIL events built around the games. Gamecocks Football Schedule News: USC finalized a tougher 2026-27 slate, including a PowHER Culture Night kickoff dinner (Nov. 27) and a nonconference mix featuring Maryland, North Carolina, Southern Cal, Oklahoma State, and more. Music Tragedy in the Palmetto State: Buckcherry’s tour bus was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Spartanburg County; a 22-year-old Sumter man, John Russell Kolb, died, while the band and crew were reported safe. Fashion Nostalgia: Delia’s is back at South Carolina Target stores via a new partnership line, reviving 90s looks like plaids, florals, and baby-blue/brown palettes. Local Arts Growth: Greenville Center for Creative Arts named its 2026-27 Brandon Fellows, awarding studio space, stipends, and mentorship to four emerging artists. Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a landmark child-safety settlement, pledging changes to Instagram and Facebook. Public Media Recognition: SCETV and South Carolina Public Radio earned 11 nominations for the Public Media Awards.

Appalachian Arts: Photographer Tim Barnwell’s exhibit “The Face of Appalachia” opens Sept. 4 at Mars Hill University, spotlighting five decades of Southern Appalachian culture with a permanent collection planned. Gamecock Sports: Shane Beamer says offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak and edge Dylan Stewart are “doubtful” for South Carolina’s Sept. 5 opener vs. Kent State, while other injury updates point to Brady Hunt being ready. Local Tech & Community: Truvista Fiber rolls out Managed Wi‑Fi Plus Outdoor with eero Outdoor 7, aiming to boost reliable outdoor connectivity for SC homes and small businesses. Youth Sports & Culture: South Carolina women’s basketball and Rae Rose Media team up for the PowHER Player Classic at Colonial Life Arena over Thanksgiving weekend, featuring three HBCU teams plus community service and an NIL marketplace. Big Media Moment: Netflix’s “Death of the Pastor’s Wife” continues to draw attention with new details about alleged abuse in the Mica Miller case. Public Safety/Privacy: SLED reports a Richland County man charged after a vehicle incident pinned a victim between cars, while separate coverage highlights ongoing debate over Flock Safety cameras.

Women’s Basketball: South Carolina is launching the first-ever PowHER Player Classic, an HBCU tournament at Colonial Life Arena featuring Tennessee State, Alabama A&M, and NC Central, with community service and an NIL Marketplace built in. College Sports/Media: Virginia QB Beau Pribula lands in Sling TV’s “Sling the Rock” NIL campaign, joining other top quarterbacks in a skills challenge promoted across social media. Local Community Fundraiser: A Sept. 12 barbecue benefit in Tuxedo will support premature twins Marvel Mae and Weller William, with gospel music, raffles, and a cornhole tournament. Arts & History Online: “Picturing Lincoln” adds a more diverse batch of Civil War-era posters, broadsides, poems, and illustrated letters to its digital collection, including a Charleston Mercury secession broadside. Tech/Entertainment Business: Utopai Studios completes the integration of Utopai East into its Asia-Pacific operation, naming Hyun Park president for the region. Public Health/Student Creativity: SCDES invites ages 9–14 to enter its annual Radon Poster Contest, promoting home testing for the odorless, invisible gas. Pop Culture: Dolly Parton’s death at 80 sparks tributes nationwide, including a longer U.S. mourning period ordered by President Trump.

College Football on TV: ESPN is ditching its BottomLine ticker for 2026 broadcasts, including SEC Network and ABC, aiming for a cleaner look during live action. SEC Offense Watch: In Bill Connelly’s latest SP+ model, Tennessee leads SEC offenses (No. 1), with South Carolina at No. 14 and Alabama at No. 11. Gamecocks Uniform Buzz: South Carolina unveiled new all-black Nike uniforms with shinier/glossier helmets for the Sept. 5 opener vs. Kent State. Local Arts & Community: Richland Library Main hosts Small Mart (tiny art market + Pocket Places tiny-art exhibit) on Aug. 29. Dolly Parton’s SC Impact: Imagination Library has delivered books to 60,000 South Carolina children. Food, Wellness, Culture: Allen University’s Rebirth of Soul event (Sept. 26) blends music, dance, and plant-based empowerment to fund a production kitchen and training center. Sports Spotlight: Royals prospect Um Hyungchan becomes the first South Korean catcher to reach Double-A in the U.S. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: South Carolina is set to receive $245M+ from Meta’s $17.1B multistate deal, with new protections for teens on Facebook and Instagram.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP Senate primary runoff Tuesday, beating Rep. Ralph Norman and securing the nomination to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham on the November ballot—an outcome widely credited to President Trump’s heavy push, including campaign appearances and major super PAC spending. Clemson Football: Vic Burley received a conditional discharge after an Aug. 22 arrest for public disorderly conduct, with requirements to avoid trouble for six months and complete education and community service. Tech & Kids Online: South Carolina is set to receive $247 million from Meta’s up-to-$17.1 billion multistate settlement over alleged child-safety failures on Instagram and Facebook, alongside sweeping safety reforms. Local Sports: The Columbia Fireflies announced a fall scrimmage at Segra Park Oct. 16, with Gamecocks vs. College of Charleston, benefiting Camp Cole. Arts & Culture: Tributes and coverage continue around Dolly Parton’s legacy and her deep South Carolina ties, including memories of her influence on local audiences.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff Tuesday, defeating Ralph Norman and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Annie Andrews—an outcome widely tied to heavy Trump backing and a late surge in support. Dolly Parton Legacy (SC): Tributes rolled in across the Lowcountry and Upstate as the country icon died at 80, with renewed focus on her Imagination Library impact in South Carolina communities. Local Tech & Privacy: Asheville voted to terminate its Flock Safety contract after residents raised privacy and surveillance concerns, adding to the growing debate over license-plate camera use. Sports (SC): Augusta University’s Sara Adams powered a final-round comeback to win the Tiger Classic in Clemson, while the Jaguars shared the team title. Entertainment Buzz: Tina Arena criticized Hayden Panettiere’s mother in a radio interview, reigniting public debate around the actress’s death and the family’s role in the narrative. Business/Community: A South Carolina-related homebuilding deal was announced as Holiday Builders was acquired by Stanley Martin Homes.

Theater & History: Surflight Theatre’s “1776” is drawing audiences with a lively look at the fight for independence—Adams, Franklin and Jefferson pushing for a Declaration that could mean treason if it fails. Sports (SC): Dawn Staley says she doesn’t feel pressure to win another title after back-to-back losses, pointing to a deep 2026-27 Gamecocks roster and a tough schedule ahead. Local Dining: Hickory Tavern in Birkdale Crossing has closed as Artistry Restaurants trims its footprint across the Carolinas. Public Safety & Crime: SLED filed misconduct and embezzlement charges against a former Darlington County deputy sheriff, and separately charged a former Kingstree public works employee with embezzlement and conspiracy. Community & Culture: Ranky Tanky returns with its Gullah-rooted sound, and a new portrait project spotlights Voorhees University GEAR UP students. SC Politics (Runoff): South Carolina’s GOP Senate primary runoff pits Darline Graham against Ralph Norman, with Trump backing Graham.

Beauty & Live TV: Miss USA 2026 heads to Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center on Aug. 27, streaming on Queen Beauty Network (8–10 p.m. ET) with 50-state contestants plus D.C. Music & TV Spotlight: “Nashville” co-stars Charles Esten and others honored Hayden Panettiere at the Grand Ole Opry with an emotional tribute. Celebrity Watch: James Blunt is pushing back hard on rumors he was the “very famous” singer in Panettiere’s yacht memoir story, pointing to timeline issues and resurfaced 2009 photos. Local Arts/Community: Teachers’ out-of-pocket costs are getting relief as non-profits step in with supplies and support. South Carolina Policy & Culture: Berkeley County is weighing a proposed rural zoning plan that would allow smaller lots if developers set aside permanent open space—residents are raising infrastructure concerns. Public Safety Tech: Mount Pleasant is explaining its Flock license-plate camera program and limits on what it collects. Sports (SC ties): South Carolina women’s basketball guard Agot Makeer helped Canada earn an Olympic qualifying spot.

High School Sports: South Carolina’s Week 2 football schedule is out, with matchups kicking off Aug. 27-28 across the state. Music & Pop Culture: Buckcherry’s tour bus was involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-26 in Spartanburg County; the band says members and crew were safe, but one person died. Arts & Community Media: SCETV Safe Space returns with “Finding Community,” a new episode premiering Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., spotlighting youth mental health support across South Carolina. Performing Arts (SC State): The South Carolina State University Concert Choir is gearing up for its next season with at least 25 new freshmen and a fall concert in November. Celebrity News (Greenville): Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, says she saw her daughter “going downhill” after fame and responds to criticism of her mourning. Transportation/Local Industry: Palmetto Railways named Tarek Ravenel as its next president and CEO, effective Sept. 8.

Child-Star Backlash: Anna Paquin renewed the debate on Hollywood’s “presexualized” child-star pipeline after Hayden Panettiere’s death, arguing young performers “were not as protected” as systems promised. Local Music News: Rock band Buckcherry confirmed its tour bus was involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-26 in Spartanburg County; band members and crew were unharmed, and they offered condolences to the victim’s family. South Carolina Politics (Entertainment-adjacent): Sen. Tim Scott backed Darline Graham as “ready for prime time” ahead of her Aug. 25 GOP runoff, following a viral national-security debate stumble. Sports (SC): Women’s soccer opened strong for Mercer with an 8-0 win over South Carolina State, highlighted by a quick hat trick from Zibby Michaelson. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium price in McCormick County at $4.79 for the week ending Aug. 15.

Child-Actor Safety Push: Melissa Gilbert is adding her voice to calls for stronger protections after Hayden Panettiere’s death, arguing Hollywood “uses, abuses, exploits and then throws away” young performers. Local Education Spotlight: Charleston County School District celebrates four high schools ranking in South Carolina’s Top 10, including Academic Magnet (No. 3 statewide, No. 23 nationally). Politics & Power in SC: Pete Buttigieg returns to South Carolina to court Black voters for a potential 2028 run, criticizing redistricting as a threat to Black representation. GOP Runoff Watch: Sen. Tim Scott backs Darline Graham ahead of her special GOP primary runoff after her national-security debate gaffe. Entertainment & Culture: Chineke! and Charleston-area connections help bring a belated premiere of forgotten Black composer Edmund Thornton Jenkins’ “Ballet,” alongside performances featuring Angel Blue. Roadside Tragedy: Rock band Buckcherry says its members were unharmed after a fatal multi-vehicle crash involving their tour bus on I-26 in Spartanburg County. Sports Betting Buzz: Multiple prediction-market promos are circulating for NFL and MLB trades, including Kalshi, Polymarket, and Novig offers. Gas Watch: Darlington County reports the week’s lowest midgrade price at $3.69 per gallon (week ending Aug. 15).

Hollywood & TV: Hayden Panettiere’s death continues to ripple through pop culture, with her estranged mother Lesley Vogel firing back at Gayle King and disputing Brian Hickerson’s account, while Anna Paquin warns that female child stars “were not as protected” as they should be. Music & Live Events: California rock band Buckcherry says its tour bus was involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-26 in Spartanburg County; the band reports no injuries to its members or crew. Local Arts & Community: USC Aiken kicked off its second annual Downtown Takeover with live music, face painting, food, and family activities. Sports (SC college): South Carolina added former Appalachian State cornerback Ethan Johnson after a court ruling kept him eligible to practice immediately. Sports (pro): The New York Liberty beat the Indiana Fever 109-102 in a Barclays Center matchup. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town contest put Conway, SC, in the top 25 finalists, with public voting now open. Sports (NFL): Clemson’s 2026 bowl projection has them in the Gator Bowl, with a matchup vs. Florida in ESPN’s latest forecast.

South Carolina Sports: French national team and South Carolina sophomore forward Alicia Tournebize is sidelined with a finger injury and will miss several weeks as France prepares for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Streaming & Local Pride: Apple TV’s docuseries “The Dynasty: UConn Huskies” spotlights Geno Auriemma’s program-building and why Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd stayed quiet for weeks during UConn’s 2025 title run. College Football Buzz: South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers says he has no fall classes and just needs a driving-range internship to graduate—an unusual setup as the Gamecocks gear up for the season. High School Spotlight: Prep Redzone reports Greenville County commitments including Mack Rambo (St. Joseph’s Catholic) to Washington and Lee and Nigel Rock (Southside Christian) to The Citadel. Community Entertainment: A new Berkeley barbershop is offering free haircuts to honor roll students through its “Fresh for A’s” program. Pop Culture: Anna Paquin is speaking out about the dangers of child stardom after Hayden Panettiere’s death, calling out how young actors weren’t protected.

South Carolina Politics & Rally Buzz: President Trump hit Myrtle Beach to rally behind Sen. Darline Graham Nordone ahead of the GOP Senate runoff, praising her “good gene pool” and urging supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” while a heckler wearing a “kill your local pedophile” shirt was escorted out. Local Education: Lexington-Richland School District Five and Midlands Technical College launched a free dual enrollment associate degree pathway, letting eligible students earn up to 60 college hours with state-guaranteed transfer credits. Arts & Community Craft: Rug hooking is drawing fresh interest, with more men and younger participants joining the centuries-old craft. Entertainment Spotlight (National, with SC ties): Hayden Panettiere’s 37th birthday brought new tributes and fresh details around her death investigation, including claims her boyfriend administered Narcan before CPR. Sports: NASCAR’s Chase is set to begin soon, and college hoops action included Oregon State’s big win over UVic in a two-game set.

Celebrity News: Hayden Panettiere, the “Heroes” and “Nashville” star, died at 36 in Greenville, South Carolina, and her boyfriend Brian Hickerson has broken his silence as the investigation continues; reports say the DEA has joined the probe, while police say there were no signs of foul play and a 911 call referenced an overdose. Brand Backlash: Neutrogena responded to public criticism, admitting it made Panettiere “feel unsupported” during a difficult time after resurfaced comments about postpartum depression. Sports Courts: The NCAA won a Tenth Circuit stay in the eligibility fight for 2022 class athletes, but more lawsuits are expected as the legal chaos keeps spreading. Local Arts & Culture: SCETV and Public Radio will provide live coverage of the Aug. 25 South Carolina U.S. Senate Republican runoff results. Food Safety: Publix frozen berry recalls were upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level, and Canada says there’s no sign the affected products reached Canadian shelves. Community/Entertainment: Charleston’s Drifter Fest returns in September with a community-focused lineup and live music.

UConn to WNBA spotlight: Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd open up about the start of their relationship in Apple TV’s new docuseries The Dynasty: UConn Huskies, with rare on-record comments in the trailer. Hollywood in focus: Hayden Panettiere’s death investigation keeps expanding as her on-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson’s attorney issues a brief statement saying police found no signs of foul play and the probe is ongoing, while Panettiere’s mother again points to a “toxic individual” tied to Hickerson. Brand backlash: Neutrogena breaks its silence, saying it “made her feel unsupported” and pledging investment in community health support after criticism over its past partnership. Local classroom tech: In North Charleston, educators push AI literacy by letting students test chatbots and see how they can produce wildly wrong “maps,” aiming to teach kids not to overtrust the tools. South Carolina sports: Clemson opens the season with a 5-1 upset over third-ranked Furman.