Advanced Manufacturing in the Palmetto State: 3D Systems is teaming with Savannah River National Laboratory under a CRADA to speed up additive manufacturing for nuclear, energy, and national security uses, with work spanning new materials, AI-driven process tuning, cybersecurity, and workforce training. Local Tech Meets Big Power Politics: Spartanburg County’s nearly $3B South Pine data center and private power plant project is still moving despite resident and legal pushback, after South Carolina regulators ruled it doesn’t face the same public power-plant review because the electricity is for private use. Workforce & AI Readiness: Commentary argues South Carolina needs to pair AI training with real entry-level jobs that let people grow, warning that automation can replace the “learning role” if employers don’t redesign how beginners develop. Public Health & Safety Tech: A reminder on Project Lifesaver follows the Pawleys Island death of 5-year-old Saylor Hayes—authorities say the transmitter wasn’t being worn when she wandered, underscoring how fast tracking can matter. STEM & Community Research: The Daniel Island Historical Society won a $15,000 SC250 grant to use ground-penetrating radar and excavation to uncover Revolutionary War-era links on the Cainhoy Peninsula.
AGP Executive Report
Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
Cybersecurity & Housing: HUD’s new 36-hour cyber-incident reporting push comes as ransomware hits public housing harder, with South Carolina’s Regional Housing Authority cited in reporting tied to Orova activity and exposed portal credentials. Aviation Modernization: South Carolina National Guard took delivery of the first HH-60M Black Hawk, bringing a digital cockpit, stronger engines, and health-monitoring upgrades for day/night medical missions. Health Research: Medical University of South Carolina researchers report self-policing T-cell approaches that reversed newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes in mice by reprogramming immune protection around insulin-producing cells. Defense/Industry: Needling Worldwide and KBR Commercial Security & Cyber Services announced a partnership bundling compliance certification with physical security and cybersecurity operations. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Foxquilt launched an admitted errors & omissions insurance product with availability expanding to South Carolina and other states. Public Safety Tech: A South Carolina search for a missing 5-year-old ended with authorities saying the child wasn’t wearing her Project Lifesaver transmitter, after it was found inside a vehicle at the family’s Virginia property. Defense Contracting: NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic awarded a $128M NATO interim modular facility construction contract for Norfolk.
Nuclear Expansion in SC: USC plans a Nuclear Innovation Center in its engineering college and is seeking $100 million in state funding, aiming to grow applied research, nuclear workforce training, and partnerships with industry and federal agencies. Port Competitiveness: South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will study deepening the North Charleston Terminal to boost capacity and logistics. Rare-Earth Supply Chain: Cyclic Materials secured $75 million to expand rare-earth production infrastructure, accelerating a hub-and-spoke network tied to defense and manufacturing needs. Cancer Research: MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researchers report a “one-two punch” strategy for triple-negative breast cancer by blocking LOX and then targeting a backup survival pathway in preclinical models. Public Health Access: A MUSC-led study finds nearly one-third of women in their 20s have never been screened for cervical cancer, with the share of never-screened women rising over time. Tech & Safety in SC: Greenville County’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit uses K9 Scooby to detect hidden devices tied to child exploitation tips flagged via automated hashing and AI. Local Tech Oversight: Colleton County fired another lieutenant after unauthorized Flock camera searches, and SLED is investigating potential criminal conduct.
Climate & Insurance: A Washington Post analysis says “surplus” homeowner insurance with fewer protections is surging in weather-hit states, with fast growth in California, Florida, Texas and South Carolina as insurers retreat from extreme-disaster risk. Public Safety Tech: In South Carolina and beyond, Flock-style automated license plate readers are drawing backlash over privacy and data access, with lawmakers and residents pushing back as cameras spread. Health Access: Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center report cervical cancer screening gaps are widening, with nearly 1 in 3 women in their twenties never screened by 2023. STEM & Industry in SC: Cyclic Materials secured $75M to expand rare-earth recycling and domestic production infrastructure, including a South Carolina campus. Higher Ed Buildout: USC says it’s driving major construction and enrollment growth, including a new healthcare campus and plans for an engineering-and-energy district. Local Life & Safety: A missing 5-year-old girl was found dead after wandering near a Pawleys Island rental, and a Greenville County woman accused of stabbing a Lyft driver 11 times was denied bond.
South Carolina Tech & Research: USC researchers report a new way to turn brain-support astrocytes into neuron-like cells using a “Nano-Eraser” gel that delivers an antibody to reduce PTBP1, with early lab results showing electrical activity and neuron-like behavior—an Alzheimer’s-focused step that could reshape regenerative approaches. Global Industry & Innovation: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met 3M CEO William Brown on the sidelines of the G20 in Asheville, urging deeper 3M investment in India’s R&D, advanced manufacturing, and local supply chains, while also raising data security and talent integration. Local Environment & Conservation: Publix pledged $1 million to The Nature Conservancy for projects in Florida and South Carolina, including runoff-control tech for the Indian River Lagoon and restoration of native pine forests in SC. Public Health: Doctors are urging parents to double-check kids’ back-to-school vaccinations as misinformation and declining MMR rates leave more children vulnerable. Tech Policy & Privacy: A South Carolina investigation highlights how license plate reader cameras can spread across neighborhoods, raising concerns about surveillance and garaging/address misreporting in auto insurance.
Neuroscience Breakthrough: University of South Carolina researchers used a polymer “Nano-Eraser” gel to deliver an antibody that lowers PTBP1 in astrocytes, turning them into neuron-like cells with electrical activity in lab tests—an approach aimed at future Alzheimer’s therapies. Rare Earth Supply Chain: Cyclic Materials secured $75 million to scale rare-earth recovery, including accelerating a South Carolina recycling campus and expanding its hub-and-spoke network. Advanced Manufacturing for Defense: 3D Systems and Savannah River National Laboratory launched a CRADA to develop additive manufacturing materials and processes for nuclear energy and national security, including radiation-tolerant and high-temperature components. PFAS Scrutiny on Farms: A Yale scientist is mapping PFAS “forever chemical” hot spots tied to South Carolina sewage sludge applied to fields, raising questions about long-term risks to nearby communities. Tech Policy & Consumer Rights: South Carolina’s right-to-repair advocates warned that software locks and subscription models are eroding ownership, pushing for easier repair access. Local Tech Oversight: A South Carolina investigation found Horry-Georgetown Technical College inflated more than 80 grades without faculty consent, spotlighting governance and accountability in education. Public Safety Tech Debate: Reporting in South Carolina raised concerns about license plate reader cameras and how garaging/address and vehicle-use data can affect auto insurance rates.
NASCAR Chase Returns: Ryan Preece’s Daytona win set the full 16-driver field for a 10-race postseason that starts Sept. 6 at Darlington, with the new format rewarding season-long consistency instead of “start over” elimination runs. Rare Earth Supply Push: Cyclic Materials raised $75M to speed rare-earth recycling and magnet separation, including a South Carolina campus slated for groundbreaking in Q4 2026. Nuclear-Grade 3D Printing: 3D Systems and SRNL are teaming up on advanced additive manufacturing for nuclear energy, critical infrastructure, and national security, targeting high-temperature and radiation-tolerant materials. Water & PFAS Watch: A Culligan ZeroWater study ranked Columbia 31st among college towns for lead, while finding no PFAS detections in the measured categories—another reminder to track local drinking-water risks. Tech Ownership Fight: South Carolina delayed SNAP soda/candy restrictions to November after a court blocked similar moves elsewhere, while a right-to-repair group warned software locks are eroding consumer ownership. Public Safety & Accountability: SLED charged an Orangeburg officer accused of punching a detainee and slamming them into a brick wall. Health & Environment: A Yale-linked report flags PFAS concerns tied to farm sludge spreading, and a new tool (PLoPP) aims to better identify paint microplastics in the environment.
Rare Earth Push: Cyclic Materials secured $75M to speed rare-earth recycling and refining, with a South Carolina campus planned for late 2026 and Arizona operations starting mid-2026—aimed at boosting domestic supply for AI, semiconductors, defense and more. Health Tech & Research: A new gel-based approach reportedly turns brain-support cells into neurons and is already working in Alzheimer’s mice, pointing to a potential route for neuron replacement. Neuroscience Breakthrough: The same Alzheimer’s-focused study highlights how coaxing cell fate could help address the lack of natural neuron regrowth. Public Health & Environment: South Carolina farm sludge is under fresh scrutiny as a Yale scientist maps PFAS “forever chemical” hot spots tied to biosolids spreading. Local Infrastructure: SC Ports and the U.S. Army Corps will study deepening the North Charleston Terminal channel to improve competitiveness. Consumer Tech Rights: A South Carolina right-to-repair group warns subscription and software locks are eroding ownership, using a Myrtle Beach stop on a national tour. Wildlife Watch: Joro spiders are spreading through the Smokies, and officials want sightings documented.
Battery Recycling Boost: Nth Cycle, a Burlington battery-recycling startup, won a DOE grant worth up to $100M to build a South Carolina refining facility (“Project SHIELD”) that could recycle up to 24,000 metric tons of lithium-battery “black mass” annually, targeting operations by 2029 and using electricity-based processing to cut pollution. SNAP Rules Pause: South Carolina delayed its SNAP soda/candy restrictions to Nov. 1 after a federal court blocked similar limits in five states; USDA also cited required Federal Register notice and public comment. Microplastics ID Tool: Researchers unveiled PLoPP, a paint-particle toolkit combining a spectral library, visual guide, and machine learning to better tell paint-derived microplastics from other plastics in environmental samples. Port Deepening Plan: SC Ports and the U.S. Army Corps (Charleston District) signed a feasibility study agreement to deepen the North Charleston Terminal approach from 48 feet, aiming to improve competitiveness. Child Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17B over 10 years and change Facebook/Instagram features tied to teen addiction claims. Medicaid Work Rules Risk: A new study finds nearly 20% of eligible adults in Medicaid expansion states may struggle to meet 80 work-hour reporting requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027.
Hate-crime enforcement: Hollywood, S.C. is moving ahead with a hate crime deterrence ordinance after a first council reading, setting up jail time and fines for convictions. Public safety tech backlash: Asheville’s pushback against Flock license-plate cameras is spreading, with the city voting to remove its cameras and end its contract, while South Carolina reports also highlight teens accused of damaging Flock units. Child-safety tech regulation: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement tied to alleged addictive design on Instagram and Facebook, with new protections for teens and tighter age controls. Health & research: A USC-linked study reports a way to regenerate neurons from other brain cells in Alzheimer’s models, and South Carolina health officials report a “brain-eating amoeba” case involving a teen. Environment & conservation: Publix donated $1M to The Nature Conservancy to restore 4,000 acres of South Carolina longleaf pine forests. Workforce training: UNCP’s first MSOT cohort completed its program, aiming to meet growing occupational therapy demand. Local science watch: Clemson Extension is asking residents to report cotton jassid sightings as the pest expands.
Data Centers & Power Rules: South Carolina regulators unanimously approved a nearly $3 billion Spartanburg data center, ruling the private project isn’t covered by the state’s Utility Siting Act because it won’t export power to the grid. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: A FOX Carolina investigation found South Carolina has few guardrails for automated license plate reader cameras, with lawmakers nationwide pushing rules on access, misuse, and retention. Local Tech Accountability: Three South Carolina teens were arrested after allegedly cutting down and hammering Flock cameras until batteries caught fire in Chester County. Advanced Manufacturing: Savannah River National Laboratory and 3D Systems launched a CRADA to speed up 3D printing for nuclear and national security needs, including AI-enabled process optimization and cybersecurity. Historic Preservation: Charleston County extended a moratorium for historic Lowcountry communities for 24 months to help protect long-standing neighborhoods. Community STEM/Health Research: A University of Arkansas team secured a $2.16 million NIH grant for systolic heart failure work in partnership with MUSC. Digital Life & Kids: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate child-safety settlement, including major Instagram/Facebook usage limits and nighttime blocks.
Surveillance & Privacy: Tempe, Arizona says it’s removing Flock automated license plate reader cameras, citing “risk of misuse,” after reports of misuse nationwide including in South Carolina. Public Health & Tech Accountability: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B to 47 states (plus territories) over child-safety claims tied to addictive Instagram/Facebook design, with required youth-use changes. Local Science in SC: Clemson researchers in Florence are developing reduced-allergen peanuts by targeting the main peanut proteins that drive most allergic reactions. Health Trends Watch: S.C. experts warn excitement over “peptides” is outpacing science, with concerns about an unregulated market and unsupervised use. AI Workforce in SC: USC expands its AI curriculum with Vurvey to give students hands-on experience using human-simulating AI tools used by major brands. Energy & Manufacturing: 3D Systems and Savannah River National Laboratory launch a CRADA to advance 3D printing for advanced energy and national security. Weather: NOAA and the Old Farmer’s Almanac point to a warmer, wetter-than-normal fall in South Carolina, with a strengthening El Niño possibly shaping conditions.
Child Safety Tech Policy: Meta agreed to pay 47 states plus D.C. up to $17.1B and add major teen protections on Instagram and Facebook; South Carolina’s share is pegged at at least $247M and possibly up to $350M, with court approval still pending. Neurotech & Health Research: USC researchers report engineered nanoparticles (Nano-ERASER) that convert astrocytes into neurons in Alzheimer’s mouse models, improving cognition and reducing inflammation and amyloid-beta. Nuclear Innovation in SC: A new “Atoms for Appalachia” update spotlights how South Carolina and neighbors are planning for advanced nuclear to spur economic development and meet future power demand. Transportation Tech Recognition: The rebuilt Sgt. Elbert Kinser Bridge won regional honors for technology and innovation after Hurricane Helene, highlighting rapid, design-build recovery. Marine Bio Watch: North Carolina wildlife officials ask the public to report blue land crab sightings as the nonnative species spreads along the Carolinas. Education Pathways: A South Carolina-focused roundup argues two-year programs and targeted degrees are where many students see the best ROI. Local Leadership: Laurens County named Air Force veteran Dale Williams as Veterans Affairs Director.
Big Tech Child-Safety Overhaul: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a landmark $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims, with South Carolina set to receive about $247M and Meta required to add age checks, default teen time limits, overnight feed limits, school-hour notification blocks, and other protections. State Politics & Policy: In South Carolina’s GOP Senate special runoff, Darline Graham defeated Ralph Norman, with reporting highlighting President Trump’s endorsement and campaign boost as key factors heading into the general election. Local Tech & Business: The Lee Company said it’s expanding manufacturing capacity with a new Rock Hill, SC facility, aiming to increase production of precision fluid-control components and add skilled jobs. STEM & Innovation Spotlight: The 2026 InnoVision Awards named multiple Upstate finalists, including Clemson University for new organic field pea varieties and Clemson-linked AI accessibility work via Quick Connect. Data Centers & Real Estate: A major U.S. data center portfolio tied to a Singapore REIT is being marketed for sale, underscoring continued demand for large-scale capacity.
SC Senate Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP Senate nomination in South Carolina’s runoff, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman after President Donald Trump’s endorsement and campaign push—setting up a November matchup with Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews. Public Health: Pennsylvania confirmed two measles deaths in Lancaster County, the first in 35 years, with both victims unvaccinated as cases surge nationwide amid falling vaccination rates. Privacy Tech: Asheville voted to terminate its Flock Safety license-plate camera contract after residents raised privacy and misuse concerns; the debate mirrors similar actions in South Carolina cities. Consumer Tech & Energy: South Carolina’s Department of Consumer Affairs rolled out a “Thinking About Solar?” webinar and guidance on contract rights, cancellation rules, and how to vet solar providers. Workforce & Education: Fort Mill named its 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year, highlighting district investment in classroom and tech support.
Healthcare Innovation: A Fralin Biomedical Research Institute team reports an oral radiation-protection therapy for mice, using milk-derived extracellular vesicles to deliver a peptide that shields healthy tissue while keeping radiation’s cancer-killing power. Public Health Alert: Louisiana confirmed a rare Naegleria fowleri “brain-eating amoeba” case after an 8-year-old died following freshwater exposure, renewing focus on prevention in warm lakes and rivers. AI & Retail Tech: Lowes Foods and other regional grocers at GroceryNEXT say they’re leaning on AI, automation, and loyalty personalization to compete with big chains—without huge IT budgets. Autonomous Safety: Guident says robotaxi growth still needs a human-in-the-loop layer, and it’s expanding remote monitoring/teleoperation partnerships that include deployments across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Energy Materials: DOE awarded up to $500M for battery recycling and critical-mineral processing, including projects aimed at refining “black mass” and building recycling capacity. South Carolina STEM/Workforce: intelliSystems added Ryan Henry as a technology consultant covering Georgia and South Carolina, targeting cybersecurity and IT strategy for growing businesses. Local Science Education: Clemson held its inaugural veterinary medicine white coat ceremony, marking the start of a new SC training pipeline for animal health professionals.
Medical Education & Care: Prisma Health is hosting a free Aug. 26 webinar, “Taking Control of Heart Failure,” with cardiology experts discussing symptoms, treatment advances, and when to seek care. Local Tech & Privacy: Mount Pleasant Police says it uses Flock automated license plate reader cameras with 18 fixed units plus four movable cameras, stressing no facial recognition and a seven-day retention limit. Public Safety Tech Review: Greer temporarily suspended its Flock system for 90 days to review effectiveness and privacy impacts after reports of misuse by former officers. Energy Innovation: North Carolina and South Carolina’s “Carolinas Grid Modernization Engine” won an NSF Regional Innovation Engines award, with $15M initial federal funding and potential for up to $160M over a decade. Workforce & Industry: Greenville Tech opened a $32M welding center to meet workforce demand, and the state’s technical colleges continue expanding training capacity. Higher Ed Growth: Lander University is moving ahead with plans for a major student housing expansion adding about 300 beds. Food Safety: Federal and state officials are investigating a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to imported jalapeños, with hundreds reported sick across many states including South Carolina. Health Risk Alert: A rare “brain-eating amoeba” case in Louisiana (Naegleria fowleri) continues to highlight the danger of warm freshwater exposure.
South Carolina Rail Leadership: Palmetto Railways named Tarek “T” Ravenel president and CEO, effective Sept. 8, succeeding Patrick McCrory, as the state-owned line expands freight and industrial rail links tied to the Port of Charleston and a new North Charleston intermodal yard. Solar Manufacturing Shift: ES Foundry says it will move from PERC to n-type solar tech, while keeping PERC as the near-term manufacturing foundation during a ramp-up at its Greenwood facility. Workforce Pipeline: The South Carolina Technical College System touts a $6.4B annual economic impact, with manufacturing driving most new job growth and health care facing a major worker gap. Public Health Watch: CDC data show measles vaccination exemptions among U.S. kindergarteners rising sharply since 2019, while South Carolina’s community vaccination efforts continue amid national concern. Food Safety Recall: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprout lots after illnesses tied to E. coli and salmonella across multiple states. Tech & Security: Sen. Tim Scott warned China is fueling U.S. opposition to AI data centers, arguing projects should be built only where communities back them and operators cover power and water costs. Community & Learning: SCETV’s “Safe Space” returns with “Finding Community,” focusing on youth mental health and support networks across the state.
AI & Energy Politics: South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott says China is fueling U.S. backlash against AI data centers, arguing projects must be built only where communities want them and operators should pay for electricity and water instead of shifting costs to residents. Healthcare Tech: Novant Health is expanding primary care in North and South Carolina with AI-enhanced virtual options, including 24/7 access and tools that streamline intake and answer patient questions using medical records. Privacy & Surveillance: A new pushback wave continues around AI license-plate reader cameras like Flock, with South Carolina localities weighing bans, suspensions, and tighter rules after concerns about misuse and transparency. Nuclear Risk Talk: Experts warn Trump’s “57 nuclear weapons” remark could weaken deterrence and trigger proliferation debates in South Korea and Japan. Public Health: Measles cases are rising nationwide, with South Carolina among states seeing outbreaks, raising renewed focus on vaccination and who’s most at risk.
USC Nuclear Push: USC is asking South Carolina for $100 million to create a Nuclear Innovation Center in Columbia, aiming to grow nuclear research and a trained workforce for reactors and advanced manufacturing. Education + AI: Charleston schools are piloting AI literacy training for students and teachers, focusing on how to use tools safely and spot flaws. Public Health Watch: Measles cases are rising nationwide, with South Carolina among states reporting outbreaks, as experts point to vaccination gaps and exemptions. Workforce + Training: Greenville Tech opened a $32M welding center to meet worker demand, while PC’s School of Pharmacy welcomed its Class of 2030 with a White Coat ceremony. Local Growth: Jasper County’s population jumped 6% and officials are expanding parks, trails, and youth recreation to keep up. Surveillance Debate: South Carolina cities and counties are weighing license-plate camera systems like Flock amid privacy and misuse concerns. Health + Food Safety: A multi-state alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to E. coli and Salmonella has reached 15 states, including South Carolina.
Sign up for:
South Carolina Sci-Tech Wire
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.