AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Policy: The White House says it will send $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Carolina, starting in October, arguing Biden-era “user fees” inflated premiums. Energy & Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports Halifax County’s lowest regular price at $3.64/gal (week ending Sept. 5) while Lenoir County’s lowest diesel hit $5.24/gal; premium prices also varied, with Craven County’s lowest premium at $4.31/gal. Mining & Environment: NC DEQ will hold an Oct. 13 public hearing on Carolina Lithium’s draft air quality permit for its Gaston County lithium mine and processing operation. Defense & Aviation: The U.S. Navy awarded KestrelX up to about $10M for low-observable target aircraft and engineering support, with work split across Florida and New Bern, NC. Local Business/Real Estate: Raleigh bar owner Liliana Ballance bought the building housing William & Company and LaVeladora for $2.7M, adding ownership to her hospitality footprint. Public Safety: CDC warns rabies exposures and post-exposure treatment use rose this summer, with some treatment errors reported.

PFAS Accountability: North Carolina reached a historic $590 million settlement with DuPont and Chemours over contamination from the Fayetteville Works facility, with $455 million going to the state and 11 local governments over 10–15 years and a $135 million cleanup reserve to support long-term drinking-water and well-filtration needs. Community Service Funding: NC AG Jeff Jackson and a coalition of states secured a deal blocking further AmeriCorps cuts, protecting funding and participants for FY2026. Tax Policy Fight: Nonprofits and allies are pushing back on two November ballot amendments—a proposed income tax rate cap and property tax levy limits—arguing they’d permanently constrain state revenue for essential services. Local Politics & Growth: Southport is weighing a 15-month data center moratorium as voters and candidates debate impacts on infrastructure and utilities. Energy Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in the Triangle and across the state, with multiple counties reporting lowest regular or diesel prices for the week ending Sept. 5.

PFAS Accountability: North Carolina reached a nearly $500 million settlement with Chemours, DuPont and Corteva over PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River, with most funds headed to affected municipalities and the deal described as the state’s biggest environmental damage payment. Energy & Grid Readiness: Climavision opened its 15-state radar and forecasting platform to AI data centers and utilities as PJM pushes large users to secure power by June 2027, aiming to reduce outages during extreme weather. Local Development: Raleigh is moving a small Ashe Avenue rezoning near Pullen Park toward approvals that could bring a cafe or bakery without adding off-street parking. Education & Efficiency: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students urged net-zero building upgrades and rooftop solar to cut rising utility costs, arguing efficiency should be designed in from the start. Manufacturing Spotlight: Two Alamance County-made products advanced to the semifinals of the NC Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in NC,” including HI-CHEW Fantasy Mix and the FourTrax Foreman 4x4. Public Safety: A fatal-cause investigation continues after a sedan rollover shut down much of I-485 in northwest Charlotte, sending three people to the hospital. Health Policy: Trump announced $500 refund checks for nearly 1 million ACA marketplace enrollees in 30 states, including North Carolina. Business Growth: The Brothers That Just Do Gutters opened a new Raleigh location, expanding a family-run gutter-focused franchise.

Aviation Safety & Liability: Federal investigators say cockpit recordings show an Amazon cargo pilot repeatedly warning the aircraft was too fast and urging a go-around before the Miami runway crash that killed five workers; the other pilot allegedly didn’t consistently respond, and a wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed against Amazon, 21 Air, and the pilots. Energy & Workforce: Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $180,000 in workforce training grants to nine South Carolina technical colleges to expand construction-related programs and certifications. Local Energy Costs & Politics: Experts warn high gas prices could weigh on voters in upcoming midterms, as Trump signals oil prices may not fall soon. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports several North Carolina “lowest” weekly prices, including Beaufort midgrade at $3.93 and Buncombe midgrade at $3.85 for the week ending Aug. 29. Climate & Land Use: A North Carolina peatland restoration push aims to stop drained peat from drying out, burning, and releasing large carbon emissions. Small Business Procurement: NC’s Department of Administration is seeking input to reshape the Small Business Enterprise Program after the legislature ended the Office for Historically Underutilized Business. Youth Safety: NCAST is recruiting teen ambassadors to spread safe-driving messages statewide, with scholarships and event stipends. Transportation Infrastructure: NCDOT/Ferry Division holds public listening sessions on new ferry tolls set to begin Jan. 1, with no exceptions allowed under the new law.

AI & Safety: Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon quits, warning the industry is racing toward self-improving systems that could spiral out of control. Public Finance & Growth: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argues the U.S. can “grow its way out” of debt with 3% annual growth, pointing to manufacturing and AI-driven spending. Health Data & Pharma Services: IQVIA plans a $2B senior notes offering to refinance 2026 notes and fund debt reduction. Building Products: Cornerstone Building Brands appoints Matthew Garth as CFO, effective Sept. 14, overseeing finance and IT. Small Business Contracting: “The Collective” will hold a statewide town hall and press conference Sept. 10 in Greensboro urging NC to set small-business goals in state contracting after the HUB Office closure. Local Infrastructure: Davidson County Schools approves a $121,170 chiller for North Davidson Middle as parents push for restored cooling. Data Center Governance: Halifax County commissioners set an Oct. 19 legislative hearing on a potential data-center moratorium. Consumer Litigation: WebRecon reports July consumer case filings down across most categories, with FCRA still rising. Real Estate: A historic Fletcher property, “The Meadows,” hits the market for $750K with adaptive-reuse potential. Energy/Coastal Tech: Ocean Power Technologies will demo its WAM-V maritime drone in Duck, NC, for Army surf-zone operations. Food Supply: God’s Pit Crew calls for donations to restock empty shelves amid rising food insecurity in Piedmont NC and Southside Virginia.

Energy Infrastructure & Manufacturing: Gaon Cable says its first export into Canada’s public power grid came via medium-voltage cable deliveries to a major western Canadian utility, with plans to scale North American supply using its North Carolina manufacturing arm. Local Governance & Land Use: Durham residents urged commissioners to tighten its data center pause, arguing smaller facilities still drive major energy and environmental impacts. Public Safety (Schools): Wake County is considering expanding stop-arm cameras on buses to cut illegal passing and reduce stop-arm crashes. Disaster Recovery: FEMA announced nearly $33 million for North Carolina Helene repairs, including road/bridge work via NCDOT and storm-damage fixes in Laurel Park and Spruce Pine. Community & Development: Fayetteville has started hiring its first Downtown & Urban Development Manager to coordinate downtown growth and day-to-day problem solving. Business/Jobs Training: NC East Alliance won a USDA grant for the ENC Retail Academy, targeting Windsor, Ahoskie, and Plymouth with market analysis and retail recruitment support. Public Finance: An NC Lottery audit found sales surged to $6.6B in FY2025, but education’s share fell to 16%. Transportation Projects: NCDOT plans a Hill Street closure in Asheville starting Sept. 13 for I-26 Connector bridge and roundabout work, with impacts expected through end of 2027.

Local Infrastructure: Cornelius residents are asking why crews are clearing trees far beyond power lines on West Catawba Ave and Westmoreland Rd; EnergyUnited says it’s tied to the planned West Catawba widening, with power lines not being buried due to a roughly $7M cost. Economic Development: Watauga County commissioners rescinded a $12,000 incentive offer to Rootsii after the company accepted a deal elsewhere, while also honoring longtime community leader Lowell Younce. Data Centers: Yadkinville and surrounding areas face new pressure after Unifi properties are set to be sold for data center use, with a county moratorium applying only outside municipalities. Workforce & Training: Nash Community College reports rising fall enrollment, driven by demand in electrical, industrial and technical programs and stronger regional pathways for adult learners. Energy & Buildings: A new analysis says NC public school rooftops could generate power equivalent to nearly 150,000 homes, though projects would still need site-by-site review. Business & Finance: TD Bank opened a larger Ballantyne office as it pushes to grow in Charlotte. Aviation Safety: Federal investigators continue probing the deadly Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport, including the role of airport safety systems.

Aviation Safety: The NTSB is leading a major investigation into an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-300F crash at Miami International Airport that overran the runway and killed five, with investigators recovering the cockpit voice and flight data recorders and warning operators to implement safety recommendations. North Carolina Industry Link: The flight was operated by 21 Air, a cargo airline based in Greensboro, and the crash has already triggered broad travel disruption and scrutiny of airport safety systems. Tech & Telecom: India has joined a US-led alliance of 25 nations to shape next-gen 6G network development and security, with talks tied to the G20 Innovation Ministerial held in Chapel Hill. Manufacturing & Poultry Tech: Raleigh-based TARGAN says it’s expanding globally its AI-powered hatchery technology, now operating in multiple countries and planning further growth after a Merck Animal Health acquisition deal. Energy & Costs: Gas prices remain volatile heading into Labor Day, with AAA reporting NC averages near $3.85 for regular and drivers citing record highs; meanwhile, GasBuddy spotlights the lowest E15 and diesel deals in several counties. Public Safety: Wilmington renewed focus on pedestrian safety after two Labor Day weekend fatalities, as Vision Zero efforts aim to reduce deaths on major corridors. Health & Agriculture: North Carolina health officials say nearly 300 people may have been exposed to rabies after baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive, prompting vaccine recommendations.

Aviation Safety & Logistics: Federal investigators are laying out plans to determine what caused an Amazon Prime Air cargo jet operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air to overrun a runway at Miami International Airport, killing at least five and injuring five as the Boeing 767 struck vehicles and burned; the NTSB says its chairwoman will brief Monday, with early focus on landing distance and whether the aircraft touched down too far down the runway. North Carolina Business & Data Centers: Vertiv is moving ahead with its $1.45B acquisition of Raleigh-based UtilityInnovation Group to expand microgrid controls and behind-the-meter power for data centers, aiming to help operators secure power faster. Energy Infrastructure: Duke Energy is mapping out a major Carolinas power future with a massive solar push, more gas, and new nuclear—an update that will matter for manufacturers and logistics operators planning for long-term electricity costs. Workforce & Community Support: Hunger crisis coverage highlights worsening food insecurity in North Carolina as food banks face more demand and federal cuts, with Feeding America data showing 1 in 7 residents unsure where their next meal will come from. Local Government & Tax Policy: Yadkin County leaders are again pursuing a sales tax referendum for the November ballot to fund economic development, schools, and emergency services after prior attempts failed. Healthcare Quality: Alderwood of Davidson County earned a five-star CAHPS Hospice Survey rating, a signal for families choosing end-of-life care locally. Commercial Power Services: Morgan Master Electrician is expanding Western North Carolina commercial and industrial electrical support across Buncombe and Henderson counties.

Aviation & Logistics: An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport, killing at least five people and injuring five others after striking vehicles and bursting into flames; the aircraft was operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, and investigators are gathering details as crews also dealt with a fuel leak and a major airport shutdown. Education Policy: Charlotte-area districts are starting school earlier than state law allows, with 11 districts beginning before the Monday closest to Aug. 26 despite rare enforcement—another sign of local boards pushing back on the state calendar. Aerospace Manufacturing: Airbus says it still aims to build 12 A350s per month by 2028, but delivery delays point to production bottlenecks tied to its Kinston, N.C. composite structures facility. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows Davidson County’s lowest premium price at $4.25/gal (week ending Aug. 29), with statewide premium averaging $4.60; diesel averages also remain elevated. Public Works & Community: NCDOT’s Fall Litter Sweep runs Sept. 12–26, inviting volunteers to help clear roadside trash statewide.

Public Safety: Rockingham police say a months-long drug investigation led to arrests after a search warrant at 907 Briggs Blvd. turned up MDMA, about 10.3 pounds of marijuana, firearms (including an AR-15 pistol and a switch), and packaging materials; authorities also allege two young children were in the home. Food & Consumer Pressure: A Food Bank of Central and Eastern N.C. report says food insecurity across its 34-county region is now above pandemic levels, with nearly 630,000 people lacking consistent access to food and pantry visits up sharply. Fraud & Scams: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Apex logged five scam reports in July, tying for 33rd among 242 N.C. cities; counterfeit product scams and online non-delivery were among the biggest loss types. Transportation & Travel: Amtrak warned of Labor Day weekend cancellations and delays at major stations, including Chicago–St. Louis service disruptions tied to weather. State Policy & Industry: N.C. lawmakers are looking ahead to how to regulate intoxicating hemp products as federal rules remain in flux and a national ban was delayed. Weather & Power: Storms hit central N.C. over the holiday weekend, knocking out power for thousands of Duke Energy customers in multiple counties.

Severe Weather & Power: A stormy Labor Day kickoff brought down trees, damaged a home and knocked out power for thousands across Wake and nearby counties, with Duke Energy reporting outages in Wake, Chatham, Lee, Moore, Cumberland and Sampson. Infrastructure Recovery: Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene washed out a bridge, Samaritan’s Purse helped replace the crossing for 12 Henderson County families, restoring a permanent route. Rural Agriculture: Surry County’s pumpkin and apple growers say conditions are lining up for a strong fall harvest despite earlier weather swings. Transportation Policy: OBX counties are pushing back as NCDOT rolls out community meetings on new ferry tolls, including opposition to tolling on currently untolled routes and calls for waivers for locally registered vehicles. Energy & Industry: North Carolina policymakers are weighing how to regulate intoxicating hemp products as federal rules remain in flux, with state lawmakers preparing for possible future cannabis changes. Tech & Power Generation: A broader U.S. push for small nuclear reactors highlights microreactor plans that could support rural energy needs. Public Safety: Charlotte saw another electrocution death tied to Maplecrest Drive, adding to a summer pattern of serious electrical incidents. Food Safety: An E. coli blueberry recall expanded to frozen berry products sold in multiple states, including Walmart items.

Jobs & Inflation Politics: The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in August, but President Trump reacted with frustration over inflation and interest-rate concerns, underscoring how strong hiring isn’t calming political pressure. Fuel Costs in NC: GasBuddy reports one Lenoir County station hit the week’s lowest premium price at $4.29/gal (Aug. 29 week), while statewide premium averages rose to $4.60. Infrastructure & Construction: NCDOT says Interstate 40 repairs through the Pigeon River Gorge after Helene will now cost about $2.8B and push full reopening to late 2029, driven by deeper bedrock drilling needs. AI, Data Centers & Community Tension: At a G20 tech event in Chapel Hill, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged more data centers, while protesters outside warned of water and air impacts and questioned job promises. Election & Mail Voting: North Carolina begins wider mail-ballot distribution for the midterms amid court fights over Trump’s limits, with officials saying ballots will still go out as planned. Consumer Safety: A frozen berry E. coli recall expanded to more stores and states, including Walmart listings, adding to ongoing food-safety watch items. Local Business/Workforce: Greenville’s Better Skills, Better Jobs Fair returns Oct. 1 at the convention center, targeting adult jobseekers and high school students with 110+ employer and training partners.

Mail Voting Fight: A federal judge again blocked Trump’s USPS mail-voting restrictions, saying the rushed rule could disenfranchise millions; the administration is expected to appeal. Transportation Finance: Charlotte-area cities may have to repay nearly $70M to the state for the I-77 South toll lane project after NCDOT spending totals were released, with a renewal vote looming. Public Safety & Health: Baxter issued a voluntary recall of IV saline and other meds in multiple states including North Carolina due to potential fiberglass contamination; separately, Walmart expanded a frozen berry recall tied to E. coli to 16 states, including NC. Local Business Disruption: A fire gutted Forest City’s old Farmers Hardware building, displacing nearby shops as owners search for temporary locations. Manufacturing & Jobs: Boater’s World Manufacturing Group plans a Beaufort County waterfront campus in Chocowinity, targeting 179 jobs and $6M+ investment, while a former owner sues over alleged lease violations. Agriculture & Food: Todd Kirmss of Holt Orchards was named NC Apple Farmer of the Year at the Apple Festival in Hendersonville, and the High Country Farm Tour returns Sept. 12 with six farms and a winery. Hospitality: Western NC chef Taylor Montgomery won the statewide Chef Showdown, adding to his recent James Beard recognition.

Regional Access & Conservation: Ashe County officially took ownership of the Deep Ford River Access Park, a ~3-acre site meant to become the first formal public access to the North Fork of the New River near Lansing, following a partnership with The Conservation Fund and New River Conservancy. Public Safety & Health: North Carolina is tracing potential rabies exposure tied to baby goats from a mobile petting zoo, as multiple states issue new rabies warnings after infected animals are detected. Food Supply Chain: Walmart expanded a recall of Great Value frozen berry products sold in 16 states, including North Carolina, over possible E. coli contamination; FDA says no illnesses are linked to this specific lot. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices hit a new U.S. record amid Middle East disruption, squeezing farmers and other North Carolina-linked businesses. Defense & Data Privacy: The U.S. military disabled advertising location trackers on computers and phones after concerns that commercially sourced location data could be used to target forces. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Davidson County weighed a $1.5M sportsplex funding gap tied to transportation and utility changes, with officials leaning toward keeping all baseball fields while seeking sponsorships.

Healthcare Real Estate: Blue Ridge Health is planning a new three-story medical facility in Hendersonville, buying about two acres on Whitted Street to expand patient care and house the Hendersonville Family Medicine Residency Program. Energy & Utilities: Santee Cooper is asking to intervene in the Dominion–NextEra megamerger, arguing the deal’s impact on South Carolina and regional power planning needs scrutiny as regulators weigh a decision by January 2027. Food Safety: Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) is recalled in 16 states, including North Carolina, over possible E. coli contamination; consumers are told not to eat affected lots. Craft Beer & Tourism: Cape Fear-area breweries picked up awards at the 2026 North Carolina Brewers Cup, highlighting continued growth in the state’s independent craft scene. Rural Economy & Jobs: NC A&T joined an NSF clean-economy initiative (BRIDGES) aimed at turning rural-grown perennial grasses into materials for vehicles, construction, and packaging. Public Safety: North Carolina’s Division of Marine Fisheries is starting a month-long scoping period on sea mullet, with possible future harvest restrictions on the table. Business & Tech: Korea’s industry minister says semiconductor tariff talks with the U.S. continue under an understanding Seoul won’t be disadvantaged versus competitors. Sports/College: UNC football GM Michael Lombardi resigned amid an ongoing school investigation.