AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Protection Business: Creative Outdoor Solutions (Wilmington) bought Port City Hurricane Shutters, adding 20+ years of coastal shutter know-how and aiming for better pricing for homeowners across coastal North Carolina. Local Government: Brunswick County commissioners held their first special-use permit hearing after state law shifted development power from the planning board, a change that’s already reshaping how rezoning and permits move. Tech, Jobs, and Politics: Prysmian announced a $1B+ fiber optic expansion in Claremont, adding 385 jobs, while North Carolina’s new budget includes a $5M digital credential project tied to a politically connected vendor—raising questions about procurement and influence. Courts and Consumer Tech: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson is part of a 29-state case pushing Meta to change Facebook/Instagram design for kids, with a federal trial focused on alleged addictive features. Public Health: Officials in Alamance County sought a rabid fox after a companion tested positive, urging anyone exposed to start post-exposure treatment. Education: A teacher argues the new state budget boosts pay on paper but leaves experienced teachers behind and cuts key resources. Business & Community: OpenRoad Insurance expanded to 40 states, including North Carolina, for classic-car coverage.

UNC Health Ventures: UNC Health rebranded Rex Health Ventures and launched UNC Health Ventures, expanding its corporate venture capital push to back emerging healthcare companies across North Carolina. Healthcare Hiring: Baptist Health Medical Group welcomed general surgeon Robert Farrell, adding bariatric and minimally invasive options and accepting new patients in Elizabethtown. Local Fraud Watch: Randleman logged just one BBB Scam Tracker report in July, but still landed in a statewide tie for 123rd among 242 NC cities. Data Centers & Community Impact: Rowan County commissioners held a “crash course” on data centers tied to its moratorium rules, while Charlotte set a public town hall on Aug. 20 over data center costs and where facilities are sited. Transportation Safety Rules: North Carolina’s new e-bike classifications are prompting local safety discussions, with cities and counties gaining more authority to regulate riders. Food Safety Recall: Lidl pulled a specific wok spice mix lot in nine states and D.C. after lab testing found Salmonella. Climate & Coasts: Scientists say human-caused climate change is driving record European sea heat, raising risks for marine life and coastal communities.

Endangered Species Act Rollback: Eastern North Carolina riverkeepers warn Trump-era ESA changes could narrow what counts as “harm,” leaving species like Neuse River waterdogs, Carolina madtoms, and Tar River spiny mussels more exposed to industrial impacts. Camp Lejeune Justice March: Toxic water survivors plan a Wednesday walk from Freedom Fountain to Baby Heaven in Jacksonville as hundreds of thousands of Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims still wait for answers. Local Business & Growth: Corebridge and Armstrong Capital are partnering to buy Raleigh’s Townridge Shopping Center, while Gregory Poole opens a Greenville Caterpillar shop and ECU Health hits 100 GammaTile brain-tumor procedures. Tech, Education, and Policy: Society for Science selects 100 educators for a $326,000 Advocate Program; the Pentagon orders 30 universities to audit foreign research and financial ties. North Carolina Politics & Courts: Gov. Josh Stein vetoes election and judicial bills, including changes tied to chief justice authority. Immigration: An Indian-origin green card holder detained by ICE despite a judge dismissing her deportation case.

Public Safety & Transit: A new North Carolina state audit of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) flags major gaps, including weak fare enforcement, security shortcomings, and failure to follow Federal Transit Administration safety guidelines after a fatal 2025 light-rail stabbing. Elections: Gov. Josh Stein vetoed House Bill 958, calling it “anti-voter” for cutting early voting and expanding voter-roll maintenance and post-election audits; House Republicans say they plan to try to override. Community Well-Being: Union County Parks is rolling out “Happy to Chat” benches to reduce loneliness, with a kickoff at Cane Creek Park Aug. 21. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including North Carolina, due to possible listeria contamination. Business & Jobs: FedEx’s “Network 2.0” overhaul is accelerating closures of hundreds of U.S. package facilities, with major workforce impacts.

North Carolina Wine Wins Big: The state’s wine, cider and mead makers earned top honors in the 2026 N.C. Wine Competition, with Hinnant Family Vineyards taking the Muscadine Cup, Sanctuary Vineyards winning the Vinifera Cup, Honeygirl Meadery capturing the Mead Cup, and a tie for the Cider Cup. Election Law Showdown: Gov. Josh Stein is expected to veto House Bill 958 during a “Protect Our Vote” event, arguing it would shorten early voting and allow ballot challenges soon after Election Day—though Republicans could still override. AI Data Center Expansion: WhiteFiber Inc. agreed to acquire a North Carolina property for up to $60M as it pivots from crypto mining to AI-focused GPU data centers. Public Safety & Crime: Police recovered about $258,000 in stolen copper wire from a J.B. Hunt trailer in North Carolina after a multi-jurisdiction cargo theft probe. Higher Ed Policy: Sampson Community College must certify compliance with a new state law restricting DEI initiatives at public colleges and universities. Local Business & Growth: HomeTrust Bancshares announced an all-stock deal to acquire Blue Ridge Bankshares, expanding into Virginia markets.

Local Fraud Watch: Jacksonville tied for 13th among North Carolina cities in July BBB Scam Tracker reports, with nine complaints and phishing the most common scam type. Public Health Oversight: FDA inspections in Durham County found one company (Cancer Diagnostics, Inc.) needing voluntary action after a July visit; in Wake County, two companies were inspected, including one with no action indicated. State Politics & Voting Rules: North Carolina lawmakers approved two election bills, including changes to early voting, audits, and campaign reporting, sending them to Gov. Josh Stein. Community & Education: Ashe County elementary schools will receive a Daniel Boone children’s book set, supported by tourism and Duke Energy Foundation funding. Business & Growth: Spectrum and Optimum expanded local news access, with Spectrum News coming to Optimum TV customers in Texas and North Carolina soon. Housing Development: Mecklenburg County is suing to dissolve its Brooklyn Village partnership with BK Partners, putting a decade-long redevelopment plan in jeopardy. Health & Safety: A new “Have I Been Flocked” website lets drivers check whether their license plate was searched in Flock Safety’s camera system.

Budget & Medicaid Dental: North Carolina’s new state budget left two confusing paragraphs that could affect Medicaid dental billing for procedures at ambulatory surgical centers, and even the state’s Medicaid dental director says he needs more guidance to interpret the “sunset” language. Local Water Accountability: Chatham County residents packed a meeting opposing an Enbridge natural gas pipeline, urging commissioners to use every legal tool despite limited local authority over permitting. Utilities & Infrastructure: In Pender County, more than 1,500 residents who paid for future water hookups in the 1990s still lack service, and commissioners are weighing whether to refund them. Public Health Alerts: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including North Carolina, over possible listeria contamination. Health & Safety: A CDC-linked study found nearly 40% of adult blacklegged ticks in a western North Carolina town tested positive for Lyme-causing bacteria, raising concerns about missed diagnoses. Sports & Community: North Carolina high school football rule changes emphasize stricter enforcement on head-slapping and equipment details.

Public Safety & Health: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup kits in 29 states, including North Carolina, after possible listeria contamination; no illnesses confirmed. Invasive Species: North Carolina heat could speed spotted lanternfly spread, since warmer temps help invasive insects develop and reproduce faster. Health Watch: A CDC study found nearly 40% of adult blacklegged ticks in a town outside Asheville tested positive for Lyme bacteria—raising concerns that Lyme may be underrecognized in the region. Local Government: Henderson County has mailed 2026 property tax bills, due Sept. 1, with interest starting Jan. 6, 2027. Politics: Democrats approved a 2028 presidential primary calendar that puts South Carolina first and Nevada early, aiming to test candidates with Black and Latino voters and union members. Business & Community: Flavor Hills announced it’s closing its Downtown Raleigh and Durham locations immediately. Scams: BBB Scam Tracker lists Oxford among NC cities with phishing reports in July.

State Health Care Oversight: NC Treasurer Brad Briner says running the state employees’ and retirees’ health plan is his toughest, most time-consuming job, after inheriting a $507 million budget hole and pushing providers and plan members to contribute more. Public Safety & Community: Pitt County’s Grifton held its first National Night Out with the sheriff’s office, aiming to strengthen police-community ties through block-party style events and local resources. Consumer Safety: The FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest risk level after salmonella sickened dozens across multiple states, with most cases tied to Texas. Local Sports & Culture: Kinston’s Stonington Farms is launching a country music fest for Labor Day weekend, while Grifton and other communities keep rolling out arts and family events this week. North Carolina Politics: Coverage continues around NC’s congressional and statewide races, including the ongoing debate over prisoner-release decisions and campaign attacks.

State Budget Breakthrough: After more than a year of deadlock, North Carolina finally passed a $34 billion budget, including pay raises for teachers and law enforcement and tax cuts, while leaving some big proposals like a Raleigh baseball stadium unfunded. Public Health Recalls: Walmart shoppers are being told to check for recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible listeria contamination, sold in 29 states including North Carolina; a separate Lidl wok spice mix recall is also tied to potential salmonella. Local Infrastructure: Caldwell County won a $1.5 million Golden LEAF grant to extend sewer service to the Foothills Regional Airport Industrial Park, a key step toward industrial development. Water Resilience Planning: Lenoir’s council will consider moving forward on a $24.8 million Lenoir-Valdese water interconnect to improve emergency backup and reliability. Tech & Privacy: New Hanover County is reevaluating how long it stores license plate reader data after national scrutiny and Flock Safety policy changes. Education & Jobs: Durham Tech reports a surge in students pursuing health care, IT, and trade careers, while Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians opens fall registration for youth traditional-instrument classes. Politics: Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley keep campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat, with polling showing Cooper ahead but possible tightening.

State Supreme Court Showdown: Gov. Josh Stein and top GOP leaders will argue Nov. 10 in consolidated cases over Stein’s appointment power, with briefs due Sept. 2 and Oct. 30. Energy & Housing Costs: North Carolina’s rooftop solar installs plunged after the federal 30% tax break expired, but installers say sales are rebounding as bills rise and incentives shift. Public Health Alert: Walmart recalled a refrigerated Marketside tomato bisque soup kit in 29 states due to possible Listeria; the use-by date is Aug. 22, so some could still be in fridges. Privacy vs. Policing: Wilmington is taking four Flock Safety license plate readers offline amid national backlash and misuse allegations, while the company says it’s tightening safeguards. Local Government & Growth: Raleigh filed a friend-of-the-court brief in a casino zoning fight, warning the Supreme Court’s ruling could reshape zoning lawsuits statewide. Community & Workforce: A CCCC biotech networking event highlighted local alumni careers, and a New Bern calibration lab opened for nationwide ISO-accredited tool testing.

Duke Energy Rate Fight: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson says Duke Energy Progress gave wrong figures under oath, arguing the residential increase would be 9.3% (not 6.8%) and vowing not to sign the settlement. Health & Care: NCCU cut the ribbon on the nation’s first HBCU AI institute building, while a judge cleared the way for a trial against HCA over alleged shortfalls after the Mission Hospital sale. Privacy vs. Policing: Flock Safety rolled out new safeguards for its license-plate camera network after backlash, including shorter data retention and limits on unusual searches. Public Safety & Justice: A youth coach in Hudson was sentenced after investigators found more than 1,300 files of child sexual abuse material. Community & Local Impact: Wilmington is set to use $1.5M in federal grant money to inventory and protect its urban forest, and Surry County residents push back against an N.C. 89 road expansion that could force dozens of homes and businesses to move. Business & Jobs: Wolfspeed’s investor suit was tossed, and Taycte launched its first private-label products.

Privacy & policing: Flock Safety says it’s rolling out updates aimed at stopping officers from misusing license plate reader data, after mounting public backlash and misuse allegations. Elections: An Elon University poll shows Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley for the U.S. Senate seat, with Cooper holding a big familiarity edge. Healthcare costs: A new comparison highlights how hospital consolidation can drive up prices, with a knee replacement costing far more at Mission Hospital than at a nearby facility. Food & wages: A GAO report finds major retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, employ workers who rely on SNAP and Medicaid, raising fresh pressure on “low-wage” practices. Local environment: The N.C. Forest Service awarded $5.6 million for urban forestry projects across 19 municipalities. Drought: Brunswick County remains the worst-hit area as drought eases in parts of the state but recovery is still slow. Business: DermCare Management and U.S. Dermatology Partners completed a deal to combine operations into a large multi-state dermatology group.

Deer Disease Watch: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold an Edgecombe County informational meeting on chronic wasting disease after new detections, outlining updated surveillance rules and what hunters need to know for the upcoming deer season. Power Bills Fight: N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson says he won’t sign a Duke Energy Progress settlement that would still raise residential rates about 6.8%, arguing it’s too high and pushing for stronger protections for ratepayers. Utility Cost Pressure: Dominion Energy is seeking another monthly cost increase for North Carolina customers tied to coal ash pond closures and energy programs, with a proposed Feb. 1, 2027 start. Workforce Funding: The NCWorks Commission approved 43 community college programs for the first round of Workforce Pell Grants, aiming to expand short-term training that leads to jobs. Urban Trees: The N.C. Forest Service awarded $5.6 million for urban and community forestry projects across 19 municipalities. Local Tech Debate: Flock license-plate cameras are sparking privacy concerns in Harnett County, with residents and officials weighing public safety benefits against personal privacy. Solar Upgrade: A new bill could make rooftop solar and home battery installs cheaper and easier in North Carolina.

State Politics & Elections: A new report argues the Trump administration is trying to entrench power by disrupting the 2026 midterms, raising alarms about election safeguards. Hemp Policy: Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) pushed to keep a federal hemp crackdown from taking effect on Nov. 12, but the Senate voted 61-32 to table his amendment—leaving the fight split across Congress and the NC legislature. Public Safety & Local Government: Wilmington is joining a statewide pilot aimed at improving nightlife safety and coordination across alcohol rules, transportation, tourism, and licensing. Healthcare & Costs: North Carolina says it won’t change the childhood vaccine schedule despite a White House push, while a separate healthcare series highlights how hospital monopolies can drive up prices. Business & Jobs: Ashe County won a $267K grant for industrial park shell buildings, and Duke Energy rate hike hearings are back on the radar. Community & Culture: The NASCAR All-Star Race is set to return to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2027.

Healthcare & Medicaid: Durham Medicaid providers billed $440,985 for “drugs administered other than oral method” services in 2024, up 43.4% from 2023, while Cary saw orthotic procedures jump to $3,258 in 2024. Higher Ed & Policy: UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts defended the university’s 2024 Equality Policy, saying “Carolina is for everybody” as DEI offices were closed and positions cut or realigned. Animal Welfare: Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and Tractor Supply are donating $255,000 nationwide to shelters through the Mutts Across America program. Local Government & Courts: A North Carolina appeals case weighs whether a state agency had authority to set rules for concealed handgun training tied to local permits. Public Safety & Utilities: Rocky Mount residents question ongoing utility disconnections during record heat after reports of deaths following power cutoffs. Business & Jobs: Cape Fear Valley Health won a $1.6 million Duke Endowment grant to expand maternal and infant health screening and referrals. Community & Education: Four NC colleges landed on LinkedIn’s 2026 top 50 list for long-term career success, with Duke ranked No. 2.