AGP Executive Report

Science & Democracy: Stand Up for Science announced endorsements for pro-science candidates, including North Carolina’s Jamie Ager in the 11th District. Voting Rights: North Carolina voters will decide in November whether to add voter photo ID requirements for all ballots to the state constitution, with an Elon University poll showing broad support among likely voters. Workforce & Rural Economy: With a looming worker shortage, North Carolina is leaning on community college initiatives to close the gap—especially for rural employers. State Politics: A major GOP Senate super PAC is pausing ad spending in North Carolina’s Senate race, where Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley in polls. Jobs & Industry: Caterpillar plans a $1 billion Sanford expansion, targeting nearly 2,000 new jobs. Food Access: Food Bank of the Albemarle unveiled a “smart locker” for online grocery pickup in northeastern North Carolina. Local Recognition: High Point’s JH Adams Inn renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation for inclusive hospitality.

Election & Voting Access: A lawsuit says the Trump administration secretly changed an overseas voting postcard, making it harder for some U.S. citizens abroad to register; separately, Alamance County will keep Sunday early voting while other NC counties drop it ahead of the Oct. 15 start. Campaign Politics: In Wilmington, Roy Cooper pushed his “Make Stuff Cost Less” message on groceries, health care, housing and tariffs, contrasting himself with Michael Whatley. Public Safety: Raleigh police and ALE investigated a sweepstakes parlor, seizing illegal gambling equipment, firearms and motherboards; five face felony charges. Energy & Climate Policy: A coalition led by state AGs is challenging EPA rollbacks of greenhouse gas limits for power plants. Local Economy & Jobs: Caterpillar plans a $1B Sanford expansion. State Services: NC DMV ends license plate stickers and printed registration cards, moving to digital registration. Education & Workforce: Hyde County Schools partners with WGU North Carolina for flexible degree pathways for staff. Community & Culture: Southport marks one year since a waterfront mass shooting with memorial trees and a vigil.

Climate & Courts: New York AG Letitia James led a 25-state coalition suing the Trump administration over EPA moves that dismantled greenhouse gas limits for many power plants, arguing the rollback will mean more pollution and worse extreme weather. North Carolina Politics: A rematch for an NC House seat is set up after a tight prior race, with Democrats and Republicans both treating the district as a potential swing. Domestic Violence Awareness: Gov. Josh Stein declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, urging North Carolinians to wear purple on Oct. 15 and share #WearPurpleDay. Healthcare & Local Services: Vaya Health and Partners Health Management merged to form Vaya Partners, aiming to integrate care for more than 225,000 members across 47 counties. Business & Jobs: Okuma America promoted Summer Cline to CFO, while North Carolina-linked manufacturing investment news continues to roll in across the region. Community & Safety: A Roanoke Rapids family’s attorney says a bullying/hazing investigation is ongoing after a student-athlete was injured, with the family focused on healing and safety.

Trade & Tariffs: U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer urged G20 ministers to curb “coercive” food trade moves, tackle industrial overcapacity, and revisit the post-WWII tariff system—while again targeting China’s subsidies and excess production. Midterm Politics: New reporting highlights growing GOP doubts about Senate wins in Georgia and North Carolina as Trump’s approval sinks and Iran-linked economic pressure weighs on Republicans. Immigration Enforcement in NC: North Carolina agencies required to sign ICE cooperation deals are now doing so, including the State Highway Patrol, expanding state participation in immigration enforcement. Education Funding Watch: WUNC’s I-Team found the Opportunity Scholarship Program has expanded sharply, with more than $589 million in taxpayer funding going to over 106,000 students in 2025-26. Local Public Safety: Henderson County detectives arrested four women and seized 15 gambling machines and about $9,900 in cash after a Flat Rock-area search. Business & Jobs: Caterpillar announced about a $1 billion North Carolina expansion, and Wake County leaders warned growth is straining housing and schools.

Economic Development: Caterpillar says it will invest about $1 billion in a new Sanford manufacturing facility to expand its Cat Compact business, with plans for a modern plant and more than 1,950 jobs. Public Health & Safety: In Jackson County, advocates urged commissioners to support syringe service programs, citing concerns about overdose rates and reports of discarded needles and accidental needle sticks. Cybersecurity: North Carolina’s AG is among officials tied to a multistate Labcorp settlement over a 2019 data breach involving AMCA, highlighting ongoing vendor-data risk. Education Funding: NC school finance leaders told a state panel that complex funding rules and delayed budgets make it harder for districts to plan and shift money to urgent needs. Healthcare Research: Creedmoor Centre Endocrinology in Raleigh joined FOMAT’s network as the group’s first North Carolina and endocrinology-focused research site. Politics & Crime Messaging: A report says Republicans’ heavy spending on “crime” ads in key races, including North Carolina, is struggling to land as national violent-crime trends stay low.

Midterms & Voting: Thousands more voters have registered across western North Carolina ahead of the 2022 midterm totals, with Henderson and Haywood counties already surpassing last cycle numbers as election officials warn about misleading voter registration info. Outer Banks Travel Disruptions: N.C. Highway 12 at Pea Island is reopening with staged access—northbound now, and both directions starting Wednesday—while entry to Hatteras Island remains limited to priority groups and residents. Schools: Randy Bridges was sworn in as interim superintendent for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, starting a nine-month contract focused on teaching and learning. Tech & Jobs: NC State opened a Battery and Energy Storage Technology Makerspace to train engineers for the fast-growing energy storage workforce. Environment & Resilience: A UNC Wilmington conference highlighted coastal resilience and sea-level rise concerns, while a separate report explains how AI flood forecasting could improve hurricane water-risk planning. Local Economy & Community: Fayetteville is set to host a USTA North Carolina Singles State Championship, expected to draw hundreds of players and fans.

NC Election Integrity: Some county election officials in North Carolina promoted conspiracy theories about the 2020 outcome and the Jan. 6 riot, including claims of stolen elections, raising fresh concerns about how voting is administered. U.S. Politics: Former special counsel Jack Smith told senators he won’t be “silenced” by threats of prosecution, as Republicans argue his cases were political. Affordability & Energy: A record-hot summer coincided with a surge in electricity shutoffs, leaving households struggling to pay rising bills. Local Business & Tech: Raleigh-area tech firm Entrinsik was named a finalist for Tech Company of the Year in the 2026 NC TECH Awards. Community & Culture: Boone’s Spirit of Boone honored nine leaders and businesses for Hurricane Helene recovery and community work. Public Safety/Infrastructure: NCDOT began emergency ferry service to keep Outer Banks routes moving as NC 12 closures continue.

Midterms & misinformation: A North Carolina-linked “pink slime” site, reportedly launched with help from the Senate Leadership Fund, is being flagged by watchdogs for pushing partisan narratives ahead of the November 3 elections. U.S. Senate race in NC: A new AARP poll shows Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley among independents, underscoring how competitive the NC Senate contest could be. Education & pay: A bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission urges North Carolina to build a more competitive teacher pay system by 2028, aiming to strengthen early literacy and the teacher pipeline. Local governance & schools: Wake County parents are pushing back after a Middle Creek Elementary hired a transgender music teacher, with some threatening legal action and others defending the hire. Public safety & access: NCDOT started emergency ferry service to keep Hatteras Island connected after damage closed N.C. 12, with strict limits on who can board. Government accountability: A WBTV investigation found a flaw in the Administrative Office of the Courts website exposed jury summons data, and the state DOJ says it hasn’t received a required breach notice yet.

Local Business: Scooter’s Coffee held a grand opening in Graham, with owners saying the smaller town helps them plug into downtown and school fundraisers. Education Access: College of The Albemarle says NC College Connect now offers direct community-college admission to eligible public high school seniors statewide without essays or test scores, expanding beyond GPA limits. Workforce & Regional Growth: NC East Alliance named Trip Belote president and CEO, with outgoing leader Vann Rogerson shifting to CEO emeritus as the nonprofit expands career pathways across 29 counties. Public Safety & Accountability: A Wake County resident, Sergio De Leon, was arrested on state tax charges tied to alleged fraudulent returns and refunds totaling more than $900,000. Infrastructure & Resilience: A powerful nor’easter battered the East Coast, washing out parts of NC-12 on Hatteras Island and prompting emergency ferry service as coastal flooding and outages continued. Tech & Policy: A new national analysis maps surgeon shortages, finding 1,180 US counties without a general surgeon—an access gap that could shape future federal shortage designations.

Hurricane Helene, 2-year mark: Gov. Josh Stein marked two years since the storm with a video update, while local leaders say recovery in western North Carolina is still uneven and needs long-term follow-through. Western NC economy: Stein and GROW NC unveiled a long-term economic recovery plan built around workforce, infrastructure, and a more diverse regional economy, aiming to coordinate existing strategies rather than add new money. Nor’easter impacts across the East Coast: A powerful nor’easter killed at least one person, flooded coastal areas from North Carolina to New England, and knocked out power for more than 130,000 customers, with travel disruptions reported. Outer Banks transportation: With parts of NC-12 still closed after storm damage, NCDOT launched emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe and resumed limited Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry schedules with entry restrictions for essential residents and workers. Education leadership: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ former superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill is no longer eligible for a state superintendent award after her dismissal, raising questions about timing and eligibility. Workforce and business in eastern NC: NC East Alliance named Steve Bastian as its new chief operating officer to expand employer partnerships and workforce solutions. Local governance and public services: A report says North Carolina’s DMV experience has improved after modernization and online options, highlighting smoother renewals for some residents.

Nor’easter Impacts: A powerful nor’easter kept battering the U.S. Northeast with heavy rain, dangerous surf, flooding, and widespread power outages, with officials warning high tides could worsen conditions. Wildlife & Water: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will delay fall 2026 mountain trout stockings until November after hot summer temperatures and Hurricane Helene damage cut hatchery supplies. Healthcare Policy: North Carolina is among states requiring medical proof—not self-attestation—for Medicaid work exemptions starting in January, a change that could hit people who can’t afford care. Tech & Ethics in NC: UNC hired a $275,000-a-year tech executive despite a prior ethics finding tied to steering millions in purchases to a vendor he dated. Environment & Industry: Advocates accuse datacenter developers of gaming EPA permitting by splitting emissions into smaller “minor” sources; Duke Energy and Amazon are cited in North Carolina. Public Safety: Rockingham police helped lead an investigation that resulted in an armed robbery arrest tied to robberies across multiple counties. Local Sports Facility: Gaston County’s $11M aquatics center is set to open in October after a decade-long wait.

Western NC Recovery: Gov. Josh Stein and GROW NC unveiled a long-term economic recovery plan for Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, calling for a $10 billion congressional appropriation and highlighting ongoing needs like transportation, water systems, and safe housing. Helene Aftermath, Up Close: In Swannanoa, the Swannanoa Resilience Hub says case managers are still meeting one-on-one with survivors nearly two years later, even as the Swannanoa Market shifts to monthly events. N.C. Crime vs. Campaign Claims: A WBTV report pushes back on President Trump’s “violent” description of North Carolina by pointing to state data showing sharp crime drops through the first half of 2026. Medicaid Work Rules: Across the U.S., Medicaid work requirements are starting in January, and some Republican-led states are demanding faster proof of medical frailty than federal rules require—raising concerns for people who can’t afford doctors. Politics & Money: The NRSC is firing back at claims it’s backing away from North Carolina and Georgia Senate races, with Chairman Tim Scott calling the reports “Hogwash!” Storm Watch: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding and outages, disrupting travel and leaving tens of thousands without power.

Hurricane Helene recovery: N.C. Commerce says it has steered $1.4B in federal recovery funds, helped drive tourism spending near $7.7B, backed economic projects creating 4,100+ jobs, and distributed $96M in unemployment benefits as western North Carolina continues rebuilding two years later. Local business & jobs: Duke Energy won a $50M federal grant to upgrade the Carolinas power grid, aiming to boost transmission capacity while keeping costs down in fast-growing areas including parts of NC. College sports spending: UNC’s Board of Governors is investigating athletics finances after reports that UNC-Chapel Hill ran a $15M athletics deficit on $173M revenue, with students paying fees that subsidize sports. Free speech on campus: FIRE released its 2027 College Free Speech rankings, with Appalachian State cracking the top 10 but the overall picture still grim, including many schools earning F grades. Worker ownership in the Triangle: Durham’s Electric Violin Shop became a worker-owned business with help from the NC Employee Ownership Center, expanding employee control and stability. Public health in rural NC: ECU research supports free Narcan vending machines to improve overdose readiness and access across multiple counties. Midterms & politics: Reports say GOP candidates in key Senate races, including North Carolina, are facing mounting pressure as party spending and confidence shift. Nor’easter impacts: A powerful autumn storm battered the Northeast with heavy rain, strong winds, flight cancellations, and widespread power outages.

Russia-Ukraine Diplomacy: A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. senators, including North Carolina’s Thom Tillis, urged President Trump to withdraw Russia’s Vladimir Putin’s invitation to the G20 in Miami, arguing it would legitimize Moscow while it wages war in Ukraine and targets civilians. North Carolina Economy: North Carolina’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in August as employers added jobs, even as the number of employed people dipped slightly. Public Safety: Rutherford County confirmed a third rabies case in 2026 after a skunk tested positive near Oak Grove Church Road; officials urged residents to keep pets under control and ensure vaccinations. Local Government: Asheboro scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 8 on a proposed annexation petition from Journey Church of the Piedmont. Business & Tech: Lowe’s launched drone delivery in North Carolina as a pilot, partnering with DoorDash and Alphabet’s Wing, with some deliveries arriving in about 20 minutes. Housing/Real Estate: HomeSmart announced a strategic merger with NorthGroup Real Estate, expanding its agent network and presence across multiple states including North Carolina.

Public Hearing: Pitt County commissioners will hold a 6 p.m. Oct. 5 hearing on applying for an $80,000 North Carolina Commerce Building Reuse Grant for “Project OTTOMAN,” with a required 5% local match and conditions tied to $5 million in investment and at least 10 jobs. Energy & Infrastructure: Duke Energy says it will receive $50 million in federal funding to improve the power grid in North and South Carolina, including upgrades in Henderson and Polk counties. Healthcare & Local Control: Wake County commissioners voted 5-2 to move forward with the WakeMed-Atrium combination, despite public opposition, with Atrium pledging $2 billion in facility investments and $150 million for a county-run public health initiative. Western NC Recovery: The state’s Commerce Department marks two years since Hurricane Helene with $1.4 billion in federal recovery funds administered, 4,105 new jobs tied to economic projects, and $96 million in unemployment benefits. Wildlife Management: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will delay fall trout stocking until November due to hot summer water temperatures and drought impacts on hatchery fish.

Rural Aviation for Health: BETA Technologies says it has started all-electric flight operations in North Carolina’s eLIFT program, testing faster delivery of critical supplies and care teams to rural medical access points. Hurricane Recovery: Gov. Josh Stein announced $5 million in state grants for Western North Carolina small businesses still rebuilding after Helene, including Lansing. Fisheries Court Ruling: A judge ruled North Carolina failed to protect coastal fisheries, saying none of the 13 state-managed stocks are viable long term. AI Safety Push: A coalition of state attorneys general, including NC’s Jeff Jackson, urged Congress to set federal safety rules for AI as risks grow. Data Privacy: North Carolina is among states in a multistate $2.3 million settlement tied to a Labcorp patient data breach. Politics & Tech: An NC House candidate faced scrutiny over claims about using Flock camera location data. Workforce & Business: Bank of America plans to hire 1,000 more apprentices, betting on human skills alongside AI. Community Human Stories: A foster child in NC is seeking a permanent family, and an ALS fundraiser in eastern NC is backing patients with equipment and caregiving help.