AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: Duke Energy and major data-center companies agreed to rules requiring large users to cover their grid connection costs, aiming to protect existing North Carolina customers from higher bills. Gas Tax: State lawmakers approved a temporary suspension of the 41-cent-a-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30; the measure was headed to Gov. Josh Stein. Election 2026: North Carolina officials are testing voting equipment and preparing for early voting, which begins Oct. 15, as they work to address voter concerns. A separate ballot measure would require lawmakers to set limits on local property-tax increases, but does not specify what those limits would be. Rural Access: A $17 million federal-backed fiber project is expected to connect about 2,100 households, businesses, farms and schools in Halifax and Warren counties, including the Haliwa-Saponi community. Western NC Recovery: Regional partners are developing a communications plan to keep communities connected during emergencies, drawing on lessons from Hurricane Helene.

Fuel Relief: North Carolina lawmakers approved a pause in the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30, using reserves to replace transportation funds. The bill is headed to Gov. Josh Stein; drivers may not see the full savings at the pump. Energy and Data Centers: Duke Energy and large power users agreed on new contract rules requiring upfront payments and making it costly to exit, aiming to shield households from data-center power costs. Environmental groups say the deal lacks clean-energy requirements and leaves key questions unresolved. 2026 Elections: Early voting opens Oct. 15, the same night Libertarian Shannon Bray and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin plan a Senate debate. Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley were invited but did not respond. Whatley’s campaign has paused TV ads as national Republicans redirect spending from North Carolina to other races. Flood Protection: Stein joined Lumberton officials to dedicate a new floodgate, part of a $15 million project intended to protect residents and businesses from future flooding, a decade after Hurricane Matthew devastated the area.

Fuel Costs: North Carolina lawmakers returned to Raleigh to consider suspending the state’s 41-cent gas tax. Gov. Josh Stein welcomed the focus on affordability but questioned the timing, just weeks before Election Day. Data Centers: Raleigh approved a six-month pause on new data centers as advocates seek more time to assess their effects. Senate Race: Republican groups have shifted millions in spending away from North Carolina toward Kansas, while Roy Cooper is reported to lead Michael Whatley in the contest for an open U.S. Senate seat. Workforce: The state awarded $660,000 to 13 local workforce boards to strengthen employer partnerships and expand work-based learning, including apprenticeships. Housing: Stein highlighted a new affordable housing complex in Raleigh as a potential model for communities across the state.

Port of Wilmington: North Carolina Ports Authority is pausing a long-planned dredging project for the Wilmington channel after “forever chemicals” concerns, with the authority reportedly asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to suspend review. Midterm politics: The Cook Political Report moved Kansas to “toss up,” New Hampshire to “lean Democrat,” and North Carolina to “likely Democrat,” citing Trump’s unpopularity and rising fuel and cost pressures. Fuel costs in NC: Trump’s order expanding tax-free on-road use of red-dyed diesel is expected to affect prices, while North Carolina lawmakers are weighing a special session on gas and diesel tax relief. Courts & policy: The North Carolina Business Court setback in an antitrust class action and a major “forever chemical” contamination settlement highlight how legal fights are shaping state outcomes. Local business & community: UniFirst’s No. 9 Chevy with Chase Elliott returns for Charlotte’s Chase race; and the Music Impact Coalition is launching a North Carolina pilot with $3M+ for music and arts education.

Workforce & jobs: The N.C. Department of Commerce awarded $660,000 in employer engagement grants to 13 local workforce development boards, aiming to boost apprenticeships and work-based learning by partnering more directly with employers. Local infrastructure strain: Counties across the region are trying to slow data center growth, but a key frustration is that pauses often don’t stop projects already under construction or with permits—leaving residents to face higher power bills and water demands anyway. Business growth in the Triangle: Roth Capital bought an 18,000-square-foot, 13-unit small-bay industrial property in the Raleigh-Durham market for $3.05 million, expanding its local portfolio. Retail comeback: Dick’s House of Sport is set to open at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, taking over a long-vacant Sears anchor space and bringing a major new draw to the mall. Politics & misinformation: A U.S. Senate campaign ad tied to Democrat Adam Hamilton is facing backlash from a Kansas camp after it allegedly used an unauthorized photo of children, raising questions about consent and misleading associations. Healthcare access: North Carolina’s Medicare Advantage enrollees are heading into open enrollment amid a network disruption already underway. Courts & policing: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to act on a North Carolina “knock-and-talk” case, leaving lower-court rulings in place.

Midterm Politics: Sen. Thom Tillis is using major TV appearances to warn Republicans about the midterms, including calling his vote for Pete Hegseth the “biggest regret” of his career and criticizing Trump administration picks. Election Access: North Carolina voters are getting reminders on absentee voting rules, including request deadlines and ID requirements. Cost of Living & Taxes: GOP leaders are calling lawmakers back to Raleigh for a special session to consider gas and diesel tax relief as fuel prices stay high. Education Pay: A Blue Ribbon panel is pushing for teacher pay gains beyond earlier state increases, aiming to keep North Carolina competitive for attracting and retaining strong educators. Consumer Protection: A Wake County judge entered default judgment against Holly Christina Photography, ordering nearly $2 million in payments after hundreds of couples alleged they were left without wedding photos and videos. Environment & Ports: North Carolina’s ports authority is pausing Wilmington Harbor deepening over PFAS and other environmental concerns. Business & Jobs: Amazon opened a new robotics fulfillment center in Wilmington, already employing more than 1,000 people.

Midterms in the spotlight: With Election Day about a month away, national coverage keeps zeroing in on North Carolina’s race dynamics and the money-and-momentum battle shaping 2026 outcomes. AI political ads: Researchers say about $80 million has gone into roughly 170 AI-generated midterm ads, with many not disclosing AI use—raising new questions for voters in North Carolina and beyond. State ballot fight: A North Carolina columnist argues against the General Assembly’s three constitutional amendments on the ballot, warning they “tie the hands” of future lawmakers—especially around the income tax cap. Local infrastructure: Swannanoa is moving forward on sidewalk repairs and extensions with nearly $1.8 million in state grants tied to Hurricane Helene recovery. Workplace/legal: The N.C. Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay in the state Labor Department’s dispute with a fired worker, pausing an administrative law judge’s final decision. Public health: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of Gatorade sold in 37 states, including North Carolina, due to undeclared dyes.

Health & Community Funding: The Health Foundation in Wilkes County marked its 35th anniversary, saying it has awarded $10.6 million in grants and spent $26.8 million on health infrastructure to expand access to care. State Government Transparency: A CMS superintendent shakeup in Charlotte is reigniting calls for stronger North Carolina government transparency rules after board decisions were shielded as “personnel matters.” Courts & Accountability: A North Carolina police chief sued state leaders, claiming he’s still on an unconstitutional “blacklist” despite cold-case charges being dismissed. Higher Education Oversight: Shaw University alumni filed a 200-page complaint with the NC attorney general, alleging mismanagement tied to real estate, finances, and governance. Public Safety & Environment: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission approved an emergency rule in Buncombe County to stop feeding black bears, citing hundreds of bear reports and multiple pet deaths. Food Safety: Frozen berries recall updates expanded again after E. coli concerns, including more Trader Joe’s and Walmart products. Economy & Jobs: Forsyth County’s average weekly wage rose to $1,509 in early 2026, with local leaders pointing to workforce training and business growth. Politics & Power: Sen. Thom Tillis is warning about the “outsized influence” of the executive branch as he heads toward the Senate exit.

Gas Prices & Politics: North Carolina GOP leaders say they’ll call a special General Assembly session to tackle rising fuel costs, aiming to give “immediate relief at the pump,” with details still unclear. Data Center Transparency: A growing push for openness in the UDO zoning process and concerns over how hyperscale data centers were planned “secretly” in parts of the state and region are fueling candidate and voter anger. Homelessness & Housing: Raleigh Rescue Mission opened a new $41 million campus in Knightdale for women and children, expanding daily capacity and adding longer-term support. Campaign Trail (NC): Roy Cooper campaigned in Asheville on “Make Stuff Cost Less,” tying his U.S. Senate bid to affordability and criticizing federal recovery funding after Hurricane Helene. Election Prep: With a North Carolina voter registration deadline approaching, election coverage is ramping up across the state. Energy Grid Investment: Four County EMC won up to $23.2 million in federal support to modernize rural transmission infrastructure.

North Carolina Politics & Elections: A major GOP super PAC is reportedly pulling back spending in North Carolina’s key U.S. Senate race, shifting money to Kansas as Republicans brace for a tougher midterm map and signal less confidence in Michael Whatley’s chances. U.S. Senate Watch: Democrats are also eyeing new opportunities as races in states like Minnesota and Ohio tighten, with Republicans facing the risk of losing even “safe” ground. Local Workforce & Education: Wilkes Community College won a $300,000 grant for a “work and learn” jobs training push, and the college’s small business center backed a statewide startup winner. Health & Community: Atrium Health and the Duke Endowment are expanding school-based virtual therapy to more community colleges, aiming to close behavioral health gaps for rural students. Business & Consumer: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded, and Golden Corral is closing multiple locations nationwide.

E. coli Recall: Walmart and Trader Joe’s shoppers across North Carolina are being told to check freezers after a frozen organic berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people. Healthcare Access: North Carolina’s State Health Plan and Atrium Health reached a deal moving 12 Atrium hospitals and clinics into a new Access tier starting Jan. 1, 2027, easing uncertainty for nearly 750,000 members. Cannabis Policy: The state Advisory Council on Cannabis is laying groundwork for rules on legal public consumption, with a December 31 deadline for final recommendations to Gov. Josh Stein. Election Watch: One month out from Election Day, Republicans are scaling back in races they see as slipping, including attention on North Carolina’s Senate contest as national spending shifts. Tax Amendment Debate: Experts warn three proposed constitutional amendments could have long-term impacts, including a local property-tax growth cap that critics say could include broad exceptions. Local Business: Caterpillar is expanding in Sanford with a roughly $1 billion investment and major job commitments. Consumer Safety/Community: A veteran-owned Onslow County contractor expanded beyond roofing into additions, sunrooms, porches, decks, and patios.

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.