AGP Executive Report

Federal Power Shift: The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote after GOP holdouts extracted concessions, including promises tied to a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and limits on tax protections for Trump. Local Energy & Land Use: In Chatham County, neighbors and landowners are pushing back on Enbridge’s proposed 28-mile natural gas pipeline from Siler City to Moncure, citing property values, water-supply risks, and concerns about easements and environmental impacts. Public Safety & Alcohol Enforcement: North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents raided a Winston-Salem lounge after complaints, citing ABC violations; the case included seized drugs, firearms, and multiple charges against the business owner and others. Banking: First Community Bank promoted three commercial banking leaders across the North Carolina market, including a new senior vice president/regional manager. Business Climate Watch: North Carolina’s labor force is shrinking as population growth slows, tightening the pool of available workers even as the economy grows. Consumer/Everyday Costs: GasBuddy price reports show spotty but generally elevated fuel costs across the state, with some counties seeing the lowest regular and diesel prices in the week ending Aug. 1.

Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce is still spreading, with CDC reporting nearly 6,400 illnesses across 15 states including North Carolina, and officials warning cases may keep rising even after recalls. Public Health & Pharma: The FDA approved the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+, a potential shift for how older Americans get protected each season, with UNC Chapel Hill infectious-disease expert David Wohl weighing in. Local Government & Land Use: Raleigh-area officials approved relocating abandoned graves near the Raleigh Executive Jetport after questions about how thoroughly descendants were searched. Energy & Water Infrastructure: A new UNC-led study says 18% of North Carolina drinking-water systems face moderate-to-high climate risk, while utilities also brace for growing cyber threats. Business & Economy: Duke and UNC researchers tested whether wastewater DNA can map community nutrition trends—aiming for faster, cheaper data for policymakers. Community & Safety: The ABC Commission suspended alcohol permits for Dunn’s 601 Bar after a fatal shooting and a history of violence and violations.

Data Center Watch: A Lancaster County cold-storage warehouse is for sale after Americold winds down operations, and the 40-acre site has already been flagged as a potential data center location—though new township rules could cap future data center size at 120,000 square feet. Higher Ed & Workforce: UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety was named to the 2026 Business NC Power List, with recognition tied to education and workforce development. Energy Costs & Equity: A new John Locke Foundation Energy Poverty Index highlights how electricity bills can hit low-income households hardest even in relatively well-off counties like Orange and Durham. Retail Expansion: Bob’s Discount Furniture says it plans to open 20 more stores this year and is building a new distribution center in Georgia as it reports stronger quarterly results. Local Business Growth: 7 Brew is expanding in North Carolina, opening in Lenoir and donating to a local children’s advocacy center. Food Safety: The CDC says cyclosporiasis tied to iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, including North Carolina, as outbreaks linked to jalapeños continue. Public Sector Oversight: An audit finds North Carolina’s privatized highway sign LOGO program has struggled with record-keeping and missing sign location mapping.

Biotech Watch: Oxford Biomedica cut its 2026 revenue guidance to £180M–£200M and slashed expected EBITDA after clients deferred orders and a Durham, N.C. integration took about six months longer than planned. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has now reached 15 states, with North Carolina newly added as health officials keep tracing the source. Local Business & Community: New Bern installed a 4,000-pound public sculpture at Wilson Park honoring free and enslaved African American artisans as part of Tryon Palace’s inclusive art effort. Energy & Jobs: RWE agreed to give up three U.S. offshore wind lease areas for a $1.22B refund, another hit to the sector’s pipeline that could affect regional investment plans. Public Health & Consumer Impact: Sysco says it’s stopping iceberg lettuce sourcing from Taylor Farms linked to the outbreak, shifting supply to other U.S. sources. Sports & Culture: UNC athletics director Steve Newmark laid out how the program will adapt to rising costs and legal uncertainty while preserving its identity. Housing & Markets: A new analysis highlights how “walkable” neighborhoods are in short supply even as demand stays high, pushing many households farther out.

Durham’s growth gap: A new report from the Institute for Southern Studies says Durham’s decade-long tech and biotech boom has widened the income divide, with wealthier households taking a bigger share of reported income while many working residents still struggle to afford life in the city. Local governance & planning: BCDCOG won a national award for its regional growth planning work, updating long-range strategies with an interactive planning exercise aimed at balancing development, infrastructure capacity, and conservation. Health & food safety: The FDA assigned its highest risk ranking to a recalled Clover Hill Dairy cheese brand tied to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and 10 hospitalizations reported across multiple states including North Carolina. Politics & jobs: Western North Carolina Republicans are scrambling after U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards dropped his reelection bid, setting up a fast replacement process for the NC-11 nominee. Business & investment: QC Capital Group named Joe Hart senior VP of capital markets to expand wealth management and institutional distribution, building on access through major custodial platforms. Workforce & agriculture: North Carolina’s reliance on H-2A and H-2B seasonal workers remains high, underscoring how employers are leaning on temporary labor programs. Public safety & privacy: Florida sheriff’s offices reportedly bought Meta smart glasses, raising new privacy concerns about covert recording.

Cyclospora Outbreak: The CDC says the iceberg-lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak now involves 15 states, including North Carolina, with 6,358 illnesses and 278 hospitalizations; investigators are still focused on lettuce tied to Taylor Farms. Local Health & Safety: Questions are still swirling in Bertie County over water safety and herbicide use around water sites, with residents alleging public-records delays and possible improper glyphosate application. Data Centers: Greensboro City Council reversed course and voted to start the legal process for a potential 120-day moratorium on large data centers, setting a public hearing for Aug. 17. Public Safety/Scams: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson warned about bitcoin kiosk scams, saying a new bill limits crypto-machine transactions to $2,000 for first-time users. Law Enforcement Leadership: The NC Sheriffs’ Association reelected Sheriff Lemons as secretary and named new executive committee officers at its annual conference. Business/Jobs: ABB and Syre signed an MoU to explore scaling textile-to-textile polyester recycling using automation and electrification. Sports/Schools: NCHSAA selected Brad Alford as the next commissioner, starting a transition Aug. 24 and taking over Oct. 1.

Congress & Ethics: Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) dropped his re-election bid after a House ethics panel recommended censure over allegations of inappropriate conduct with staff, leaving the N.C. GOP scrambling to fill the 11th District ballot vacancy. State Policy & Housing: North Carolina lawmakers sent Gov. Josh Stein a sweeping Regulatory Reform Act that would expand accessory dwelling units in many areas and create portable benefit accounts for independent contractors, alongside changes to dozens of business, environmental and public safety rules. Life Sciences Jobs: STERIS will invest $600 million in Sanford to build a Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence, creating at least 335 jobs by 2030. Energy & Data Centers: Duke Energy says its data center pipeline grew by 2.7GW since late 2025, with 5GW under construction and more load expected to come online starting in 2027–2028. Environment & Permitting: NC DEQ is moving mining permit applications onto its AccessDEQ portal, letting businesses track status, upload documents and pay online. Food & Health: Publix reported slower sales growth in Q2 and cut its stock price, while NC-linked updates continue around the broader cyclospora outbreak and related recalls. Local Business & Community: Fayetteville’s Defense Innovation Center aims to keep Fort Bragg talent and connect military expertise with private tech firms, and Elon/Queens University won ABA approval to launch a new Charlotte law school.

Retail Expansion: Lowes Foods is set to open its converted Lyman, S.C. store Aug. 20 at 8 a.m., after a Kj’s Market remodel and a push to recruit local shoppers for a sneak peek. Local Development: Wilmington’s council approved rezoning for a Wawa near UNCW, clearing the way to replace a vacant Furniture Fair site with a new convenience and fuel station, pending permits. State Policy & Hemp: North Carolina lawmakers sent two election bills to Gov. Josh Stein—one would cut early voting and expand ballot-challenge pathways, while another extends ballot-counting deadlines—while the hemp fight continues as HB 328 faces shifting support after protests and industry warnings. Workforce & Training: Asheville-Buncombe Tech plans a $29.2M “Futures Factory” to train about 800 workers annually by 2035 and build an advanced manufacturing hub with Pratt & Whitney nearby. Energy & Rates: Duke Energy’s Q2 call highlighted a North Carolina rate settlement framework and growing data-center power demand, alongside major infrastructure spending. Business Deals: HBK agreed to acquire Sentech, expanding its embedded sensing portfolio with precision position/speed sensors. Health Funding: PSC Partners Seeking a Cure won PCORI funding to build patient-led research capacity for primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma surveillance.

Tariff Fight Hits North Carolina: A coalition of 25 states, including North Carolina, sued the Trump administration to block new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners and the EU, arguing the move is a pretext after courts struck down earlier versions. DOJ Leadership Shake-Up: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis helped clear the way for acting AG Todd Blanche’s nomination after written assurances that a controversial $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund is rescinded and IRS tax immunity is limited. Local Fraud Crackdown: Eastern North Carolina’s U.S. attorney joined a Southeast task force targeting large-scale fraud involving SNAP, SBA loans, housing aid and tax fraud. Utility Watch: Duke Energy reported $2.6B in profits in the first half as regulators weigh its rate-hike request. Community Grants: Rockingham County Community Foundation awarded $66,030 in grants to 19 local nonprofits. Healthcare & Jobs: SECU handed out $233,000 in summer camp scholarships across 466 young members statewide.

Tariff Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including North Carolina, sued the Trump administration in federal trade court over new “forced labor” tariffs on the EU and nearly 60 countries, arguing the move exceeds legal authority and is a pretext that will raise costs for families and businesses. Housing Crunch: A new report says North Carolina renters need to work more than 150 hours a week to afford a modest two-bedroom, with the High Country hit especially hard as Helene worsened affordability. Local Business & Healthcare: Avery Wellness in Newland is expanding after opening in 2024, leaning into community-first care that staff say helped patients recover after Hurricane Helene. Hemp Policy Clash: Hemp business owners and patients rallied in Raleigh against House Bill 328, warning proposed THC limits could effectively shut down much of the industry. Energy Costs Watch: AAA data shows NC gas prices slipped slightly under $3.80, still above a year ago. Community Stories: In Avery County, two locals are documenting High Country life through a slower, conversation-driven ride-and-interview video series and blog.

Tariff Fight: North Carolina AGs joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over new tariff hikes on 80+ countries, arguing the move is unlawful and will push up prices for consumers and businesses. Local Tax Pressure: Greensboro’s budget sets the city among NC’s highest municipal property tax rates, sparking backlash and a lawsuit as leaders grapple with shifting property values. UNC Transparency: A legal battle over UNC’s $1.2M SCiLL report heads back to court Tuesday, with media groups pushing for public release under NC’s broad records law. Health & Food Safety: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries over possible E. coli contamination, including shipments to NC stores. Retail & Growth: Raising Cane’s plans seven new openings this month, including its first eastern North Carolina location in Rocky Mount. Housing Development: Toll Brothers will hold a grand opening for its Vintage Grove model home in Fuquay-Varina, with homes priced from the low $900,000s. Fraud Crackdown: NC joined a Southeast federal-state partnership aimed at stopping fraud involving taxpayer money. Business Compliance: Bank of America warned regulators may require monetary penalties tied to anti-money-laundering compliance.

DOJ Confirmation Watch: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says he has reached a deal with GOP senators after a standoff over Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” payout plan, issuing an order to formally scrap the fund ahead of a scheduled Senate Judiciary vote. Law Enforcement Leadership: Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes was elected second vice president of the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association at its annual business conference, joining new statewide executive committee officers. Fraud Crackdown: Two separate Carolina cases target bogus claims—an auto glass owner in South Carolina allegedly billed Allstate for windshields never replaced, while a Charlotte-area towing manager was charged for inflated tow fees and “special equipment” charges that investigators say never happened. Food Safety: Nearly 23,000 pounds of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler were recalled over possible metal slivers, with distribution reported in North Carolina and nearby states. Local Government & Taxes: North Carolina Senate actions continue around Hendersonville public-enterprise authority and Elizabeth City deannexation of a 6.89-acre Mount Hermon parcel, affecting municipal taxes and service rules. Energy & Jobs: Blue Ridge Energy welcomed seven summer interns for hands-on utility work across operations, public relations, accounting, and system operations.

Food Safety Recall: Nearly 23,000 pounds of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler are recalled after federal regulators said the products may contain metal slivers; the recall covers items distributed in Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia, with no injuries reported. Local Government: In Hendersonville, multiple state senators voted no on SB 69, a bill that would have changed how the city manages public enterprises inside and outside its corporate limits and required separate accounting. Local Government: Elizabeth City’s HB 147 passed 37-0 to deannex a 6.89-acre Mount Hermon Township parcel from city limits, with lawmakers recorded as excused or voting aye/no depending on the roll. Energy & Environment: Gov. Josh Stein, AG Jeff Jackson and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson opposed an EPA-Chemours PFAS settlement they say was negotiated “behind our backs,” arguing it doesn’t adequately address damage to eastern North Carolina water. Workforce: Blue Ridge Energy is bringing seven summer interns into roles across its system, from operations and line work to IT, engineering and public relations. Business & Markets: Corning shares slid after earnings as investors focused on slightly softer AI optical growth and guidance, even as the optical communications segment grew.

Food Safety: Nearly 23,000 pounds of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler were recalled after federal regulators said metal slivers may be inside the products, sold in Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia. Social Media Lawsuits: Families of four teens who died by suicide filed suit against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, arguing the platforms’ harms escalated over years. Disaster Recovery & Infrastructure: NCDOT says more than 99% of roads closed after Hurricane Helene have reopened, with major reconstruction continuing in Hickory Nut Gorge and other corridors. Local Government Funding: Rowan County will consider adding $167,000 for environmental monitoring tied to landfill sites, with WSP USA handling groundwater, surface water and landfill gas compliance. Tech & Power: A data center plan in Eastern North Carolina was dropped after local opposition over water and electricity concerns, with the company citing investor support shifting to “friendlier communities.” Health Workforce: Gov. Josh Stein announced STEP-NC, the first state-government health care apprenticeship program, aimed at building clinical and non-clinical staffing pipelines. Politics & Cost of Living: Democrats at Raleigh’s Unity Dinner pushed affordability messages ahead of early voting, with Roy Cooper and national leaders weighing in. Trade & Enforcement: DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force topped $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses in under a year, targeting customs and supply-chain fraud.

Immigration & Public Safety: The father of a slain Marine says ICE arrested the man convicted in a 2017 hit-and-run again, marking a third time the illegal reentry suspect faces deportation. Workforce & Health Care: Gov. Josh Stein announced STEP-NC, the state’s first health care apprenticeship program, aimed at building pipelines for clinical and non-clinical roles. Consumer Protection: North Carolina lawmakers are pushing a bill to curb “predatory” towing practices that can leave drivers facing unlimited charges and unclear rules outside Charlotte. Food Safety: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries tied to E. coli concerns, including shipments to NC. Energy & Land Use: Chatham County landowners are fighting an Enbridge natural gas pipeline plan, citing route uncertainty and long-term easement fears. Education Funding: A Bladen County school district warns that state funding limits for students with disabilities are leaving districts scrambling for money. Local Government & Taxes: Guilford County commissioners are preparing another attempt to pass a 0.25% sales tax hike for teacher salary supplements. Business & Tech Policy: The CLARITY Act’s crypto ethics enforcement fight is nearing a deadline, with NC Sen. Thom Tillis involved in a counteroffer.

Social Media Lawsuit: Families of four teens who died by suicide are suing Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, alleging years of escalating harms tied to addiction and sleep loss. Elections & Governance: Gov. Josh Stein is weighing House Bill 958 after the General Assembly approved changes that would shorten early voting, tighten election challenges, and expand oversight powers. Water & Farming: Chatham County conservation officials are taking applications for cost-share programs to help farmers and landowners fund water-quality and water-efficiency projects. Housing Pressure: Charlotte-area evictions are rising, adding to the strain on renters and fueling calls for policy fixes. Economic Development: Chatham County says VinFast missed benchmarks tied to a $400M incentive package, following state action over the company’s delayed plant timeline. Food Safety: Publix expanded recalls of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries after E. coli O145 concerns, including shipments to North Carolina. Public Health: North Carolina health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are climbing past 700, with some shoppers shifting to local lettuce. Local Business & Growth: Leland is projected to more than double by 2045 as population growth accelerates commercial development. Transportation & Safety: Raleigh’s Peace Street bridge crashes are raising questions about clearance and road approach, prompting renewed driver warnings.