AGP Executive Report

PFAS Fallout in NC: Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $590 million settlement tied to Chemours’ Fayetteville Works PFAS contamination, but nearby well owners say they still don’t trust filtration and want safe drinking water first. Midterms Money Crunch: Democrats are privately warning they lack cash to match GOP spending in the closing weeks, raising fears of leaving winnable House seats behind. Election-Integrity Push: Voting-rights groups and Democrats are ramping up volunteer “voter protection” efforts after a mail-ballot court fight, preparing for possible intimidation tactics. Local Business & Jobs: Caldwell County named Jesse Trivette interim economic development director after Ashley Bolick’s departure, citing work tied to major expansions including Google’s Lenoir data center. Workforce + Childcare: A North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation report highlights the mismatch between round-the-clock work schedules and childcare availability, hurting recruitment and retention for employers. Food Safety Watch: CDC says a pet-turtle Salmonella outbreak has more than doubled to 20 cases across 12 states, with young children most affected. Housing Costs & Flood Risk: New FEMA flood-map changes push more homes into high-risk zones, triggering flood-insurance requirements for thousands.

Housing Watch: Zillow data shows Union County’s typical home value fell 1.3% to $449,902 in August 2026, while Buncombe County dropped 5.8% to $444,801 and McDowell County slid 4.7% to $257,025—signs of uneven cooling across the state. Local Development: Asheville’s River Arts District is moving toward a $15–$20 million RAD Creative Campus, a 36,000-square-foot arts hub meant to restore studio space and sales after Tropical Storm Helene. Aviation & Jobs: Joby Aviation says it completed the first-ever autonomous flight across the U.S., landing in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and planning additional stops including Raleigh. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports highlight bargain pockets amid volatility—Brunswick County’s lowest midgrade price hit $3.95, while regular gas in Polk County dipped to $4.07 in the week ending Sept. 12. Policy & Politics: A new round of 2026 ballot questions includes proposed constitutional changes on photo ID for all voters and other long-term policy shifts.

Gig-economy insurance fight: A North Carolina Lyft driver says a work crash left him with lasting injuries, lost income, and a tough battle over coverage protections. Courts & accountability: A Greenville man was sentenced to 20 to 25 years for a 2022 second-degree murder in Pitt County, after prosecutors tied him to the shooting via forensics and footage. Private school expulsion lawsuit: A parent says a North Carolina Supreme Court ruling lets their case against Charlotte Latin School move forward, arguing private schools can’t expel kids just for asking questions. Energy reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk in South Carolina and North Carolina, authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas to dispatch backup power. Housing affordability: A TD survey finds first-time homebuyers are considering bigger tradeoffs—like 50-year mortgages and using 401(k) funds—as prices and rates stay high. Local business watch: Piedmont Cemetery owners are under investigation after families complained about maintenance and unclear grave markers, with the state issuing a cease-and-desist letter. Sports betting promos: Polymarket and Kalshi rolled out new verified invite codes/bonuses tied to college football and NFL games, including LSU-Ole Miss.

Campaign & cost of living: Former Gov. Roy Cooper returned to Charlotte to revive his “Make Stuff Cost Less” push, arguing tariffs and other federal moves have driven up prices and calling for action on groceries, healthcare, housing, childcare and utilities. Local business expansion: Durham’s historic “Pit” building is set to become Dampf Good BBQ’s first brick-and-mortar spot, with a market-style setup selling smoked meats by the pound. Energy & prices: GasBuddy data shows mixed but still-elevated fuel costs across North Carolina, including a low of $4.39 for midgrade in Graham County and diesel pricing hovering near the $5.9 range statewide. Utilities & markets: Jim Cramer weighed in on the Dominion-to-NextEra conversion, while Reuters reports U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet China’s vice premier in New York to discuss AI security and trade. Housing snapshot: Zillow reports typical home values shifting county to county, including Gaston down 1% to $296,708 and Ashe up 2.8% to $360,936 in August 2026.

Auto Lending Crackdown: AG Jeff Jackson reached a $694M settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto loans, including $7.5M in debt relief and $2M in restitution for North Carolinians, plus limits on future practices. Workforce & Education: Pitt Community College won a $427,415 NSF grant to expand biotechnology training and lab capacity, aiming to feed eastern NC’s growing life sciences jobs pipeline. Local Government & Taxes: A North Carolina constitutional amendment would cap local property tax increases, with voters deciding in November; a separate budget-tax forum will also cover a proposed state income tax cap. Healthcare Policy: Commentary and national reporting keep spotlighting hospital consolidation and monopoly pricing pressures—an issue that hits NC patients hard. Data Centers & Power: Guilford County commissioners moved toward a potential temporary data center moratorium, scheduling an Oct. 15 public hearing as regulators scramble to manage growth and demand. Business & Community: Truist is cutting 253 jobs in eastern NC tied to its auto loan sale, while a new weather station in Lee County aims to improve hyper-local forecasting for residents and growers.

Defense & Jobs: The U.S. Navy opened a $350M Fleet Readiness Center East maintenance complex in Kinston, aiming to bring 400+ high-skilled jobs and about $164M in yearly revenue to eastern North Carolina. Housing Affordability: A new Durham-focused report says the county’s booming economy hasn’t translated into affordable homes, with calls for Duke and other big employers to help via wages, housing investment, and preserving lower- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Local Business & Courts: A judge let a Chatham County data center project proceed even though the county had a moratorium, ruling the company’s project was already under way and awarding attorney’s fees. Workplace Compliance: Butterball settled an EEOC case tied to an ADA leave mishandling by a third-party administrator, paying $230,000 and tightening expectations for how employers oversee vendors. Manufacturing Expansion: Reckitt is pushing a $600M transformation, including expanding its North Carolina OTC manufacturing footprint and adding a science and innovation hub. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain volatile in North Carolina, with multiple counties reporting the lowest local premium or regular prices for the week ending Sept. 12.

Data Centers & Power Reliability: A report commissioned by Pennsylvania regulators warns the PJM grid could fall short of demand six times per decade, with “worst case” scenarios bringing 13+ days of rolling blackouts as hyperscale data centers keep expanding. AI Cooling & PFAS: As AI workloads surge, data centers are increasingly turning to PFAS-based immersion cooling—swapping water use for a new environmental headache. Energy Storage Buildout: FlexGen and Lightshift expanded their battery storage partnership, targeting 55+ MW/200+ MWh of new projects across Massachusetts, Virginia and Vermont. Healthcare Deal Watch: Wake County commissioners are set to vote Monday on steps that could pave the way for WakeMed to merge with Atrium Health, a move aimed at unified governance. Manufacturing Expansion: Reckitt plans $400M to upgrade its U.S. supply chain, including adding 234,000 sq. ft. at its Wilson Mucinex plant. Local Growth: Fortner Homes opened a new model and sales center in Fairfield Harbour, expanding its footprint to New Bern. Military Jobs: North Carolina Global TransPark and the U.S. Navy held a ribbon-cutting for FRCE’s aircraft maintenance complex in Kinston, expected to bring 400+ jobs. Sports/Workforce: UNC’s defensive coordinator Steve Belichick resigned amid an internal investigation into program culture.

WTA Finals to Charlotte: The Women’s Tennis Association will move its season-ending Finals and global HQ to Charlotte’s Spectrum Center for the next three years, aiming to turn the event into a “Super Bowl” moment for women’s sports. Predatory auto lending settlement: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson is part of a $694 million multistate deal with Credit Acceptance, requiring cash/debt relief and new rules to curb risky loan practices. Military jobs in Lenoir County: A new Navy aircraft repair facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark is set to employ 400+ workers and pump about $164 million a year into Eastern North Carolina. Housing affordability pressure: Mortgage rates climbed to the highest since Jan. 2025, and new home construction dipped—signaling a housing slowdown. Energy costs hit drivers: Gas prices stayed volatile, with Wake County midgrade hitting $3.99 at the low end and regular prices easing in parts of the state. Food safety: Ingles-linked Laura Lynn hand soap was recalled over potential bacterial contamination. Politics & turnout: Trump rallied in Gastonia for Senate candidate Michael Whatley, making crime and the economy central themes.

Women’s Sports Deal: Charlotte just landed the Women’s Tennis Association Finals for the next three years starting in 2027, with the WTA also moving its global HQ to the city—leaders are pitching it as a major, year-round economic boost. Tariffs & Trade: President Trump warned the EU could face “very serious tariffs” or trade cutoffs if it backs Canada as the EU’s first “associate member,” calling the idea “laughable” and Canada a “terrible trade partner.” Federal Reserve Politics: The Fed raised rates for the first time since 2023, defying Trump’s push for cuts to 1%—Trump called the board “hostile” while his hand-picked chair Kevin Warsh stayed in place. Local Business & Jobs: Sanford approved a large incentive package for “Project Paragon,” a potential $1B manufacturing investment with nearly 2,000 jobs. Public Health: Ingles-linked Laura Lynn hand soap was recalled in Asheville and across North Carolina and 14 other states over potential bacterial contamination. Energy Costs: Diesel shortages and record prices are hitting drivers and businesses, with some stations reporting “OUT” or blank displays. Environment: A new study says 2026 was the worst year ever for osprey in Chesapeake Bay, tied to ongoing menhaden quota debate. Community Updates: Perdue Farms pledged 181,000 meal equivalents to food banks, and Southport named a new parks and rec director.

Gas Prices: McDowell County drivers saw the cheapest midgrade gas in the state this week, with one station at $3.99 and a county average of $4.19; North Carolina’s midgrade average rose to $4.25. Public Health: The FDA flagged a hand-soap recall affecting 2,642–2,696 cases sold in 15–16 states, including North Carolina, tied to possible bacterial contamination (including antibiotic-resistant strains). Food & Agriculture: USDA launched a “Stand-Up Program” to help more states start or expand meat inspection programs, aiming to cut high start-up costs for small and mid-size processors. Crypto Policy: The Senate blocked the Clarity Act 50-49, with NC Sen. Thom Tillis among Republicans voting no, delaying a push to regulate digital assets. Finance & Rates: The Fed raised interest rates for the first time in three years, signaling more hikes ahead—an affordability hit that could ripple into NC households and borrowing costs. Local Business: Bossong Hosiery Mills in Asheboro is closing after nearly 100 years, laying off 122 workers. Courts & Business: North Carolina Business Court rulings included dismissals and partial survival of claims in corporate disputes, including an opioid-settlement insurance coverage fight involving Harris Teeter. Tech & Banking Oversight: State bank regulators released an AI supervisory framework for examiners, setting up how AI use may be reviewed at upcoming state bank exams. Sports Business: The WTA Finals are moving to Charlotte’s Spectrum Center for 2027–2029, with the tour’s HQ relocating as well.

Politics & Elections: A new ECU poll shows Democrat Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley by 7 points in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, with the economy the top issue for voters. Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump is set to campaign in North Carolina Wednesday with Whatley, underscoring how national politics are now driving the state race. Local Government & Infrastructure: NCDOT is gathering public input on replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, with residents pushing back on possible tolls and bridge height options. Business & Jobs: Pratt & Whitney says it has already invested nearly $1 billion in its Asheville-area turbine airfoil plant and now expects 1,200 workers by 2027, topping earlier promises. Energy & Environment: A report highlights North Carolina coastal towns seeing routine flooding up to 100 days a year as sea levels rise. Workforce & Small Business: A new book argues small-business growth depends on structure over hustle culture, while a separate piece points to rising small-business optimism. Regulation & Finance: Former CFTC chair J. Christopher Giancarlo says crypto rules can still move forward even after the Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act. Public Safety: A Western North Carolina man was convicted on 12 child sexual assault counts and faces decades in prison.

Film & Entertainment: Gov. Josh Stein and Commerce Sec. Lee Lilley toured Cinespace Studios in Wilmington and pushed for stability in North Carolina’s film incentive program, citing the industry’s job and investment impact. PFAS Accountability: North Carolina and 11 local governments reached a nearly $500M settlement with DuPont and spin-offs Chemours and Corteva over Fayetteville Works contamination, including $455M over 15 years and a state Emerging Contaminant Mitigation Fund. Housing Costs & Antitrust: The Justice Department filed a proposed consent decree against Pinnacle Property Management over claims tied to algorithmic coordination and competitor data use, building on earlier actions against major landlords. Banking Shake-Up: Truist, based in Charlotte, is exiting near-prime auto lending and plans to sell $5.5B of auto loans as its new CEO reshapes strategy. Energy & Industry: SPX Technologies completed its $410M acquisition of FIS Water, expanding cooling and water-management offerings used in data centers and other industrial settings. Local Economy: Dennis Edwards announced his retirement as president/CEO of the Greater Raleigh CVB, after years of growth in tourism and tax revenues. Agriculture & Jobs: Montauk Renewables opened its Turkey, NC facility in Sampson County, touting a $200M investment and long-term agreements with hog producers.

Local Business Deal: Yash Highvoltage’s U.S. arm, YASH HV USA, signed a 3-year representation agreement with North Carolina-based Ensales Electrical Associates to expand sales of transformer bushings across the power generation and transmission market. Healthcare & Community: ScoliCare North Carolina opened in Durham as a non-surgical scoliosis and hyperkyphosis clinic, while Monarch Healthcare announced a $500,000 state-funded push to expand mental health services in rural “Twin Counties.” State Economy & Tourism: Gov. Josh Stein said North Carolina hit a new tourism spending record in 2025, topping $37.2 billion, with major gains across the Cape Fear region. Energy Costs: GasBuddy data for the week ending Sept. 5 showed diesel and E15 prices still volatile across counties, with several “lowest price” reports highlighting uneven local relief. Infrastructure & Politics: Wilmington residents packed NCDOT hearings to oppose tolling and reject a taller Cape Fear Memorial Bridge option, arguing it would hurt neighborhoods and downtown views. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s mail-ballot restrictions for the midterms, keeping states on existing procedures.

Data Centers & Local Politics: A Wells Fargo report says U.S. local moratoriums on data center builds have jumped to 374, with North Carolina among the states seeing the most pushback—driven by worries about electricity costs, grid capacity, water use, and neighborhood impacts ahead of midterms. AI Regulation: Gov. Maura Healey is urging federal guardrails on AI development, echoing calls from major AI leaders to slow “frontier” progress until safety keeps up. Energy & Costs: Dominion Energy North Carolina is facing two potential electric bill increases—one for base rates and another for fuel costs—estimated at about $40 per month combined for a typical residential customer if approved. PFAS Settlement: Chemours, DuPont and Corteva reached a $455M PFAS settlement with North Carolina and local entities tied to Fayetteville Works contamination and other alleged sources. Local Business Succession: Durham launched “Keep It Durham-Owned,” a program to help small business owners plan succession and explore employee ownership to preserve local jobs and wealth. Retail Expansion: Costco is back in the mix for Asheville after submitting a new application for a large Enka Commerce Park facility, including a gas station and tire center. Sports & Tourism: The PGA Tour’s Biltmore Championship Asheville returns to the city for the first time in 84 years, with a locally designed trophy and expected economic impact. Crime/Justice: A Mecklenburg businessman and controller pleaded guilty to felony state tax charges in Wake County, including aid and abet embezzlement and obstruction.

Data Center Backlash: A Wells Fargo report says local moratoriums on data center construction have surged to 374 nationwide, with North Carolina among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, water use, and neighborhood impacts. AI Safety Debate: AP reports new warnings from AI leaders are reviving calls for slowing development and adding safeguards. Amazon Logistics Shock: Amazon paused its use of North Carolina-based 21 Air after a fatal Miami runway crash, saying it’s reviewing circumstances and shifting shipments to other carriers. PFAS and Tech Demand: ChemSec warns AI-driven growth in chips and cooling could trigger a major expansion of PFAS production, pointing to Chemours’ Fayetteville expansion. Healthcare Capacity: In Western NC, a hospital-bed approval fight is tied to a new AdventHealth facility in Weaverville after Mission Health challenged the plan. Local Business & Community: Jaggaer completed its acquisition of Ivoflow to boost AI-powered procurement for manufacturers. Public Safety & Fraud: NC officials say IRS data show a sharp rise in elder fraud complaints, with local outreach aimed at seniors. Infrastructure Hearing: NCDOT is holding public hearings on replacing Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, weighing a drawbridge vs. a fixed span.

U.S. Senate Race: Elon University Poll finds Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley 49% to 38% among likely voters, with undecideds a key battleground as campaigning ramps up. Healthcare & Cost of Living: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Carolina, tied to federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. AI & Local Power: A Wells Fargo report says local data-center moratoriums have surged nationwide to 374, with North Carolina among the states seeing the most restrictions as communities push back over electricity, grid capacity, and water use. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Mecklenburg hit $5.24 (week ending Sept. 5), while Duplin’s low was $5.39 and Nash’s was $5.21—showing uneven pump relief across the state. Public Health: Spring Lake issued a boil-water advisory after E. coli showed up in follow-up testing, urging residents and businesses to boil tap water until further notice. STEM & Youth: Rep. Don Davis opened the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in NC’s First District, with an Oct. 26 deadline. Local Business: Kayla McBride and her sister opened 1122 Coffee in Concord, leaning on locally sourced ingredients and house-made syrups.