AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Funding: ECU Health Bertie Hospital awarded $95,000 in Community Benefit Grants to 16 nonprofits, backing local programs that expand access to care, nutrition, transportation, and behavioral health across eastern North Carolina. Local Governance & Housing: Mecklenburg County is suing to dissolve its decade-old Brooklyn Village partnership with BK Partners, putting the 17-acre mixed-use redevelopment of the former Second Ward area at risk. Manufacturing & Construction Supply: SSMC Steel expanded its tub-style roll-off container lineup with four construction levels (Pro Dumpsters, SteelGrid, Workhorse, Titan) aimed at helping waste fleets match capacity and hauling demands. Biotech IPO: Raleigh-based Vogenx raised $81M in its Nasdaq debut to advance a metabolic disease therapy candidate for post-bariatric hypoglycemia, a condition with no FDA-approved treatments. Food & Safety Oversight: FDA inspection data show one Durham-county-area city company (Cancer Diagnostics, Inc.) received a July inspection with “Voluntary Action Indicated,” while Wake County saw two inspections across devices and food/cosmetics. Agriculture Recovery: Surry County’s Mill River Farm is repairing about $25,000 in flood damage after an Aug. 2 historic flooding event washed out parts of its property. Energy & Utilities: EnergyUnited announced CFO Alec Natt’s retirement after 25 years, with Cody Schall set to take over Aug. 21. Public Safety & Scams: BBB Scam Tracker reported Jacksonville tied for 13th statewide in July with nine scam reports, with phishing the most common type.

North Carolina Medicaid Dental Confusion: After the state budget signed July 7, two buried paragraphs appear to sunset Medicaid dental billing changes for procedures at ambulatory surgical centers, leaving the Medicaid dental director saying he doesn’t understand the impact and providers scrambling for guidance. Pipeline Fight in Chatham County: More than 350 residents packed a Chatham County meeting to oppose Enbridge’s proposed 28-mile natural gas pipeline, urging commissioners to use every legal tool to slow or stop it despite limited local authority over permitting. I-26 Connector Disruption: An Asheville business owner relocated after the I-26 Connector Project forced a move; NCDOT covered relocation benefits up to $33,000, and the shop reopened at a new Patton Avenue location. High School Football Rule Push: North Carolina preseason briefings flagged 2026 rule enforcement changes that can trigger 15-yard penalties or remove players, with officials emphasizing consistent application of existing safety and equipment requirements. Food Safety in Retail: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including North Carolina, due to possible listeria contamination.

Food Safety: Walmart is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including North Carolina, after testing flagged possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Energy & Fuels: GasBuddy price checks show diesel and gasoline volatility across NC counties, with Cumberland diesel hitting $4.81 (lowest reported) and Duplin E15 at $3.18 in the week ending Aug. 8. Broadband & Sales: Charlotte-based Summit Growth Group launches to help broadband providers turn fiber buildouts into paying customers, betting on experienced telecom sales leadership. Logistics & Jobs: UPS driver Miguel Corral won grand champion honors at NTDC 2026, highlighting trucking safety and training pipelines. Public Health & Climate: NC heat may speed invasive spotted lanternfly spread, as warmer temps help insects develop faster. Community Food Access: Transylvania County Schools keeps summer meals moving with weekly home delivery routes, serving 200+ children during break. Policy Watch: NC Senate race messaging and court-power debates continue as lawmakers weigh bills affecting voting and judicial authority.

Defense & Trade: Trump faces fresh GOP pressure over how to end the Iran war as inflation and gas prices keep affordability front and center. Aerospace/Manufacturing: Prysmian is pushing major expansions in North Carolina, including a $1B boost in Catawba County tied to 385 jobs. Energy/Utilities: NC’s attorney general is challenging Duke Energy’s rate hike figures, while the state treasurer is asking for more flexibility in the health plan for employees and retirees. Logistics & Jobs: UPS driver Miguel Corral won top honors at the ATA National Truck Driving Championships, underscoring the talent pipeline behind freight. Food Safety: FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest risk level for salmonella, and Walmart soup kits were recalled over possible listeria contamination. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce keeps expanding, with thousands of lab-confirmed cases nationwide. Tech & Policy: Tariffs on drones aim to spur domestic production, but key components like magnets and batteries remain heavily China-sourced. Local Growth: Conway officials are weighing a new shopping complex with a big-box anchor, grocery store, and housing.

Infrastructure Funding: Caldwell County is one step closer to extending sewer service to the Foothills Regional Airport Industrial Park after winning a $1.5M Golden LEAF grant to help match a larger federal pot. Water Resilience: Lenoir’s council will consider a budget for the Lenoir–Valdese interconnect, a roughly $24.8M Lake Rhodhiss pipeline link meant to boost redundancy after flood failures. Bridge Delivery: NCDOT is using a new construction manager/general contractor approach to speed up the Wrightsville Beach bridge replacement, targeting completion about two years earlier while keeping lanes open. Local Housing & Roads: Wilmington City Council weighs $1.5M toward 86 affordable units plus $6.8M in road work contracts. Workforce & Training: Durham Tech is seeing a surge in students pursuing health care, IT, and skilled trades. Food Safety: Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are recalled in 29 states, including North Carolina, over possible listeria contamination. Public Health: FDA/CDC continue investigating the Taylor Farms cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Mexican lettuce, with new inspections underway. Scams & Consumer Protection: North Carolina courts partner with retailers to warn shoppers about court-payment scams; meanwhile, a separate “phony farming equipment” scam uses AI to lure buyers. Logistics & Industry: Volvo Group North America highlights how it turned a supplier logistics problem at its Kings Mountain cab operation into a production flow win.

Energy & Utilities: North Carolina’s residential solar installs dropped about two-thirds after the federal 30% rooftop tax break expired, but installers say demand is returning as higher power bills and new lease and battery incentives improve the math. Food Safety: Walmart recalled a refrigerated Marketside tomato bisque soup kit in 29 states over possible Listeria risk, with a use-by date of Aug. 22 still ahead—plus FDA-linked cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks keep pressuring grocery supply chains. Courts & Governance: Gov. Josh Stein and legislative leaders will spar Nov. 10 before the NC Supreme Court over Stein’s appointment authority, with major questions tied to boards and commissions. Real Estate & Tech: Phantom Realty Engine launched agent and buyer mobile apps as MLS data rules shift, while Raleigh weighs in on a casino zoning lawsuit that could affect future development challenges. Business & Industry: Pilot John International opened an ISO/IEC 17025 calibration lab in New Bern for nationwide customers, and Cycurion reported a sharp gross margin rebound and improved results. Infrastructure: A fiber bore-through in Montgomery County disrupted water service and triggered a boil-water advisory. Local Economy: Duke Energy rate figures remain in dispute as the AG challenges the company’s claims.

Duke Energy Rate Fight: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson says Duke Energy Progress’s residential rate increase would be 9.3%, not 6.8%, accusing the utility of wrong information under oath and refusing to sign the settlement. Aerospace Jobs: Congressman Don Davis and Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt highlighted North Carolina’s aerospace future during an F-35 Lightning II event at Lenoir Community College, tying defense work to training and good-paying jobs. AI in Education: NCCU cut the ribbon on a new $7.2M Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research—first of its kind at an HBCU and a dedicated AI facility for North Carolina. Manufacturing/Investment: Wolfspeed’s investor suit was dismissed by a federal judge, while the company’s legal setback centers on claims tied to “optimistic” projections. Healthcare Dollars: Kinston Medicaid providers received $45,463 for dental services in 2024, showing local spending growth. Public Health: North Carolina surpassed 900 cyclosporiasis cases (906 total), with 39 new cases reported since Aug. 4. Food Safety: Lidl recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in multiple states including North Carolina due to possible salmonella contamination. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and premium/midgrade prices fluctuating across NC counties, with statewide averages easing slightly. Local Infrastructure: Watauga commissioners set a September hearing on proposed gated-community access rule changes, while Surry County residents push back against an NC 89 road expansion that could force relocations. Urban Forestry: Wilmington won $1.5M in federal grant funding to inventory trees, remove hazards, and plant more—aimed at heat and air-quality benefits.

Healthcare Costs & Competition: A new comparison of knee replacement pricing shows big swings between nearby North Carolina hospitals, highlighting how large systems with less local competition can charge far more. Energy & Bills: Dominion Energy is seeking approval to raise monthly costs for NC customers, with an estimated $25.73 increase for typical users starting Feb. 1, 2027. Workforce & Food Assistance: A GAO report says major retailers including Walmart and Amazon employ large numbers of workers using SNAP and Medicaid, putting “corporate welfare” pressure on the debate. Forestry & Local Planning: The N.C. Forest Service awarded $5.6M for urban forestry projects across 19 municipalities, from tree inventories to maintenance and planting. Housing Oversight: Greenville City Council is weighing tighter control of the Greenville Housing Authority after HUD flagged life-threatening deficiencies and code issues. Business Expansion: Prysmian approved $1.25B in capex to boost U.S. fiber manufacturing, including 300 jobs in North Carolina. Agriculture & Land Conservation: Three Rivers Land Trust received $11M to permanently conserve 1,500+ acres of farmland across five counties. Public Safety & Water: Drought conditions remain severe in parts of NC, with Brunswick County the worst as water restrictions continue. Community Events: Wilmington’s 8th annual Port City Jerry Day is set for Sept. 12 to support United Way programs.

Energy & Utilities: Duke Energy Progress rate case heads to scrutiny after AG Jeff Jackson rejected a proposed settlement that would still lift residential bills about 6.8% over two years, while Dominion Energy seeks another monthly cost increase for NC customers tied to coal ash pond closures and clean-energy requirements. Workforce & Education: The NCWorks Commission approved 43 community college programs for the first round of Workforce Pell Grants, opening short-term training (8–14 weeks) to more students. Manufacturing & Jobs: Gov. Stein announced a $1B expansion for Prysmian’s Claremont facility, adding 385 jobs, as the state continues to court major industrial investment. Local Business & Development: In Edgecombe County, the Wildlife Resources Commission will hold an informational meeting on chronic wasting disease after new detections, while Warrenton officials hear Kosine LLC’s plans for a 36,000-square-foot community food and business hub. Public Health & Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella contamination, as NC communities also keep watching fallout from recent foodborne illness outbreaks. Environment & Community Forestry: The NC Forest Service awarded $5.6M for urban forestry projects across 19 municipalities. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker updates show continued high scam activity in NC cities, including Bessemer City’s June totals.

Hemp Policy Clash: Sen. Ted Budd’s bid to keep federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp products from taking effect failed, as lawmakers voted to table his amendment—leaving the Nov. 12 crackdown timeline in play and keeping the NC legislature split. Economic Development: Ashe County won a $267,080 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to design, engineer, and permit three shell buildings at Ashe Industrial Park, part of a larger disaster recovery push. Energy & Weather: Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas urged safe digging via 811 as rate-hike hearings and grid concerns continue, while a solar eclipse drew crowds and renewed energy-warning chatter. Healthcare & Biotech: North Carolina health officials said the state will not change its childhood vaccine schedule despite a White House push; meanwhile, Cary-based Liquidia reported Q2 results and progress for inhaled therapies. Fraud & Compliance: A Sunshine Act case tied to a Cary drugmaker (Veloxis) highlights kickback and reporting issues, adding pressure on healthcare compliance. Local Business Growth: Another Broken Egg Cafe keeps expanding, adding a Concord, NC location as franchise demand stays strong. Workforce: NC’s Department of Labor announced a record $3.7 million recovered in unpaid wages across 89 counties.

Life Sciences & Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein says STERIS will invest $600M to build a Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Sanford, creating 335 jobs and adding R&D, labs, advanced manufacturing, and distribution. Healthcare Spending Watch: New Durham Medicaid data shows $440,985 in 2024 claims for “Drugs Administered Other than Oral Method,” up 43.4% from 2023, highlighting how local use of public health dollars is shifting. Rural Health Access: With Healthy Opportunities Pilots ending, North Carolina is set to roll out a new Rural Health Transformation effort after winning $213M, aiming to bring non-medical supports like food and housing navigation to rural Medicaid members. Food Safety & Local Supply: Cyclospora concerns are easing as recalled iceberg lettuce is pulled from the market, while officials keep investigating other possible clusters. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports one Craven County station hit the week’s lowest midgrade price at $3.94/gal (Aug. 1 week), while diesel pricing remains higher statewide. Consumer Protection: BBB Scam Tracker data keeps North Carolina in the top tier for reported scams, with 853 scam reports statewide in July 2026.

Education & Equity: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board member Dr. Charlitta Hatch says CMS is rolling out policy updates for clearer communication, tech and AI expectations, and stronger student safety protections as the district gears up for 2026-27. Food & Agriculture: Wilkes County Schools will again offer free breakfast and lunch to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision after 57.54% qualified for CEP data. Small Business & Energy: Duke Energy Foundation awarded the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership a $25,000 grant for a Small Business Growth Microgrant Program (1,000–5,000) to help downtown firms invest and create jobs. Local Planning: Pittsboro hired Kevin Lewis as planning director, starting Aug. 31, to guide growth with safety, resilience, and sustainability priorities. Politics: Republicans selected state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards on the NC-11 ballot after his ethics-related withdrawal. Public Health & Supply Chains: Sysco stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak, pressuring suppliers tied to the case. Construction Pipeline: Industrial SalesLeads reports 632 planned industrial manufacturing projects nationwide over four months, with North Carolina listed among the top states.

Congressional Politics: North Carolina Republicans selected state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to replace Rep. Chuck Edwards as the GOP nominee for NC-11, setting up a November matchup against Democrat Jamie Ager. Workforce & Manufacturing: The SEED pre-apprenticeship program says 27 students have completed the eight-week summer academies across multiple community colleges, with Smithfield Foods sponsorship and industry credentials. Higher Education & Tech: North Carolina Central University opened its Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research, backed by a $1 million Google grant and Lenovo equipment, aiming to build ethical AI talent at an HBCU. Energy & Infrastructure: Statesville reversed course and again supports the I-77 South toll lane project, citing concerns about potential state repayment. Food Safety: A Rutgers/N.C. State-linked “Risky or Not” podcast highlights how cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks are spreading concerns about produce safety. Legal/Workplace: Gates Corp. faces a federal complaint alleging it unlawfully fired a health and safety manager after he raised compliance concerns. Public Safety: Lawmakers are pressing for answers after a Rocky Mount family died after electricity was cut off, with relatives citing a generator. Environment: Experts warn warmer weather could help invasive insects like spotted lanternfly expand further in North Carolina. Business Restart: Perdue Farms has begun a phased restart of its Cofield feed mill after a deadly explosion last winter.

Public Transit Funding: Davidson County is holding an Aug. 24 public hearing on a proposed $2.05M federal/state grant request to support local transportation services for fiscal 2028, with a required local match of $609,151. Data Centers & Local Backlash: A new wave of AI data center proposals is drawing opposition and moratoriums as projects get bigger and more visible, shifting site-selection conversations across the country. Healthcare Costs: A KFF Health News report highlights how hospital consolidation can drive steep price gaps for the same knee surgery—about $16,000 in Hickory vs. roughly $40,000 in Asheville under the same Blue Cross plan. Food Safety: The cyclospora-linked lettuce recall continues to expand, with Missouri now reporting the highest case counts after earlier updates that included North Carolina. Energy & Reliability: Duke Energy says North Carolina heat is pushing cooling demand 43% above normal and points customers to bill-management tools and assistance. Retail Hemp Update: Hemp Hop in Charlotte extended THCa pickup and same-day delivery hours to 11 PM daily, citing late-evening demand.

Health Care Deal Watch: Wake County officials say WakeMed and Atrium’s planned combination is still shrouded in “confidential proprietary” details as a public hearing is set for Aug. 17, with commissioners getting limited access ahead of time. Food Safety: An FDA report expands the Taylor Farms recall tied to possible Cyclospora contamination to 236,192 cases of lettuce, naming major retailers and foodservice brands including Walmart’s Marketside and Subway. Local Infrastructure: Wilkes County commissioners approved about $3.8M for larger water and sewer lines along N.C. 115 tied to highway widening, with construction bids slated to start in November. Energy & Land Use: Lincolnton postponed a decision on a one-year data center moratorium after residents raised concerns, pushing the next step to September. Agriculture & Biosecurity: North Carolina confirmed the invasive yellow-legged hornet in Matthews, putting additional pressure on already-stressed bee populations. Public Safety: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Warren County at $3.79 for the week ending Aug. 1, with similar county-by-county price tracking continuing statewide. Aviation Supply: A new widebody aircraft shortage analysis points to delays and slow production as airlines struggle to renew fleets fast enough.

Food Safety & Agriculture: A new FDA report adds detail to the July Taylor Farms lettuce recall, citing “Potential Cyclospora contamination” and naming additional brands and retailers tied to the outbreak. Beekeeping & Invasive Species: North Carolina’s agriculture department confirmed the first established yellow-legged hornet in the state, raising alarms for honeybees and prompting nest-finding and removal efforts near the Mecklenburg line. Public Health: Cyclospora cases tied to the broader outbreak continue to expand, with CDC updates showing infections across many states and more hospitalizations. Energy & Land Use: In rural areas, solar growth faces renewed pushback as residents cite fears amplified by “AI slop” and social media. Local Conservation: The Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District approved its annual funding allocation and a $400 sponsorship for a Madison County High School bass fishing team. Manufacturing & Jobs: STERIS plans a $600M investment in Sanford, creating 335 jobs. Ports & Cybersecurity: A cyberattack has disrupted operations at North Carolina’s three ports. Healthcare Costs: A report highlights how hospital monopolies can drive up prices, comparing costs in the Hickory and Asheville areas. Immigration Enforcement & Federal Land: ICE partnered with the U.S. Forest Service on an operation in Pisgah National Forest, drawing questions about how federal immigration enforcement intersects with conservation lands.