AGP Executive Report

Rural Development Boost: Gov. Stein’s Rural Infrastructure Authority approved $4M+ for eight local projects, including a Lexington hub for an India-based textile manufacturer (50 jobs) and a Reidsville mattress plant (about 52 jobs). Food Security Watch: With school out, about 850,000 NC students lose free or reduced meals for roughly 10 weeks, pushing families toward pantries and weekend food bags as SNAP rules add pressure. STEM & Research: UNC School of Medicine increased NIH funding capture by 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, underscoring how competitive grants are shaping medical research budgets. Engineering Leadership: Veena Misra became interim dean of NC State’s College of Engineering, bringing decades of faculty leadership and NSF-backed sensor research. Coastal Resilience: A Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel review weighs the tradeoffs of hard structures like jetties and terminal groins—helping some areas while potentially shifting erosion elsewhere. Local Tech/Training: KSQM-FM in Sequim brought in veteran broadcaster Al Brady to lead volunteer programming and tech upgrades as it raises funds for critical audio equipment.

Construction Tech: Raleigh-based FieldSub, founded by Hispanic contractor Samuel Matos and former Amazon engineer Michael Ajayi, launched a fully bilingual app aimed at helping subcontractors manage jobs, crews, estimates, tools, fleet and profitability. Education & Facilities: In Hamlet, Bordeaux Construction shared updated timelines for the L.J. Bell new facility project, including a classroom-and-stage plan, auditorium demolition starting this fall, construction in spring 2027, and a target completion of August 2028. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data for the week ending June 13 shows Franklin County’s lowest premium price at $4.26 per gallon, with North Carolina’s premium average down to $4.59. Agriculture: A report on cash-strapped farmers says even if an Iran war end comes, it won’t undo drought damage or policy-driven cost pressure. Public Health: A rare tickborne illness called Bourbon virus is drawing attention after a New York case tied to a backyard tick bite. Policy Watch (NC): North Carolina Senate Democrats’ bill to put cannabis legalization amendments on the November ballot faces low odds in the GOP-led Senate. Transportation/Infrastructure: NCDOT is holding a public meeting on June 23 about wildlife crossing structures along U.S. 64 in Dare County.

Summer Travel & Tourism: Airbnb says summer 2026 travel is shifting toward short-haul “playcations,” with North Carolina surf spots like Holden Beach, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head trending as travelers chase activities closer to home. Energy & Transportation Costs: The national average regular gas price slipped to $3.99 as crude prices eased and demand rose ahead of the Independence Day rush. Workforce Development: The NC Business Committee for Education and Siemens Foundation are launching 12 Summer Electrical Academies at community colleges, skilling 220 students and feeding long-term electrical career pipelines. Agriculture & Field Guidance: NC State Extension answers peanut growers’ tank-mix questions, warning about antagonism when combining clethodim with certain broadleaf herbicides and recommending timing/rate adjustments. Construction & Site Services: Prime Dumpster expands portable restroom rentals in Statesville, citing steady demand from industrial construction and local events. Public Health Spending Watch: Medicaid billing in multiple NC communities shows continued growth in categories like ambulance/transport and dental services, reflecting shifting local care needs. Local Spotlight: Cary’s Peach Fest returns at Phillips Farms, drawing families for Carolina peaches and peach-themed food and vendors.

Workforce & Education: The North Carolina Business Committee for Education, backed by a $9.5M Siemens Foundation investment, is launching 12 Summer Electrical Academies to train 220 students at community colleges statewide, pairing coursework for credit with hands-on employer work and registered pre-apprenticeships. Energy & Agriculture: NC State Extension field guidance says liquid nitrogen likely won’t help peanut plants already showing nematode root damage; instead, growers should monitor recovery and nodulation before further inputs. Agribusiness Inputs: An expert also weighed in on peanut tank mixes, warning that certain combinations can reduce broadleaf control and recommending timing and clethodim-rate adjustments (with crop oil concentrate) to improve results. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Raleigh’s Centennial Authority cleared a $200M debt request to enhance the Lenovo Center, with additional $109M revenue bonds aimed at modernizing the venue’s sports and entertainment footprint. Healthcare Spending (Medicaid): New data show rising Medicaid bills across NC communities, including higher 2024 dental services in Durham and Gastonia and growth in ambulance/transport claims in Charlotte and Newland. Retail: Dollar General plans to open about 450 new stores in 2026, continuing aggressive expansion focused on small towns and rural areas.

Life Sciences & Manufacturing: Kyowa Kirin is advancing a $200M life sciences facility in Sanford, with local leaders highlighting the growing Japanese partnership as the plant targets operations in 2027. Rural Jobs & Infrastructure: Gov. Josh Stein announced a $1.862M grant for Hendersonville to support BorgWarner plant infrastructure, tied to a project expected to bring 378 jobs. Food & Agriculture: North Carolina’s blueberry growers face a new threat as NC State researchers report tile-horned Prionus beetle larvae shifting to damage blueberry roots, adding to drought stress. Local Business: Neese’s Country Sausage, founded in Greensboro in 1917, was acquired by Jesse Jones LLC, aiming to restore production and distribution. Public Safety & Enforcement: NC Alcohol Law Enforcement wrapped up a long-running Henderson and Vance County drug trafficking probe tied to ABC-permitted businesses, seizing large quantities of controlled substances and weapons. Transportation: Norfolk Southern rail work will trigger intermittent crossing closures near Elon through early July, with drivers urged to follow detours. Construction & Growth: Textum Opco plans to expand in Gaston County, adding jobs at a local facility. Crime: A North Carolina furniture manufacturer was charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting a business partner hours after losing a contract dispute.

JetZero Expansion: JetZero broke ground on an $4.7B Greensboro aircraft manufacturing campus, targeting 14,500 jobs over the next decade as construction ramps for its Z4 blended wing body program. Tax Policy: Gov. Josh Stein signed a one-year moratorium on 2026 property tax reappraisals, pushing many updates to 2027 while also moving other tax and contracting changes through. Rural Infrastructure Grants: North Carolina approved $4.09M in rural infrastructure grants expected to create 396 jobs and spur $126M+ in investment, including upgrades tied to BorgWarner expansion in Hendersonville. Transportation Funding: FHWA announced $908M for Hurricane Helene road and bridge repairs in North Carolina as part of a larger USDOT disaster package. Agriculture & Energy: A new study warns the U.S. could lose 30M corn acres by 2050 without expanded biofuels markets, pointing to new demand sources like E15 and aviation fuels. Local Business Crime: A North Carolina furniture manufacturer was charged with second-degree murder after an alleged fatal shooting of a business partner following a contract dispute. Public Health: UNC researchers linked higher PFAS exposure in childhood to lower forearm bone density by age 12, raising fracture risk concerns. Insurance Fraud: NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced arrests tied to altered chiropractic and massage invoices used to obtain insurance settlements.

Rural Jobs & Infrastructure: Gov. Josh Stein says North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority approved eight local grants totaling $4.09M, including Taylorsville’s VitalNow Urgent Care building reuse project and Caldwell County sewer upgrades for an airport industrial park—aimed at 396 jobs and $126.2M in expected investment. Data Centers: Charlotte’s City Council unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium on new data center development as officials push for better planning around electricity, water use, and long-term impacts. Ocean Monitoring Reversal: The Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, with NSF saying it will stop further removal and keep operating remaining arrays off North Carolina and other coasts. Food Safety: A Clover Hill Dairy cheese recall expanded to the entire product line after listeria concerns tied to one death and multiple hospitalizations; affected items were sold across several states including NC. Aviation & Logistics: Avelo launched nonstop service from Indianapolis to Concord, N.C., highlighting growing demand for direct routes. Transportation Tech: TSA is rolling out new self-service eGates at Charlotte Douglas to speed ID checks for PreCheck and Touchless ID travelers. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports regular gas below $4 in parts of the U.S., with NC averaging $3.78 for the week ending June 6.

Aviation Manufacturing: JetZero broke ground on its Z4 blended-wing-body airliner factory campus near Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, signaling a new manufacturing push in the state. Rural Development: Gov. Josh Stein announced Rural Infrastructure Authority grants totaling $4.09M for local projects expected to support 396 jobs and more than $126M in total investment. Tech & Local Policy: Greensboro council members are weighing data center rules; one councilwoman urged a 6-month moratorium on approvals while others warned against demonizing AI as regulations take shape. Coastal & Water Risk: The NC Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel released a report on oceanfront hardened structures and shoreline stabilization; meanwhile, exceptional drought expanded to 10 central NC counties, tightening water-use guidance. Transportation & Safety: An NC Senate committee advanced an e-bike and delivery-robot bill that sets helmet rules for faster e-bikes and lets cities limit usage areas. Food & Farming: Feast Down East marked 20 years connecting Eastern NC farmers to consumers and fighting food insecurity through its mobile market and partner programs. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported Jackson County’s lowest regular gas at $3.69 (week ending June 13), with broader NC averages still volatile amid global oil and shipping concerns.

Electric Grid & Reliability: Duke Energy says its self-healing technology is improving outage performance in Catawba County, cutting affected customers and helping restore power faster as severe weather season ramps up. Water & Drought Preparedness: Durham moved to Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions after Lake Michie fell to about 40% capacity, signaling tighter conservation ahead. Energy Policy: The Trump administration is paying $765M to cancel additional offshore wind leases, continuing a broader shift away from wind development. Local Infrastructure & Transit: Monroe reaffirmed support for the I-77 South toll lane project after a prior reversal, while the CRTPO board’s earlier termination vote still stands. Agriculture: Drought is slashing hay production in eastern North Carolina, putting pressure on livestock farmers and raising the risk of forced herd reductions. Work & Courts: A federal judge ordered JMJ Enterprises LLC to face a second-phase damages trial tied to claims of willful wage law violations against group home employees. Logistics & Trade: DP World is seeking a return to U.S. container operations via a potential long-term terminal lease at the Port of Corpus Christi. Public Health & Safety: North Carolina’s AG reminded residents to protect information after a data breach, as communities also weigh pesticide safety guidance. Community & Culture: Pender County Museum will debut “Deep Blue Roots” at the NC Blueberry Festival, tracing the state’s blueberry industry origins.

Commercial Real Estate: Obrecht Properties says it has entered North Carolina’s market, buying a near-30-acre Fayetteville parcel and breaking ground on The Gateway at Military Business Park near Fort Bragg, a flex/industrial project aimed at defense, medical-related and call-center tenants. Neighborhood Governance: Homeowners in Orange County’s Scottland Estates sued over alleged “field parties” at a nearby property, arguing the events violate subdivision CC&Rs and that the bona fide farm law doesn’t override deed restrictions. Energy & Utilities: Duke University started construction on a $23M, 12-acre data center near central campus in Durham, while Duke Energy will run nuclear siren tests around Catawba and McGuire stations on July 1. Public Health & Rural Care: The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer rolled out a new rural accreditation category to expand high-quality cancer care access—an issue where rural death rates run about 15% higher. Broadband: Orange County approved an ARPA-funded Lumos amendment to extend high-speed internet to 105 additional unserved households. Business & Industry: Duke Energy and county partners will test outdoor warning sirens; meanwhile, Duke’s data-center push keeps fueling the state’s ongoing debate over data center rules. Legal/Consumer: North Carolina’s appeals panel cleared a path for a COVID-vax challenge involving a school district and a clinic. Local Economy: Goldsboro adopted a stormwater management plan to guide runoff controls and compliance through 2031. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported spotty low prices across counties in the June 6 week, with premium and diesel deals appearing in multiple areas.

Public Safety & Privacy: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a move to make permanent the State Bureau of Investigation’s automatic license plate reader program on state highways, turning a pilot set to expire July 1 into a long-term surveillance tool. Defense & Manufacturing: GM Defense is in talks with Lockheed Martin to support a push to expand munitions production under a Defense Production Act–linked effort. Aviation & Jobs: JetZero broke ground on its first U.S. aircraft factory in Greensboro, part of a major incentive-backed plan tied to fuel-cut Z4 jets. Energy & Cost Watch: GasBuddy price reports show NC fuel remains volatile—regular averages around the high-$3 range statewide, while E85 is in the low-$3s and diesel averages near $5. Food Assistance Policy: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined calls for Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect food aid in the Farm Bill. Local Business & Community: Guilford County and NC Cooperative Extension teamed up for the Juneteenth Triad Farmers Market in Greensboro on June 19. Manufacturing Milestone: Revere Copper Products marked 225 years of continuous manufacturing, tracing roots to Paul Revere’s early copper rolling mill. Alcohol Regulation: NC lawmakers advanced a bill to loosen liquor rules, including allowing liquor tastings in ABC stores and two mixed drinks at a time at bars/restaurants. Community Honors: Clayton’s Ann Game received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine as she prepares to retire after nearly 20 years with the town. Agriculture & Weather: Farmers in eastern North Carolina spoke on ongoing drought conditions.

Outer Banks Wildlife: The Corolla wild horse herd lost Surfer, a 15-year-old Banker stallion, after he died from a fatal kick to the head; the Corolla Wild Horse Fund says there’s no sign of human interference and urges visitors to keep following safety rules. Fuel Watch (NC): GasBuddy data for the week ending June 6 shows standout low prices in multiple counties, including midgrade at $3.98 in Pender and $3.70 in Pitt, plus E85 lows like $3.01 in Iredell and $2.97 E15 in Catawba. Textiles & Manufacturing: A new South Carolina-area collaboration links woven fabric, digital printing, finishing, and cut-and-sew operations to push more premium “USA-made” textile production. Local Water Ops: Yanceyville town leaders heard an update on water and wastewater treatment work, including progress on an interconnect project and Clearwell disinfection/testing steps. Policy & Industry: A bill moving through the NC General Assembly would limit how Buncombe County can spend occupancy tax dollars, tightening rules around tourism-related spending. Food & Health: The FDA issued a Class I recall for a pasta sauce due to potentially deadly Salmonella contamination.

AI Infrastructure & Manufacturing: Gaon Cable’s U.S. arm LSCUS will invest $50M to double AI data-center power transmission cable output at its Tarboro plant, adding two production lines (first in October, second in April). Healthcare Construction: Novant Health hit a construction milestone in Greenville, finishing structural beams for its first Upstate medical campus; appointments start early 2027 and the 20-bed hospital is slated for late 2027. Workforce & Training: Wayne Community College launched a Building Construction Technology program with associate, diploma, or certificate options starting this fall, targeting carpentry, jobsite safety, estimating, and blueprint reading. Rural Health & EMS: NC DHHS awarded $10M to 39 EMS agencies, including Lenoir County EMS, to expand rural access to mental health and substance-use treatment support. Energy Costs: AAA reports NC gasoline averages fell to $3.67 after a recent spike, with diesel averaging $4.85. Public Safety: Catawba County authorities say a fentanyl trafficking case netted 256 grams of fentanyl plus meth and cocaine, along with multiple firearms and cash. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA is stepping up New World screwworm surveillance as cases expand in Texas, coordinating with DHS and exploring tools like drones and AI.

Aerospace Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein joined JetZero at Piedmont Triad International Airport to break ground on a $4.7B factory that targets the Z4 all-wing aircraft, projecting 14,500 high-wage jobs over the next decade. Energy Resilience: NC DEQ and partners demonstrated two mobile microgrids for Western NC, built to keep critical power and refrigeration running during outages after storms like Helene. Food Safety: Clover Hill Dairy expanded a listeria-related recall of cheese products after a multi-state outbreak tied to ricotta; products were sold in North Carolina and other states, with consumers urged to check labels for the Clover Hill permit number. Retail Restructuring: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores across 23 states, including locations in North Carolina, as it restructures supply chain and demand pressures. Local Business & Community: Cramerton will install permanent, customizable lighting on its Goat Island pedestrian bridge for America’s 250th celebration. Public Health: Pitt County Animal Services will host a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic for the first 200 dogs and cats on June 20. Agriculture & Environment: Drought conditions are stressing NC bee colonies by reducing nectar and honey production, raising concerns for winter survival and potential grocery price impacts.

Economic Development: Duke Energy Foundation is putting $500,000 into North Carolina nonprofits, letting them award microgrants up to $5,000 to small businesses (under 100 employees) for equipment, tech upgrades, inventory, and growth. Public Health: Clover Hill Dairy expanded its listeria-related recall to all cheese products after infections and a death were linked; the advisory covers products sold in North Carolina and other states, urging consumers and retailers to stop serving and dispose of affected items. Healthcare Policy: North Carolina’s Medicaid work requirement is getting a tougher federal interpretation, with CMS guidance adding complications for “medically frail” enrollees and affecting how people can keep coverage starting Jan. 1. Energy & Resilience: Dominion Energy says hurricane prep is underway months early, including replacing thousands of old poles and hardening hundreds of miles of lines plus year-round tree trimming to reduce storm outages. Manufacturing & Jobs: Amazon’s multibillion-dollar fiber deal with Corning will add 1,000 jobs at Corning sites in North Carolina and expand fiber technician training with Catawba Valley Community College. Aviation/Business: Sky Aircraft Maintenance in North Carolina was named an authorized Garmin Aviation dealer, offering sales and support for flight deck upgrades.

AI & Data Centers: Amazon signed a multibillion-dollar, multiyear deal with Corning to supply fiber optic cables and networking components for data centers, with Corning expected to add about 1,000 jobs in North Carolina plus construction and training work at Catawba Valley Community College. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states after a salmonella risk tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; meanwhile, Maryland’s Clover Hill Dairy voluntarily recalled all cheese products over Listeria concerns, including items distributed into North Carolina. Healthcare Tech: A Charlotte-area CMSC pilot study suggests noninvasive cervical spinal cord stimulation plus therapy may improve upper-extremity function for people with multiple sclerosis. State Policy: North Carolina lawmakers are still working toward a budget deal after months without a full spending plan, with Senate leader Phil Berger saying a draft could be ready soon. Energy & Resilience: Reports highlight heat stress and grid strain across the Southeast, with local emergency power planning and microgrids appearing in North Carolina coverage.