AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has reached 15 states, with North Carolina among the latest additions and totals climbing as restaurants like Taco Bell and Qdoba adjust menus after the Taylor Farms recall. Public Health & Work: Autism therapy spending under Medicaid has surged to about $10B in 2025, prompting a federal push for tighter state oversight of clinics. Energy & Industry: North Carolina’s drought is easing in spots but remains moderate to severe statewide, with reservoirs still below normal and conservation urged. Construction & Infrastructure: Fort Bragg crews have started work on the All American Freeway, using reclaimed asphalt pavement for faster, recycled repairs under an NCDOT partnership. Local Business Impact: Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue BRT construction is reshaping access for nearby shops as vertical work ramps up this fall. Workplace/Legal: A North Carolina House panel advanced a plan to let the state Supreme Court chief suspend trial judges without pay during investigations.

Food Safety: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with North Carolina newly added; investigators are still tracing how many illnesses stem from the recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. Public Health: The FDA also widened its Cyclospora probe, reporting 6,358 cases across 15 states and warning counts may keep rising even after recalls. Retail & Supply Chain: Sysco has halted buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico amid the outbreak, a sign of how quickly food distributors are reacting. Another Outbreak: Salmonella linked to recalled jalapeños has spread to 27 states; Qdoba and Chipotle removed jalapeños from menus as the investigation continues. Energy & Rates: Gov. Josh Stein says Attorney General Jeff Jackson will challenge Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase, after the utility reduced its request. Hemp Policy: A North Carolina House bill that would have effectively banned most hemp products is stalled, after industry pushback. Politics: Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew from his reelection bid following an ethics panel recommending censure. Local Business: The Glass Guru opened a new Durham location, expanding glass repair and restoration services.

Cannabis Policy: Gov. Josh Stein urged North Carolina lawmakers to legalize marijuana and build a regulated adult THC market, arguing a proposed hemp THC ban won’t protect consumers and lacks meaningful age safeguards. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce is now linked to 15 states, with North Carolina among the latest additions; federal officials say case counts likely understate the true scope as investigations take weeks. Public Health: North Carolina reported its first West Nile virus case of 2026 (Gaston County) and found virus-positive mosquitoes in the Charlotte area, prompting renewed bite-prevention warnings. Ports & Logistics: North Carolina Ports confirmed a cyberattack that disrupted operations at the Port of Wilmington, Port of Morehead City, and the Charlotte Inland Port, with gate delays expected. Manufacturing & Jobs: STERIS plans a $600 million center of excellence in Sanford, creating 335 jobs, while Curtiss-Wright posted Q2 results from its Davidson base. Energy & Agriculture: Beaufort County farmers are dealing with drought recovery complications after heavy rain, and the state continues to weigh energy and development pressures as solar projects face local pauses.

Life Sciences Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein says STERIS will invest $600M and create 335 jobs in Sanford for a new Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence, adding advanced manufacturing, R&D, lab, and distribution capacity. Politics & Ethics: Rep. Chuck Edwards has withdrawn from his reelection bid after a House Ethics Committee report recommended censure over alleged inappropriate conduct toward two staffers; North Carolina Republicans will now pick a replacement without a new primary. Public Health: A new meta-analysis finds self-collected HPV testing can detect high-grade precancerous cervical changes with strong sensitivity, supporting at-home screening options. Hemp Policy: The N.C. House left HB 328 (hemp-derived consumables) in committee after pressure from both hemp businesses and law enforcement, keeping the fate of THC drinks, gummies, and vapes unresolved. Energy & Grid: Duke Energy’s latest earnings update highlights profit strength as demand offsets costs, while broader power demand pressures keep shaping planning. Food Access: In Franklin, five groups launched Fresh Access Franklin with solar-powered refrigerator kiosks to serve residents facing food insecurity.

Housing & Rents: MAA says Sun Belt recovery is broadening but slower than expected, with demand strong yet new-lease pricing lagging in high-supply markets. Infrastructure Tech: PaveX won an NSF Phase I SBIR grant to build AI-assisted, vehicle-mounted road condition sensing so agencies can plan repairs sooner. Healthcare Capacity: Novant broke ground on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Wilmington, aiming to nearly double regional capacity. Energy & Food Security: Piedmont Natural Gas awarded $10,000 to expand hunger relief meals across Cape Fear counties. Real Estate/REIT Watch: Tanger reported Q2 funds from operations above expectations, with revenue also topping forecasts. Public Safety & Community: Zionville Ramp Co. is launching a fundraiser after a crash damaged its building and van, threatening its community hub. Legal & Trade: North Carolina joined litigation challenging Trump-era import taxes and sanctions, seeking to block unlawful tariffs and pursue refunds. Regulation Clash (Hemp THC): House Bill 328 is drawing intense pushback from hemp businesses and cannabis workers, while Gov. Josh Stein says a “well-regulated” adult THC market is needed and he’s weighing public-safety concerns. Data Centers & Local Impact: A new report highlights how data center siting is facing growing local resistance over power, water, and noise.

Tariff Legal Battle: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of 25 states, including North Carolina, sued to block Trump’s latest tariff round, arguing it’s an unlawful attempt to revive duties after earlier court losses. Statehouse Watch: North Carolina’s 2026 legislative session is winding down with fewer bills passed than recent years, and annexation/deannexation is emerging as a key local-control theme. Energy & Utilities: Duke Energy reported Q2 profit that beat expectations, citing higher power demand and recovery of rate-based infrastructure investments. Manufacturing & Jobs: Enpro and Duke Energy both posted earnings updates from Charlotte, while Greenville’s Hyster-Yale Materials Handling earned top recognition in DEQ’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative. Logistics & Dealmaking: TLG Peterbilt expanded by acquiring two Fitzgerald Peterbilt locations in Virginia, growing its Southeast footprint. Local Business: Rocky Mount’s new Raising Cane’s opened, with early customers lining up for the first day. Education Facilities: Davidson County Schools says facility needs hit a record $353M, driven largely by aging HVAC and mechanical systems. Public Health: The NC cyclospora investigation continues as cases rise, with parsley and cilantro showing up in patient reports. Wildlife: The Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a public meeting on chronic wasting disease after confirmation in Edgecombe County. Agriculture & Events: Crews are renovating North Carolina State Fairgrounds ahead of the 2026 fair, including a new year-round food hall and events center.

Tariff Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including North Carolina, sued the Trump administration over its latest round of tariffs, arguing they’re a pretext to replace import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February. Rural Roundtable: Gov. Josh Stein’s Rural Listening Tour brought state leaders to Lenoir Community College to hear local concerns on housing affordability and transportation. Public Health + Logistics: N.C. State researchers say they can cut the computing power needed for large-scale optimization models—aimed at making equitable, practical supply chain decisions for things like vaccine distribution. Energy + Waterways: The U.S. Army Corps awarded a $4.3M contract for maintenance dredging in Morehead City’s inner harbor to keep navigation channels open. Housing Market: Mid-year updates show mixed momentum across Triangle and coastal metros, with Fayetteville and Jacksonville seeing more listings while affordability still limits activity. Local Governance: Western Wake’s planned BRT route will bypass Morrisville, sparking debate over who benefits from transit spending. Food Safety: Publix expanded a recall of frozen blueberries after E. coli concerns tied to a Chilean supplier and an FDA import alert.

Defense & Construction Contracts: NAVFAC Mid‑Atlantic awarded a $95M max-value architect-engineer contract covering Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (40%), New River (20%) and Beaufort (20%), plus Camp Lejeune and Parris Island, with a first task order for field investigations at Cherry Point. Base Services: NAVFAC MIDLANT also landed a $29.5M grounds maintenance contract for Marine Corps installations in North Carolina, with work expected to run through July 2027. Manufacturing/Building Materials: Modern Mill is partnering with Palmer-Donavin to distribute ACRE siding, trim, sheet goods, decking and fasteners across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Retail/Local Business: Take 5 Oil Change opened its first Cary shop, offering quick oil changes and a limited-time $25 credit. Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled about 22,880 pounds of baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler shipped to retailers including in North Carolina due to possible metal slivers. Agriculture Innovation: Appalachian State researchers, backed by a $1.82M grant, are turning North Carolina sweet potatoes into Rootsii plant-based milk to reduce waste from grading limits. Public Health: Yellow-legged hornets were confirmed in North Carolina for the first time, raising concerns for honeybees and pollinators.

Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled nearly 23,000 pounds of baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler in Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia after metal slivers were found; no injuries reported. Public Health & Agriculture: NCDA confirmed yellow-legged hornets in Union County near Matthews, prompting expanded trapping as beekeepers brace for a pollinator threat. Energy & Utilities: Blue Ridge Energy brought on seven summer interns for hands-on training across operations, system work and support roles. Higher Ed & Construction: UNC capital projects bill HB 268 moved through the NC Senate, with multiple lawmakers voting Aye or marked excused absence as it authorizes financing for upgrades and new facilities. Local Governance: Hendersonville’s SB 69 effort to change public enterprise authority failed 0-37, with several senators voting no. Tech & Industry: A new NC State-led wearable patch can detect hazards and chemicals and alert wearers via vibration. Business & Consumer Tech: Walmart says its own EV charging network is expanding faster than non-Tesla rivals, including planned growth in North Carolina.

Manufacturing & Business Spotlight: The NC Chamber opened nominations for its “Coolest Thing Made in NC” contest, with Alamance County firms like FunPops and Solid State Clothing again in the mix; nominations run through Aug. 13. Private Aviation: NetJets is curtailing jet card and lease sales for the second time in five years, citing record retention and stronger demand—an opening for competitors. Data Centers & Power: A Carolina Journal piece argues AI data centers are necessary but power supply and rate impacts must be handled, pointing to a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” approach. Local Engineering/Environment: Rowan County is weighing $167,000 for environmental monitoring at landfill sites, with WSP USA handling groundwater, surface water, landfill gas and compliance work. City Planning: Salisbury Council will consider changes to family care home rules and a West Innes Street grant tied to multimodal walkability. Food Safety: Ukrop’s baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler are recalled over possible metal slivers. Agriculture & Public Health: USDA is launching a veterans and military spouses hiring initiative for federal ag careers, while cyclosporiasis coverage continues nationwide. Bees Under Threat: NC confirms the first established yellow-legged hornet presence in Matthews, raising alarms for honeybees and crops. Weather & Resilience: Surry County crews conducted multiple water rescues amid flash flooding as the Ararat River crested.

Invasive Species Watch: North Carolina confirmed the first established presence of the invasive yellow-legged hornet in Matthews, raising alarms for honeybees and crops as state and federal teams ramp up trapping and response. Water & Drought: Even with recent rain easing drought statewide, DEQ and Gov. Josh Stein say reservoirs remain low and residents should keep conserving water. Data Centers & Local Control: More than 30 NC local governments have paused new data center development since February, fueling a patchwork of restrictions as communities push back on water, power use, and quality-of-life impacts. Education & Workforce: Gov. Stein announced STEP-NC, the first health care apprenticeship program in state government, aimed at building clinical and non-clinical talent pipelines. Higher Ed Funding: UNC capital improvement financing moved forward after Sen. Gladys A. Robinson voted aye on HB 268, supporting projects across the UNC system. Community Growth: Central Pender Park opens Aug. 3 in Burgaw, completing phase one with fields, playground, paths, and green space. Food Safety: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries due to potential E. coli O145 contamination, including shipments to NC.

US Policy & Finance: AP reports Trump is pressing for Fed rate cuts, but borrowing costs are rising again, with markets expecting further hikes—an issue for the economy heading into November. Food & Agriculture: Free testing is underway for “red crown rot” in soybeans, aiming to catch a disease that can slash yields; meanwhile, North Carolina consumers are still being told to stay alert as cyclospora cases climb and as frozen blueberry recalls expand over possible E. coli contamination. Energy & Tech: The FCC is moving to restrict foreign-produced connected power inverters, a potential shake-up for off-grid and solar-plus-storage buyers. Local Development: Pender County opens Central Pender Park Aug. 3, adding lighted fields, trails, and a playground. Business & Jobs: Chatham County says VinFast missed incentive benchmarks, putting a $400M package at risk. Healthcare & Industry: Sentara says Anthem contract talks stalled, with major overdue claim payments cited. Manufacturing & Defense: A North Carolina-linked drone maker picks Fayetteville for a flagship US facility, signaling continued onshoring momentum.

Data Centers & Air Permits: Richmond County residents packed a state hearing over Amazon and Duke Energy’s Hamlet project, questioning why about 650 diesel generators are split across permits and could dodge tougher pollution modeling. Healthcare Finance: A North Carolina federal judge ruled HHS didn’t give fair notice in a Medicare “provider” interpretation that triggered roughly $55M in reimbursement clawbacks. Biotech & Competition: A former Thermo Fisher executive is accused of breaking a noncompete by moving to a role building a rival sterile manufacturing business, now in NC federal court. Higher Ed & Eligibility: 53 college basketball players challenged in an NC court the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility window rules that they say could end careers unfairly. Public Safety & Logistics: Raleigh police highlighted the “Peace Street Peeler” bridge problem after two more tractor-trailer incidents, noting many crashes stem from drivers ignoring height warnings. Agriculture & Invasive Species: NC confirmed yellow-legged hornets in Matthews, raising alarms for honeybees and crop pollination. Workforce & Training: NC State students say AI is already shifting majors and hiring expectations, citing a Lumina-Gallup study. Construction & Growth: Rutherfordton’s $190M U.S. 221 bypass is on track for 2027, aiming to reroute trucks and spur new development. Food Safety: Lidl expanded a recall of Eridanous shortbread cookies due to undeclared allergens from foreign-language packaging. Sports & Community: UNC Pembroke trustees elected new board officers, signaling continued expansion and student success focus.

PFAS Accountability Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center says EPA’s proposed Chemours PFAS settlement would let the company off the hook without court-enforceable cleanup protections for North Carolinians, after years of Cape Fear River contamination litigation. Data Center Buildout Watch: Brightspeed is expanding broadband in North Carolina, including work to connect more than 2,400 homes and businesses in Alexander County. Local Real Estate & Housing: Greenville’s chamber is hosting a community economic outlook update, while separate listings highlight ongoing Greenville real estate activity. Sports & Community Facilities: North East Carolina Prep in Tarboro is bringing back football after seven years, debuting new turf and holding its “Turn the Lights On” event. Consumer Safety: Publix and the FDA expanded frozen berry recalls tied to possible E. coli contamination, including products shipped to North Carolina. Public Health Risk Mapping: A new study estimates 6.5 million Americans live in landslide hazard zones, using building footprints and nighttime occupancy to gauge exposure. Dual Enrollment Debate: Researchers say dual enrollment has boomed, but many states underfund it, risking weaker advising and support for students who need it most.

Infrastructure & Recovery: TDOT says crews have installed 150 of 173 trench boxes and completed more than half of required micropiles on the Helene-damaged I-40 rebuild in Cocke County, with about 215,000 tons of rock hauled in—aiming to restore the Tennessee stretch by end of next year. Food Safety: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen whole blueberries and mixed berries in NC and seven other states over possible E. coli O145:H28 contamination; shoppers are urged not to eat affected lots. Energy & Property Rights: Enbridge’s proposed 28-mile natural gas pipeline through Chatham County is drawing pushback from landowners over access, private property impacts, and environmental concerns. Environment & Accountability: Gov. Josh Stein, AG Jeff Jackson and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing an EPA-Chemours PFAS settlement, arguing it won’t meaningfully address harm in North Carolina. Local Mobility: WeDriveU launched operations for Concord Kannapolis Area Transit, expanding hybrid bus and van service across Cabarrus and into Mecklenburg. Data Centers & Rates: NC leaders continue pressing Duke Energy and regulators on legally binding protections against data-center cost pass-throughs.

State Fair Agriculture: N.C. State Fair is taking nominations for its 2026 Farm Family of the Day program, with applications open through Aug. 21 and 11 farm families to be honored Oct. 15-25 in Raleigh. Utilities & Power Costs: Consumer Reports says more than 3,700 North Carolina consumers asked the NCUC to curb Duke Energy’s proposed electricity rate increases, arguing the cuts still don’t protect affordability during the data center buildout. Fiber Expansion: Eaton Fiber will acquire Ripple Fiber in a $1.5B investment aimed at expanding Verizon’s fiber footprint, including Ripple customers and some adjacent network assets in North Carolina and South Carolina. Data Center Backlash: Local governments across the Carolinas are weighing moratoriums or new rules as residents push back on data center growth tied to AI—citing water, energy, noise, land use, and long-term community impacts. Storm Impacts: Severe weather hit western North Carolina, knocking out power for thousands in Buncombe County, with Duke Energy reporting outages and ongoing restoration. Food Safety: The CDC says Cyclospora has been recorded in 45 states, with North Carolina case counts rising as officials track possible produce links. Local Traffic Changes: Ocean Isle Beach is moving toward permanently blocking left turns at East Second Street onto Causeway Drive and adjusting pedestrian crossings for safety.