AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 15. The state elections board is mailing 1,392 voters letters after a federal database flagged them as potential noncitizens; officials say the requests are voluntary and eligible voters can still cast ballots. A new poll gives Roy Cooper a seven-point lead over Michael Whatley in the U.S. Senate race. Gas Tax Relief: North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax is suspended through Nov. 30. Attorney General Jeff Jackson launched N.C. Fuel Check for drivers to report stations that don’t pass the savings along. Public Safety: State inspectors are checking all 94 rides ahead of Thursday’s N.C. State Fair opening, after a fatal coaster accident in Georgia prompted closures at parks across North America. DHHS also reported two adult West Nile virus deaths in central North Carolina but has not identified where they lived. Power and Jobs: A federal grid emergency order covers parts of North Carolina and 12 other states through Friday, authorizing extra power generation to help prevent blackouts. A North Carolina defense company plans a $95 million expansion in Mooresville. Culture: Charlotte radio pioneer Hattie “Chatty Hatty” Leeper, North Carolina’s first Black woman radio announcer, has died at 98.

Carowinds Safety: Fury 325 and Thunder Striker are temporarily closed after a fatal fall on a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The company has not said when the rides will reopen. Election 2026: Early voting begins Thursday and runs through Oct. 31. Voters will also decide three constitutional amendments covering voter ID, income-tax limits and local property-tax increases. A new poll gives Roy Cooper a seven-point lead over Michael Whatley in the U.S. Senate race. Cost of Living: North Carolina’s temporary gas-tax suspension runs through Nov. 30, but savings may take time to reach drivers. Health and Legal Aid: Gov. Josh Stein warns federal Medicaid cuts could strain state hospitals, while a lawsuit challenges changes to the state’s low-income legal aid program. Food Safety: A smoked seafood mix recalled over possible listeria contamination was distributed in North Carolina and five other states; no illnesses have been reported. State Fair: The N.C. State Fair’s cooking stage will spotlight local farmers, fishermen and chefs from across the state.

Election 2026: North Carolina’s in-person early voting starts Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through Oct. 31. Voters can cast ballots at any early-voting site in their county, and eligible residents can register and vote the same day. Storm Recovery: Crews are restoring power and clearing debris after Isaias brought flooding, landslides and outages to parts of the state; Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to stay alert. Costs: The state’s gas-tax holiday runs through Nov. 30, but an ECU economist says drivers may see less than the full 41-cent-per-gallon cut as fuel costs adjust. Schools: UNC System grants totaling $400,000 will support teacher apprenticeships and new training pathways amid a shortage that includes more than 4,000 educators working on temporary licenses. Road Safety: Operation Crash Reduction runs through Oct. 18, with increased patrols and calls to slow down, buckle up and avoid distractions. Legal Aid: A lawsuit challenges changes to the low-income legal aid program in North Carolina’s budget.

Health Care: Gov. Josh Stein warns that federal Medicaid cuts could put coverage for nearly 740,000 North Carolina adults at risk and squeeze hospitals, potentially shifting costs to insured patients. New eligibility rules begin Jan. 1, 2027. Storm Response: Isaias’ remnants brought flooding, landslides and tornado threats, especially in western North Carolina. Outages peaked above 22,000 statewide, with crews still working to restore power. Election 2026: Early in-person voting begins this week ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Democrats have edged past Republicans in voter registrations by 490, while unaffiliated voters remain the largest group. Children’s Safety: North Carolina received its first $45.2 million payment from Meta in a settlement over allegations its platforms harmed children. The state could receive at least $451 million, with lawmakers to decide how to spend it.

Storm Recovery: Isaias’ remnants brought flash flooding, landslides and tornadoes to North Carolina. Western counties reported rescues and road closures, while outages peaked above 22,000; crews are still restoring power. 2026 Election: Early voting starts Thursday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Republican Dan Kiger and Democrat Ken Badgett are vying for the N.C. House District 90 seat, covering Surry County and parts of Wilkes County. Energy Investment: Gaon Cable plans to add a North Carolina production line for nuclear-grade cables, aiming to supply conventional reactors and small modular reactors as electricity demand rises. At the Pump: Gov. Josh Stein signed a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent gas tax, but drivers may not see savings immediately. Washington Watch: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis joined bipartisan criticism of President Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal, saying it may violate federal law and could jeopardize his support for White House priorities.

Washington and Fuel Costs: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis says President Donald Trump’s deal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel may be illegal and could put American lives at risk. Analysts doubt it will bring lasting price relief. Storm Watch: Isaias weakened after striking Florida but brought heavy rain, flooding and tornado risks toward the Carolinas. Gov. Josh Stein urged North Carolinians to stay alert. Helene Recovery: Two years after the storm, debris—including huge numbers of PVC pipes—still clogs stretches of western North Carolina rivers, complicating cleanup. Clean Water: Greensboro approved a roughly $260 million project to install activated-carbon filters at its Mitchell water plant to remove PFAS from drinking water. Local Planning: Perquimans County imposed a six-month pause on new data-center applications as officials consider rules for the facilities. Family Costs: A statewide poll found 78% of North Carolina voters consider affordable, quality childcare a crisis or major problem; 77% said better access would strengthen the state’s workforce and economy. Relief at the Pump: Gov. Stein signed a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s gas tax, set to run through Nov. 30.

Storm Response: Isaias’ remnants are bringing heavy rain, flash-flooding, gusty winds and possible landslides to North Carolina. Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to heed local alerts and avoid flooded roads as rescue teams remain on standby. Gas Tax Relief: Stein signed a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Savings may take time to reach drivers as stations sell fuel taxed before the pause. Election Rules: The RNC and state GOP joined a federal lawsuit defending tighter mail-ballot rules, including stricter envelope requirements and limits on who can return ballots for voters. Nursing Home Oversight: State inspectors cited a Charlotte facility for immediate jeopardy after resident George Marks left in his wheelchair and was struck by a garbage truck in 2023. He died eight days later; his family’s lawsuit remains unresolved. Western NC Safety: Beech Mountain officials warn that Helene damage left Buckeye Lake Dam vulnerable to heavy rain, while repair funding remains stalled. Film Industry: North Carolina is providing $31 million in additional tax-rebate funding to support film projects and industry jobs.

Cost of Living: Gov. Josh Stein signed a law suspending North Carolina’s gas tax through Nov. 30, though drivers may not see savings right away. Storm Readiness: With Hurricane Isaias’ remnants expected to bring rain and wind, state officials urged North Carolinians to prepare and watch local guidance. Eastern NC Jobs: QT Corporation plans a $49.2 million Wayne County plant expansion expected to create 188 jobs. Public Safety: Durham County is mourning firefighter Andrew Brokes, 24, who died responding to a fire; officials also recognized community support for first responders. Midterm Campaign: Republican Rep. Greg Murphy and Democratic challenger Raymond Smith are making affordability and health care central issues in the 3rd District race, as early voting approaches. Rural Health: The state announced more than $17 million for mental health services through its Rural Health Transformation Program.

Cost of Living: Gov. Josh Stein signed a temporary suspension of North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax, running Saturday through Nov. 30. The $350 million-plus revenue gap will come from state reserves, and pump prices may take time to reflect the cut as stations sell taxed fuel. Storm Readiness: Isaias is not expected to make landfall in North Carolina, but officials warn of possible localized flooding and gusty winds this weekend. Emergency teams are on standby; residents are urged to sign up for alerts and avoid flooded roads. Research and Jobs: SAS and NC State are launching a two-year AI think tank focused on health care, agriculture and responsible technology use. Historic Preservation: Winston-Salem State University plans to use a $749,700 federal grant to repair the S.G. Atkins House, a landmark tied to the university’s founding and Black homeownership. Construction timing has not been announced.

Election Watch: Early voting begins Thursday in North Carolina, with polls open through Oct. 31, including two Saturdays; voters can register at the polls and will choose candidates in federal, state and local races. Gas Tax Relief: Lawmakers passed a measure suspending the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas and diesel tax through Nov. 30. Gov. Josh Stein is expected to act on it Friday. Power Costs: Duke Energy and major data-center customers reached a deal intended to shield North Carolina households from costs tied to the facilities’ growing electricity demand. Small Businesses and Farms: North Carolina opened applications for $2 million in grants to help tech-focused small businesses, while eastern farmers say surging diesel prices are squeezing already-thin margins. Public Safety: Durham is mourning firefighter Andrew Brokes, who died after a roof collapsed during a building fire.

Power Costs: Duke Energy, major tech companies and North Carolina regulators reached a deal requiring data centers and other large power users to shoulder more of their electricity costs, strengthening protections for other customers. Relief at the Pump: Lawmakers passed a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30; the bill awaits Gov. Josh Stein’s signature, and it remains unclear how much savings drivers will see. Public Safety: Durham firefighter Andrew Brokes died Thursday while searching for victims in a burning building. Stein ordered state and U.S. flags lowered Friday in his honor. Health: North Carolina reported its first flu death of the season and urged residents to get vaccinated. The state also announced more than $17 million for rural mental health services. Industry: Wolfspeed secured a $1.5 billion federal loan to support semiconductor production and research in North Carolina.

Fuel Costs: North Carolina lawmakers approved a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent gas tax through Nov. 30, though how much relief drivers will see remains unclear. Election 2026: Early in-person voting begins next Thursday, with federal, statewide and local races on the ballot. Energy and Growth: Duke Energy reached a deal with major technology companies on new rules for large power users, aiming to keep data-center costs from landing on North Carolina customers. Hurricane Resilience: Western North Carolina partners are developing a communications plan, including local hubs, to keep communities connected during emergencies after Helene exposed major gaps. Business: Stoneville-based Reshoring Textiles acquired Sans Technical Fibers, adding domestic nylon and polyester yarn production. State Economy: North Carolina’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in August, below the national 4.1%, as the state added jobs faster than the country overall.

Energy Costs: Duke Energy, major tech companies and state regulators have agreed on new rules for large power users such as data centers. The proposal requires upfront payments and minimum bills to shield households from grid costs, but clean-energy groups say it falls short; state regulators must still approve it. Fuel Relief: North Carolina lawmakers approved a pause in the state gas tax through Nov. 30, along with a temporary penalty waiver for farmers using dyed diesel on roads. The bill awaits Gov. Josh Stein’s signature. Local Finances: The state Local Government Commission has taken control of Ronda’s finances after officials made no progress toward dissolving the town’s charter. Rural Health: More than $17 million in state and federal grants will expand mental health and substance-use services in rural communities. Flood Protection: Lumberton dedicated a new floodgate, part of a $15 million project aimed at protecting residents and businesses from future flooding. Health Care Dispute: A North Carolina hospital alleges Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has refused or underpaid claims for covered services.

Fuel Costs: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax at a special session. Gov. Josh Stein backs relief but questions the timing, with early voting approaching. Data Centers: Raleigh has approved a six-month pause on large data-center projects, while Attorney General Jeff Jackson is pressing regulators to put data centers in a separate rate class so residents don’t shoulder their power costs. Jobs and Training: The state awarded $660,000 to 13 workforce boards to deepen employer partnerships and expand work-based learning, including apprenticeships. Housing and Growth: Stein has promoted a new affordable-housing development in Raleigh as a model for the state. Meanwhile, U-Haul’s migration report puts North Carolina among the top destinations for retiring baby boomers, alongside South Carolina.

Housing & Growth: Gov. Josh Stein toured Southeast Raleigh Promise’s “Promise 25” project, a public-private push to add 25 affordable homes and expand housing access statewide. Local Government Finance: North Carolina’s Local Government Commission voted to assume financial control of the towns of Ronda (Wilkes County) and Rowland (Robeson County) as both face serious budget trouble. Ports & Environment: The North Carolina State Ports Authority is pausing a long-planned Wilmington dredging plan after concerns about “forever chemicals,” asking the Army Corps to suspend review. Elections Watch: The Cook Political Report moved North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race toward Democrats, shifting it from “Lean Democrat” to “Likely Democrat” as midterm dynamics tighten. Business & Arts: Music Impact Coalition is launching a North Carolina pilot with $3M+ in grants to expand music and arts education to hundreds of thousands of students. Consumer/Cost Pressure: Trump’s order temporarily expands on-road use of red-dyed diesel nationwide, aiming to lower trucking costs and ease gas prices.

Wildlife Leadership: Caldwell native Zach Benfield was appointed to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission governing board, taking over Josh Stone’s unexpired term through June 30, 2027. Workforce & Jobs: N.C. Commerce awarded $660,000 in employer engagement grants to 13 local workforce development boards to expand apprenticeships and work-based learning with more employer partnerships. Data Centers & Local Strain: Counties across the U.S. are pausing new data center approvals, but projects already under construction or with permits often continue—leaving residents focused on power, water, and grid stress. Rent Pricing Antitrust: A court sided with Attorney General William Tong in the RealPage rent-pricing case, keeping the antitrust lawsuit moving. Education Safety: A new North Carolina high school youth survey shows fewer students reporting feeling unsafe, but sexual violence remains a persistent concern. Zoo Expansion: The North Carolina Zoo’s Asia expansion is set to open March 1, 2027, adding nearly 50 species and a major new botanical garden. Transportation Infrastructure: Zachry Construction was selected to replace the U.S. 29/U.S. 74 bridge over the Catawba River, with work starting in September and major completion planned for April 2031.