AGP Executive Report

Mail-In Voting Fight: The Trump administration filed a third emergency bid to the U.S. Supreme Court to revive USPS mail-ballot restrictions for the November midterms, arguing the current block is creating “confusion and chaos” as ballots already go out in North Carolina and more states prepare to mail soon. Public Safety: Fayetteville police say two people died and a third was hospitalized after ingesting what was believed to be a synthetic opioid. Local Culture & History: Saint Paul AME Church in Raleigh marked its 178-year milestone with a new National Register marker tied to the first Freedmen’s Conventions. State Watch: North Carolina’s teacher licensure rules are shifting, including easier continuing licenses for experienced out-of-state and international teachers. Environment: A mysterious blue land crab continues spreading along the Crystal Coast, with researchers still unsure how it arrived. Food Recall: Walmart frozen berries under the Great Value brand were recalled in multiple states over possible E. coli contamination. Sports (UNC): UNC’s football schedule outlook and national chatter continue after its Ireland win, while local high school football headlines include Hough’s 30-3 rout of Providence Day.

College Football Hot Seat: Week 1 has already put several coaches on the hot seat, including Baylor’s David Aranda after a late decision backfired in a loss to Auburn and Rutgers’ Greg Schiano after the Scarlet Knights fell to UMass. NCHSAA Leadership: Brad Alford was selected as the next commissioner of the NCHSAA, with state education and athletics leaders praising his work elevating school sports. Fatal Crash in Wake County: A 10-year-old boy died and four others were hurt after a driver ran off NC 96, hit a tree, and left the scene; the 40-year-old driver was arrested and faces multiple hit-and-run and child abuse charges. Mail Voting Fight: North Carolina is sending out midterm ballots as courts weigh Trump administration USPS mail-voting restrictions, with officials arguing logistics may be disrupted. Hurricane Fran Anniversary: Eastern North Carolina marks 30 years since Hurricane Fran, with residents in Jacksonville and New Bern recalling long outages and major damage. Legal News: A judge cleared the way for Kyrsten Sinema to face a lawsuit under North Carolina’s “homewrecker” law. Weather/Power: Stormy Labor Day weekend conditions brought down trees and power outages across central NC, including thousands without electricity in Wake County and beyond.

Pentagon Shake-Up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied reports that Deputy Steve Feinberg could be replaced after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation, calling the claims “completely false.” Eastern NC Politics: Miriam Rollin, running for NC House District 1, highlighted gaps in affordable health care—especially behavioral care—and concerns about school staffing and resources. Ukraine Diplomacy: US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow and are set to travel to Kyiv, with Russia and Ukraine agreeing not to strike capitals during talks. Courts & Health Care: A North Carolina appeals process is moving forward for a detransitioner’s malpractice case after a 2025 state law changed the statute of limitations. Weather Alert: NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch across much of western and central NC, with damaging winds, lightning, and hail possible. Fuel Prices: Diesel prices in multiple counties were reported near $5.09–$5.44 per gallon in the week ending Aug. 29. Elections: North Carolina began sending out mail ballots for the midterms as legal fights over USPS-related voting rules continue.

US Mail Voting Fight: A federal judge in Boston blocked Trump-backed USPS mail-voting restrictions nationwide, saying the Postal Service overstepped and the rushed deadlines could disenfranchise voters—North Carolina has already started mailing ballots as the legal fight heads to higher courts. Supreme Court Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court revived a policy letting Republican party committees tap discounted broadcast ad rates, a potential boost for GOP midterm messaging. North Carolina NIL Snapshot: A new report finds most North Carolina high school NIL deals are modest—often $200 to $700—though some reach $25,000. Ukraine Diplomacy: Trump said he’s sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal to end the war, though details like territory remain unclear. Local Sports: North Carolina high school and college action kept rolling, including UNC-area volleyball and football coverage plus early-season results. Weather & Safety: Labor Day weekend brings heat and storm threats, with officials urging preparedness.

Food Safety: The frozen-berry E. coli scare keeps widening: federal data now puts the outbreak at 17 cases, with six hospitalizations, and the FDA has expanded recalls to Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot 6040 01-6, use-by Feb. 9, 2028) sold in 16 states including North Carolina. Elections & Voting Access: North Carolina’s State Board of Elections approved two numbered memos hours before absentee ballots went out, tightening ballot-envelope sealing rules and making it easier for counties to reject ballots—an issue critics say could disenfranchise voters. Local Government: Cabarrus County commissioners discussed state project updates and grants, including a $413,000 farmland conservation easement award and a plan to apply for a 5310 mobility grant for older adults and people with disabilities. Public Health & Community: Cape Fear Community College opened a permanent free drop-in childcare facility for student parents, expanding flexible infant-to-12-years care on its downtown campus. Sports & Culture: UNC football’s general manager Michael Lombardi resigned amid an internal investigation, while the Avett Brothers’ theater project moves forward in Cabarrus County.

G20 Fallout in Asheville: China blocked a final consensus as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blamed “non-market” economic practices, while the U.S. still held separate talks with China and Russia on Iran. Mail Ballot Fight: As North Carolina begins sending midterm mail ballots, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to lift a block on USPS election-related rules, arguing ballots could be affected before courts rule. UNC Football Probe: UNC football GM Michael Lombardi resigned Sept. 3 amid an ongoing investigation tied to a human resources complaint, with UNC saying it will consider corrective actions. Energy and Iran Tensions: Oil surged toward its biggest weekly gain since July as renewed Iran-U.S. hostilities raised risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Public Health Alert: Rabies exposure fears spread after baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive; officials urged people to contact health authorities. LGBTQ Student Safety: A new North Carolina bathroom policy debate is raising concerns about harassment of LGBTQ students. Education Access: Davidson College will offer free tuition to households earning $175K or less, joining a growing trend among selective schools.

Public Health: North Carolina confirmed a teen has died after contracting the rare “brain-eating” amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, a reminder that infections are extremely rare but almost always fatal. Wildlife Safety: A black bear in the Asheville area has been breaking into homes and losing fear of people; officials plan to capture and euthanize it, urging residents to secure trash and remove bird feeders. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a recall of Great Value frozen berries sold at Walmart in 16 states, including North Carolina, due to possible E. coli contamination. Education: Brunswick County Schools reported gains on the 2025-26 accountability results, with 14 of 20 schools meeting or exceeding expected growth. State Policy: Attorney General Jeff Jackson urged the EPA to require monitoring microplastics in drinking water. Business & Jobs: Gov. Stein announced grants for 46 small businesses to commercialize new technologies, including extra support for Hurricane Helene-impacted counties. Politics: North Carolina’s mail-in voting rules are changing as ballots go out, following a court ruling.

G20 in Asheville: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan told G20 finance leaders the global economy is resilient but more exposed to shocks, urging resilience through diversified production, spare infrastructure capacity, and targeted growth reforms. Helene recovery funding: FEMA approved an additional $137M for 114 North Carolina recovery and mitigation projects, pushing total Helene support past $7.5B, with major money for debris removal and critical infrastructure repairs. AI/data center fight: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned communities that blocking AI data centers could cost investment and jobs, while a separate North Carolina debate piece argues the backlash is being fueled by fear and misinformation. Education cuts: East Carolina University plans to eliminate more than 40 academic programs as it targets another $8.5M in cuts, raising student concerns about program access. Elections 2026: North Carolina is mailing 2026 ballots and voters face new mail-in rules after a court ruling. Local public safety: A mobile petting zoo rabies scare expanded after baby goats tested positive, prompting exposure alerts across multiple counties. Sports: North Carolina A&T volleyball opened with a reverse-sweep win over Appalachian State, and Week 3 high school football matchups highlight Enka vs. Pisgah as a top Western North Carolina game.

Child Care Recovery Funding: Gov. Stein and NCDHHS say a $20M application window is coming for child care disaster recovery tied to Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, using a $75M federal grant to build or renovate centers at UNC and NC Community College campuses in impacted counties. AI Policy at G20: At the G20 Innovation Ministerial in North Carolina, the U.S. pushed other countries to avoid broad new AI rules, arguing for regulation focused on proven harms—while internal White House/Commerce tensions played out publicly. Amazon Antitrust/FTC Case: NC’s AG Jeff Jackson joined the FTC and other states in suing Amazon over alleged secret ad surcharges that allegedly inflated prices for sellers for years. Health Alert: A North Carolina teen died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba, days after a Louisiana child’s death from the same type of threat. Politics & Ethics: The U.S. House voted to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards of western North Carolina over findings of a hostile work environment for staff. Education Results: Wake County schools reported gains in proficiency and graduation rates in the 2025-26 accountability data.

G20 Energy & Iran: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told G20 finance leaders in North Carolina that the Strait of Hormuz will be “worthless” for oil within two years as new pipelines bypass it, while the U.S. signals fresh bank-linked sanctions on Iran. AI Power Crunch: Zuckerberg and Musk urged more AI data centers at a G20 tech meeting, warning the buildout needs massive electricity and could trigger a power shortfall. Public Health Alert: North Carolina confirmed a teen’s death from the rare “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri, urging people to avoid risky warm freshwater exposure. Federal Ethics: The U.S. House voted 413-2 to censure North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards over conduct toward two young female staffers. Local Safety & Infrastructure: Wilmington City Council weighed options for replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, while state fire officials urged residents to attend professional fireworks displays amid dry conditions. Community Colleges: A new state budget boost puts community colleges’ workforce programs in the spotlight with added funding for enrollment growth and Propel NC.

G20 in Asheville: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh told finance leaders the world is in a “global investment surge,” not a savings glut, while U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent pushed sound monetary policy and warned the Strait of Hormuz could be “worthless” in two years as Gulf states build pipeline alternatives. AI policy push: The U.S. urged G20 countries to hold off on new AI rules and new oversight bodies, pitching the “Carolina Principles” framework for restraint. Amazon antitrust: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon, alleging it secretly manipulated ad auctions to overcharge more than 1.2 million advertisers, costing over $20 billion; Amazon denies wrongdoing. NC utility rates: Virginia Electric and Power Company President Edward Baine testified to the N.C. Utilities Commission about a proposed rate increase averaging about 12.76% for typical residential customers, with a Sept. 28 hearing. Public health alert: A North Carolina teen died after contracting the rare “brain-eating” amoeba Naegleria fowleri; officials say it’s linked to warm freshwater and spreads when contaminated water is forced up the nose. Local resilience: New Hanover County launched a new disaster coalition command center to coordinate help after hurricanes and other major disruptions.

UNC Charlotte Enrollment: UNC Charlotte set a new record with 33,045 students for fall 2026, driven by a bigger first-year class and record transfer numbers, with online growth a key factor. G20 in Asheville: Global finance leaders are meeting in North Carolina as the U.S. pushes growth and debt concerns, while tensions with Iran and currency policy stay front and center. Iran Strait of Hormuz: The U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes tied to mine threats near the Strait of Hormuz, keeping energy prices and regional risk high. Local Public Safety: Crews rescued an injured climber on Shortoff Mountain near Linville after a fall, with help from NC HART and multiple counties. Food Safety: FDA expanded a rice recall in North Carolina tied to “foreign materials,” and more sprout products were added to an E. coli/Salmonella recall. Courts & Crime: A North Carolina grand jury indicted a 17-year-old woman in connection with the San Diego mosque attack livestream; separate Mecklenburg bookings and a Charlotte school mental health policy update also drew attention. Tech & Education: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools approved crisis-support policy updates, and a North Carolina student won a 3M Young Scientist merit award for “tiny batteries from dirty water.”

Public Health Alert: A North Carolina teen is critically ill after contracting the rare brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri from warm freshwater, prompting state guidance on how to reduce risk while swimming. G20 in Asheville: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is pushing a growth-first message to ease global debt worries as finance leaders meet in North Carolina, while the U.S. ramps up Iran-related secondary sanctions. Iran-U.S. Tensions: The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire again, with missiles and drones fired in the Strait of Hormuz region and Trump warning of further response. Local Politics/Markets: GOP nominee Laurie Buckhout was fined and suspended from Kalshi for trading on her own congressional race. Courts & Schools: A North Carolina Supreme Court ruling revives parents’ ability to sue private schools over expulsions, pushing schools to revisit enrollment agreements. Energy & Costs: Diesel and gasoline prices in North Carolina show modest stability after recent swings. Food Safety: FDA reports a large tofu recall over possible ink contamination, affecting distribution across many states. Sports: UNC opened its season with a 15-10 upset over TCU in Ireland, giving Bill Belichick early momentum.

G20 in Asheville: Finance ministers and central bank governors are meeting in Asheville, with Iran, trade tensions, and growth on the agenda as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushes tighter economic pressure on Tehran. Sanctions and markets: Bessent says the U.S. plans to sanction another bank this week and warns it could be “financial violence” for those doing Iran business, while he also downplays worries about bond-market turbulence. Press access fight: The U.S. Treasury barred some reporters from major outlets from covering the G20, including Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, drawing fresh questions about press freedom. AI and global risk: Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey warned that an AI-driven debt boom could trigger a disorderly global market correction. Local history event: New Bern’s relationship with St. Eustatius (Statia) will be honored with a free ESU lecture at Craven Community College on Sept. 26. Scams update: Waxhaw tied for 22nd in North Carolina for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with seven reports and about $1,654 in losses. Public health alert: North Carolina officials continued warning about rabies exposure after baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive.

UNC Football: Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels opened Year Two with a 15-10 upset of TCU in Dublin, leaning on a shutdown defense and a major QB upgrade from Billy Edwards Jr., who threw for 232 yards and helped spark an offense led by Jordan Shipp and Jelani Thurman. G20 & Iran: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is in Asheville pushing G20 finance talks on trade imbalances and growth while warning countries about secondary sanctions tied to Iran oil and transactions. AI Supply Chain: Corning says the AI data-center boom is driving demand for optical fiber, and it’s partnering with NVIDIA on new manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Texas expected to add 3,000+ jobs. Public Health (Medicaid): New local Medicaid spending snapshots show Archdale Surgery claims up 25.9% (to $686) and Spencer Evaluation & Management payments jumping 96.2% (to $197,288) in 2024. Courts & Crime: A federal judge sentenced Raul Ramirez to 15 years for supplying fentanyl pills into Raleigh-area drug networks. Sports (Soccer): Kansas City Current beat the North Carolina Courage 3-2, with Temwa Chawinga returning as a second-half sub.

Public Health: NCDHHS and Durham County are investigating possible rabies exposures tied to Farm Adventures Mobile Petting Zoo after baby goats tested positive; people who had contact with goats at the Harmony base or at off-site events in multiple counties (July 28–Aug. 27) are being told to contact local health departments for guidance. Weather: Eastern North Carolina is bracing for another stretch of dangerous heat, with heat index values potentially topping 105–110° midweek. College Football (UNC): Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels opened the season with a 15-10 upset of TCU in Dublin, powered by a disciplined, defense-first effort that held the Horned Frogs scoreless after the first quarter. NWSL: Ashley Sanchez kept her scoring surge going for the North Carolina Courage, netting two goals to break the franchise single-season goals record in a win over Angel City. International/Policy: European central bankers are signaling worry about future turbulence in U.S. policy norms after Treasury actions tied to the yen and borrowing costs. Local Travel: Raleigh-Durham International is climbing into the top tier for international flight deals, according to flight-deal data.