AGP Executive Report

Mail-voting fight: A federal judge ruling and a looming Supreme Court decision have election experts warning that already-cast ballots in North Carolina could be thrown out if the USPS rule challenge succeeds. Public safety & policing: The SBI arrested former Aberdeen Police Lt. Leigh Ann Brooks on child sexual abuse charges, after an Aberdeen chief requested an investigation in 2025. State government & scams: NC Attorney General Brenna Bird is pushing the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local infrastructure: Guilford County is bracing for temporary rail crossing closures tied to a major rail replacement project. Housing & growth: A TD survey finds first-time homebuyers are looking at longer mortgages and family help as affordability squeezes continue. Business & jobs: GE Aerospace plans a major $11.75B acquisition to secure critical engine casting capacity, signaling more aerospace supply-chain consolidation. Environment: Joro spiders are spreading toward the Carolinas, with officials urging residents to report sightings. Sports: UNC football GM Michael Lombardi’s resignation continues to ripple through the program’s offseason.

Local Health & Care: Jacksonville will host the 17th annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 26 at Jacksonville Commons, with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and a Promise Garden ceremony honoring people affected by the disease. Education Accountability: North Carolina’s school report cards improved again, but the State Board is already planning a new grading approach, aiming for less reliance on standardized tests and a fuller look at student progress. Public Safety & Community: Onslow County is marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with multiple events, including a Patriot Day Observance in Jacksonville featuring tableaux and a moment of silence. Tech & Business: Greensboro-based Apiagne says it launched an integrated enterprise operations model tying AI, cybersecurity, observability, and cloud operations into one delivery framework. Healthcare Research: UNC Chapel Hill researchers report that removing urinary catheters at home on day 1 after urogynecologic surgery can be as effective as standard removal later. Elections: North Carolina’s absentee-by-mail voting is underway, with counties holding public Q&As on how ballots are handled. Environment & Recovery: Weaverville is moving ahead with salvage logging and forest restoration on about 300 acres damaged by Helene, using cable logging to reduce wildfire risk.

School & Community: Watauga’s JV Lady Pioneers stayed undefeated with a 2-1 rally win over Hickory, while Ashe County’s JV boys scored late to beat Watauga 3-1. Remembering 9/11: Local voices marked the 25th anniversary, including accounts from North Carolina-connected families still dealing with health fallout from Ground Zero. Education Access: UNC Charlotte’s Office of Transition and Belonging partnered with Eliminating the Digital Divide to hand out 250 free laptops to first-generation students. Housing & Courts: The DOJ is pushing to settle its antitrust case against Pinnacle Reach RealPage rent-fixing claims tied to North Carolina federal court. Local Government Watch: Opponents of I-77 toll lanes are demanding NCDOT receipts after nearly $70M was spent on consultants for the project. Health Care: UNC Health Nash marked a 10th straight year of national recognition for heart and stroke care. Sports: Ballon d’Or shortlists dropped, and North Carolina’s presence showed up in college football poll chatter.

UNC Football Fallout: Bill Belichick says UNC “totally” has an atmosphere of following rules as the school backs him amid a widening investigation tied to GM Michael Lombardi’s resignation. Mail-In Voting: North Carolina has started sending absentee-by-mail ballots for the midterms, with new GOP-backed rules sparking legal and voter-access concerns. Labor Watch: An Oxfam report ranks North Carolina dead last for workers for the seventh straight year, citing wages and limited protections. Housing & Recovery: A federal post-Helene grant will fund a 132-unit affordable development in Hendersonville, aiming to expand resilient rental supply. Local Culture: Temple Theatre Company launches its 2026-27 season in Sanford with “1776, the Musical.” Community & Safety: Swansboro crews rescued two people and more than 20 dogs from a house fire; investigators say the cause is under review. Sports: Campbell beats No. 24 Western Carolina 28-19 in its home opener.

Federal Court Conviction (Raleigh): A federal jury convicted Isiah Naaquan Weeks after a three-day trial tied to a major fentanyl operation and illegal guns, with prosecutors saying he shipped large pill loads from the Southwest into Eastern North Carolina. UNC Football Investigation (Chapel Hill): Bill Belichick faced repeated questions at a Monday press conference about UNC’s ongoing probe, after general manager Michael Lombardi resigned and Steve Belichick remains on medical leave. Election Rules Under Scrutiny (Statewide): North Carolina’s election board issued new directives that could reject absentee ballots if they’re returned in the wrong way, raising concerns about voters’ ballots being discarded. Amazon Crash Probe (Miami, with NC ties): Federal investigators are focusing on whether the Prime Air cargo jet touched down too late and why it didn’t go around before overrunning the runway and killing at least five. Public Health (Charlotte region): Health officials report an uptick in West Nile virus–infected mosquitoes, urging residents to protect themselves as September typically brings surges. Local Conservation (Valle Crucis): Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Valle Crucis Conference Center expanded permanent protection with a conservation easement covering 86.7 acres and nearby headwater streams.

Aviation Tragedy: An Amazon-branded Boeing 767 cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport, killing at least five and injuring five more after striking vehicles; investigators are now focused on what went wrong during the landing. North Carolina Connection: The flight was operated by 21 Air, a Greensboro-based cargo carrier, raising fresh questions about how Amazon’s air network works when planes carry Prime Air branding but are flown by contractors. Local Impact: Duke Energy unveiled a long-range power plan for its Carolinas footprint through 2041, aiming to add major solar, gas, storage, and new nuclear capacity—if regulators approve. Community Grants: Pamlico County Community Foundation awarded $3,380 in grants to four groups tackling food insecurity, legal services, autism support, and rent/utilities help. Science & Tech: N.C. State researchers built light-powered robots that can repeatedly jump using infrared energy, without a manual reset between moves. Sports (UNC): UNC’s offense showed progress in its opener under Bobby Petrino, and the Tar Heels are set for their next home game after a bye.

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.