AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather: Powerful winds damaged businesses, downed trees and power lines, and overturned vehicles in Fayetteville, while Isaias’s remnants brought flooding, water rescues and outages to western North Carolina. North Carolina Elections: Republican Dan Kiger and Democrat Ken Badgett are vying for the 90th House District; early voting starts Thursday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The statewide Senate contest between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley is also drawing attention. Business and Energy: Gaon Cable plans to add nuclear-grade cable production at its Tarboro plant, aiming to supply U.S. reactor and small modular reactor projects as electricity demand grows. Washington Watch: Sen. Thom Tillis says President Trump’s Russian diesel deal may violate federal law, joining bipartisan calls to reverse the move.

Tillis Challenges Trump Deal: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis says the administration’s plan to ease sanctions on Russian diesel may be illegal and put American lives at risk. Western NC Flooding: Torrential rain prompted life-threatening flash-flood warnings Sunday morning, with officials warning of dangerous rises in streams and possible damage. Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Josh Stein signed a temporary state gas-tax suspension through Nov. 30, aiming to ease high fuel costs for drivers. Data Centers: Perquimans County approved a six-month pause on new data-center applications as it considers rules for the facilities; Duke Energy also reached an agreement to protect customers from data-center costs. Childcare Costs: A statewide poll found 78% of North Carolina voters consider access to affordable, quality childcare a crisis or major problem, and many see it as key to the state’s workforce and economy.

Storm Watch: Isaias weakened after striking Florida, but its remnants were forecast to bring heavy rain and a rising tornado threat to North Carolina. Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Josh Stein signed a law suspending the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax through Nov. 30; savings may take time to reach drivers as stations sell fuel taxed before the pause. Midterm Races: North Carolina’s Senate contest between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley is among the races drawing national attention, while voters also choose all 170 state legislators. Jobs and Investment: Developers are eyeing Sanford for factories that could bring up to 670 jobs, with tax breaks under consideration. Duke Energy also reached an agreement on special rates for large power users, including data centers. Recovery Court: Pasquotank County has launched a program offering some people convicted of nonviolent offenses treatment and close supervision as an alternative to prison.

Fuel Costs: North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, though drivers may not see savings right away. Election 2026: Democratic strategist David Plouffe cautioned supporters not to take Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign for granted, despite his polling lead. In eastern North Carolina, Republican Rep. Greg Murphy faces Democrat Raymond Smith in the 3rd District, where affordability and health care are key issues. Durham: County leaders are mourning firefighter Andrew Brokes, 24, who died responding to a blaze, and honoring community efforts to build ties with first responders. Jobs and Growth: Factory proposals in Sanford could bring up to 670 jobs, with tax breaks under consideration. ECU also hosted more than 200 life sciences leaders and researchers to discuss the industry’s growth and workforce needs in eastern North Carolina. Raleigh Business: Sam Jones BBQ plans to open a third local outlet at Morgan Street Food Hall by year’s end, bringing its eastern North Carolina whole-hog barbecue to the Warehouse District.

Relief at the Pump: North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax suspension took effect Friday and runs through Nov. 30, but drivers may wait to see savings—and prices may not fall by the full amount. Storm Readiness: State emergency officials are activating rescue teams and preparing for possible flooding from Tropical Storm Isaias, with western and southeastern North Carolina among areas of concern. Election Watch: Early voting begins Thursday as campaigns intensify across the state; a federal judge has also allowed Republican groups to join a lawsuit over North Carolina mail ballots. Statehouse Showdown: Gov. Josh Stein and legislative leaders filed new arguments in a dispute over the governor’s appointment powers, ahead of November hearings at the state Supreme Court. Jobs and Innovation: Manufacturers are considering Sanford for projects that could bring about 670 jobs, while SAS and NC State plan a two-year AI think tank focused on health care, agriculture and responsible technology.

Voting: Early voting has begun in North Carolina ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Pitt County voters can register at early-voting sites and cast ballots in federal, state and local races, plus three constitutional amendments. Cost of Living: State lawmakers approved suspending the 41-cent gas tax, and Gov. Josh Stein is expected to act Friday; drivers could see relief within days. Data Centers: Duke Energy reached an agreement with data center companies and customer advocates to help protect North Carolina households from the cost of serving large power users. Small Business: North Carolina opened $2 million in grants for technology-focused small businesses developing new products and services. Health: State officials reported the season’s first flu death and urged residents to get vaccinated and seek early treatment. Weather: Category 3 Hurricane Isaias could bring heavy rain and flooding to North Carolina over the weekend.

Pump Relief: North Carolina lawmakers approved a suspension of the 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30, and Gov. Josh Stein is expected to sign it. Savings may take time to reach drivers, and high fuel prices could offset some of the cut. Electricity Bills: Duke Energy and data center companies agreed to new rules requiring large power users to pay more, aiming to shield other customers from added costs. Senate Race: Roy Cooper is campaigning on affordability and health care as he challenges Republican Michael Whatley; a polling average gives Cooper a nine-point lead. Durham: Stein ordered flags lowered Friday to honor firefighter Andrew Brokes, who died while searching a burning building for victims. Public Health: North Carolina reported its first flu death of the season and urged residents to get vaccinated and seek early treatment.

Energy Costs: Duke Energy and major data-center companies agreed to rules requiring large users to cover their grid connection costs, aiming to protect existing North Carolina customers from higher bills. Gas Tax: State lawmakers approved a temporary suspension of the 41-cent-a-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30; the measure was headed to Gov. Josh Stein. Election 2026: North Carolina officials are testing voting equipment and preparing for early voting, which begins Oct. 15, as they work to address voter concerns. A separate ballot measure would require lawmakers to set limits on local property-tax increases, but does not specify what those limits would be. Rural Access: A $17 million federal-backed fiber project is expected to connect about 2,100 households, businesses, farms and schools in Halifax and Warren counties, including the Haliwa-Saponi community. Western NC Recovery: Regional partners are developing a communications plan to keep communities connected during emergencies, drawing on lessons from Hurricane Helene.

Fuel Relief: North Carolina lawmakers approved a pause in the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30, using reserves to replace transportation funds. The bill is headed to Gov. Josh Stein; drivers may not see the full savings at the pump. Energy and Data Centers: Duke Energy and large power users agreed on new contract rules requiring upfront payments and making it costly to exit, aiming to shield households from data-center power costs. Environmental groups say the deal lacks clean-energy requirements and leaves key questions unresolved. 2026 Elections: Early voting opens Oct. 15, the same night Libertarian Shannon Bray and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin plan a Senate debate. Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley were invited but did not respond. Whatley’s campaign has paused TV ads as national Republicans redirect spending from North Carolina to other races. Flood Protection: Stein joined Lumberton officials to dedicate a new floodgate, part of a $15 million project intended to protect residents and businesses from future flooding, a decade after Hurricane Matthew devastated the area.

Fuel Costs: North Carolina lawmakers returned to Raleigh to consider suspending the state’s 41-cent gas tax. Gov. Josh Stein welcomed the focus on affordability but questioned the timing, just weeks before Election Day. Data Centers: Raleigh approved a six-month pause on new data centers as advocates seek more time to assess their effects. Senate Race: Republican groups have shifted millions in spending away from North Carolina toward Kansas, while Roy Cooper is reported to lead Michael Whatley in the contest for an open U.S. Senate seat. Workforce: The state awarded $660,000 to 13 local workforce boards to strengthen employer partnerships and expand work-based learning, including apprenticeships. Housing: Stein highlighted a new affordable housing complex in Raleigh as a potential model for communities across the state.

Port of Wilmington: North Carolina Ports Authority is pausing a long-planned dredging project for the Wilmington channel after “forever chemicals” concerns, with the authority reportedly asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to suspend review. Midterm politics: The Cook Political Report moved Kansas to “toss up,” New Hampshire to “lean Democrat,” and North Carolina to “likely Democrat,” citing Trump’s unpopularity and rising fuel and cost pressures. Fuel costs in NC: Trump’s order expanding tax-free on-road use of red-dyed diesel is expected to affect prices, while North Carolina lawmakers are weighing a special session on gas and diesel tax relief. Courts & policy: The North Carolina Business Court setback in an antitrust class action and a major “forever chemical” contamination settlement highlight how legal fights are shaping state outcomes. Local business & community: UniFirst’s No. 9 Chevy with Chase Elliott returns for Charlotte’s Chase race; and the Music Impact Coalition is launching a North Carolina pilot with $3M+ for music and arts education.

Workforce & jobs: The N.C. Department of Commerce awarded $660,000 in employer engagement grants to 13 local workforce development boards, aiming to boost apprenticeships and work-based learning by partnering more directly with employers. Local infrastructure strain: Counties across the region are trying to slow data center growth, but a key frustration is that pauses often don’t stop projects already under construction or with permits—leaving residents to face higher power bills and water demands anyway. Business growth in the Triangle: Roth Capital bought an 18,000-square-foot, 13-unit small-bay industrial property in the Raleigh-Durham market for $3.05 million, expanding its local portfolio. Retail comeback: Dick’s House of Sport is set to open at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, taking over a long-vacant Sears anchor space and bringing a major new draw to the mall. Politics & misinformation: A U.S. Senate campaign ad tied to Democrat Adam Hamilton is facing backlash from a Kansas camp after it allegedly used an unauthorized photo of children, raising questions about consent and misleading associations. Healthcare access: North Carolina’s Medicare Advantage enrollees are heading into open enrollment amid a network disruption already underway. Courts & policing: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to act on a North Carolina “knock-and-talk” case, leaving lower-court rulings in place.

Midterm Politics: Sen. Thom Tillis is using major TV appearances to warn Republicans about the midterms, including calling his vote for Pete Hegseth the “biggest regret” of his career and criticizing Trump administration picks. Election Access: North Carolina voters are getting reminders on absentee voting rules, including request deadlines and ID requirements. Cost of Living & Taxes: GOP leaders are calling lawmakers back to Raleigh for a special session to consider gas and diesel tax relief as fuel prices stay high. Education Pay: A Blue Ribbon panel is pushing for teacher pay gains beyond earlier state increases, aiming to keep North Carolina competitive for attracting and retaining strong educators. Consumer Protection: A Wake County judge entered default judgment against Holly Christina Photography, ordering nearly $2 million in payments after hundreds of couples alleged they were left without wedding photos and videos. Environment & Ports: North Carolina’s ports authority is pausing Wilmington Harbor deepening over PFAS and other environmental concerns. Business & Jobs: Amazon opened a new robotics fulfillment center in Wilmington, already employing more than 1,000 people.

Midterms in the spotlight: With Election Day about a month away, national coverage keeps zeroing in on North Carolina’s race dynamics and the money-and-momentum battle shaping 2026 outcomes. AI political ads: Researchers say about $80 million has gone into roughly 170 AI-generated midterm ads, with many not disclosing AI use—raising new questions for voters in North Carolina and beyond. State ballot fight: A North Carolina columnist argues against the General Assembly’s three constitutional amendments on the ballot, warning they “tie the hands” of future lawmakers—especially around the income tax cap. Local infrastructure: Swannanoa is moving forward on sidewalk repairs and extensions with nearly $1.8 million in state grants tied to Hurricane Helene recovery. Workplace/legal: The N.C. Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay in the state Labor Department’s dispute with a fired worker, pausing an administrative law judge’s final decision. Public health: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of Gatorade sold in 37 states, including North Carolina, due to undeclared dyes.

Health & Community Funding: The Health Foundation in Wilkes County marked its 35th anniversary, saying it has awarded $10.6 million in grants and spent $26.8 million on health infrastructure to expand access to care. State Government Transparency: A CMS superintendent shakeup in Charlotte is reigniting calls for stronger North Carolina government transparency rules after board decisions were shielded as “personnel matters.” Courts & Accountability: A North Carolina police chief sued state leaders, claiming he’s still on an unconstitutional “blacklist” despite cold-case charges being dismissed. Higher Education Oversight: Shaw University alumni filed a 200-page complaint with the NC attorney general, alleging mismanagement tied to real estate, finances, and governance. Public Safety & Environment: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission approved an emergency rule in Buncombe County to stop feeding black bears, citing hundreds of bear reports and multiple pet deaths. Food Safety: Frozen berries recall updates expanded again after E. coli concerns, including more Trader Joe’s and Walmart products. Economy & Jobs: Forsyth County’s average weekly wage rose to $1,509 in early 2026, with local leaders pointing to workforce training and business growth. Politics & Power: Sen. Thom Tillis is warning about the “outsized influence” of the executive branch as he heads toward the Senate exit.

Gas Prices & Politics: North Carolina GOP leaders say they’ll call a special General Assembly session to tackle rising fuel costs, aiming to give “immediate relief at the pump,” with details still unclear. Data Center Transparency: A growing push for openness in the UDO zoning process and concerns over how hyperscale data centers were planned “secretly” in parts of the state and region are fueling candidate and voter anger. Homelessness & Housing: Raleigh Rescue Mission opened a new $41 million campus in Knightdale for women and children, expanding daily capacity and adding longer-term support. Campaign Trail (NC): Roy Cooper campaigned in Asheville on “Make Stuff Cost Less,” tying his U.S. Senate bid to affordability and criticizing federal recovery funding after Hurricane Helene. Election Prep: With a North Carolina voter registration deadline approaching, election coverage is ramping up across the state. Energy Grid Investment: Four County EMC won up to $23.2 million in federal support to modernize rural transmission infrastructure.