AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Elections: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states using the federal exchange, including North Carolina, as the Supreme Court weighs whether new mail-voting rules can take effect so close to Election Day. Voting Rights Fight: A coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul urged the 4th Circuit to uphold a lower-court block on Trump-era ACA coverage restrictions, while separate court battles continue over USPS mail ballot handling and timing. Immigration Enforcement: Guilford County’s sheriff says a detention officer forged magistrate signatures on 20 ICE detainer forms, triggering criminal charges. Local Government & Public Safety: Monroe city council added transparency steps amid protests over Flock Safety license plate cameras. State Politics & Campaign Fallout: A North Carolina Senate candidate faced backlash after a 9/11 commemorative post used the wrong date. Economic Development: VinFast is fighting the state’s attempt to claw back a Chatham megasite, arguing delays were driven by state actions. Environment: North Carolina announced a major $590M PFAS settlement involving DuPont and Chemours. Commemoration: North Carolina National Guard and communities across the Triangle marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with ceremonies and tributes.

Health Care & Cost Relief: The White House says it will send $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Carolina, arguing Biden-era “user fees” inflated premiums beyond what the federal exchange needed. Election Law: A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to lift an injunction blocking USPS from implementing parts of a rule tightening mail-in ballot issuance ahead of November, saying the president can’t dictate state election policy. Military Accountability: A Camp Lejeune toxic water case highlights looming deadlines for thousands of veterans as federal digitization records exist but are disputed in court, with plaintiffs warning of a shrinking window to prove exposure. Local Housing: Durham City Council unanimously passed a non-binding resolution backing tenants’ rights, urging good-faith negotiations with tenant unions after residents organized over safety and quality issues. Public Safety Funding: Granville County Sheriff Robert Fountain launched an honorary membership drive for the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, seeking $25 individual and $50 business contributions for training and legislative support. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show North Carolina fuel prices easing from spring highs but still volatile, with local lows like $3.64 regular in Halifax County and diesel around $5.24 in Lenoir County for the week ending Sept. 5.

PFAS Accountability in NC: North Carolina officials announced a historic $590 million settlement with DuPont and Chemours over “forever chemical” contamination tied to the Fayetteville Works facility, including $455 million for the state and 11 local governments over 10 to 15 years and a $135 million cleanup reserve to protect long-term drinking-water and well-filtration needs. Local Government & Data Centers: Southport approved a 15-month moratorium on new data center approvals as the debate over growth, energy reliability, and local rules spills into state politics. Election Integrity Fight: A coalition of Republican secretaries of state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a Trump administration mail-in ballot rule, warning late changes could confuse voters and undermine confidence. NC Senate Race Clash: Former Gov. Roy Cooper pushed back on Michael Whatley’s public safety attacks at the GOP midterm convention, arguing the claims are false and reframing the contest around crime and costs. AmeriCorps Funding: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a coalition settlement that blocks further Trump administration attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps, protecting community service funding through FY26-27. GOP Midterm Messaging: At the Dallas convention, Trump and allies doubled down on midterm turnout and promised cash incentives, while Democrats and NC Republicans trade sharper rhetoric heading into November.

Supreme Court & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked Missouri from using a newly drawn GOP-favoring congressional map for this fall, ordering the state to stick with its 2022 map while legal fights continue—an early sign of how redistricting disputes could shape 2026 races. North Carolina Politics & Policy: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a major PFAS settlement with Chemours (and related companies) tied to Cape Fear River contamination, with about $590 million aimed at local drinking-water cleanup and accountability. Midterm Politics: At the GOP’s Dallas midterm convention, President Trump doubled down on a “Trump dividend” promise—$5,000 to every adult if Republicans keep Congress—while the White House also floated $500 Obamacare exchange refunds to nearly a million Americans ahead of voting. Housing & Local Government: Asheville approved an ordinance making it illegal for landlords to collect rent on unsafe units, though enforcement may be constrained by state law. Public Safety: Pitt County is investigating a Sunday night shooting death in Ayden. Cost of Living: AAA reports diesel hit record highs in North Carolina, driven by Middle East-related oil price pressure.

Midterm Politics: President Trump kicked off the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas with a promise to pay every American adult $5,000—if Republicans hold the House and Senate—while also boosting North Carolina Senate nominee Michael Whatley and attacking Roy Cooper over Hurricane Helene. North Carolina Elections: Whatley is framing his campaign around crime, border security, and tax cuts as he tries to close a polling gap against Cooper for the open seat. Approval & Voter Mood: New polling shows Trump’s approval slipping nationally, with a High Point University survey putting his approval among North Carolina registered voters at 42%. Immigration & Security: DHS says ICE has deported more than 2,000 known or suspected terrorists since Trump took office, as the country marks the 9/11 anniversary. Local Governance & Public Safety: Catawba ended a 60-day Flock license-plate camera trial, citing roughly $20,000 in annual costs. Courts & Voting: A Missouri ballot fight remains in flux after conflicting rulings over which congressional map applies, with final decisions expected by week’s end. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain a political pressure point, with local reporting tying higher fuel costs to voter anxiety heading into November. Environment: A North Carolina peatland restoration effort is underway to stop drained peat from drying out, burning, and releasing major climate pollution.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein announced SteelFab will invest $19 million in Fayetteville, adding 38 jobs and expanding the facility by 108,000 square feet. Courts & Public Safety: A federal jury in Asheville found Derrick Cucumber not guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder, after he argued self-defense in a shooting tied to an alleged handgun threat. Military Justice: Fort Bragg Sgt. Francisco Zarate was sentenced to five months in prison and a bad conduct discharge after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife with a deadly weapon. Election Rules & Voting Access: North Carolina’s mail-in voting rollout remains in flux as absentee-by-mail ballots begin heading out and state officials adjust procedures amid federal legal fights. State Government & Accountability: Greensboro council members criticized city staff after the Local Government Commission put the city on a fiscal oversight list, raising fund-balance and audit concerns. Education & Free Speech: A FIRE ranking found most UNC System schools among the nation’s top for free speech, with Appalachian State leading the state’s public institutions. Lottery Oversight: A state auditor audit says the Education Lottery should revisit how it distributes money as instant digital gambling grows, with public schools receiving a smaller share than the statutory goal. Local Politics & Community: A Cary council subcommittee is reviewing State Auditor recommendations on ethics, travel, training, benefits, and compensation.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: North Carolina is mailing 2026 absentee ballots as new voting rules take effect, while third-party election mail is already reaching voters ahead of November; former Gov. Pat McCrory is also touring Wake County’s election operations to argue for transparency and public trust. Local Government & Public Safety: Wake County schools are considering expanding stop-arm cameras on buses after early crashes and illegal passing violations; Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney announced he’ll retire Sept. 30 amid months of controversy. Courts & Partisan Power: The U.S. Supreme Court rebuffed Missouri’s push to use a Trump-backed House map, but conflicting lower-court rulings add confusion over which districts apply in November. Community Tensions: Residents in Mooresville raised concerns during a commissioners meeting over a mosque being built, citing safety and traffic while debate spilled into broader culture-war claims. Federal Investigations: NTSB investigators will interview surviving pilots of the Amazon cargo jet crash in Miami and say cockpit voice recorder data is being reviewed; documents also allege safety concerns by former pilots at the North Carolina-based operator. Economy & Infrastructure: A North Carolina-based cable maker, Gaon Cable, entered Canada’s public power grid market, aiming to boost North American sales as utilities expand for AI-driven demand.

Surveillance & Local Control: New Hanover County commissioners canceled the sheriff’s Flock contract after concerns about “mass surveillance” and missing safeguards, following a separate Brunswick County review tied to alleged misuse. State Oversight: A North Carolina audit says the Education Lottery has never met its statutory goal of sending about 38% of revenue to schools, with online games now driving sales while devoting most revenue to prizes. County Economic Development: Watauga commissioners rescinded a $12,000 incentive offer to Rootsii after learning it was negotiating deals elsewhere, while also honoring longtime community leader Lowell Younce. Election Politics: National Senate control is tightening into a near 50-50 fight, with Democrats targeting states including North Carolina as spending ramps toward $3.4 billion. Voting Rules Fight: The Trump administration again asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow mail-ballot restrictions to proceed as North Carolina prepares to send ballots amid ongoing legal challenges. Energy Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile but eased in parts of the state, with Richmond County’s lowest regular reported price at $3.64 in the week ending Aug. 29.

Mail-in Voting Fight: North Carolina election officials say all 100 county boards are ready to mail absentee ballots Friday, even as the Postal Service’s delivery plan remains tied up in federal court and Trump’s team presses the Supreme Court to lift blocks. U.S. Senate Watch: Decision Desk HQ moved the Senate race to a “pure toss-up,” with simulations showing a 50-50 split as Democrats push for control with less than 60 days to go. Worker Rights: Oxfam ranked North Carolina dead last for workers’ conditions, citing a $7.25 minimum wage and lack of state guarantees for paid sick leave and paid family/medical leave. Local Veterans Support: A Charlotte Navy veteran says a yard fire destroyed his essentials and that getting help has been slow, but local veteran groups stepped in with furniture, food, and a shopping spree. Military Readiness: The Marine Corps is rolling out a drone training simulator across sites including North Carolina, aiming to practice drone tactics and electronic warfare without risking aircraft or personnel. Energy Costs: GasBuddy data shows regular prices in parts of the state hovering around the low-to-mid $3 range statewide for the week ending Aug. 29. Global Tech & Standards: India joined a U.S.-led group of 25 countries to shape next-gen 6G network safety and standards, with talks held in Chapel Hill. Aviation Tragedy: The NTSB is investigating an Amazon Prime Air cargo jet crash at Miami International Airport that killed five and injured others after an apparent runway overrun.

Mail-voting fight: The Trump administration is again asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let USPS mail-ballot restrictions take effect before the 2026 midterms, after a federal judge extended a block—keeping North Carolina and other states in legal limbo as ballots begin going out. Local government finance: The state Local Government Commission issued a Notice of Warning to the town of Ronda (Wilkes County), citing long-running audit delays, budget violations, water/sewer fund deficits, and payroll tax problems, with a 30-day corrective plan or possible state takeover/dissolution. Housing dollars for western NC: Ashe County is among 16 western counties eligible for a $53.38 million federal workforce housing for homeownership program tied to Hurricane Helene recovery. Public safety and aviation: Federal investigators are zeroing in on what happened during the landing phase after an Amazon Prime Air cargo jet overran a Miami runway, killing at least five and injuring five; the aircraft was operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air. Food insecurity: A new Feeding America report says hunger is worsening in North Carolina, with about 1 in 7 residents unsure where their next meal will come from, as food banks face more demand and federal cuts. Workforce housing: Ashe County could benefit from new federal workforce housing funding aimed at affordable homeownership for households up to 80% of area median income. Gas prices: Diesel prices in parts of eastern and central NC stayed high in the week ending Aug. 29, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest county figures around $5.35–$5.45 in several areas.

Mail-Ballot Fight: The Trump administration renewed its Supreme Court push to let USPS mail-ballot restrictions take effect before the 2026 midterms, even as North Carolina ballots are already going out and officials warn key compliance pieces may be missing. Courts & Voting Access: A federal judge’s block remains in place while DOJ argues states can still meet requirements once ballots enter the mailstream. Local School Calendar: In the Charlotte area, 11 districts are starting earlier than state law allows, a rare enforcement gap that highlights how local boards can test state rules. Public Safety Comms: Davie County’s 911 training supervisor Grayson Gusa earned a national APCA life member honor, underscoring the state’s focus on emergency communications. State Tech Grants: Greenville’s Perfusio Corp. won a $75,000 state grant to develop a handheld burn-imaging device for faster point-of-care assessment. Labor Day Closings: Western North Carolina government offices are shutting down for the holiday, including multiple Buncombe County and Asheville facilities. Aviation Tragedy (Out of State): An Amazon Prime Air cargo crash at Miami International killed at least five and injured others; the operator is linked to a North Carolina-based carrier.

Mail-voting fight: A federal judge extended a block on President Donald Trump’s USPS mail-ballot restrictions as North Carolina began sending ballots for the Nov. 3 midterms, warning states can’t overhaul election systems on a tight timeline without risking disenfranchisement. GOP convention: The RNC unveiled a lineup for its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, featuring key battleground Senate candidates including North Carolina’s Michael Whatley, with Trump and JD Vance shifting keynote roles. Teacher licensure: North Carolina changed teacher licensure rules in the state budget, easing continuing-license pathways for experienced out-of-state and international teachers by dropping “substantially similar” requirements. Public safety and privacy: Flock license-plate cameras are expanding across North Carolina, drawing privacy concerns from the ACLU while local officials cite arrests and warrant leads. Drugs and courts: A Raleigh man, Isiah Naaquan Weeks, was convicted on 14 federal counts tied to a fentanyl trafficking and firearms operation, with sentencing set for October 19. Food insecurity: A Food Bank report says hunger in the region has deepened to pandemic-levels, with hundreds of thousands more people lacking consistent access to food. Local justice: Rockingham police announced multiple arrests after a months-long drug investigation, including large quantities of marijuana and firearms found during a search.

Court Watch: A federal judge ruled that former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema can be sued in North Carolina under the state’s “homewrecker” law, rejecting her argument that she lacked a meaningful connection to the state and pointing to text messages sent while her former bodyguard lived in NC. Elections & Voting: The Trump administration urged an appeals court to pause a judge’s block on USPS mail-voting restrictions, arguing states can comply and that election officials’ concerns are overstated as ballots begin moving. State Policy: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing how to regulate intoxicating hemp products as federal rules remain in flux, with the legislature set to revisit the issue after midterms. Local Governance: Outer Banks counties are pushing back on proposed N.C. ferry tolls, seeking changes or delays as NCDOT holds community meetings in Dare and Hyde. Public Safety: A person died after an electrocution in East Charlotte, adding to a recent string of serious electrical incidents across the city. Military & National Security: Reporting says Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned amid Pentagon shakeups tied to Pete Hegseth tensions.

Elections & Courts: North Carolina has started mailing midterm ballots as a federal judge keeps blocking Trump-backed USPS mail-voting restrictions, extending an injunction that challenges the administration’s push to route and screen vote-by-mail through USPS. State Politics: The N.C. Board of Elections has been adjusting absentee and mail-ballot procedures on the fly as litigation and deadlines collide, with officials preparing for voters even as rules remain in flux. Public Safety: Raleigh police are investigating a break-in at Dos Taquitos where thieves crawled in through a back door and stole a safe before dawn. Criminal Justice: A Plymouth man faces charges including felony witness intimidation after authorities say he pointed a handgun at a witness tied to Superior Court testimony. Economy & Energy: Diesel prices varied across counties in the week ending Aug. 29, with Rowan reporting the lowest at $5.12 and Union at $4.99, while national trends remain tied to oil-market volatility. Local Government & Community: Raleigh’s African American Cultural Festival is set to draw 35,000–40,000 people downtown for its 17th year.

Midterm Mail Voting Fight: North Carolina became the first state to widely distribute mail ballots Friday, but the rollout is happening amid fast-moving court fights and USPS rules that judges say could disrupt voting. A federal judge extended a block on Trump’s mail-voting restrictions, while North Carolina’s State Board of Elections approved new “numbered memos” hours before ballots went out, including guidance that could lead to ballots being “spoiled” if inner envelopes aren’t properly sealed and tighter rules on who can return ballots. State Politics & Elections Oversight: The board’s split, party-line vote underscored how much the counting standards—not just the casting experience—could change for voters. Legal Fallout in NC Courts: A judge ruled Friday that former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema can be sued under North Carolina’s “homewrecker” law, rejecting her argument that she lacks a connection to the state. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Diesel hit a new U.S. record, with North Carolina-based reporting tying the spike to the Iran-related disruption and warning it could raise costs for farmers heading into fall harvests. Local Government & Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein announced Boater’s World will invest in a Beaufort County boat manufacturing campus, creating 179 jobs in Chocowinity.

Mail Ballots & Court Fight: North Carolina became the first state to mail absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 midterms, even as the Trump administration presses the Supreme Court to allow sweeping USPS changes that could delay or disrupt ballots. Drought Watch: The latest U.S. Drought Monitor says parts of the northern Piedmont and northern Coastal Plain are getting worse, with many counties still in some stage of drought and officials urging conservation. Election Security at Polls: Civil rights groups and veterans are among those planning to help safeguard polling places in key states, including North Carolina, amid fears of intimidation and new voter ID and enforcement efforts. Local Tech & Privacy: Lexington’s mayor announced an independent review of the city’s Flock license-plate camera program after public backlash over surveillance and misuse concerns. Public Safety: Craven County’s sheriff’s office was recognized for a joint operation targeting street and gang crime, including major fentanyl and meth seizures and dozens of arrests. Military & Health: Reports say the Pentagon has delayed PFAS cleanup timelines at hundreds of bases, including major North Carolina installations.