AGP Executive Report

Western NC Recovery: A new report from the North Carolina Rural Center says western North Carolina’s outdoor tourism economy is rebounding two years after Hurricane Helene, with visitor spending losses slowing as conservation groups work to “restore, rebuild, and back better,” including stabilizing waterways and bolstering vulnerable stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Workers’ Rights: Oxfam ranks North Carolina dead last for worker conditions, citing a $7.25 minimum wage unchanged since 2009 and lack of state guarantees for paid sick leave or paid family/medical leave. PFAS Accountability: A class action lawsuit tied to Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant is set for a jury trial in March 2027, representing more than 180,000 North Carolinians affected by PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River. Flooding Watch: In Ogden, heavy rain collapsed a cut-through and sent water surging through a creek, raising fears for homes near the flood-prone area. Native Plants & Climate Resilience: The Cape Fear Native Plant Festival returns Sept. 16–20 with talks on native salt marsh plants, wildlife-friendly landscaping, and building resilient coastal habitats. Aviation Safety (NC link): Federal investigators continue probing an Amazon cargo jet crash in Miami that killed five; the flight was operated by 21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo airline. Energy & Carbon-Cutting: Endswell Funeral Home opened a third Triangle location in Chapel Hill, expanding aquamation (water-based cremation) and green burial services supported by a USDA grant for solar power.

Coastal Resilience Planning: Oak Island is holding a Sept. 16 drop-in open house to review and vote on proposed initiatives for its Coastal Resilience Strategy, developed with the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program, aiming to set resilience goals and identify projects to better withstand coastal hazards. Food Insecurity: Hunger is worsening across North Carolina as food banks report more demand alongside federal cuts, with Feeding America data showing 1 in 7 residents unsure where their next meal will come from—about 180,000 more people than in 2021. Public Cleanup: NCDOT’s 2026 Fall Litter Sweep runs Sept. 12-26, inviting volunteers to pick up litter along state-maintained roads and in communities, with free supplies available through county maintenance yards. Weather & Safety: Labor Day brings drier air but also dangerous rip currents along parts of the Outer Banks, with officials urging swimmers to heed beach flags and avoid risky conditions. Fall Forecast: N.C. State forestry expert Robert Bardon expects a “patchwork” fall foliage season, with drought, heat, and rain likely creating uneven color across regions. Aviation & Risk: A deadly Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport killed five and injured five; the aircraft was operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, and investigators are focusing on what happened during landing and why the runway overrun occurred.

Severe Weather & Power Risks: Charlotte-region storms and a broader severe thunderstorm watch/alerts across parts of North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina are raising the odds of damaging winds, hail, and lightning over the holiday weekend, with officials urging people to avoid downed power lines. Community Conservation Funding: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina awarded nearly $395,000 to conservation efforts, including UNC Asheville’s Community Lumber Project to repurpose storm-felled trees and expand wildfire-risk reduction, plus grants to wildlife-crossing work. Volunteer Cleanup Push: NCDOT is inviting North Carolinians to join the 2026 Fall Litter Sweep (Sept. 12–26), offering free supplies to help cut roadside trash ahead of fall foliage season. Local Environmental Stewardship: In Cary, professional pickleball players and Veolia staff helped remove invasive plants and plant herbs in the Carpenter Community Garden’s pollinator area, supporting local food bank donations. Public Health Watch: A recall of frozen berries sold at Walmart in multiple states, including North and South Carolina, has expanded due to possible E. coli contamination. Invasive Species Alert: Researchers are tracking the spread of the blue land crab, a non-native species first spotted in NC in 2023, with confirmed sightings concentrated along the Crystal Coast.

Microplastics in drinking water: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson is urging the EPA to add microplastics to its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, pushing for tracking in public water systems. Food insecurity: A new Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina report says hunger across a 34-county region is now above pandemic levels, with nearly 630,000 people lacking consistent access to food and pantry visits up sharply. Severe weather/Labor Day impacts: Storms and tornado warnings swept through parts of central and eastern NC over the holiday weekend, with reports of downed trees, power outages, hail, and damaging winds; forecasts also warned of continued thunderstorm risk in the Carolinas. PFAS accountability: A jury trial is set for March after Chemours and DuPont were found liable for PFAS entering North Carolina properties. Wildlife conservation: Three critically endangered American red wolf pups were fostered from the Saint Louis Zoo into a wild NC family to boost genetic diversity. Local environment/community: Spencer is hosting a public workshop to shape a Children’s Discovery and Play Garden at Spencer Town Park, designed around outdoor nature learning.

Hurricane Fran’s 30th anniversary: Eastern North Carolina residents in Jacksonville and New Bern are looking back at Hurricane Fran’s Sept. 5, 1996 landfall—105 mph winds, weeks without power, and major coastal damage that still shapes local memories. Severe storms hit the Labor Day start: A stormy weekend brought downed trees, power outages, hail, and damaging wind gusts across Wake County and the broader Charlotte region, with NWS watches and warnings covering much of central and western NC. Charlotte-area radar and safety reminders: WBTV tracked active alerts as storms moved through, urging people to avoid downed power lines and prepare for wind and hail. Policy watch—hemp/cannabis rules: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing how to regulate intoxicating hemp products as federal rules shift, including a delayed national ban and pressure to reclassify marijuana. PFAS accountability: A new look at 3M’s PFAS handling highlights how internal blood testing and decisions helped delay action on “forever chemicals,” with legal fallout tied to contamination. Wildlife conservation: Endangered red wolf pups were fostered from the Saint Louis Zoo into a wild NC pack to boost recovery. Agriculture update: Despite drought and storms, a Surry County farm reports its strongest pumpkin and apple harvest yet heading into fall. Food safety note: Experts warn that blueberry nutrition can vary based on storage and preparation, and recent reports also point to E. coli concerns tied to frozen berries.

PFAS & PFAS lawsuits: A jury trial is set for March after Chemours and DuPont were found liable for PFAS entering North Carolina properties. Water & public health: Mecklenburg County is warning about a West Nile virus uptick after three positive tests in Charlotte. Drought & heat: Drought conditions are worsening in parts of northern N.C., even after recent rain, as heat advisories and severe storm threats keep cycling through the state. Coastal water safety: Fresh shellfish harvesting closures were issued along the N.C. coast due to poor water quality. Wildlife conservation: The Phoenix Species Project is launching a global effort to bring 100 of the world’s most threatened species back from the brink. Local governance & resilience: N.C. officials are urging residents to prepare for disasters, including how to handle flood risks and evacuation zones. Energy & pollution: A watchdog report highlights ongoing pollution concerns tied to a biogas facility racking up thousands in unpaid fines.

PFAS Accountability in NC: A federal judge ruled Chemours and DuPont are liable for PFAS entering thousands of North Carolina properties tied to the Fayetteville Works plant, clearing a key trespass question ahead of a March 2027 jury trial on damages. Storms & Heat Watch: The NWS issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches across parts of the Piedmont and broader alerts for the Charlotte region, with damaging wind and hail possible, plus lingering heat advisories into the weekend. Coastal Flood Risk Education: Ahead of Hurricane Fran’s 30th anniversary, forecasters in Wilmington are using a portable, color-coded storm-surge pole to help residents visualize how far inland dangerous water can reach. Climate Goals Falling Behind: A new report says many states are cutting or scrapping 2030 climate targets as emissions lag and costs rise. Data Center Tax Fight (Stokes County): A watchdog report challenges projected tax revenue from a proposed Stokes County data center, arguing the numbers are far too high. Mosquito Health Alert: Mecklenburg County is urging vigilance after three West Nile virus positives, noting September typically brings a surge. FEMA Recovery Money: Gov. Josh Stein says North Carolina is set to receive $15M more in FEMA aid to speed up storm recovery reimbursements after Hurricane Helene. Local Sustainability Spotlight: Charlotte’s Around the Crown race is leaning into sustainability with reusable items and transit-friendly options.

Rail & Roads: Norfolk Southern plans road closures west of Mebane next week for track work, with crossings like Private Roberts Crossing and Stone Street shut Tuesday–Thursday starting as early as 6 a.m., plus detours for drivers. PFAS Cleanup Delays: A new report says the Pentagon has pushed back PFAS “forever chemical” cleanup timelines at 243 military sites, including major North Carolina bases such as Seymour Johnson AFB, Cherry Point, and Fort Bragg—raising fresh concerns about contaminated groundwater and drinking-well testing. Hurricane Fran Anniversary: Eastern North Carolina marks 30 years since Hurricane Fran hit near Cape Fear on Sept. 5, 1996, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, major power loss, and billions in damage. Flood Resilience Planning: Pender County is seeking public feedback on a draft Resilient Pender County Plan aimed at flooding and wildfire hazards, with comments due by Sept. 23. Heat Watch: First Warning Forecast highlights another round of dangerous heat and humidity across the Carolinas, with a heat advisory and storm chances shifting later Friday. Coastal Fisheries: A Wake County Superior Court ruling backs plaintiffs arguing the state failed to protect North Carolina’s coastal fisheries, putting public-trust protections back in the spotlight.

Extreme Heat & Storms: Eastern North Carolina daycares are shifting schedules as heat index values push dangerous levels, with playground surfaces reportedly reaching up to 140°F; the National Weather Service also issued a Heat Advisory for parts of the Outer Banks and nearby counties, with possible strong to severe thunderstorms Friday. Public Health Water Alert: NC officials are warning residents to avoid discolored or scummy water that could signal harmful algal blooms ahead of the Labor Day weekend, noting blooms can’t be identified just by sight. Energy & Power Costs: Duke Energy reported a transmission-line outage that left nearly 22,000 customers without power in Cary and Morrisville during peak heat. Clean Energy Jobs Push: NC A&T joined an NSF clean-economy initiative aimed at turning rural crop fibers into materials for vehicles, construction, and packaging, with workforce development for higher-wage jobs. Microplastics Monitoring: NC AG Jeff Jackson urged the EPA to add microplastics to drinking-water monitoring rules. Solar Recycling Economics: A new look at solar panel recycling highlights how recovered metals can make recycling viable, but demand for key commodities like silver is crucial. Coastal Learning: UNCW added the R/V Osprey research vessel to expand hands-on marine science offshore. Hunger Deepens: A regional report says food insecurity in North Carolina is worsening, with more than 700 pantries seeing rising demand.

Extreme Heat & Storm Setup: A dangerous heatwave is pushing heat index values near 110 across parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with severe thunderstorms and flash-flood risk expected to shift south toward the Carolinas over the weekend. Coastal Resilience Funding: North Carolina opened grant applications for the Resilient Coastal Communities Program, offering $2.5 million for “shovel-ready” projects like wetland restoration and stormwater upgrades to cut flood impacts. Landfill Backlog Exposed: A state audit says hundreds of old North Carolina landfill sites still haven’t been investigated, including many near homes, schools, and daycare centers, raising concerns about methane and contaminated groundwater. Coastal Erosion Policy Fight: The NC Coastal Resources Commission declined to endorse a push to repeal the state’s hardened structures ban, keeping the current erosion-control limits in place while the bill heads through the legislature. Local Power Plant Scrutiny: Duke Energy’s open house in Mocksville drew public questions about environmental impacts and whether the project could spur data-center growth. Cyber Preparedness: North Carolina’s National Guard wrapped up a multi-agency cybersecurity exercise at the Raleigh emergency operations center, aimed at defending critical infrastructure.

G20 Finance & Markets: Bank of England chief Andrew Bailey warned global markets are primed for a “potentially disorderly” correction, pointing to sovereign-debt fragilities, leverage, private credit risks, and stretched valuations tied to AI spending. Trade Politics: China urged G20 members to uphold free trade and multilateralism while Germany signaled a tougher stance on China after G20 talks—raising concerns for cross-border investment and supply chains. AI & Power Demand: At a Chapel Hill G20 innovation event, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang pushed leaders to treat AI as infrastructure and build more data centers—while North Carolina communities increasingly question the strain on water and the grid. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement plan is back in the spotlight, with residents and council debating two billion-dollar options and potential tolling. Public Health: North Carolina reported a teen critically ill with a rare brain-eating amoeba, renewing warnings about warm freshwater exposure. Coastal Resilience: Nags Head is moving ahead with a living shoreline project at the Harvey Soundside site, but safety concerns are emerging for soundside recreation. Air Pollution Rule: NC AG Raoul joined a multistate push against an EPA proposal that would weaken NOx limits from heavy-duty vehicles, citing asthma and environmental justice impacts.

Roadless Rule Fight: The U.S. Forest Service has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, which would reopen millions of acres to more road building and timber harvesting; public comments are open until Sept. 21, with a Waynesville hearing set for Sept. 10. Shorebird Habitat Lawsuit: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over overdue critical habitat protections for the red knot, including key stopover beaches along eastern North Carolina. Water Quality Updates: Morehead City lifted a swimming advisory at the 16th Street sound-side access after follow-up testing showed bacteria levels below state and federal standards. Heat & Storm Alerts: A heat advisory is in effect for parts of North Carolina and Virginia, with dangerous humidity and triple-digit heat index values, plus storm chances. Coastal Resilience Funding: North Carolina opened applications for coastal resilience funding through the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program. Data Center Water Scrutiny: NCDEQ is moving on data center water quality review, including a hearing tied to an application.

House Ethics Fallout (NC): The U.S. House voted 413-2 to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) after an ethics probe found “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two former female staffers, creating a hostile work environment; Edwards apologized on the floor but disputed the ethics conclusions. G20 Trade & Imbalances: At the G20 finance meeting in Asheville, leaders (except China) backed steps to cut “non-market” policies that drive export surpluses and distort trade, while also wrestling with sovereign debt and bond-market stress. AI, Power, and Water (NC): G20 innovation talks in North Carolina put data centers and AI front and center, with Elon Musk warning of looming power shortfalls; meanwhile, local concerns keep rising over electricity and water use. PFAS + Data Centers (SE NC): WECT reports Chemours is moving into the data center supply chain with a PFAS-based cooling chemical, Opteon, as officials debate environmental risks tied to the company’s past pollution. Coastal Water Quality: Fresh shellfish harvesting closures hit the North Carolina coast due to poor water quality. Public Health (NC): A central NC teen died after contracting the rare brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, renewing warnings about warm freshwater exposure. Storm Impacts: Havelock reported an estimated 80,000-gallon sewage overflow after heavy rain.

AI & Water Demand in Halifax County: Quiet Data Centers’ proposed 100,000-square-foot AI data center in Enfield drew public questions at a Halifax County Commissioners meeting, with officials citing major investment and jobs while residents pressed on water use and utility impacts. Pollution Enforcement in Wayne County: A biogas facility tied to BIOX Renewables faces mounting state penalties after reports of ongoing pollution near Nahunta Swamp, including high E. coli and nitrogen levels. Coastal Shellfish Closures: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued temporary shellfish harvesting bans in parts of Brunswick, Onslow, and Pamlico counties due to poor water quality, with restrictions lifted as bacteria counts improve. Marine Science Boost at UNCW: UNCW welcomed the 78-foot research vessel Osprey, expanding in-water research and education in North Carolina’s coastal waters. Wildlife on TV: Jeff Corwin’s new wildlife conservation series, filmed across North Carolina, returns to national television this fall. Heat Safety Alert: Eastern North Carolina braces for dangerous late-summer heat and humidity, with officials urging hydration and heat illness prevention. Agriculture Resilience Research: 2Blades added a new Science Advisory Board to speed crop resilience work, spanning plant immunity to field testing.

G20 in Asheville, Helene recovery in the spotlight: Finance ministers and central bank governors kicked off a two-day G20 Finance Track meeting in Asheville, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushing a growth-first agenda while local leaders use the global attention to argue for steadier investment after Hurricane Helene. FEMA relief for North Carolina: FEMA announced an additional $137M for 114 recovery and mitigation projects tied to Helene, bringing total support to more than $7.5B. Storms and public health watch: Cape Fear residents may see more mosquitoes after recent rain, and North Carolina also reported a teen death from a rare brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri), underscoring risks from warm freshwater. Water and pollution concerns: Havelock reported an estimated 80,000-gallon sewage overflow after an Aug. 30 downpour, and residents near a sand mine in Supply raised well-water and air-quality concerns as the company seeks a second pit. AI and energy pressure: A Bank of England/FSB warning at the G20 flagged frontier AI risks to financial stability, while coverage also highlights how data-center power demand is driving new utility-bill debates. Climate signal: NOAA says El Niño is forming and could become very strong, with potential fall impacts for North Carolina.

PFAS Lawsuit in NC: A federal judge ruled Chemours is legally responsible for trespassing and illegally dumping “forever chemicals” into the Cape Fear River, setting up a March jury trial over damages for more than 180,000 affected residents. Public Health: North Carolina health officials say a teen is critically ill after contracting the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, with investigators still working to determine how exposure happened in warm freshwater. Climate & Weather: NOAA is tracking El Niño impacts, with forecasts pointing to how warming Pacific patterns can shift rainfall and flooding risk that can reach North Carolina. Community Science: Residents across the Carolinas joined a pollinator census, counting bees, butterflies, flies and other insects for 15 minutes to build a regional picture of pollinator health. Water & Energy Tech: The FAA is expanding its drone testing program BEYOND, adding new participants to study longer-distance and higher-altitude missions that could support environmental monitoring and public safety. Data Centers & Water: A new analysis warns AI data centers could triple cooling water use by 2030 without efficiency gains, adding pressure on local water supplies. Wildlife Restoration: Researchers are using Dutch elm disease spores to test disease-resistant young elm trees for future restoration—an effort to bring back a tree species devastated across the U.S.