AGP Executive Report

Marine & Fisheries: The NC Division of Marine Fisheries set 2026 commercial estuarine flounder season opening dates, with harvest periods that vary by Flounder Management Area and gear type, and closings announced by proclamation as landings approach. Drought & Food Security: Even after recent rain, North Carolina’s drought is still hitting farmers and worsening food insecurity, with nonprofits reporting less ability to buy local produce as prices rise. Electricity Costs: Consumer Reports delivered 3,700+ petition signatures urging the NC Utilities Commission to curb Duke Energy’s proposed rate hikes tied to the AI data center boom, arguing the reductions still don’t protect ratepayers enough. Data Centers & Local Impacts: A growing list of NC and SC local governments are weighing moratoriums or reviews on new data center proposals over concerns like water use, energy demand, land impacts, and long-term community effects. Mosquito Control: NC State research suggests backyard mosquito sprays may be selecting for insecticide resistance, making future control harder. Coastal Cleanup: The Plastic Ocean Project launched its Sustainable Summer campaign with local businesses to cut beach waste and fund cleanups and research. Weather & Safety: Severe storms and tornado warnings hit parts of Western NC, with NWS updates later removing a funnel-cloud post.

Data Centers Push Back: A pro–data center nonprofit ad campaign is rolling out across Oregon and several other states, arguing the industry is investing in “clean energy” and jobs while critics point to heavy water and power use. Marine Conservation & Aquaculture: Public aquariums and research partners, funded by NOAA Sea Grant, say they’ve advanced methods to breed 20+ marine fish species in human care to reduce reliance on wild-caught stock. Local Water Pollution: Mount Olive reported a 144,000-gallon untreated sewer spill after heavy rain, sending sewage into the Northeast Cape Fear River headwaters; officials say they’re addressing inflow/infiltration and plant issues. PFAS Fight: North Carolina AG Brown filed comments opposing the EPA’s proposed rollback of drinking-water limits for four PFAS “forever” chemicals. Helene Recovery Spending: An audit says NC spent $111M on Hurricane Helene emergency camps, raising questions about costs and contracting. Wildlife Habitat Upgrade: Lake Norman installed “FishHouse” habitat structures at public piers with funding from Duke Energy to boost the freshwater food web.

Severe Weather & Storm Damage: A man died after a tree fell on his home in Wake County during overnight thunderstorms, as crews worked through central NC cleanup and officials reported flooded roads and downed trees. Heat & Public Safety: A new heat dome is pushing extreme heat across the South and Midwest, raising heat illness risks—especially for people without easy access to air conditioning. Water Infrastructure: River Bend won nearly $5.8M for wastewater upgrades, including lift stations, backup generators, and a new sewer force main, part of a broader state push to strengthen systems against floods and reduce PFAS and lead risks. Superfund Cleanup Progress: Navassa officials say the Kerr-McGee Superfund site is nearing its next cleanup phase, with EPA and state partners updating plans for contaminated marshland. Food Safety: CDC reports over 18,000 possible cyclosporiasis cases nationwide, with Michigan’s spike tied to iceberg lettuce from Mexico and North Carolina seeing higher-than-normal clusters. Biodiversity & Health: A Cambridge study finds that just 10 minutes in a restored forest while listening to birdsong can measurably reduce stress and boost positive mood. Local Environment Debate: Forsyth County commissioners will vote Thursday on whether to pause data center development in Rural Hall amid growing concerns about environmental impacts and energy costs.

Severe Weather & Power: Storms rolled through the Carolinas Tuesday, with tornado warnings issued for Clay County, N.C., and Alamance County before expiring, plus widespread severe thunderstorm alerts across Western N.C.; Duke Energy reported more than 28,000 customers without power, including thousands in Asheville and Mooresville, and tree debris snarled traffic on I-77 in Iredell County. Flood Recovery & Accountability: A new North Carolina auditor report says the state spent $111 million on 55 Hurricane Helene disaster base camps, averaging over $500,000 a day, with the auditor questioning costs while emergency officials say the camps were necessary and reimbursed. Mosquito Control: Oak Island scheduled mosquito fogging for July 29-30, and NC State researchers warn mosquitoes in Wake County are developing resistance to common backyard insecticides, signaling a growing challenge for control efforts. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce shows promising signs in Michigan, but cases remain high nationwide, and FDA officials reiterated the food supply is safe while investigations continue. Local Food Access: ASAP launched a redesigned online Local Food Guide for the Appalachian Grown region, making it easier to find farms, markets, and restaurants by location and growing practices.

Severe Weather & Heat: A First Alert Weather Day is in play for Tuesday as storm clusters build across North Carolina, with damaging winds, hail, and lightning possible; heat advisories are also active as temperatures push near 105–110° heat index in parts of the Carolinas. Coastal Water Risk: A new explainer warns saltwater intrusion is creeping inland, threatening drinking water and farmland as seas rise and storms intensify. Bees Under Pressure: UNCG researchers are working with beekeepers to protect honey bees from varroa mites, including studying miticide resistance and breeding for hygienic behavior. Food Safety Watch: North Carolina has reported hundreds of cyclosporiasis cases as the CDC-linked outbreak expands, with investigators still working to pin down the source. Western NC Recovery Funding: Gov. Josh Stein highlighted $34.2M in federal grants for western North Carolina, including nearly $29M for A-B Tech’s WNC Futures Factory training facility. Water Infrastructure: Kinston is seeking $1M for a lead service line inventory to find unknown pipe materials and plan replacements. Local Resilience Moves: Buncombe County is advancing its first standalone EMS station in Swannanoa to cut response times, and the Swannanoa post office is set to reopen under a 10-year lease.

Food Safety & Waterborne Risk: North Carolina’s cyclosporiasis numbers keep climbing, with 561 cases confirmed between May 1 and July 20 as the CDC tracks an outbreak across 41 states; investigators still haven’t pinned down the source, but lettuce and other fresh produce are under scrutiny. Supply Chain & Produce: Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb says some major retailers and restaurants have stopped sourcing produce from central Mexico tied to the outbreak, with clusters possibly linked to parsley and cilantro as well as iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell. Public Health Guidance: University of Minnesota food-safety experts say people don’t need to quit fresh produce, but should follow safe handling and watch for recalls while outbreaks evolve. Disaster Recovery & Resilience: Gov. Josh Stein announced $34.2 million in federal economic development grants for Western North Carolina recovery after Hurricane Helene. Local Water & Flood Aftermath: In Boiling Spring Lakes, water is beginning to return as the city closes the flow gate at the Upper Allen Creek Dam, a key step in restoring dam systems damaged during Hurricane Florence. Climate/Weather Risk: A major storm system is expected to bring flash-flood threats to the Northeast, underscoring how fast extreme rain can turn dangerous. Policy & Emergency Funding: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined a lawsuit challenging FEMA and DHS threats to withhold counterterrorism and disaster-response funds over unrelated election and immigration conditions. Packaging Rules Push: Manufacturers are urging Congress to pass a national “PACK Act” to standardize labels for recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging and avoid a confusing patchwork of state rules. Urban Nature & Health: An N.C. State University study finds that sitting in a restored urban forest while listening to birdsong can lower stress more than other tested settings.

AI & Energy Backlash: A new wave of Americans is trying cheaper Chinese AI models, but growing public pushback is also targeting AI data centers over water, power, noise, and air pollution—especially as states debate incentives and moratoriums. Climate Justice Funding: A federal judge ordered the EPA to restart distributing $2.8 billion in climate justice grants after unlawful termination. Flood Recovery in WNC: A Helene documentary, “Scars on the Mountain,” is set to stream July 30 and centers Yancey County survivors and the uneven recovery after the storm. Local Water Safety: Turkey’s town board says lead-and-copper sampling for water lines is complete, with results pending. Heat & Storm Watch (NC): Monday brings warmer 80s; Tuesday looks hottest and stormiest with a chance of strong to severe weather. Drought Strain: Wake County remains in severe drought while Durham and Orange stay in extreme drought, with gardeners and farmers adjusting watering and planting. Land-Use & Pipelines (Chatham): Chatham County commissioners face a packed agenda including a major rezoning hearing and discussion of an Enbridge natural-gas pipeline proposal.

Invasive Species Alert: North Carolina agriculture officials are urging residents to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly, warning it threatens grapes and nursery plants in the Piedmont Triad after the insect was first spotted in Kernersville in 2022 and is now established in Forsyth, Guilford and Davidson counties. Severe Weather Watch: Eastern North Carolina is bracing for a Tuesday-night First Alert Weather Day with damaging winds as the main hazard, plus possible hail and a low tornado chance, as storms move in between 7 p.m. and midnight. Flood Risk in the Mountains: Western North Carolina remains in the flood conversation after heavy rain and flash flooding earlier this week, with flood watches tied to excessive rainfall and runoff still shaping weekend planning. Local Cleanup Policy: Asheville is moving toward expanding its nuisance “litter” ordinance to better target abandoned, trash-filled vehicles that create sanitation and public health hazards. Air Quality Politics: President Trump shared an AI image of a border “air filter barrier” amid wildfire-smoke tensions with Canada, escalating the rhetoric around clean air and cross-border impacts. Data Center Backlash: A new wave of opposition to data centers—linked to noise and water concerns—keeps resurfacing, with comparisons to past mountaintop removal in Appalachia.

Food Safety: The FDA says a Texas egg recall tied to Midwest Poultry Services is now linked to a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in 17 states, with 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations; investigators say lab and whole-genome sequencing data match the sick strain, but they’re still checking whether other foods contributed. Heat & Storms: A Heat Advisory hit Forest City as highs near 92 and heat indexes climb to 105, while statewide forecasts point to Sunday morning showers and spotty strong evening storms, with another unsettled push Tuesday into Wednesday. Local Planning: Richmond County commissioners approved a unified development ordinance update to reorganize growth rules and add new review tools. Data Centers Backlash: Greensboro narrowly rejected an AI data center moratorium (5-4), keeping pressure on local leaders as residents cite strain on water and power. Nature & Health: NC State research finds that just 10 minutes in a restored forest with birdsong can measurably reduce stress and lift mood.

Flood Watch & Western NC Rain: Heavy rain and flash flooding hit parts of Western North Carolina after a flood watch warned of up to 5 inches; the NWS says no active watches remain as more showers and storms are still expected through the weekend. Water & Habitat Reuse: North Carolina’s Division of Marine Fisheries continues building artificial reefs using recycled concrete from demolished bridges and culverts, creating fish habitat across dozens of sites. Public Health: More than 19 million eggs were recalled after a multistate Salmonella outbreak sickened at least 98 people, with consumers urged not to eat recalled cartons. Foodborne Outbreak Update: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell has expanded to nine states, with thousands of cases nationwide. Local Food Access: A new High Point farmers market is set to run Saturdays through Oct. 31, aiming to help small vendors and make local sourcing easier. Severe Weather Forecast: Forecasters say skies clear Sunday, with another severe weather threat possible Tuesday. Mosquito Control Politics: Phil Goodman, a candidate for a mosquito control board, highlights his background and focus on protecting local environments.

Food safety & public health: The CDC says the multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell has now reached nine states, with four more added (Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania) as investigators track a separate second outbreak with no source yet identified. Marine science & fisheries: A Gulf study finds about 3.2 million greater amberjack—roughly double the federal estimate—raising questions about restrictive seasons. Weather & water: Eastern NC remains under a flood watch as a stalled front brings repeated storms and localized flash flooding risk through Saturday morning, even as drought recovery still depends on sustained rain and reservoir levels remain low. Drought response: DEQ urges continued water conservation despite some rain relief, warning many areas are still more than 20 inches below normal and hot summer demand will rise. Coastal impacts: Bald Head Island ferry service is on a limited schedule after “unprecedented” shoaling made channel conditions unsafe, with dredging underway. Local governance: Lenoir town council will consider flood damage prevention ordinance changes that could affect flood insurance, alongside a proposed cell tower permit. Community & transit: Wilmington’s handmade pink bus stop benches sparked debate after officials said they were installed without required permits.

Cyclospora Update: The CDC expanded the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the nine-state cluster linked to Taco Bell; Taylor Farms says it completed a voluntary recall. Flood & Drought Reality Check: After much-needed rain, North Carolina officials say drought recovery still isn’t complete and flash-flood risk remains—Wilmington-area forecasts include heavy rain totals and warnings that reservoirs may not rebound fully. Local Flood Planning: Lenoir’s council will consider updates to its flood damage prevention ordinance, a move that could affect how residents access flood insurance, alongside a proposed cell tower permit. Coastal Resilience Engagement: Wilmington is holding an open house on storm and flood preparedness projects as it moves into Phase 2 of the state’s resilient coastal communities program. Water Quality Watch: Sound Rivers reports eight Eastern Carolina Swim Guide sites failed weekly bacteria tests, raising risks for swimmers and pets. Outdoor Health: Tick bites are at a 10-year high across the Southeast, and experts urge hikers and campers in NC to use permethrin-treated clothing and do quick tick checks. Coastal Navigation Disruption: Bald Head Island ferry service is on a limited schedule after “unprecedented” shoaling in the entrance channel, with dredging underway. Wastewater Spill: Clayton reported a rainfall-triggered wastewater overflow into Little Creek, with DEQ noting such spills can introduce harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Flood Watch & heavy rain: A cold front is stalling over southeast North Carolina, with scattered showers and thunderstorms and 2–4 inches possible (isolated higher), raising localized flooding risk even as drought lingers. Drought update: Recent storms have eased conditions in parts of the Triangle, but the drought isn’t over—some areas remain in extreme drought and more rain is needed. Water contamination: Asheboro wastewater discharge is reported to have spiked a chemical, with DEQ notifying water systems about elevated 1,4-dioxane levels. PFAS politics: Chemours’ PFAS settlement is framed by critics as another round of “environmental denialism,” while NC regulators face pressure to hold Duke Energy to federal data center pledges. Public health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded to nine states, with FDA pointing to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce as the likely source. Wildlife & climate: Studies suggest ocean warming is shifting shark habitats and sightings along the East Coast. Local resilience: After Hurricane Helene, an Asheville neighborhood is adding rooftop solar to cut bills and keep power during outages.

Drought vs. downpours: Even with some rain, North Carolina is still dealing with drought shortfalls, with officials warning reservoir levels remain the big concern and urging conservation while flash-flood risk lingers. Flood watch in the Cape Fear: A flood watch is active for the Cape Fear region through Friday afternoon as 2–4 inches of rain could trigger localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Water quality alarm in Asheboro: DEQ says 1,4-dioxane levels in Asheboro’s wastewater have spiked, with a reported concentration far above the safe monthly average—raising renewed pressure on the city and upstream sources. Wildlife & pests: Surf City’s Beach Access 25 stays closed while the town treats a flea infestation with pesticide, and North Carolina is also seeing invasive-species attention after a hammerhead worm report elsewhere. Data center power fight: Gov. Josh Stein and AG Jeff Jackson are pushing Duke Energy to lock in the federal “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” in writing so data centers don’t shift costs onto households. Legal showdown over disaster aid: 25 states and DC sue FEMA and DHS over conditions tied to elections and immigration enforcement, arguing Congress-funded emergency preparedness shouldn’t be used as leverage. Local environment wins: Ashe County opens a Christmas tree seed center to improve Fraser fir genetics, supporting a major NC industry.

Flooding Watch in Central NC: Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are keeping a flood risk high across central North Carolina, with Thursday’s downpours expected to bring 2–4 inches in spots and isolated totals over 5 inches. Power Outages: Duke Energy reported about 2,000 customers without power in Durham/Chapel Hill, with smaller outages in Garner and Chatham/Randolph tied to fallen trees and limbs. Tropical Moisture Fueling Rain: The wet pattern is being boosted by Tropical Storm Bertha’s moisture plume, even though the storm’s center is far from NC. Environmental Health Alert (Asheboro): North Carolina DEQ says Asheboro’s wastewater discharge spiked with 1,4-dioxane at nearly 100 times the level considered safe (2,010 ppb vs. a 22 ppb monthly average target), raising concerns for downstream drinking water supplies. Water Infrastructure & Resilience: DEQ released the final Neuse River Basin flood resilience action strategy, laying out 113 priority actions to reduce flood impacts. Wildlife Conservation: North Carolina reports endangered bats caught for the first time in years, highlighting ongoing conservation work.

Flooding & Storm Risk: A slow-moving cold front plus Tropical Storm Bertha’s moisture is driving a multiday flash-flood threat across the Carolinas, with heavy rain and localized flooding possible through Thursday; Charlotte-area commuters face wet-weather delays and officials warn not to drive through flooded roads. PFAS Fight: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a multistate pushback against an EPA proposal that would roll back PFAS testing limits in drinking water, arguing it would harm public health. Water Planning: North Carolina’s newly approved budget delays Charlotte Water’s interbasin transfer expansion until at least 2028 while UNC-Chapel Hill studies long-term water management. Energy Costs in Heat: Dominion Energy warns northeastern NC customers that record grid demand and prolonged heat could mean higher monthly bills, driven mainly by heavier air-conditioning use. Wildlife Update: Four litters of endangered red wolf pups were born in the wild in NC this year, with officials saying 12–16 have survived so far. Marine Conservation: The North Carolina Shark Conservancy asks beachgoers to report stranded sharks to support statewide research. Human Composting Push: Earth Funeral is seeking to legalize natural organic reduction in North Carolina, pitching it as a lower-emissions alternative to burial and cremation. Data Centers & Power Demand: New reporting highlights how AI and data centers are expected to sharply raise electricity needs, intensifying grid pressure.