AGP Executive Report

Education Watch: North Carolina education leaders are rethinking how they calculate school performance, especially the growth-score metric that uses predicted test results—parents say it’s hard to understand and may not reflect real improvement. Immigration & Health: Doctors report immigration enforcement is driving families to delay care, with children missing appointments and worsening conditions as fear keeps them away from hospitals. Culture & Community: Raleigh’s African American Cultural Festival drew about 40,000 people over Labor Day, with dance, drumming, and a “Legacy Wall” meant to preserve local stories. Arts Funding: Surry Arts Council is taking applications for North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program subgrants, with deadlines and priorities for arts in education and community programming. Tech in Corrections: College of The Albemarle finished a Hi-Flex classroom upgrade at Pasquotank Correctional Institution, expanding in-person and remote learning for incarcerated students. Food & Local Pride: Biscuitville again topped USA Today’s best fast-food breakfast list, beating national giants while staying focused on its three-state footprint. Global Spotlight (NC-linked): India endorsed a secure 6G leadership push at a G20 innovation meeting held in North Carolina.

Community & Service: Graham’s sixth annual 9/11 Commemorative 5K drew nearly 500 runners behind the fire station, with a blood drive, first-responder displays, and donations benefiting Children of Fallen Heroes. Arts & Culture: Raleigh’s 17th African American Cultural Festival filled Fayetteville Street with music, dance, and a “Legacy Wall” where attendees posted names and stories of ancestors and community pioneers. Local Faith-Based Outreach: Gastonia’s HopeFEST 2026 at First United Methodist Church brought together health, legal aid, and community groups to offer items and support for people in need. Arts Funding: Surry Arts Council opened applications for North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program subgrants, with deadlines set for Oct. 2. Education Behind Bars: College of the Albemarle completed Hi-Flex classroom upgrades at Pasquotank Correctional Institution, expanding in-person and remote learning options. Public Safety: A former Guilford County detention officer faces forgery charges tied to alleged forged ICE detainer documents. Sports Pop Culture: “Outer Banks” Season 5 drops as the Pogue story reaches its final chapter. Tech & Safety Watch: 21 Air faces renewed scrutiny after a deadly Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 crash.

U.S. Senate Race Spotlight: Michael Whatley won an endorsement from the National Border Patrol Council, tying his campaign to fentanyl and border security. Digital Safety & Kids: Meta reportedly ran hundreds of ads using child sexual abuse imagery, including AI-altered depictions, raising fresh questions about platform safeguards. Local Politics & Voting Access: Mail-in ballots are already moving even as courts fight over USPS rules, with states challenging a portal requirement. Immigration & Community Tensions: A Florida church scaled back meals, showers, and laundry for people experiencing homelessness after a zoning dispute. Education & Student Life: Union Day School broke ground on a $12.7 million K-12 expansion, while App State and E2D distributed 200 refurbished laptops to first-year students. Culture & Arts: Cameron Art Museum is set to open “With A Southern Accent,” blending Eastern NC sporting craft traditions with fine art. Public Safety: Monroe added transparency steps after protests over Flock Safety license-plate cameras.

9/11 Remembrance: North Carolina readers are seeing fresh personal accounts and reminders of how Sept. 11 reshaped daily life and surveillance, including stories from families and first responders still carrying the aftermath Election & Voting Access: A major legal fight over USPS mail voting rules is headed to the Supreme Court, with critics warning it could affect how ballots get delivered Education & Disability Rights: A voucher program debate is heating up as parents say private schools still won’t reliably serve students with disabilities Arts & Community: Victoria Monét announced her “Frequency Of Love” tour with a Raleigh stop, plus a youth-focused foundation tied to ticket sales Local Tech in Classrooms: UNC-Chapel Hill installed LEA amplifiers in Bell Hall to improve audio across teaching spaces Community Care for LGBTQ+ Seniors: A North Carolina LGBTQ co-housing community is spotlighted for safer, more affirming aging support Local Governance: Southport approved a 15-month moratorium on new data center approvals as the debate spreads across Brunswick County Culture & Lifestyle: Greensboro’s Project Horseshoe Farm welcomed its 2026-27 Greensboro Community Health Fellows, pairing young professionals with youth programs and partners.

Arts & Education: UNCW is laying out a 10-year master plan as enrollment and campus growth continue, including new housing like Hammerhead Hall adding 543 beds. AI & Workforce Skills: Winston-Salem State launched its inaugural RISE AI Summit, bringing educators and industry together to help students and professionals use AI responsibly. Local Culture & Community: The Deep Valley Book Festival returns Oct. 3 with keynote author Kate DiCamillo, plus workshops and family-friendly activities at the Courtyard by Marriott Event Center. Grants for the Arts: The North Carolina Arts Council announced nearly $11 million in 2026-27 grants supporting 340 programs statewide, including Cape Fear-area recipients. Music & Lifestyle: Eric Church released “On The Road,” a reflective ballad tying touring memories to the moments that shaped him. Public Safety & Health: Gaston County confirmed a rabies-positive skunk case, urging pet vaccinations and neighborhood awareness. Education Funding: Gov. Josh Stein signed the 2026-27 budget with raises for UNC System employees and state teachers. Tech in Transit: Watauga commissioners backed AppalCART grant steps as ridership tops 1.5 million.

Education Update: Clinton City Schools’ 2025-26 accountability report shows mixed results, but Clinton High’s four-year graduation rate jumped from 77% to 85.5%—an 8.5-point gain—driven by stronger academics, attendance, and student supports. Student Spotlight: Davidson County Schools honored student achievement across academics, arts, career/technical and ag education, including winners of the 2026 Superintendent’s Art Choice Contest and more than 100 students recognized through the College Board National Recognition Program. Higher Ed Policy: The federal government proposed revoking tax-exempt status for private schools using race-based admissions or scholarships, a move tied to the post-affirmative-action legal landscape. Community & Culture: Asheville and WNC’s Sept. 11-13 calendar highlights festivals and family events, from the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival to Brews & Bears and Mountain Song Festival. Arts & Events: Southport is calling for artists for the 2026 Southport Maritime Art Show (Oct. 19–Nov. 14). Local Lifestyle: A new comedy series, filmed across the Triangle and beyond, is set to release from Raleigh-area creators. Sports/Entertainment: The GOP midterm convention in Dallas dominated national headlines, including Trump’s $5,000 “dividend” pledge if Republicans keep Congress.

Teacher Pay & Recruitment: Gov. Josh Stein met with UNC Greensboro education students and early-career teachers, highlighting the state’s new K-12 pay raises while hearing what still feels missing in classrooms. Disability Rights: Gov. Ned Lamont and other governors urged the Trump administration to keep federal disability protections that help people live and receive care in their communities. Education & Access: Durham’s farmland loss report shows how development pressure is shrinking local farming, while a new plan aims to protect more open land. Culture & Community: Hickory Community Theatre’s “A Chorus Line” wraps this weekend, and the venue is also rolling out more fall classes for ages 8–18. Health & Tech: A Wake Forest-led trial found high-frequency spinal cord stimulation can ease painful diabetic nerve damage and improve sensation. Local Service: The Wayne County Reentry Council earned Program of the Year for its work helping justice-involved residents rebuild lives. Aquariums at 50: North Carolina Aquariums marked five decades of conservation and education across the coast. Sports & Leisure: Flounder season runs through Sept. 14, with anglers urging a last push.

Local Business: The Brothers That Just Do Gutters opened a new Greensboro location, led by husband-and-wife owners Carlos and Marina Villegas, bringing military leadership and North Carolina public-service experience to a community-focused franchise. Arts & Culture: Blumenthal Arts in Charlotte is partnering with Barcelona’s Layers of Reality for immersive productions at Blume Studios through 2027, starting this autumn. Community & Health: ProPublica reports a sharp rise in deaths after ectopic pregnancy, with abortion bans complicating diagnosis and care—raising alarms about federal inaction. Education Watch: North Carolina’s school report cards hit their best marks in years, but the State Board is still overhauling how grades are calculated. Early Learning: Forsyth County’s NC Pre-K applications reopened, but new applicants will land on a waitlist due to limited seats. Public Safety & Privacy: Carolina Beach residents debated the town’s use of Flock security cameras, with privacy concerns clashing with arguments for crime-fighting help. Space & Inspiration: Artemis II astronauts visited NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center workforce, including North Carolina native Christina Koch, to say thanks for making the moon mission possible. Religion & Community Tensions: Mooresville residents voiced concerns during a meeting about a mosque under construction, citing safety and constitutional issues. Women’s Health & Policy: A North Carolina op-ed argues the state should close the “intoxicating hemp” loophole.

School Funding Watch: A new North Carolina Lottery audit says sales jumped to $6.6B in FY2025, but the share going to public schools fell to 16%, leaving education funding nearly flat as digital instant games grow. Elections & Civic Trust: Wake County officials hosted a transparency tour ahead of midterms, walking voters through ballot processing and counting as rule changes roll out. Higher Ed Momentum: NCCU hit a record 10,124 students for 2026-27, three years ahead of its 2029 target, while new data highlights bachelor’s completion rates for Hispanic/Latino students in Watauga and Guilford counties. Community & Culture: Downtown Hendersonville’s Rhythm & Brews returns Sept. 17 with country songwriter Brennen Leigh, and a new Southeastern North Carolina landmarks exhibit opens with an Sept. 11 reception. Local Growth Fight: Winnabow residents are asking a court to review a controversial 1,000-home development approval, arguing traffic analysis and procedures weren’t properly handled. Arts & Tech: WSSU’s first AI Summit is set for Sept. 10, bringing educators and industry together on responsible AI in classrooms.

Underground Railroad in a toy aisle: American Girl’s first African American doll, Addy Walker, is tied to Philadelphia—chosen for its Underground Railroad history and built around research into 1860s life, including a church modeled on Mother Bethel AME. Local schools & attendance: North Carolina principals shared “bright spot” strategies as chronic absenteeism improves, with districts moving intervention blocks to better fit students’ days. Entrepreneur support with a celebrity line: Lenovo launched “Call Eva,” letting entrepreneurs in North Carolina call and leave voice notes for Eva Longoria, with select callers offered a live conversation. End-of-life care expands in the Carolinas: Otherside Life is growing its death doula network into North Carolina and Florida to connect families with certified doulas and grief support. Community organizing ramps up: No Kings plans nationwide mass voter turnout events on Oct. 17, aiming to boost participation ahead of the midterms. Business & growth: Wayne County Public Schools reported most schools improving performance grades, including multiple A and B schools. Culture on stage: Temple Theatre Company kicks off its 2026-27 Mainstage season with “1776, the Musical,” spotlighting the nation’s founding debates.

UNC Football Investigation: Bill Belichick stayed guarded as UNC’s probe continues after Michael Lombardi’s resignation, with questions swirling around program culture and allegations involving staff and players. Higher Ed & Enrollment: Appalachian State reported a dip on its Boone campus while online, graduate, transfer, and first-gen numbers hit records. Driving & Consumer Safety: NCDMV revoked NC Virtual Driver’s Ed, LLC’s commercial driver training license and instructor credentials after violations tied to training hours, staffing, and refund practices. Local Parks & Outdoors: Gov. Josh Stein announced Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grants, including upgrades at Jefferson’s Foster-Tyson Park/Northern Peaks Trailhead and projects for Wallace and Warsaw. Community & Culture: Valle Crucis conservation efforts got a boost through a new easement, while Hart Square’s Tavern to Table Dinner spotlights Appalachian foodways. Education Equity Data: New county-by-county six-year bachelor’s completion figures show wide gaps by race in places including Guilford and Buncombe. Politics & Voting: Midterm campaigns are in full swing as Labor Day events ramp up, with North Carolina mail ballots already underway. Arts & Music: Raleigh-based prog metal band Between the Buried and Me teased a new live video for “Psychomanteum.”

Local History & Culture: Martin County Historical Society unveils “The Gourd Patch Affair” for America’s 250th at the Williamston Travel and Tourism Office, with author Gerald Thomas tracing the Revolutionary-era “Gourd Patch Conspiracy” and its shifting county lines. Arts & Community: Raleigh’s Game & Geek Expo returns to the Raleigh Convention Center with cosplay, esports, a Kid Zone, and scholarship-focused tournaments. Women’s Rights Legacy: Gov. Josh Stein orders North Carolina flags lowered through Sept. 10 to honor Gloria Steinem, a giant of the women’s liberation movement. Health Policy: NC Medicaid covered nearly $48M in GLP-1 weight-loss claims in June, while the State Health Plan says the drugs remain too expensive for teachers and state employees. Work & Wages: Oxfam ranks North Carolina dead last for worker support in its 2026 Best States to Work Index, spotlighting the state’s long-stagnant minimum wage. Education & Workforce: Western Carolina University expands nursing capacity via a partnership with Mission Health, adding faculty and a new pre-licensure master’s pathway. Local Governance & Voting: Alamance County keeps Sunday early voting while other counties drop it, raising fresh debate among voting rights advocates.

Election & Voting Rights: With early voting set to start Oct. 15, Alamance County is keeping Sunday voting (Oct. 25, 1–5 p.m.) while other North Carolina counties drop it, as advocates warn the change could hit Black voters hardest. Mail Voting Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS rules that would have added new hurdles for vote-by-mail systems, as confusion grows nationwide about whether ballots will be counted. Campus Health Preparedness: Colleges are urging faculty and staff to gather proof of measles immunity now, aiming to prevent a single case from shutting down campuses for weeks. Education Outcomes: Appalachian State’s Watauga County shows an 82.1% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students (by 2024), while Orange County reports 92% for Hispanic/Latino students. Culture & Community: Saint Paul AME Church in Raleigh marked its 178-year milestone with a National Register marker tied to Freedmen’s Conventions and civil rights history. Faith in Prisons: North Carolina prisons are expanding “field ministers,” incarcerated men trained in pastoral ministry and counseling who support peers with grief, addiction, and conflict. Local Lifestyle: UNC’s Belichick holds a Monday media press conference after Lombardi’s resignation amid an investigation, and a Boone “Thai-Foodie” turns Thai cooking into a family business.

Election Watch: Tea Party Patriots Action is ramping up poll-watching training for the midterms, including sessions planned for North Carolina. Voting Access: A Rowan County elections board member’s testimony highlights how local early-voting choices can swing under pressure from GOP-aligned county leaders. Education & Community: Henderson County Education Foundation adds four new board members focused on “whole child” support, from finance to youth mentoring. Sports Leadership: Brad Alford has been selected as the next commissioner of the NCHSAA, with state education leaders praising his athletics track record. Public Safety: Severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across much of North and parts of South Carolina. Local Culture: The Carolina Stampede Music Fest returns for its 30th anniversary weekend in Williamston, with a multi-genre lineup and family-friendly events. Health & Prevention: The U.S. Attorney’s Office in eastern North Carolina held its first H.O.P.E. outreach event for overdose awareness, sharing resources and prevention guidance.

Education & Equity Watch: New six-year bachelor’s completion numbers show gaps across N.C. counties and public four-year schools, including Orange County’s 87.8% for Black students at UNC-Chapel Hill, Buncombe’s 42% for Black students at UNC Asheville, and Durham’s 45.3% for Hispanic/Latino students at NCCU. Public Safety & Weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch (NWS) is in effect Sept. 5 until 8 p.m. EDT across much of Piedmont and Western North Carolina. DWI & Community Impact: North Carolina is moving to “modernize” DWI laws, with a quick explainer on BAC limits and what penalties can look like for first and repeat offenses. Local Culture & Community: Raleigh’s Midtown dining scene is getting a boost with new global spots at The Exchange, and the 17th annual African American Cultural Festival is set to draw 35,000–40,000 people downtown over Labor Day weekend. Health & Prevention: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern N.C. held its first H.O.P.E. outreach event for overdose awareness, sharing prevention resources with the public. Historic Preservation: An impaired driver crashed into Old St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Catawba County, damaging historic gravestones dating back generations.

Pentagon Shake-Up: Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg weighs in on Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation and what it could mean for leadership stability as scrutiny grows around Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon changes. Collards & Community: Ayden’s Collard Greens Festival keeps its quirky tradition alive with a high-stakes eating contest where winners aim for record-breaking pints. Jobs & Career Pathways: Pitt Community College’s Better Skills, Better Jobs Fair returns to the Greenville Convention Center Oct. 1, bringing together 110+ employers and training partners for adults and high school students. College Enrollment Watch: ECU reports its largest fall enrollment in five years, while PCC expects to top last year’s numbers as new courses begin. School Success Stories: Harnett, Moore, and Chatham districts all posted notable academic gains and strong graduation/proficiency results in the latest state accountability updates. Local Arts & Culture: Minnie Evans gets fresh attention in a feature on her art and legacy, while a North Carolina-set LGBTQ+ film continues its festival run with a Winston-Salem stop. Parks & Outdoors: Gov. Josh Stein announces nearly $10M in Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grants, including major upgrades in New Bern, Morehead City, and Newport.