AGP Executive Report

G20 Tech in NC: OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang are set to appear at a tech-focused G20 Innovation Ministerial in Raleigh next week, with Elon Musk and Meta’s Dina Powell McCormick also slated to participate, putting North Carolina at the center of global AI policy talk. Military Energy Tech: The U.S. Army selected five firms to build and run nuclear microreactors at five bases, including Fort Bragg in North Carolina, aiming to keep critical operations powered even if the grid fails. Battery Supply Chain: Asahi Kasei opened a wet-process lithium-ion battery separator coating line in Charlotte, expanding North American production capacity for the company’s separator technology. AI in Healthcare (NC): Wake Forest researchers presented an AI radiomics tool that outperformed genomic sequencing for triaging incidental lung nodules, potentially improving which patients get biopsies. PFAS Court Ruling: A federal appeals decision upheld EPA hazardous-substance protections for PFOS and PFOA, rejecting industry challenges. Local Tech Governance: Yadkin County approved a two-year data center moratorium, joining other NC localities pushing back on rapid expansion. Public Safety Tech Debate: Armadillos are now confirmed in eight western NC counties, raising concerns about habitat impacts and tick-related health risks.

Nuclear Power Push: The U.S. Army will award up to $2.2B to five companies to build and operate small “microreactors” at five bases, including Antares Nuclear at Fort Bragg (first reactor targeted for Sept. 2028), aiming to keep critical power running even if the grid fails. STEM Spotlight: North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley honored NASA astronaut Christina Koch with the Order of the Tar Heel, highlighting her Artemis II work and her push to inspire STEM careers. Health Access Grant: UNC Lineberger and OHSU won a $4M NIH award to reduce barriers to cancer screening across safety-net clinics in North Carolina and Oregon, including mailing screening kits and adding patient navigation. Tech in Care: Novant Health became the first U.S. health system to use real-time “Q-rounds” coordination technology across adult and pediatric settings to help families track care-team visits. Environment & Biosecurity: State marine officials asked the public to report blue land crab sightings as a nonnative species shows up more often along NC’s coast. Local Tech/Policy: North Carolina is considering expanded toxicology testing for marijuana-impaired driving, including blood tests to show recent use. Space/History: A Museum of the Albemarle lecture revisited Shell Castle Island, a submerged Outer Banks-era trade hub tied to Ocracoke Inlet. Meta Fallout: North Carolina is set to receive up to $645M from a landmark Meta settlement over teen social media addiction, alongside new child-safety requirements.

Child Safety & Big Tech: North Carolina will receive up to $645M from Meta’s landmark Instagram/Facebook settlement, with Meta required to add age checks, default teen time limits, overnight feed shutdowns, and parent controls, plus independent auditing. Space Workforce: NASA astronaut Christina Koch is set to return to Raleigh for an Artemis II event focused on safety, skilled trades, and STEM pathways. Military Readiness: Marine Corps Air Station New River’s V-22 maintenance team says it has delivered aircraft on-time for years, boosting “more aircraft, faster” for flightline readiness. Energy Storage Manufacturing: Asahi Kasei opened a new wet-process battery separator coating line in Charlotte to expand North American supply for lithium-ion batteries used in EVs and energy storage. Local Conservation: New River Conservancy and the Open Spaces Resiliency Project partner to restore South Beaver Creek wetlands using beaver dam analogs to cut sediment and improve habitat. Biotech in Clinics: Femasys will bring its FemVue fertility evaluation and FemaSeed first-line treatment to UNC Health OB/GYN sites. Higher Ed Growth: Cape Fear Community College ranks No. 1 in North Carolina for full-time enrollment growth, citing career-ready training demand. Workforce Training Facility: VGCC advances plans for a Transportation Training & Technology Center in Soul City, aiming to funnel students into CDL, heavy equipment, and diesel mechanics programs.

AI for Nuclear Physics: STREAMLINE is using AI plus supercomputers to tackle the “nuclear quantum many-body” problem, aiming to better predict how protons and neutrons behave in complex systems tied to atomic nuclei and neutron stars. School Safety Tech: North Carolina’s “Say Something” anonymous reporting system is producing measurable results, feeding into required behavioral threat assessment teams that can intervene before violence escalates. Election Access Data: North Carolina’s early voting plans expand overall voting sites and hours versus 2022, while Sunday voting and some campus locations were cut—raising questions about how access changed. Biobased Manufacturing Boost: NC State is joining a up-to-$160M NSF initiative (BRIDGES Engine) to develop miscanthus and switchgrass products for automotive, construction, and packaging, with a focus on rural jobs. Marine History via Drones: New drone footage captured the Civil War blockade runner “Fanny and Jenny” wreck off Wrightsville Beach, giving researchers a clearer look at the site. Affordable Housing Funding: Gov. Josh Stein announced $69M+ in CDBG-DR awards for 828 rental units in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

Data Centers & Local Power: Durham County commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed data center moratorium with exceptions through May 2027, as residents pushed back over air, water, and energy impacts. Cybersecurity: A North Carolina-focused warning argues cyberattacks are the state’s biggest threat, citing past attacks on power infrastructure and port systems that forced manual operations. Space & STEM in NC: NC State kicked off a two-day celebration for astronaut Christina Koch, including renaming Engineering Building II to Koch Hall and hosting a student Q&A. Biotech/Health: The FDA granted Fast Track designation to safusidenib for IDH1-mutant glioma, and ECU Health’s postpartum wristband program is expanding to help reduce maternal risks after delivery. Pharma Manufacturing: Cambrex says its High Point facility completed FDA, PMDA, and TGA pre-approval inspections, enabling commercial API manufacturing for the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Education Attendance: New data highlights chronic absenteeism falling faster in 142 districts using consistent tracking and proactive family outreach. Maternal Care Tool: Hospitals nationwide are adopting “I Gave Birth” silicone wristbands to flag postpartum danger signs for emergency response.

Nuclear Workforce: UNCW is joining a DOE-funded, multi-school effort led by NC State to train the next generation of nuclear workers, partnering with GE Vernova and Duke Energy. Space & STEM Recognition: NC State welcomed astronaut Christina Koch back to campus and renamed an engineering building as Koch Hall. Coastal Fisheries: A Superior Court ruling says North Carolina failed to protect state-managed coastal fisheries, with none of 13 stocks deemed viable long term. Power & Data Centers: N.C. researchers are pushing solid-state transformer tech that could speed data center power upgrades and ease broader transformer supply strain. Cyber & Grid Risk: Coverage highlights growing concerns about North Carolina’s power grid vulnerability to cyberattacks. Marine Research Incentive: NC will collect flounder carcasses from recreational anglers for research during a Sept. 1–14 season. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has reached hundreds of cases, including in North Carolina. Tech Education Pipeline: SparkNC Lab programs are expanding statewide, giving students hands-on coding, cybersecurity, and game design experience. Surveillance Debate: Greer, S.C. paused Flock license-plate reader software after misuse concerns—another sign of tightening scrutiny on automated policing.

North Carolina Higher Ed & Workforce: The state’s 58 community colleges are entering a new phase under acting president Monty Sullivan, accelerating Propel NC efforts that tie funding to high-demand fields and expand short-term programs funded by the new federal Workforce Pell Grant. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprout lots after 55 reported illnesses across 15 states, with officials warning about possible E. coli and salmonella contamination. Public Health Research: UNC and partners report malaria drug- and test-resistant parasite markers are rising in Ethiopia as cases surge—an urgent reminder for diagnostics and treatment strategies. STEM & Environment: N.C. State researchers are mapping recoverable phosphorus in U.S. soils, aiming to reduce fertilizer supply risk by recovering the nutrient from waste streams. Defense Tech (NC): Corvid Technologies won a $33.86M contract for NMESIS weapon-sled assemblies in Mooresville, supporting Marine Corps anti-ship launcher production through 2034. Science & Society: A new study finds North Carolina has 18.9% of adults who are childfree, placing it among the higher-share states. Museum Future: The N.C. Museum of History released renderings for its 2028 reopening, including expanded galleries, a black box theater, and a demonstration kitchen.

AI Infrastructure & Energy: Relativity Networks says it raised $22M and landed a $40M follow-on order after a hyperscaler test of its ChronoCore optical links, aiming to help AI data centers reach more power by stretching connectivity. Healthcare Tech: Novant Health is expanding primary care in North and South Carolina with K Health, adding 24/7 virtual options and an AI tool (PatientGPT) tied to medical records. Space Leadership: NASA named Joseph R. Schuyler deputy director of Stennis Space Center, overseeing propulsion testing and engineering leadership. Coastal Policy: The NC Coastal Resources Commission is set to revisit its hardened shoreline structures ban after Buxton collapses, with a science panel urging a cautious approach. Public Safety & Schools: Wake-area families get a back-to-school rundown as districts roll out statewide cellphone limits, plus new safety response protocols. Environment: Sea turtle volunteers report nearly 2,000 nests statewide—second-most since tracking began—driving hatchings into fall. AI & Society: Meta’s child-safety trial is underway, and NC AG Jeff Jackson says the case is about deliberate design choices harming kids’ mental health. Local Science Spotlight: A Cary teen, Kenna Zhang, won a national scholarship for Alzheimer’s awareness and early detection research.

Defense Contract: Corvid Technologies in Mooresville won a $33.86M Marine Corps IDIQ contract to build a weapon sled assembly for the NMESIS anti-ship missile launcher, with no money obligated up front and orders possible through 2034. Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC says an alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to multiple germs has reached 15 states, including North Carolina, with 55 cases reported nationally and more likely unreported. Maternal Health: A CNN report spotlights how postpartum depression and psychosis are finally getting mainstream attention, tying the issue to ongoing legal scrutiny of a labor-and-delivery nurse and long-overdue calls for better care. School Safety: WRAL reports NC schools are seeing declining overall offenses over two decades, but rising drug possession and assaults on school personnel, alongside student feedback on whether safety efforts feel effective. Energy/Tech Policy: A North Carolina-focused piece argues AI could reshape the state’s grid and communities, as utilities and planners weigh what comes next. Local Government: Hamlet is seeking a 35 mph speed limit on a state road segment of Hylan Avenue after resident concerns.

Public Safety Tech: Dare County says it’s upgrading emergency communications on Hatteras Island after a Brightspeed fiber outage knocked out service and even wireless 911 calls; FirstNet (AT&T) has now added low-Earth-orbit satellite backup at local public-safety sites. Coastal Research: ECU researchers are testing “living shoreline” designs with partners including NOAA, N.C. State, and the N.C. Coastal Federation to see how oyster-shell-and-rock approaches hold up against erosion, storms, and sea-level rise. Health & Food Safety: A multi-state outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has reached 15 states, with CDC reporting 55 illnesses and hospitalizations; North Carolina is among the affected states. Higher Ed & STEM Workforce: Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh paused fall online nondegree programs in AI, programming, and public health amid bankruptcy and accreditation uncertainty. Manufacturing & Chemicals: ReAgent is opening a Winston-Salem facility with a $6M investment and 30 jobs, bringing UK chemical blending expertise to the U.S. Agriculture & Sustainability: N.C. State researchers are part of a study warning the U.S. could run out of phosphorus within decades and pointing to recycling phosphorus from soil, manure, and waste as a fix. Surveillance Policy: North Carolina’s statewide push for automatic license-plate readers is drawing scrutiny after reported misuse cases in Charlotte and Mooresville.

Living Shorelines Research: ECU ecologists and partners are testing nature-based shoreline designs (oyster shells, rocks, concrete) to cut erosion and boost habitat resilience against storms and sea-level rise. Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts tied to a multi-state Salmonella and E. coli outbreak have sickened people in 15 states, including North Carolina, with CDC reporting 55 cases and hospitalizations. Defense Tech & Jobs: Silentium Defence picked Apex for its North American headquarters, opening a Wake County operation and planning 30–50 jobs, as passive radar demand grows. AI + Power/Data Center Tensions: North Carolina’s AI roadmap is drawing protests over electricity costs and permitting tied to data-center buildouts, with residents raising air-quality and community impact concerns. Public Health Nutrition: UNC researchers report Mediterranean-style eating can support weight loss and improve diet quality, adding to obesity-related diet research. Workforce Reality Check: Despite low unemployment, some North Carolina job seekers say hiring is slow and employers are cautious, creating a “no hire, no fire” market. Education & Tech Policy: A new state push for advanced math pathways is expanding Algebra I access for strong students, while NC’s license-plate reader rollout continues to spark privacy oversight debates.

AI & Power Grid: North Carolina’s AI push is colliding with electricity costs and data-center expansion plans, with protesters pointing to rate hikes, generators, and air-permit concerns tied to major projects. Defense Tech & Jobs: Silentium Defence opened a North American headquarters in Apex, bringing passive radar work and 30–50 jobs as the Triangle deepens its defense/aerospace footprint. Smart Tech in Public Safety: Police say a missing 13-year-old was found in North Carolina after Meta smart glasses footage and Flock license-plate cameras helped track a suspect vehicle within hours. Health Tech Accuracy: An NC State-led study finds an AI-enabled digital stethoscope can miss murmurs in cats and can flag arrhythmias incorrectly in dogs, raising caution for “reassurance” tools. Education Policy: New state rules restrict cellphone use during instructional time, and districts are rolling out different enforcement approaches. Community Science: Volunteers are being recruited for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, including North Carolina counts focused on plant-by-plant observations. Local Workforce Training: Vance-Granville Community College is advancing a Transportation Training & Technology Center in Soul City with CDL, heavy equipment, and diesel mechanics programs.

Higher Ed Oversight: Yavapai College is under Higher Learning Commission “embedded monitoring,” with a mid-cycle assurance review due by February after a board complaint raised accreditation concerns. Privacy Tech & Policing: Asheville is moving to end its Flock license-plate camera contract, as residents and officials debate surveillance and data-sharing risks. Energy Resilience: North Carolina electric co-ops are rapidly adding battery storage to blunt outage impacts and rising demand from storms and data centers. Biotech & Manufacturing: Roche/Genentech is investing $750M to expand injectable manufacturing in Hillsboro, Oregon, while Roche also continues building in North Carolina. Renewables & Recycling: NC solar recycling firms face certification deadlines as economics push more reuse-focused recovery. Health & Research: UNC researchers report Mediterranean-style eating supports weight loss and diet quality, and a NC tick study finds Lyme bacteria in nearly 40% of adult deer ticks. Local STEM & Community: Precise Bio’s 3D-printed corneal implants aim to ease donor shortages, and UNCW received a $10,000 Willie Stargell Foundation scholarship for renal-care nursing students.

G20 in Asheville: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says global growth is the top agenda for the G20 finance chiefs meeting in Asheville Aug. 31–Sept. 1, with deregulation and a possible expansion of a debt buyback program also on the table. Coastal fisheries in court: A Wake County judge ruled North Carolina violated constitutional and public-trust duties to protect coastal fisheries, setting up a remedy phase that could reshape shrimp trawling and other rules. Healthcare capacity debate (Wilmington): Novant, UNC Health, and Atrium Health are competing for state approval of 225 new hospital beds, with community members weighing in on access and costs. Biotech workforce push: Central Carolina Community College opened a new biotechnology training facility at its E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center to expand advanced manufacturing and life-sciences training. UNC nutrition study: UNC researchers report a Southeast-adapted Mediterranean-style diet (Med-South) can improve diet quality and support weight loss. DMV digital ID: North Carolina’s mobile ID is rolling out via the NC Wallet app for TSA use at in-state airports, starting this winter. Invasive Joro spiders: Joro spiders are again being spotted across the Carolinas and beyond, and parks are asking residents to report sightings. Staph resistance research (UNC Asheville): UNC Asheville students and faculty identified how disabling an enzyme (YqeK) can weaken drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus without using antibiotics.

Nuclear & Infrastructure: AtkinsRéalis will keep supporting NCDOT’s statewide traffic operations and Transportation Systems Management and Operations program for another stretch, extending a 14-year partnership. Surveillance & Transit: North Carolina’s automatic license plate reader rollout is under fresh scrutiny after misuse cases, while Charlotte’s transit system faces security gaps and fare-evasion losses in a new state auditor report. Energy & Environment: Brunswick County residents are pushing back on a proposed expansion of a sand mine, citing well impacts and worsening water quality; elsewhere, communities oppose a Duke Energy natural gas plant crossing under the Yadkin River. Materials Science: Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS grew a large Yb:YLF crystal at its Charlotte operation for high-energy laser research, supporting future fusion-laser work. STEM Education: TVA and Bicentennial Volunteers are funding robotics education across 187 schools and nonprofits in the TVA region, including 11 in Kentucky. Public Health Tech: Proclaim Health launched the Proclaim Perio Pathway, using at-home gum testing to manage inflammation through its OralDNA®-powered system. Local Science Engagement: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is back, inviting citizen scientists across the Carolinas and beyond to count pollinators.

Grid Reliability: NLR and NERC launched a partnership to plug high-resolution reliability data into NLR grid modeling, aiming to keep electricity reliable and affordable across North America. Public Safety Tech: In Tennessee, a missing 13-year-old was found safe in North Carolina after citizen smart-glasses video and Flock license plate readers helped police track the suspect vehicle; two NC residents were arrested. Health Care Quality: Three coastal Novant Health hospitals earned American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines honors for heart failure and stroke care. Mental Health Genetics: UNC researcher Cynthia Bulik helped publish a major study mapping distinct genetic profiles in binge eating vs. anorexia nervosa, pointing to more tailored treatments. Food Safety: CDC data suggests cyclosporiasis cases are trending down after a summer surge tied to recalled iceberg lettuce. Wildlife & Climate: NC researchers are using Motus bird-tracking towers to map migratory routes over the Carolinas, while scientists are also studying drone footage of sharks near Masonboro Island. Energy & Jobs: Prysmian will invest $1B+ in Claremont, adding 385 jobs and expanding fiber optic and R&D capacity. Batteries: Forge Nano broke ground on a Morrisville expansion targeting up to 3 GWh annual lithium-ion production. Local Tech Policy: Communities across the U.S. are escalating backlash against license plate reader surveillance, including calls to “De-Flock America.”