@arduino UPDATE: after re-flashing I can now connect via USB-C and networking using AppLab, but when I check with dmesg the system does not recognize any USB devices connected to the USB-C dongle.
HDMI on the dongle is working...
I ran apt-get update again, when issuing "shutdown -r now" the system HALTED!
still no luck with USB, lsusb shows two root hubs, but no devices are detected when I plug them in.
I'll try another USB-C dongle now...