AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day rush meets weather reality: NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte was pushed into the weekend’s rain chaos after Kyle Busch’s death, with Friday’s Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway postponed to Saturday morning and practice/qualifying washed out. Public safety on the water: As Memorial Day travel ramps up, crews are warning of strong rip currents and low lake levels across parts of North Carolina, urging boaters to stay alert near hazards that are closer to the surface. Drought pressure stays on: Wilkes and Watauga are among the hardest-hit counties, now in “exceptional drought,” and officials say even with some rain, restrictions may not ease soon. Local resilience wins: Lake Lure is reopening for the season nearly 20 months after Hurricane Helene, and leaders say a new cell tower and AT&T Fiber are improving connectivity for first responders. Energy + climate debate: Duke’s planned Durham data center is drawing pushback from faculty and advocates worried about energy and water demands in drought-hit Durham. Community support: Boone’s Hickory Ridge History Museum launched a “250 for 250” fundraiser to keep its cabins and “Horn in the West” outdoor drama running after Helene disrupted tourism.

PFAS Push in Goldsboro: City leaders approved a $33M, 20-year, 1.45% loan to cut “forever chemicals” in drinking water, with a total project cost topping $49.6M and a three-year compliance timeline. Memorial Day Weather: Coastal North Carolina is heading into a mixed weekend—scattered showers and thunderstorms, rough surf, and big travel crowds (over 45M nationwide) mean delays and slick roads are on the table. Right Whale Hope: North Atlantic right whales logged 23 calving births this season—more than double last year—though the population is still around 380 and remains threatened by ship strikes and entanglement. ACC Baseball in Charlotte: UNC baseball beat Virginia Tech 10-4 to advance in the ACC Tournament, setting up a semifinal matchup next. Invasive Species Warning: A new study says Burmese pythons could drive Key Largo rodents toward extinction after Hurricane Irma likely helped spread the snakes. Red Snapper Court Pause: Federal court action put South Atlantic red snapper exempted fishing permits on hold, keeping the recreational season closed.

May Day Momentum: Even with smaller-than-expected crowds, U.S. May 1 actions drew attention for building a more organized, labor-led anti-Trump movement, with union-heavy planning and multiple “centers of resistance” taking shape. Coastal & Water Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026, but officials stress “it only takes one,” while local lake levels in central NC are already running low and Greensboro is monitoring. Flood Resilience Funding: DEQ is backing Rosman and Swannanoa flood projects, aiming to store millions of gallons of stormwater. Health & Safety: FDA issued a recall for a liquid multivitamin sold across 24 states due to possible contamination. Legal/Policy: NC’s AG is pushing back in the DuPont “forever chemicals” fight, arguing limits on his authority after prior state regulator resolutions. Local Development: Brunswick County faces a lawsuit after denying a large Winnabow housing plan over traffic and flooding concerns.

Child Care Push: Gov. Josh Stein marked Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, calling for budget investment in families and early education as the state grapples with a child care crisis. Hurricane Watch: NOAA says the 2026 Atlantic season is likely below normal (55% chance), but officials stress “it only takes one,” with 8–14 named storms expected and 3–6 hurricanes. Coastal & Weather: Wilmington-area beaches are gearing up for the Memorial Day rush, while a separate severe-storm risk is flagged for parts of the Piedmont and mountains Thursday. Housing Innovation: Charlotte is hosting the Housing Innovation Challenge’s next phase, with 10 university teams moving toward construction to drive down the total cost of housing. Energy Assistance: NCDHHS is seeking public comment on a LIHEAP weatherization waiver that would boost Weatherization and Heating/AC repair funding from 15% to 25%. Public Safety: NC Wildlife is urging boaters to stay sober and wear life jackets after a rise in fatal boating incidents last year.

Public Health Leadership: Danny Scalise, formerly a public health director in Burke County, is now the newest administrative officer for the Spokane Regional Health District, bringing a finance background and a shift toward managing public health in a tighter funding era. Hurricane Recovery & Budget Pressure: As Gov. Josh Stein and lawmakers keep working Hurricane Helene recovery, Rep. Karl Gillespie says the General Assembly may “claw back” unspent recovery funds and reallocate them—next meeting May 22. Coastal Comeback: Lake Lure is reopening for Memorial Day after massive cleanup work, with Gov. Stein calling it a Western North Carolina “comeback.” Local Environment Watch: Scientists say Lyme disease is spreading in Biltmore Forest, with tick findings pointing to a growing local risk. Energy & Water Policy: A House committee advanced a data-center bill aimed at ratepayer protection and tighter environmental guardrails. Transportation Fight: Charlotte’s rescinded support for I-77 South toll lanes could jeopardize hundreds of millions in state transportation funding. Wildlife & Invasives: Alabama bass hybrids were confirmed in Kentucky’s Lake Linville—an early warning for nearby waters.

AI in training and readiness: A new AI “human readiness” platform is growing from a UNC dorm-room playbook idea into a Pentagon-linked effort that connects sports learning to military preparation. Tech + local business: Harbor IT just acquired ComTech Computer Services in Graham, expanding its Southeast footprint and adding a cyber-focused SOC. Schools under pressure: Martin County’s board held a public hearing on merging South Creek Middle with Riverside Middle—most attendees opposed the closure. Childcare crunch: A new look at North Carolina’s workforce shows childcare disruptions are pushing parents out of jobs, costing billions statewide. Air quality + summer start: Air alerts are urging people to stay indoors in parts of California and North Carolina as Memorial Day kicks off peak travel. Water safety: National Water Safety Month highlights how drowning is often silent and can happen fast.

Heat Safety Week hits full stride: With temperatures back in the 90s, Gov. Josh Stein has declared “Heat Safety Week,” and doctors are warning that dehydration can set in fast—especially for outdoor workers, older adults, infants, and people experiencing homelessness. Drought pressure on food: Farmers say the long dry stretch is already shrinking crops, with tomatoes coming in smaller and corn also struggling. Data center backlash spreads: St. Charles, Missouri voted to permanently ban new data center construction, adding to the growing list of local fights over power, water, and quality of life. PFAS rules under threat: The EPA is moving to scrap parts of “forever chemicals” drinking-water limits, drawing concern from public health experts. Coastal policy showdown: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing a bill that could loosen the decades-old ban on hardened erosion-control structures along the coast. Local wins on safety: Chapel Hill and Cary landed on a national list of safest midsize cities, with community ties and crime trends cited.

Heat & Drought Watch: North Carolina is back in the 90s, and spring drought could also mess with fall leaf color—trees may drop leaves early to save water. Public Safety & Funding: Caswell County commissioners approved releasing DEA funds to the sheriff, while DEQ announced $1.2M for flood resilience projects in Swannanoa and Rosman. Local Recovery & Planning: Buncombe is moving toward a first public hearing on Helene recovery grant plans, including sidewalk and commercial corridor revitalization. Energy & Cost Pressure: A new report flags NC’s electricity prices as a concern for attracting business, even as gas prices look comparatively better. Sports Rule Clash: NCHSAA is facing renewed scrutiny after Mallard Creek’s track runner appeal over a disqualification tied to a raised hand at the state meet. Health Policy: A 2026 health study links diabetes to more than double cancer risk among Hispanic and Latino adults. Tech & Cities: Smart kiosks are accelerating nationwide as cities bet on digital infrastructure and downtown upgrades.

PFAS Rollback: The EPA proposed undoing drinking-water limits for four “forever chemicals” (GenX, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS) while keeping the toughest rules for PFOS and PFOA and giving utilities extra time to comply—setting up a fresh fight over public health and costs. Energy Mega-Merger: NextEra and Dominion announced a $67B all-stock deal to create the world’s largest regulated utility, serving about 10 million customers across the Carolinas and promising bill credits in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Public Safety Infrastructure: The NC SBI will break ground today on a new headquarters and logistics campus at 3320 Garner Road, adding nearly 100,000 square feet for IT, training, and statewide programs. Local Budgets: Durham’s 2026-27 plan keeps property taxes flat but includes small worker raises and higher water/sewer rates. Flood Resilience Tools: DEQ’s North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint is expanding flood-planning support beyond past disasters, with funding currently limited to six river basins. Agriculture & Prices: New reporting ties grocery inflation pressures to more frequent natural disasters hitting crops and driving losses.

PFAS Rollback: The EPA is moving to repeal drinking-water limits on four “forever chemicals” (GenX, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS) while delaying rules on two others, setting up a new fight over public health protections. NC Ballot Watch: North Carolina voters could decide four constitutional amendments in November, including a “right to farm” and a proposal to cap the income tax rate at 3.5%. Power Deal With NC in the Mix: NextEra and Dominion have agreed to combine in a roughly $67B deal, creating the world’s largest regulated utility and serving about 10 million customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, with $2.25B in bill credits proposed. Heat Safety: Gov. Josh Stein has proclaimed May 18–22 as Heat Safety Week, urging residents and employers to prepare for heat illness as the season ramps up. Local Roads: New Bern crews are starting a two-week intersection improvement on Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd near Hotel Drive, with more lane closures expected later this summer.

Education & Energy Leadership: Two Onslow County teachers—Vicie Byrd (Southwest Middle) and Jennifer Griffin (Swansboro High)—were named 2026-27 Kenan Fellows, with projects tied to energy career pathways and disaster-ready school toolkits. Local Schools Spotlight: Eastern NC Regional Skills Center nursing instructor Erica Boone was named Onslow County Schools Teacher of the Year. Immigrant Student Protections: A new NC bill, “Plyler Educational Protections” (HB 1061), targets clearer rules for schools facing federal immigration enforcement requests, after last fall’s Charlotte-area arrests left thousands of students absent. Community & Housing: Richmond County broke ground on Smith Commons, a first phase of affordable supportive housing for people facing homelessness or instability. Weekend Watch: Western NC is set for a warm, mostly dry Asheville weekend with highs in the 80s. Sports: NC State baseball snapped back to beat No. 2 UNC 7-2 in the season finale.

Youth Entrepreneurship: Main Street Roanoke Rapids is launching “Main Street WaveMakers,” a free four-day business program for rising 7th–12th graders (June 8–11) with a youth marketplace chance at the Liberty on Main festival. Health Costs Pressure: Hospitals are bracing for more financial hits as Medicaid cuts loom and Medicare fee fights and drug-discount crackdowns heat up in Washington. Kids’ Safety Watch: North Carolina’s child fatality data shows infant mortality hit an all-time low in 2024, but deaths for ages 1–17 didn’t improve—prompting calls to update car-seat laws and strengthen protections around vaping, cannabis, and social media. Local Environment vs Growth: A debate is resurfacing in Warren County over whether solar can expand without harming the environment or the local economy. Weather: Eastern NC is heading into a hotter, mostly dry stretch, with the next meaningful rain chance late Thursday into Friday.

Data Center Fight: A New Hampshire-style “state preemption” push is hitting a wall: Senate Bill 439 was tabled in the House, effectively ending the session fight over whether data centers can be treated like any other permitted business—despite concerns about electricity, water, noise, and local control. Public Health: North Carolina’s infant mortality hit an all-time low in 2024, but child deaths ages 1–17 didn’t budge, with the Child Fatality Task Force urging updates to car-seat laws and stronger protections around vaping, cannabis, and social media. Safety & Weather: Eastern NC is heading into a hotter, mostly dry stretch with highs near 90 and a later-week rain chance. Local Life: Lake Lure’s Helene recovery is nearing a milestone—cleanup is done and amenities reopen this weekend, with Memorial Day expected to draw hundreds of visitors.

AI in Homecare: A new take on “AI scheduling” argues the real win isn’t just filling shifts—it’s improving the whole caregiver lifecycle, from recruiting and matching to follow-through. Veterans Voices: Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham highlighted Captain Ebony May’s Air Force story through the VLB oral history program. Biotech Leap: United Therapeutics says the FDA cleared it to proceed with a pig-derived UHeart xenotransplant clinical trial. Local Recovery: Lake Lure’s lake amenities are reopening this weekend after nearly 20 months of Hurricane Helene cleanup, with Memorial Day crowds expected. Policy Watch (NC): A stablecoin bill is moving through the NC House, aiming to set rules for digital assets and reserves. Weather & Fire Risk: The Carolinas are warming fast, while Blue Ridge Parkway debris cleanup is starting to reduce wildfire fuel near communities.

Drought & Fire Danger: North Carolina’s drought is now hitting every county, with the Triad in extreme conditions—firefighters warn yard work, charcoal grills, and even hot lawn mowers can spark wildfires even without burn bans. Energy Resilience: Siemens flipped the switch on a new solar-plus-battery microgrid at its Wendell headquarters, aiming for carbon-neutral operations and better protection during grid outages. Food Innovation: App State is using a $1.82M NCInnovation grant to turn surplus sweetpotatoes into Rootsii plant-based milk and other products. Coastal Health Watch: A deadly bacteria linked to warmer waters is creeping up the Atlantic Coast, raising questions about how worried people should be. Weekend Plans: Lake Lure is reopening to visitors this weekend after 20 months of recovery from Hurricane Helene. Community & Learning: PBS North Carolina’s Rootle Roadster Tour rolls into Guilford County, and local libraries are hosting fabric quilt-making events.

Emissions Testing Relief: The EPA has agreed to end vehicle emissions inspections for the last 19 North Carolina counties still doing them—except Mecklenburg—saying it could save drivers millions without hurting air quality, though local repair shops warn it may cut business. Western Water Push: Gov. Josh Stein is pressing Congress for more federal money for western NC after Hurricane Helene, highlighting $3.5M for Canton’s wastewater plant and arguing the current total still falls short. Drought Watch: First Alert coverage says drought conditions are worsening across much of central NC, with wildfire concerns rising as rain stays scarce. Coastal Flooding Timing: King Tides are expected to bring flooding risk to Carolina Beach this week, with officials warning drivers and pedestrians to avoid low-lying areas. Wildlife on the Move: Black bear sightings are rising statewide as summer nears, and wildlife officials say people should not approach bears. Policy & Politics: The House Ethics Committee confirmed it’s investigating Rep. Chuck Edwards over alleged sexual harassment, while the Fed’s next chair, Kevin Warsh, was confirmed amid political pressure over rates.