AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Safety: Record-setting heat is suspected in at least 25 deaths across the U.S., with Raleigh and other areas under heat alerts as Independence Day events dealt with sweltering conditions. America 250 in North Carolina: Gov. Josh Stein thanked crowds at the State Capitol for “braving the North Carolina heat” during America 250 celebrations, while state agencies handed out water and offered cooling help. Power Grid Costs: Advocates say advanced tech for power lines could cut electricity waste and lower bills by making the grid more efficient and easier to manage. Local Tourism Boost: Small businesses in tourist destinations report more Americans staying closer to home, favoring road trips and shorter getaways. Public Health: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries in multiple states, including North Carolina, over E. coli concerns. Sports & Talent: Chelsea signed NWSL midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, a North Carolina Courage standout. Chess: FIDE suspended former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for ethics-code violations tied to unproven cheating accusations. Consumer Relief: A $2.4 million data breach settlement could pay Americans up to $5,000, but claimants must document out-of-pocket losses.

Heat Safety: A dangerous July Fourth heat dome pushed temps well above normal, with DC canceling its parade and governors urging residents to limit time outdoors and hydrate. Public Health: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries in eight states, including North Carolina, after reports of E. coli O145:H28 illnesses. Water Accountability: Bertie County residents say drinking-water safety questions and public-records requests about herbicide activity at water sites have gone unanswered. State Politics: North Carolina lawmakers advanced a crackdown on hemp THC and kratom products, while the Senate and House continued trading votes and timelines. Environment & Industry: Chemours agreed to a multistate PFAS settlement, including major mitigation work tied to North Carolina. Local Economy: Small-business owners in tourist areas report more Americans staying closer to home, favoring road trips and shorter trips. Sports & Culture: Chelsea signed N.C. Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo; and the Carolina Hurricanes’ Logan Stankoven is set to host a Stanley Cup celebration in Kamloops on Aug. 13.

Independence Day in North Carolina: Carolina Beach drew thousands for fireworks Friday night, while officials urged residents to leave fireworks to professionals amid extreme heat and dry conditions. Public Safety & Crime: Union County deputies are investigating the fatal shooting of Larisa Pak; her son Slava Pak turned himself in and was arrested on first-degree murder charges. Health: A CDC study found tick-linked alpha-gal allergy markers in about 24% of adult blood samples from five higher-risk states, with Arkansas and Missouri highest. Agriculture: NC State and partners are testing a new approach to suppress New World screwworm using sterile male flies, funded by a $300,000 ROAR grant. Local Government/Community: Madison County opened a new 1,500-seat covered arena at the fairgrounds, funded without county tax dollars, aiming to boost tourism and local vendors. Sports/Local Business: Mack Trucks unveiled an America 250 tribute truck displayed at its Greensboro headquarters through July. National Politics: Attorney General Aaron Ford is leading a coalition opposing a proposed USPS rule they say could restrict mail-in voting.

Heat & July 4 Disruptions: A deadly, record-shattering heat wave is tightening across the eastern U.S., straining the grid and pushing some events to pause or cancel, including a Great American State Fair shutdown amid extreme temperatures. Local Business & Culture: In the Charlotte area, fireworks stores near the border are seeing extra demand tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Rural Health Funding: North Carolina lawmakers approved a $25 million budget investment aimed at restoring emergency medical services at the former Martin General Hospital, with ECU Health slated to help reopen. State Budget Moves: The General Assembly passed a comprehensive budget bill sending it to Gov. Josh Stein, with major items spanning education, Medicaid, and economic development. Workforce & Agriculture: Eastern NC is hiring seasonal peanut inspectors for the fall harvest, and James Sprunt’s SEED program is expanding hands-on training for students in agriculture and advanced manufacturing. America 250 History: A North Carolina contribution is included in the America 250 time capsule headed for burial in Philadelphia Saturday.

State Budget: North Carolina lawmakers have passed a long-delayed $34 billion budget, sending it to Gov. Josh Stein. It includes raises for state workers, bigger teacher pay, and higher support for some law enforcement, plus a personal income tax cut to 3.49% next year. Local Economy: A new Charlotte metro employer ranking highlights the region’s biggest workplaces, a quick snapshot of who drives jobs across the area. Public Safety & Voting: North Carolina AG Brown is leading multistate opposition to a Postal Service plan aimed at undermining mail voting, with judges weighing in on legality. Gun Policy: A proposed ATF rule could allow licensed dealers to ship firearms directly to homes, potentially reshaping online gun sales. Environment & Growth: Residents pressed county staff on proposed data center rules, focusing on noise, setbacks, water use, and enforcement. Culture & Tourism: The Great American State Fair drew mixed reactions, with reports of low crowds and high prices during America’s 250th celebrations.

State Fair Controversy: North Carolina’s Great American State Fair booth sparked backlash after monitors showed a Confederate battle flag; Mt. Olive Pickles pulled support, and organizers say the video has been taken down. Consumer Protection: North Carolina lawmakers moved to rein in crypto ATM fraud by bringing operators under the state Money Transmitters Act and adding fraud-screening requirements. Health Policy: States are bracing for a new Medicaid rule that narrows who qualifies as “medically frail,” putting coverage at risk for some sick and disabled adults. Water Crisis: Brunswick County escalated to a mandatory Stage 2 Water Conservation Alert as drought worsens, with irrigation a key target. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a multi-state settlement over “forever chemicals” releases tied to facilities including in North Carolina. Health Costs: Gov. Josh Stein signed an order creating a Health Care Affordability Commission to tackle rising costs. Public Safety: Police arrested a man in High Point accused of planning a mass-casualty attack on a church, with weapons and ammunition found.

Brunswick County Water: With drought worsening ahead of Independence Day, Brunswick County expanded its Stage 1 Water Conservation Alert, urging residents to limit irrigation to specific days and only between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Nuclear Preparedness: Duke Energy will run outdoor nuclear siren tests around the Brunswick Nuclear Plant July 1 from 10 to 11 a.m., with sirens sounding briefly and no public action needed. Housing & Growth: Brunswick County’s real estate market hit a high point in May, with 657 homes sold and the strongest single-month sales volume in five years. Local Economy: The Catawba Nation opened its Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain July 1 and says it plans two more casinos in North Carolina. State Policy: North Carolina lawmakers advanced changes to child passenger safety rules, shifting the focus toward a child’s height for booster-seat requirements. AI & Government: Gov. Josh Stein released an AI Strategic Roadmap aimed at protecting residents, preparing workers, and improving how state government serves the public. Business Expansion: INKAS announced major North American armored-vehicle manufacturing expansion, including a Charlotte facility. Entertainment: Charlotte hosts the 41st Stellar Awards Aug. 15 at the Spectrum Center.

Education & Workforce: A North Carolina community-college-to-App State health sciences pathway is set to streamline transfers for AAS graduates, aiming to reduce barriers for working students. Courts & Elections: The NC Court of Appeals revived a constitutional fight over a vendor ordinance, and the State Board of Elections flagged voter-registration mailers with outdated party info, privacy concerns, and errors. Public Safety & Health: The state budget sets $22M for a PFAS “forever chemicals” study at UNC-Chapel Hill, but critics say it could keep results confidential; meanwhile, heat in parts of NC is expected to push the heat index to 108 on the Fourth. Business & Consumer Watch: Bojangles faces a workers’ data-breach class action after a judge largely denied an early exit bid. Environment & Infrastructure: The state is accepting applications for the FY2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program to improve coastal access. Local Culture: Mt. Olive Pickle Co. withdrew from North Carolina’s Great American State Fair exhibit after a Confederate flag image surfaced.

State Budget & Education Policy: North Carolina lawmakers overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes to ban DEI in public schools, community colleges and universities, and also advanced related immigration enforcement requirements for UNC institutions. Medicaid Overhaul: States are bracing for a new federal “medically frail” rule that could narrow who qualifies for exemptions from Medicaid work requirements. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: The Justice Department and 17 states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged collusion to inflate egg price indexes; the deals total $3.3 million and 53 million donated eggs. Energy & Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is set to pay Duke Energy $129 million to end its North Carolina offshore wind lease. Local Business & Community: Daylight Donuts marked 20 years serving the Village of New Hartford. Sports & Tech: SAS, headquartered in Cary, is expanding AI use in its analytics software, while Penn State’s athletics deal shifts its uniform and apparel partnership to Adidas.

Supreme Court & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Trump-era directive letting states bar transgender girls and women from female sports, and a USA TODAY review says at least half of states already have similar bans. NC Budget Votes: North Carolina lawmakers are set to vote on a long-delayed $34B state budget, including an 8% average teacher raise, pay boosts for state employees, Medicaid funding, and $700M for Hurricane Helene relief plus a bigger rainy-day reserve. Medicaid Lawsuit: Twenty-five Democratic-led states and DC sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for people who are ill or disabled. Egg Price Probe: Federal and state officials announced settlements with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing—$3.3M and 53 million donated eggs—after claims they manipulated an egg price benchmark. Workplace Rights: The EEOC sued FedEx over alleged discrimination against blind workers at a Kernersville facility, saying the company failed to provide reasonable accommodations. Local Culture & Community: Surry Cellars, made through Surry Community College’s viticulture program, won top honors at the 2026 N.C. Fine Wines Competition.

Medicaid Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states (including North Carolina) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and would push medically vulnerable people off coverage. Supreme Court Power Grab: The U.S. Supreme Court strengthened Trump’s ability to remove top federal regulators, a major blow to protections for independent agency leadership. Offshore Wind Exit: The U.S. Interior Department reached a settlement with Duke Energy to end its Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease and reinvest about $129 million in other power and grid projects. Rural Listening Tour: Gov. Josh Stein held a rural listening session in Martin County, hearing concerns on reopening the former Martin General Hospital, housing, and eastern North Carolina economic development. NBA Offseason Shakeups: Portland traded for Ja Morant, and Charlotte dealt LaMelo Ball to Minnesota—moves that are already reshaping contenders and rebuilding plans. Business & Jobs: JetZero broke ground on a North Carolina campus using Siemens and digital design tools, signaling more advanced manufacturing investment. Health Care Workforce: Covista and Advocate Health launched a nursing education collaboration to expand practice-ready nurse pipelines. Consumer Watch: New York AG Letitia James secured a settlement over illegal egg price coordination, with millions of eggs headed to food banks.

Hornets Shakeup: Charlotte traded Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, continuing a fast roster rebuild after the LaMelo Ball-to-Minnesota deal. Homelessness Policy: North Carolina lawmakers are moving toward stricter rules around homeless encampments and shelter areas, aiming to curb drug dealing and require safer local management. Civil Rights in Sports: A federal Title IX findings dispute in Colorado hinges on whether “male” counts were based on self-reported gender identity rather than biological sex—an issue that’s also surfaced in enforcement actions involving North Carolina. Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: Multiple states, including Oregon, are suing to block Trump-era Medicaid work rules, arguing exemptions for the “medically frail” are too narrow and could cut off vulnerable patients. Fourth of July Safety: N.C. is launching Operation Firecracker to crack down on impaired driving with checkpoints and extra patrols. Energy/Offshore Wind: Duke Energy agreed to sell back its Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease, with about $129M redirected to other grid and generation investments. Local Public Safety: Pender County will take over EMS and fire operations July 5 as part of a countywide emergency services merger.

Hornets Shake-Up: Charlotte agreed to trade Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, continuing a fast offseason rebuild after LaMelo Ball was dealt for Naz Reid and draft assets. Voting Rules Watch: A new look at SAVE Act-style laws shows more states moving toward documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, with some requiring verification to stay registered. Wireless Switch: Verizon will take over Wilkesboro’s Carolina West Wireless, with CWW customers needing to move carriers by Sept. 30 as the deal awaits FCC approval. Election Planning Power: North Carolina counties are drawing scrutiny as the state auditor weighs in on early voting plans, raising alarms among voting-rights advocates. Public Safety & Health: States are loosening some fire and building code rules to cut housing costs, but critics warn safety risks; meanwhile, a Clover Hill Dairy cheese recall expands over possible listeria contamination. Independence Day Prep: July 4 heat risks are rising across the East, with dangerous overnight temperatures expected.

Boating Safety Push: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission law enforcement is stepping up patrols this July 4 after a deadly Shearon Harris Lake crash tied to alcohol impairment, urging sober, responsible operation to prevent tragedies. State Politics & Courts: A fresh debate over education funding continues after the N.C. Supreme Court declined to force lawmakers to pay for Leandro remedies, with critics pointing to low per-student spending. Workforce Training: Surry-Yadkin Works and Surry Community College launched the Careers Electric Summer Academy, a 10-week program placing students with local employers to build talent for North Carolina’s electrical jobs. Public Safety & Health: Poison-control data highlights North Carolina’s high venomous snakebite rate, and one Youngsville copperhead bite story underscores the need for caution around trash and outdoor areas. Local Justice: A Wayne County DSS caseworker was sentenced to federal prison for stealing more than $100,000 in SNAP benefits. Sports Business: The Charlotte Hornets keep reshaping their roster, trading Miles Bridges to the Suns days after moving LaMelo Ball.

Education Update: Alamance-Burlington Schools say preliminary end-of-year test results show a 7-point jump in grade-level proficiency, with officials hopeful the district won’t be labeled low-performing. Housing & Water: Rocky Mount has started mandatory Stage 1 water conservation, with repeat violators facing shutoffs; in New York, a rent-stabilization board voted against raising rents on many leases, a major win for tenants. Environment & Health: Federal and state regulators secured a $450M Chemours PFAS settlement tied to pollution in the Cape Fear and other waterways, while an NIH grant backs Ohio-area research to expand opioid use disorder treatment in rural primary care. North Carolina Policy: A sweeping House bill would limit local housing regulation, extend developers’ vested rights, and create personal civil liability for board members in certain quasi-judicial decisions. Local Government: Pilot Mountain swore in new commissioner Vincent Hancock to complete a leadership transition. Community & Culture: Chimney Rock State Park marks one year since reopening after Helene damage. Quick Hits: NC Lottery results for June 27 are out; Salisbury Post welcomes Dean Stephens to its staff.

State Politics & Governance: North Carolina’s Josh Stein’s office confirmed a Confederate flag video shown in the state booth at Washington’s Great American State Fair was removed after criticism; the booth was run by private sponsors, and one sponsor (Mt. Olive Pickle Company) pulled out. Elections & Voting Rules: The NC State Board of Elections held a hearing on voter-ID rule changes that could affect how counties handle provisional ballots and absentee ballot cures, plus how they decide whether an ID-exception affidavit is false. Public Health & Safety: A Guilford County SNAP case ended with a federal judge sentencing a DSS employee to prison and ordering repayment after stealing more than $100k in benefits. Education: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools shortened its i-Ready contract after concerns about screen time and testing, saying it will set tighter tech-use limits next year. Community & Culture: Raleigh drew an estimated 150,000 fans for the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup parade. Rural Health: Rep. Don Davis asked President Trump for $175 million to reopen Martin General Hospital.