AGP Executive Report

Fiber optics jobs in NC: Amazon and Corning announced a multibillion-dollar deal to expand U.S. fiber-optics manufacturing, with Corning expected to add 1,000 jobs in North Carolina and a new training push with Catawba Valley Community College. Local governance: Wrightsville Beach is weighing doubling fines for dog owners who don’t pick up pet waste, from $250 to $500, as complaints continue. Healthcare oversight: Wake County commissioners heard from WakeMed and Atrium Health on the proposed $2 billion merger, with questions about what it could mean for costs and state workers. State politics: A North Carolina House bill to regulate crypto ATMs advanced to the Senate after unanimous passage, aiming to curb kiosk scams. Community & agriculture: Halifax County Cattlemen’s Association announced its 37th Annual Beef Roast fundraiser June 17 to support youth programs, agriculture scholarships, and disaster relief.

Court & Accountability: A Wake County judge dismissed a lawsuit by 31 former N.C. State athletes accusing ex-sports medicine director Robert M. Murphy Jr. of abuse, saying key claims are time-barred and that other allegations must go through the state Industrial Commission. State Politics: Rep. Sarah Stevens resigned from the N.C. House to focus on her bid for the state Supreme Court, setting up a GOP replacement process. Public Safety & Health: Federal prosecutors say a Charlotte light rail stabbing suspect, DeCarlos Brown Jr., is mentally unfit for trial for at least four months, sending him for hospitalization and further evaluation. Consumer Protection: N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson and the Real Estate Commission warned renters about rental scams, urging people to verify listings and avoid pressure to pay deposits. Energy & Resilience: Duke Energy highlighted that the Walters Dam and powerhouse withstood Hurricane Helene’s surge with little damage. Business & Jobs: Gov. Josh Stein and Commerce Sec. Lee Lilley promoted North Carolina in Switzerland and Germany, citing major investment and job announcements. Tech & Local Economy: A rural Wilson founder opened preorders for an “on-device” AI operating system aimed at reducing reliance on cloud data centers.

Fiber & Jobs: Amazon’s multibillion-dollar deal with Corning will supply optical fiber for U.S. data centers, creating 1,000 advanced manufacturing jobs in North Carolina plus hundreds of construction jobs and a new fiber-optic training program with Catawba Valley Community College. Local Governance: Charlotte voted to pause new data center construction for five months, citing concerns about public scrutiny, clean air and water, and neighborhood impacts. Politics & Power: A Democratic group, American Bridge 21st Century, is launching a $50 million ad push aimed at flipping control of Congress in midterms, targeting more than a dozen House and Senate races. Higher Ed & Culture: Colleges are stepping back from Pride Month messaging and events amid new state and system rules restricting how campuses weigh in on gender and sexuality. Public Safety & Health: North Carolina’s volunteer fire departments received more than $180,000 in state grants for equipment and safety upgrades in Lenoir County. Sports & Community: Dave Matthews defended his Israel-related comments as not antisemitic, speaking at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh.

Consumer Protection: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson says Ticketmaster is responding after complaints about Stanley Cup Final ticket problems, including presale access issues and steep resale prices. Public Safety & Health: NCDHHS is awarding $10 million to 39 rural EMS agencies to strengthen Mobile Integrated Health and expand access to mental health and substance-use treatment. State Politics & Governance: State Auditor Dave Boliek warns more NC cities are facing financial distress, pointing to Rocky Mount’s management failures and budgeting red flags. Local History: Goldsboro’s Historic District Commission is working to protect architecturally significant properties tied to the city’s late-1800s to early-1900s growth. Energy & Cost of Living: Duke Energy is getting a $28.4 million federal grant for a Person County coal plant upgrade, while critics say it’s a wasteful push away from cheaper clean power. Business & Jobs: Amazon and Corning’s multibillion-dollar fiber deal promises 1,000 new Corning jobs in NC plus workforce training with Catawba Valley Community College. Sports & Community: Durham’s Carolina Blaze launches the state’s first permanent city-based pro women’s softball season.

Immigration & Border: The U.S. Senate voted to fund ICE and immigration enforcement for the rest of Trump’s term after a GOP revolt delayed the bill, clearing a major step toward about $70B for enforcement agencies. State Budget Uncertainty: North Carolina’s Senate Bill 889 would pause 2026 property tax revaluations for some counties, putting Onslow County’s budget timing and revenue projections in limbo. Healthcare & Aging: CMS ownership and ratings updates spotlight nursing home performance across the state, including a Rowan County nonprofit with a 4-star rating and for-profit facilities with lower scores. Infrastructure: Lake Lure Dam bridge replacement is delayed again, pushing planning and construction further into the next decade. Public Safety: A manhunt continues for two armed inmates who escaped the Vance County Detention Center, with the FBI now involved. Local Economy/Jobs: Commerce approved a $15M incentive for MrBeast’s “Beast Games” Season 3 to film in North Carolina. Politics & Voting Rights: Commentary and reporting continue to swirl around election integrity fights involving North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and the SAVE America Act.

Defense & Energy: A House amendment to the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act would require the U.S. to deploy transportable nuclear microreactors in the Indo-Pacific by Jan. 1, 2030, with North Carolina Rep. Pat Harrigan backing it while Guam’s delegate raises concerns about transparency and Guam’s interests. Healthcare Access: Martin County residents are still feeling the fallout from a closed local hospital and limited emergency services, a story highlighting how rural health gaps can turn emergencies into long, dangerous waits. Health Costs & Reform: Blue Cross NC says its value-based care deals have generated more than $1 billion in savings since 2019, with reported quality gains across primary and specialty care. Local Government & Taxes: Wilkesboro Mayor Dale Isom is asking county commissioners to consider a PILOT-style payment for town services tied to county facilities. State Policy: North Carolina House lawmakers advanced a Ratepayer Protection Act aimed at keeping data-center development from driving utility costs onto other customers. Public Safety: Five firefighters were injured in a major furniture store fire in Jacksonville, N.C., as crews battled flames and a partial roof collapse. Community & Mental Health: Raleigh-area organizers with Darkness RISING are using arts and wellness events to reduce stigma and expand mental health support in Black communities.

Raleigh Convention Center Deal: Raleigh is weighing selling naming rights to the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, with the city council seeking public input June 16; the proposal would pay $525,000 a year (2% annual bumps) for at least 15 years. Healthcare Costs: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reported a $497 million loss, a move that could push premiums higher for its 4.3 million members statewide. AI at Work: A North Carolina software engineer won a rare religious exemption to opt out of using AI tools at her job, after Pope Leo XIV’s push for “disarming” AI adds fuel to workplace faith-exemption debates. Data Centers & Utilities: Two Midwestern governors paused major data-center tax incentives over water and power strain—an issue that’s also driving North Carolina policy fights. Local Safety: A missing 52-year-old man from Cherokee County was found dead on U.S. Forest Service land; officials say no foul play is suspected. Lottery Results: NC Lottery Pick 3 and Powerball drawings for June 4 and June 6 were released.

NASCAR in mourning: Richard Childress broke his silence after Kyle Busch’s death at 41, saying a Michigan press conference was originally meant to announce Busch’s 2027 return to RCR. Public safety: A multi-agency manhunt is underway for two escaped Vance County Detention Center inmates, with authorities warning they may have outside help and offering up to $40,000 for tips. Immigration and local impact: Charlotte-area advocates rallied against proposed ICE detention centers in Concord, Greensboro and Winton, arguing the plan could expand GEO Group-run capacity in North Carolina. Health care spending: New federal data show Medicaid billing spikes in several NC communities, including big jumps in Taylorsville and Creedmoor for specific service categories. Politics and voting: The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, dealing a blow to efforts to add stricter voting requirements ahead of the midterms. Sports (Carolina): The Hurricanes head into Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final tied 1-1 with Vegas, riding a strong road run.

Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement package to fund ICE and Border Patrol, after rejecting efforts to permanently block a Trump settlement fund—sending the bill to the House. Public Safety & Courts: ICE lodged a detainer with Guilford County officials asking them not to release an illegal alien charged in North Carolina with attempted arson, hit-and-run, and assault with a deadly weapon. Juvenile Justice: A new NC report says juvenile detention is getting more adult-court youth after HB 834, straining facilities built for different needs. Health Care Costs: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reported a $497 million loss, warning customers to expect premium increases. Energy & Jobs: Trump announced $700 million for coal power infrastructure using the Defense Production Act, including funding tied to North Carolina plants. Local Business After Helene: Swannanoa business owners say state rules block them from applying for federal disaster recovery funds through a revitalization program. Nursing Home Watch: CMS gave Brookdale Carriage Club Providence a 4-star rating in early 2026.

Healthcare Costs: The NC State Health Plan Board approved Medicare Advantage benefit changes for about 175,000 retirees, including higher out-of-pocket maximums and copays starting in 2027, drawing sharp pushback from retiree advocates. Hospital Merger Watch: State officials warned that a WakeMed-Atrium merger could drive premium increases for state workers and retirees, while WakeMed says the deal would help hold down costs. Energy & Jobs: Trump announced a $700M coal investment using wartime powers, including support for existing coal plants and mines and funding for an export terminal—raising questions about the direction of US energy policy. Local Economy: Wayne County commissioners approved an economic incentive package tied to a confidential company project that could bring $756M in capital improvements and create nine jobs. Public Safety: After a deadly Virginia bus crash, investigators are probing the operator’s links to other carriers, including firms previously flagged by regulators. State Politics: NC voters will decide in November on two constitutional amendments limiting the state income tax rate and restricting property tax increases. Courts & Accountability: An Onslow County fired manager is suing the county, alleging commissioners broke state law. Community Impact: In Greenfield, a local café is donating proceeds to help cover funeral costs after a deadly bus crash killed a family.

Immigration & Border Enforcement: The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol for three years, clearing a major hurdle after days of infighting over whether to permanently block a $1.776 billion settlement fund tied to Trump allies. Energy Policy: Trump announced a $700 million push to expand “clean, beautiful coal,” invoking the Defense Production Act to keep plants running and build new coal and export infrastructure. North Carolina Tech & Work: A North Carolina software worker won a religious exemption from using AI at work, a test case that could spread as employers tighten AI rules. Public Safety & Local Impact: The NC Lottery posted June 4 Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash 5, Double Play, and Millionaire for Life results. Health & Care in NC: CMS ratings highlighted sharp differences among Mecklenburg and other NC nursing homes, with some facilities scoring well above the state average while others fell far short. Community & Child Welfare: NC is expanding “professional foster parents” to help keep siblings together and improve outcomes for children entering foster care.

Data Centers & Energy: North Carolina Senate Bill 730 would add new data center rules, including noise site assessments, limits on water use with cooling standards, and a ban on certain foreign ownership tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Air Quality: A Code Orange ozone alert is set for Friday in the Triad, with a burn ban triggered in Guilford County and guidance for sensitive groups to limit time outside. Local Courts & Media: The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ risk pool reversed course and will fund Pender County’s ongoing lawsuit against the Pender-Topsail Post & Voice. Public Input: N.C. Commerce extended the public comment period for Opportunity Zone nominations to June 21. Public Safety: NCDPS is holding an NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action news conference in Winston-Salem focused on safe firearm storage. Crime & Justice: In the Steven Koon murder trial, DNA experts spar over hair findings as deliberations near. Business/Jobs: Trump announced $700 million in coal support using the Defense Production Act, including upgrades and a new export terminal.

Data Center Rules Advance in Raleigh: The NC House moved a sweeping data-center bill forward, aiming to curb energy and water strain, require more grid reliability planning, and block local governments from offering incentives. Privacy vs. Policing: Lawmakers also advanced a measure to make North Carolina’s highway license-plate reader program permanent under SBI oversight, with supporters citing faster crime-solving and opponents warning about surveillance and discrimination. Ocean Monitoring Cutbacks: The federal Ocean Observatories Initiative is being dismantled, meaning sensors off Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and North Carolina will go dark, though past data will stay online. Nursing Home Watch: New CMS figures spotlight staffing and quality concerns at several NC facilities, including a Pitt County nursing home rated 1 out of 5 and other Mecklenburg and Macon County centers with fines and penalties. Homelessness Funding Shift: HUD’s new approach ties Continuum of Care funding more closely to addiction treatment and mental health services, a change that could affect Charlotte-area programs.

Data Center Costs & Water Use: The NC House advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act, requiring data center developers to pay for grid upgrades and to use water-efficient cooling, as lawmakers push back on rising electricity and water strain. Local Fire Safety Funding: The NC Fire Marshal approved nearly $280,000 in Volunteer Fire Department Fund grants for Wayne County, with more statewide support for volunteer departments. School Calendar Fight: More NC districts are starting classes earlier than state law allows, including Mooresville and Kannapolis, as officials cite exam timing. Property Tax Limits Pushback: Jackson County commissioners discussed opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual property tax revenue increases for cities and counties. Public Health & Care Access: National health commentary argues primary care must lead early detection and consistent follow-up for childhood disabilities, while MS specialists highlight tools like OCT and brief cognitive screenings to improve access. Politics & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court issued a shadow-docket ruling that effectively tightens limits on challenging Alabama’s congressional map. Community & Culture: Pride events and protests are set across North Carolina this week, with local action opportunities listed for June 5–11.

Data Centers vs. Energy Policy: North Carolina’s Ratepayer Protection Act (SB 730) would curb data-center incentives and block eminent-domain grabs, but also fast-tracks fossil-fuel permits and delays coal retirements—an unusual “good plus bad” mix that could raise power costs even as it targets growth. Public Health Watch: A CDC wastewater surveillance program is facing major federal funding cuts, just as a new COVID “cicada” variant spreads across more states, raising alarms about losing an early-warning system. Immigration Language Pushback: A new White House “aliens” website is framed as anti-immigrant messaging, drawing criticism for dehumanizing wordplay tied to older federal law. Local Health Care: Lawmakers and advocates continue pressing for eastern NC hospital access after Martin General Hospital’s closure, while CMS nursing-home ratings highlight big gaps across the state—from 5-star care in Wake Forest to lower scores elsewhere. Sports & Community: The Hurricanes open the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh with a Game 1 loss, and NASCAR mourns Kyle Busch with a private memorial in North Carolina.

Film & Entertainment: Two bills in the NC General Assembly aim to boost film incentives—one to raise the Film and Entertainment Grant Fund for bigger productions, and another to create a clearer path for smaller, local projects. Medicaid & Health Costs: UNC Sheps Center research says North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots cut Medicaid spending by about $164 per member per month, with fewer ER visits and hospitalizations and more primary care. Recycling After Helene: DEQ awarded $25 million in community recycling infrastructure grants across western NC to help local governments handle storm debris and strengthen recycling systems. Public Safety & Work: North Carolina marked Workers’ Memorial Day, noting 67 job-related deaths in the state over the past year, as labor officials renewed calls for safer workplaces. Sports & Consumer Protection: State officials warned Hurricanes fans to watch for counterfeit merchandise ahead of the Stanley Cup Final. Housing & Homelessness: Raleigh’s Outlanders self-governed encampment and Wilmington’s debate over a low/no-barrier shelter show how local decisions are shaping homelessness responses.