AGP Executive Report

World Cup Tensions: Norway’s coach Steve Clarke’s Scotland camp fallout is getting personal after a canceled training friendly, with Norway calling it “unprofessional” and Scotland defending the decision. UNC Sports: The Tar Heels are set for the College World Series in Omaha after a walk-off win over USC, with Ole Miss also drawing UNC in the opening round. Local Education: North Carolina charter officials say remote charter academies are set to nearly double next year, adding new oversight and renewal pressure. Tech + Jobs: Amazon and Corning announced a multibillion-dollar fiber deal that will create 1,000 jobs in North Carolina and expand training with Catawba Valley Community College. Consumer + Safety: The NC AG is still fielding Stanley Cup ticket complaints as Ticketmaster responds; meanwhile, a law firm reminds drivers there’s no statewide hands-free driving law yet—texting rules still apply. Energy + Rates: Consumer advocates are urging the NC Utilities Commission to set separate rates for data centers to protect residential customers as utility costs rise. Business + Finance: Truist tapped former Bank of America executive Cathy Bessant for its board, joining the risk committee. Arts + Culture: Dave Matthews pushed back on antisemitism accusations tied to his Israel criticism during a Raleigh stop.

UNC Baseball to Omaha: Owen Hull’s walk-off double sent North Carolina to the College World Series, setting up a June 12-13 matchup with Ole Miss at Charles Schwab Stadium. Sports & Weather: Monday’s super regional slate is still getting reshuffled by delays, while the Triad and much of the state brace for steamy conditions and scattered storms. Local Health & Policy: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing more child welfare changes after a Charlotte girl’s death exposed chronic gaps in the system. Environment Watch: Duke researchers say lithium mining can raise lithium levels in nearby waters, raising questions about long-term water quality impacts. Business in the Triangle: A major sports investor says he wants to bring MLB to Raleigh, potentially reshaping the region’s big-league plans. Nursing Home Transparency: New CMS ownership and rating details spotlight for-profit facilities across the state, including Mecklenburg-area and Forsyth County homes.

College Baseball: UNC is headed to the College World Series after a ninth-inning walk-off double by Owen Hull sent the Tar Heels past USC 4-3 in the Chapel Hill super regional, completing a comeback from a 3-1 deficit and earning the program’s 13th CWS trip. Local Public Safety: A Cornelius teen was arrested after a fatal Davidson crash early Saturday; police say the 16-year-old faces felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue across North Carolina, with isolated rain and storm chances returning Monday. Coastal Safety: As summer crowds return, officials are warning beachgoers about rip currents and how they can pull swimmers away even on calm-looking days. Energy Costs: Gas prices vary across the state, with recent reports showing some of the lowest spots for premium, E15, and diesel in specific counties. Defense & Policy: Congressman Don Davis advanced 29 provisions through committee passage of the FY 2027 NDAA, including investments tied to eastern North Carolina military installations.

UNC Sports: Jason DeCaro pitched a complete-game shutout as North Carolina beat USC 4-0 in the Chapel Hill super regional, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3. Weather & Safety: Hot, humid Sunday conditions are building across North Carolina, with afternoon storms possible and heat illness risk rising late week into the weekend. Public Health & Care: Western NC medical examiners plan a coordinated, indefinite vacation starting June 15 to protest long-stagnant pay, highlighting strain in the state’s death investigation system. Local Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings show mixed performance in Buncombe and Rowan-area facilities, with at least one for-profit nursing home scoring below the state average in early 2026. High School Sports: Girls flag football is now officially sanctioned by the NCHSAA, a major step for female athletes in North Carolina. World Cup Buzz (NC tie-in): Norway’s World Cup training in Greensboro was disrupted by extreme heat, with players adjusting hydration and cooling routines.

NCAA Baseball: North Carolina kept its season alive in the Chapel Hill Super Regional, shutting out USC 4-0 in Game 2 behind Jason DeCaro’s complete-game masterpiece (two hits allowed, eight strikeouts) to force a deciding Game 3. College World Series Watch: With the super regionals narrowing, the College World Series field is starting to take shape, and UNC’s Game 3 winner would be headed to Omaha. Local Government: Raleigh is weighing a deal to sell naming rights for the Convention Center to Atlantic Union Bank, with the city seeking public input on a proposal that would bring $525,000 a year plus annual increases. Defense & Military: Marine Corps F-35B work hit a milestone at MCAS Cherry Point, where the first Technology Refresh-3 upgrade was completed on an aircraft. Weather: Forecasts call for increasing clouds Sunday, with more showers and storms possible Monday into midweek. Sports Business/Community: The Carolina Beach Music Festival returned for its 40th year, drawing thousands to the coast for live music and dancing.

UNC Baseball: USC rallied from a 5-1 deficit to beat the Tar Heels 9-5 in Game 1 of the Super Regional, setting up a must-win Saturday for UNC. Sports Schedule: Today’s NCAA Super Regional slate includes USC at North Carolina (Game 2) plus other matchups across the country. NASCAR: North Carolina native “Gentleman Ned” Jarrett, a two-time Cup champion and longtime broadcaster, died at 93. Public Safety: Mecklenburg lawmakers grilled officials after the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody, calling it preventable. Immigration Enforcement: ICE lodged a detainer request in Guilford County tied to a man accused of attempted arson and a hit-and-run. Health & Policy: Healthcare workers staged a “Health Cuts Kill” protest against federal cuts affecting Medicare/Medicaid and other programs. Local Government: Havelock advertised an offer to purchase city property at 820 Fontana Boulevard. Sports Governance: Girls flag football is now officially sanctioned in North Carolina.

Immigration Crackdown: The U.S. Senate approved a $70 billion package to fund ICE and Border Patrol, sending it to the House after a long amendment fight that exposed GOP infighting. Energy & Jobs: Trump’s administration is using the Defense Production Act to push $700M into coal plants, including support for projects tied to North Carolina. State Health Costs: The N.C. State Health Plan board approved Medicare Advantage benefit changes for about 175,000 retirees, raising out-of-pocket maximums and copays starting in 2027. Local Budgets: Black Mountain is facing a $1.8M general fund and $918K water fund shortfall, with interim plans for property tax and rate increases. Public Safety: Officials urged firearm owners to secure guns at home as youth firearm incidents rise sharply across North Carolina. Tech & Education: UNC Chapel Hill will partner with public libraries on a statewide generative AI literacy project running through 2028. Sports: USC rallied to beat UNC 9-5 in Game 1 of the Chapel Hill super regional, highlighted by Dean Carpentier’s go-ahead grand slam. Weather: Heat risk ramps up this weekend with highs in the 90s and a Code Orange air quality alert in parts of the state.

NCAA Baseball (UNC): The Tar Heels open their Chapel Hill Super Regional Friday vs. USC, aiming to keep their Game 1 streak alive and punch another ticket to Omaha. NCAA Baseball (Tournament shakeup): The super regionals are set after a wild regional round that sent major seeds packing, including UCLA and Georgia Tech, leaving a fresh mix of teams chasing eight CWS spots. U.S. Immigration (Senate): After a marathon vote-a-rama, the Senate passed a $70B immigration enforcement package funding ICE and Border Patrol through Trump’s term, despite fights over a separate Trump settlement fund. NC Health Plan: The NC State Health Plan is set to propose a preferred-provider benefit structure, pushing members toward lower-cost care and targeting $100–$200M in 2027 savings. Drought & Food Prices: New reporting links U.S. drought to tighter cattle supplies, with retail beef prices hitting record levels—an issue that’s showing up beyond the usual drought states. AI & Work in NC: New research highlights how infill housing can save taxpayers and grow tax bases, while separate reporting shows generative AI use varies widely by county.

CPR Push in Sports: The American Heart Association and NWSL launched the 2026 “Nation of Lifesavers” ambassador class, with North Carolina Courage players Riley Jackson and Dani Weatherholt helping spread CPR and AED education. Medicaid Fraud Case: A North Carolina doctor convicted in an $11M Medicare fraud scheme is asking a federal judge for probation instead of prison. Immigration Funding Showdown: The U.S. Senate is set to vote on immigration enforcement funding after a revolt delayed passage, with lawmakers also battling over Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” compensation fund. Coastal Safety Reminder: NC wildlife officials warn coastal residents not to feed alligators during mating season as encounters rise. Local Budgets: Carolina Shores set a June 8 public hearing for a 2026-27 budget with no property tax increase. Data Center Bill: A new NC proposal would add data center rules, including water-use standards and limits on certain foreign ownership. Hurricane Season Prep: North Carolina is heading into the 2026 hurricane season; forecasts call for near-average activity, but officials stress preparation. Air Quality Alert: A Code Orange ozone alert is in effect for the Triad, with burn bans triggered in Guilford County. Sports—UNC Baseball: UNC’s Tyler Howe is highlighted as an X-factor for the Tar Heels’ super regional vs. USC.

Data Center Pushback: North Carolina lawmakers are moving to regulate data centers and fast-track nuclear power as residents and critics raise alarms about noise, energy use, and costs. Election Integrity: A new study from the University of Pennsylvania finds “notice and cure” ballot fixes help more mail ballots get counted, reducing “lost votes.” Local Independence Day: Southport is gearing up for its July 4 celebration, including the Freedom Run 5K and Walk on June 27. Community & Workforce: NCWorks partners are offering free digital literacy workshops in Brunswick County starting June 9. Education & Scholarships: The Fulton Lions Club awarded $750-per-year scholarships to two 2026 graduates, including one headed to UNC Wilmington for nursing. Public Safety & Health: The Museum of Coastal Carolina is marking World Ocean Day with marine mammal programs and a beach sweep. Higher Ed Watch: A new look at higher-ed mergers says many deals fail without strategic and cultural alignment.

World Cup in NC: Germany and Norway are setting up base camps in the Tar Heel State, with Greensboro landing Norway and Winston-Salem hosting Germany—local crews are already prepping fields for the June 11 kickoff. Public Safety: A Raleigh neighbor who used a legally owned handgun stopped a deadly axe attack during an encampment dispute, and officials say no charges will be filed. Courts & Corrections: A federal judge blocked the N.C. Department of Corrections from jumping straight to appeal in a case over pay for time spent inside prison facilities. Education & Policy: The N.C. House advanced a bill that would require data centers to pay for grid upgrades and use more water-efficient cooling. Health & Consumer Watch: The state’s AG joined a push against fake ticket scams for major events, warning fans to be careful. Local Events: Forest City’s Cherry Bounce Festival runs June 5-6, and Valdese’s free Family Friday Nights kicks off June 5 with Dirty Grass Soul.

Title IX Probe in Cabarrus: The U.S. Education Department opened a formal investigation into Cabarrus County Schools after complaints that biological males were allowed into girls-only spaces and that students were dismissed when they sought protection. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights big gaps across North Carolina facilities, with some top-rated homes (like Village Green Health and Rehabilitation at 5 stars in Cumberland) alongside low performers scoring 1 star and facing fines. Home Insurance Costs: A new analysis points to climate-driven risk and rising disaster losses as key drivers behind North Carolina’s steep premium increases, warning that consent-to-rate rules can push bills higher for riskier properties. Public Health Alert: Federal authorities reopened a salmonella investigation tied to “super greens” supplements after additional illnesses were reported, bringing the total to 119 sick across 36 states. Energy Policy: A North Carolina ratepayer bill would curb data-center impacts while also pushing major changes to fossil-fuel policy, including faster permits and delays to coal retirements.

Public Health: Federal officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf supplements after additional illnesses were reported, bringing the total to 119 sick across 36 states and prompting new recall warnings for shoppers to check their homes. Economic Development: JetZero won a key adjustment to its $1.5B North Carolina incentive package, shifting hiring timelines as the state works through budget turbulence ahead of a June 15 groundbreaking in Greensboro. Education & Rights: A Clayton High School valedictorian’s graduation speech was cut off after an unscripted immigration comment, sparking online backlash and raising questions about how schools handle student speech. Law Enforcement: Iredell County donated a new mobile command unit to Rutherford County’s sheriff’s office, a move aimed at saving local taxpayers money while boosting emergency response. State Services: The NC DMV launched a phone upload tool for proof-of-insurance and residency documents at driver’s license offices to reduce paperwork delays. Western NC Recovery: NCDEQ awarded $25M in recycling infrastructure grants for Hurricane Helene recovery, including major funding for Buncombe, Ashe, and Alleghany counties. Cybersecurity: Gov. Josh Stein and NCDIT kicked off the Secure Your Square Challenge to push everyday online safety habits statewide.

Local Parks & Culture: Finlay Park’s $25M revamp in Columbia is paying off, with back-to-back wins from the Jam Room, ColaJazz + Roots, and the new Songbird Cola Festival drawing steady crowds and smooth scheduling. Road Safety: Charlotte-area attorneys are urging extra caution on the I-77 corridor this summer, pointing to construction/merge hazards and North Carolina’s contributory negligence rules that can complicate accident claims. UNC Charlotte & Veterans: UNC Charlotte won Operation Hat Trick’s 2026 Excellence in Service Award, highlighting its 49er Gear Shop partnership and support for military-affiliated students and veterans. Health Policy (NC): Lawmakers are set to move quickly on a data center crackdown bill, while also weighing teen social media limits and “Jaleeyah’s Law” anti-gang changes aimed at tougher recruitment and gun-possession penalties. Sports (NC): UNC is the lone ACC team left in the NCAA baseball super regionals, hosting USC, while NASCAR’s UNC Charlotte alum Layne Riggs will race at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 22.

World Cup Roster: USMNT submitted its final 2026 World Cup roster to FIFA, with injured center back Chris Richards included despite a recent torn ankle ligament—he’ll still need to prove fitness before the June 6 friendly vs. Germany. Fatal Crash Accountability: A bus driver tied to a deadly I-95 chain-reaction crash in Virginia has been indicted on five counts of involuntary manslaughter, with prosecutors citing speed and a prior speeding case; the bus was operated by a Kings Mountain, N.C. company. Police Use of Force: Shelby officer Karson Hyder was fired and arrested after doorbell video showed him repeatedly punching a woman during an arrest; the woman has now hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Public Safety & Housing: High Point’s firefighters are weighing a state property-tax bill that could delay how new revaluations affect budgets. Courts & Schools: Cabarrus County Schools faces a federal Title IX investigation over claims boys were allowed into girls-only locker-room facilities. Drugs Crackdown: Federal “Operation Spring Cleaning” in the Charlotte region seized hundreds of pounds of drugs and guns, leading to more than 150 arrests. Community Costs: North Carolinians say rising prices and higher interest rates are squeezing household budgets, even as the economy stays resilient.

Public Safety: A Shelby, N.C., officer was fired after viral doorbell video showed him punching a woman repeatedly and straddling her during an arrest; the case is now headed to the NC SBI for an independent review. Manhunt Update: Authorities expanded the search for Michael Timothy Puckett, accused of shooting two Virginia sheriff’s deputies during a welfare check—one deputy was killed; a combined $60,000 FBI/Marshals reward is now in play. Weather: North Carolina gets a break from stifling humidity with passing showers and a possible thunderstorm, then warmer midweek highs in the 80s. Agriculture: The USDA-backed Farmers for Soil Health cover crop incentive program is reopening with higher annual payments ($35/acre up to 2,000 acres) and a new one-year contract structure. Sports (UNC): UNC baseball advanced to another super regional after beating ECU 9-3, with Paulsen named standout player in the run. Business/Quality of Life: U.S. News ranked several NC cities among the top places to live, including Cary and a drop for Asheville.