AGP Executive Report

NASCAR Shockwave: NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell is speaking publicly for the first time after Kyle Busch’s sudden death at 41, with tributes and memorials spreading from Charlotte to Indianapolis. Medical Details: New reporting and released 911 audio say Busch was short of breath, overheated, and coughing up blood the day before he was found unresponsive in a Chevy racing simulator at GM’s Concord tech center—his family previously cited a “severe illness,” but no cause of death has been released. Racing Fallout: Richard Childress Racing is retiring Busch’s No. 8 car for now, reserving it for his son Brexton, while the No. 33 will run at the Coca-Cola 600. Politics: Trump campaigned with Rep. Mike Lawler in a key New York House district, leaning on tax arguments as the race tightens. Arts & Culture: The North Carolina Museum of Art is opening a downtown Winston-Salem gallery space this summer, bringing programs like outdoor concerts and vinyl nights to 4th Street.

NASCAR Shock: Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and record-setting winner across NASCAR’s top three series, died at 41 after being hospitalized for a “severe illness,” with no cause released—just days before the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. ACC Baseball: UNC opens Friday’s ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Virginia Tech at 11 a.m. on ACC Network, while Florida State takes on Pitt at 3 p.m. as both chase semifinal spots. Politics—GOP Rift: Senate Republicans are still stalling Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, and Michael Whatley says he backs it—setting up another round of intra-party pressure. Rural Health Reality Check: A North Carolina rural health fund story spotlights how hospital closures and long ambulance rides can turn emergencies into unanswered “what ifs.” EV Fallout: North Carolina sues VinFast over delays and missed commitments tied to its Chatham County EV/battery plans. Local Watch: UNCW moves ahead on a community-driven medical school plan.

Hurricanes on the brink: Raleigh’s tailgate scene went full “Ice Man” ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, with an indoor rink vibe and a big Canes crowd set to take over the Triangle. FDA scrutiny: The FDA conducted 47 medical device company inspections in North Carolina in 2025—its third-highest total for any company type—led by Drake Precision Dental Laboratory. Weather watch: NOAA is forecasting a mostly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, but warns “even quiet years see outliers.” Tax vote countdown: North Carolina voters will decide in November on constitutional amendments to cap property tax increases and set the personal income tax rate at 3.5%. Public safety: Pitt County officials are urging extra caution with fireworks as drought conditions keep fire danger high. DNC drama: The party’s long-delayed 2024 election autopsy is out, but it’s riddled with errors and comes with heavy disclaimers. Healthcare staffing pressure: Hospitals are testing ambient AI to cut documentation burnout—promising, but not yet a full fix.

Coastal Crisis Meets Startup Energy: South Louisiana’s “point of no return” sea-level-rise warning is fueling a new wave of climate-tech pitches, from artificial-reef builders to drone-mapping and recycled-glass sand makers. Cherokee Culture on Stage: “Unto These Hills” returns to Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee with a cast drawn from multiple tribes and fresh venue upgrades. ACC Baseball Spotlight (NC ties): Miami surged past Stanford 11-2 and now chases a quarterfinal win; meanwhile Virginia Tech knocked Notre Dame out 17-10 and faces North Carolina next. Legal Pressure on Veterans: A federal judge rejected a North Carolina company’s bid to dodge liability after it filed veterans’ disability claims without proper accreditation. Helene Recovery Funding Watch: NC lawmakers are weighing whether to “claw back” unspent Hurricane Helene money as budget talks continue. Memorial Day Weekend Prep: Boating officials are urging life-jacket use, safety courses, and basic rules before heading out. Right-to-Work Push: GOP senators filed a bill to lock North Carolina’s Right to Work status into the state constitution for the November ballot.

Reality TV: “Farmer Wants a Wife” is down to nine women after this week’s eliminations, and two Florida contestants are still in the hunt for three farmers from Illinois, Tennessee, and California. Courts & Consumer Impact: Uber says it will appeal a North Carolina bellwether verdict in an assault case, while a judge approved a DOJ settlement with RealPage over rent-pricing practices—though North Carolina’s case remains active. State Policy: North Carolina lawmakers advanced data center rules aimed at stopping cost-shifting to ratepayers, and passed a constitutional amendment to cap property tax levies that will land on the November ballot. Public Safety & Health: A bill pushing AEDs in public schools cleared the House with overwhelming support, as summer heat and storms keep attention on emergency readiness. Weather: Western North Carolina braces for a cooler, wetter Memorial Day stretch after renewed thunderstorm activity. Infrastructure: I-40 rebuilding in the Pigeon River Gorge is in a new phase, with major work continuing and traffic impacts still front and center.

Medical Breakthrough: A Nebraska trial is putting CAR T-cell therapy to work against autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, aiming to “reset” the immune system—but with big questions about how well it lasts and what risks come later. Sports Shockwave: Clemson’s baseball season is over after a 5-4 ACC Tournament loss to Notre Dame, ending the Tigers’ NCAA streak and putting coach Erik Bakich’s offseason priorities—players, staff, and the transfer portal—front and center. Courts & Crime: A man charged with federal cocaine distribution denied the case in court, while prosecutors say police found cocaine hidden in a compartment after a traffic stop. Public Safety & Policy: The Senate confirmed Robert Harvey to fill the last vacant Federal Maritime Commission seat, as the agency faces major policy pressure. Local Life: In North Carolina, Ashe County Schools posted a public notice on proposed IDEA special education funding updates for 2026-27.

SNAP Watch: June SNAP payments are rolling out soon, but the exact dates vary by state—some like Alaska load everyone at once while others spread by case numbers or even last-name letters. PFAS Fight: The EPA is moving to scrap parts of “forever chemical” drinking-water limits and extend compliance deadlines, drawing sharp pushback from public health experts. Power Crunch, Big Deal: NextEra and Dominion have agreed to a roughly $66.8B merger, betting AI-driven data centers will keep driving electricity demand—and triggering fresh consumer and regulator concerns. Student Loans in Court: Wisconsin and other Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education over new rules that narrow access to federal loans for many professional degree programs. UNC Sports Buzz: Bill Belichick doubled down on his approach for UNC—short-term goals—and also said the “Brady feud” story was fiction.

Clemson Facilities: Clemson is moving ahead with a $40 million basketball practice-facility build, splitting space for men’s and women’s programs and targeting completion before the 2026-27 season. Local Growth: In Waxhaw, JH Landscapes is stepping in after closings leave new-construction buyers with bare-lot backyards, turning builder-graded yards into usable outdoor space. Courts & Public Safety: A judge denied a motion to separate charges in the Bellaire murder case, keeping a murder count and a weapons-under-disability count together. Federal Policy: A bill in Congress would end the “remarriage penalty” for surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers, letting benefits continue after remarriage. Health Watch: A new study links diabetes to more than double the cancer risk among Hispanic and Latino adults, with glycemic control and insulin resistance playing a role. North Carolina Spotlight: The NC SBI is set to break ground on a new headquarters and logistics campus in Raleigh.

Utility Merger Watch: NextEra Energy agreed to buy Dominion Energy in a nearly $67B all-stock deal, aiming to create the “world’s largest regulated electric utility,” with bill credits promised to Dominion customers and regulators still needed before a possible 12–18 month close. North Carolina Politics: Republicans are reviving a push to change how the State Board of Education is chosen—shifting most seats to elections—setting up another November constitutional-amendment fight. Public Health & Safety: Gov. Josh Stein marked Heat Safety Week and highlighted opioid recovery funding, while Bladen County health officials warned after a raccoon tested positive for rabies near Clarkton. Environment & Courts: Ocean Conservancy and Earthjustice filed an amicus brief opposing expanded South Atlantic red snapper seasons, arguing the move could break federal limits. Sports: Clemson’s ACC Tournament path is win-or-bust against Notre Dame, and Florida State’s Wes Mendes was named ACC Pitcher of the Year. Local Life: Bladen volunteer fire departments received nearly $220,000 in state grants, and WSSU celebrated its largest graduating class in more than a decade.

Christian Nationalism Spotlight: Thousands packed Washington’s National Mall for a White House-organized mass prayer ahead of the U.S. 250th, with Trump officials speaking and critics calling it a push that blurs church and state. Voting Rights & Election Integrity: The Supreme Court’s voting rights ruling is now rippling into lawsuits over maps and local election rules, while a DHS program has scanned at least 67 million voter registrations for eligibility—drawing fresh fears of wrongful flags and voter purges. NC Community & Care: In Charlotte, Phoebe’s Purse keeps turning crisis into groceries, hygiene, and clothing for families living paycheck to paycheck. Local Government/Business: Camp Lejeune is hosting a small-business outreach event to help firms compete for defense contracts. Sports: Syracuse punched its ticket to the Final Four by knocking out North Carolina in men’s lacrosse, 13-11.

NCAA Spotlight: Tennessee softball is headed to a fourth straight super regional after sweeping Virginia 5-1 in the regional final, then setting up a three-game series at home against No. 10 Georgia. UNC Football Buzz: Kenan Stadium turns 100 this fall, with new sound and ribbon/video upgrades for the 2026 season. ACC Baseball Pulse: NC State avoided a sweep by beating No. 2 North Carolina 7-2 in the regular-season finale. PGA Championship: Longshot Alex Smalley surged to the top of the leaderboard, with his mom playing a key “momager” role behind the scenes. Politics & Power: A new Black Leaders for Roy Coalition has launched in support of Roy Cooper’s U.S. Senate bid. Statehouse Numbers: North Carolina general fund revenue is up $2.6B over the fiscal biennium, driven by AI investment and strong markets. Travel Watch: Memorial Day travel is expected to be huge even as gas prices stay high.

PGA Championship: Alex Smalley surged to a two-shot lead after a chaotic Saturday at Aronimink, finishing with six birdies in his last 10 holes to set up a wide-open Sunday where “practically everybody can win.” NCAA Lacrosse: Syracuse exacted revenge on North Carolina, beating the Tar Heels 13-11 in the NCAA quarterfinal after earlier losses this season. UNC Sports: North Carolina run-ruled NC State baseball 17-7, turning a rough fifth inning into a statement win. NWSL: Janine Sonis scored twice as expansion Denver Summit beat Orlando 3-1 for the franchise’s first home win, while the Courage shut out Chicago 4-0. Politics/Redistricting: Republicans look positioned for major House gains as court rulings and map redraws reshape the 2026 fight. North Carolina Health: Infant mortality hit an all-time low in 2024, but child deaths ages 1-17 didn’t improve. Western NC Recovery: Lake Lure reopened after Helene-related closure, a fresh boost for local businesses.

SNAP Shake-Up: Nearly 4.3 million fewer Americans are receiving food stamps, and the debate is getting sharper—Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blames fraud and a stronger economy, while experts point to new federal rules that made SNAP harder to access and are projected to cut $186 billion over 10 years. PGA Championship: At Aronimink, Aaron Rai surged late to grab the lead after a wild stretch, with Rory McIlroy also making a late push as the leaderboard tightens. Pro Sports Front Office: The Texans’ John Ritcher is reportedly joining the Giants’ personnel department, a personnel move that could ripple through scouting pipelines. Local Tragedy: A baseball coaching staff member died after collapsing on the field in Cleveland County; the game was postponed. Gas Watch (NC): Diesel and premium prices remain volatile statewide, with several counties reporting “lowest” week-ending May 9 deals—like Rowan diesel at $4.96 and Cumberland regular at $3.81. Charlotte FC: The club hosts Toronto FC Saturday, with captain Ashley Westwood returning after a suspension.

MrBeast Legal Storm: Beast Industries is facing a federal lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation after a worker returned from maternity leave, while the company calls the claims false and says it has internal messages and documents to refute them. PGA Championship Pressure: At Aronimink, the PGA Championship remains brutally tight—leaders are only 4-under after another hard day of pin placements, with dozens still within a few shots heading into the weekend. UNC Sports Spotlight: Texas A&M edged North Carolina in a 3-set thriller to advance to the national semifinals against Georgia, keeping the Tar Heels’ postseason hopes on a knife’s edge. Local Education Recognition: A Cameron High School counselor, Kelly Pettit, earned a statewide Excellence in Education award in West Virginia, with a path to regional and international honors. Drought Watch: North Carolina’s dry stretch is worsening, with fire risk rising as outdoor yard work and everyday routines feel the strain.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up a sentencing fight over how much judges should defer to U.S. Sentencing Commission commentary—an issue that could reshape federal punishment going forward. Sports—NBA Draft Combine: In Chicago, teams kept trading intel and the buzz stayed loud around top prospects, with standout leaping numbers and performance awards adding fuel to draft talk. Immigration Enforcement: Federal prosecutors in Texas filed 281 new immigration-related cases, targeting alleged smugglers and people with prior convictions. Local Life—Water Safety: National Water Safety Month is pushing a blunt message: drowning can be silent and fast, so constant supervision matters. North Carolina—UNCG Workforce: UNCG is launching NC BioMISSION next January, a bioindustrial manufacturing training program aimed at filling biotech jobs. Crime & Courts: A Charlotte hit-and-run case ended with a guilty plea and a prison sentence for a driver convicted in the 2025 death of a young missionary.

NBA Coaching Shake-Up: The Warriors are losing top assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse as their contracts expire, setting up a fresh look for Steve Kerr’s staff. Sports Betting & Draft Buzz: Day 2 of the NBA draft combine scrimmages wrapped in Chicago, with prospects like Baylor’s Cameron Carr and Texas wing Dailyn Swain withdrawing—leaving others to make their case before pro days. Solar Manufacturing Deal: Inox Clean just bought Boviet Solar’s U.S. assets in a $750M move, grabbing 3 GW of module capacity now and lining up another 3 GW of cell capacity by December 2026. Trade & Seafood Pressure: Two lawmakers want a broad Section 301 investigation into unfair seafood trade practices, with support from groups including the North Carolina Fisheries Association. Local Governance: Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt visited Central Carolina Community College to spotlight childcare shortages and push sustained funding for community-college programs. Policy Courtroom Watch: A Florida House map heads to its first legal test over claims of partisan gerrymandering. Health & Admissions: The DOJ says Yale School of Medicine discriminated in admissions, favoring Black and Hispanic applicants.