Today’s NC Political News briefs

Updates on State Health Plan negotiations, a statewide intestinal illness investigation and a new agricultural threat.

Wednesday’s briefs cover State Health Plan negotiations, North Carolina’s cyclosporiasis investigation and the first established yellow-legged hornet presence in the state.

State Health Plan and Atrium agree to continue discussions

State Health Plan leaders and Atrium Health met Monday to discuss their provider-network dispute. The parties described the meeting as constructive and agreed to continue conversations in search of a path forward. The State Health Plan said an additional update is expected within the next several weeks. The announcement represents a development since NCPN’s earlier coverage but does not report a final agreement. Official source

DHHS reports 718 cyclosporiasis cases

The Department of Health and Human Services reported 718 cyclosporiasis cases and 24 hospitalizations in North Carolina since May 1. The agency also launched a public dashboard for the investigation. DHHS said it was working with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. The source of the illnesses remained under investigation. Official source

Agriculture officials confirm yellow-legged hornet presence

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed the first established presence of the yellow-legged hornet in North Carolina after activity was found in the Matthews area. The invasive insect preys on honeybees and other pollinators. State officials are asking beekeepers and residents statewide to watch for the hornet and report suspected sightings rather than attempting to handle or destroy a nest themselves. Official source

Excerpt: Wednesday’s briefs cover S