AGP Executive Report

FEMA Funding Fight: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is joining a coalition of Democratic-led states suing FEMA over grant conditions that could force states to change election administration or risk losing counterterrorism and emergency money. Election Pressure in Washington: President Trump is demanding Senate Majority Leader John Thune cancel the August recess to pass the SAVE America Act, but Thune says there’s no path to passage without votes. Midterms Countdown: With under 100 days to November, North Carolina campaigns and voting-rights groups are ramping up outreach, while political scientists warn enthusiasm gaps could shape down-ballot races. Duke Energy vs Ratepayers: Duke joined the White House “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” on data-center costs, but NC leaders are pushing to make protections legally enforceable through state regulators. UNC Football Contracts: Documents show UNC’s 2026 nonconference slate includes Ireland vs. TCU and Notre Dame and UConn on the schedule, with specified payments. Public Safety & Courts: A North Carolina mother missing in Grenada was last seen on security video entering the water near a pier; separately, a Caldwell County proposal would restructure local health and social services boards under commissioners. Crime & Violence: Police reported a road-related shooting on I-77 in Mooresville, and a separate investigation continues after two people were shot on I-77 in Mooresville.

Local Crime: A suspect was arrested in the Friday night shooting at the Bearded Viking in King, with Kaleb James Robbins charged with felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury after police say he fled the scene in a SUV. Church & Law: Catholic leaders are warning against “online ordinations” for lay people to officiate weddings, saying only properly ordained clergy can officiate under Church law. UNC Watch: UNC football’s top executive, general manager Michael Lombardi, has been placed on paid administrative leave, adding to ongoing scrutiny around the program. Immigration Courts: A federal judge ordered DHS to help return a Honduran immigrant to the U.S. after finding likely constitutional violations tied to access to counsel and a deportation process. Elections & Voting Rules: A federal court fight over Trump-era election integrity efforts continues, with reporting highlighting how state certification rules could become a flashpoint in 2026. State Government: North Carolina’s attorney general is cited in coverage over a last-minute Medicaid rule change that could cost counties millions. Public Safety/Policy: North Carolina’s highway license plate reader pilot program is reported to be made permanent, while other coverage tracks ICE detention expansion plans and related legal pushback. Business & Economy: Philip Morris says it doubled its Colorado Zyn investment to about $1.2 billion through 2028, noting its North Carolina manufacturing footprint.

Election Integrity Fight: A federal appeals court upheld a block on President Trump’s plan for a federal voter list and tighter mail-in voting rules, striking down the executive order affecting 23 states and D.C. Immigration Enforcement: ICE is set to reopen a for-profit immigrant detention facility in North Carolina, with reporting citing plans for a 1,400-bed mass center at the former Rivers Correctional Institution. Midterm Politics: Republicans are sounding alarms about a “scary” enthusiasm gap, with about 1 in 5 reliable GOP voters in states including North Carolina considering staying home or backing Democrats. State Budget Impacts: North Carolina food banks are getting $9 million in new purchasing funds—up 50%—to help cover gaps as federal pandemic-era support ended. Child Care: The new state budget adds more than $100 million for child care and early education, including higher reimbursement rates and a statewide minimum reimbursement floor. Public Safety & Local Governance: Asheville is moving toward an ordinance change to tackle junk vehicles as nuisance litter, aiming to streamline enforcement across city departments. Health: A cyclospora outbreak has reached nine states, including North Carolina, prompting local guidance on food handling and hydration.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE plans to reopen a for-profit immigrant detention facility in Winton, NC, using the former Rivers Correctional Institution under a GEO Group deal with about 1,400 beds—sparking local anger and renewed debate over safety and oversight. Public Safety Tech: North Carolina’s budget eliminates the Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN), ending the ankle-monitor system that helps enforce no-contact orders in domestic violence and stalking cases. Local Government & Growth: Rockingham County commissioners approved a unified development ordinance update to reorganize development rules and add tools for reviewing proposals, aiming to align with state law and make the system easier to use. Elections & Voting Rules: A North Carolina absentee ballot rules explainer highlights what Buncombe County voters should know, as election-law confusion and disputes continue to swirl ahead of the 2026 midterms. Midterms Watch (National): With 100 days left, new polling and analyses show a tight, geography-driven fight for Congress, with Trump underwater in major battleground states. Courts & Schools: Two lawsuits were filed against an Alamance-Burlington school board and a former Andrews Elementary teacher over alleged assaults on disabled students.

Election Integrity Fight: A First Circuit panel refused to pause a lower-court order blocking parts of President Trump’s election-integrity executive order in 23 states, keeping limits on DHS citizenship-list sharing and new mail-ballot rules for elections before Nov. 3, 2026. Absentee Voting: Buncombe County election officials say proposed State Board of Elections changes to permanent absentee rules aren’t adopted yet, urging voters to keep following current instructions as stricter processing and documentation requirements move through rulemaking. Immigration Enforcement in NC: The New York Times reports ICE plans to open a detention center in rural North Carolina by end of 2026 at a shuttered Hertford County prison site, drawing opposition from Gov. Josh Stein and sparking protests. Data Centers & Local Control: A Town of Staley public notice sets an Aug. 11 meeting on a temporary moratorium covering data centers and related uses, reflecting growing local pushback amid national AI data-center expansion. Public Safety: Asheville police confirmed a Glock switch was used in the fatal Biltmore Avenue shooting, raising questions about how easily such devices can be obtained. NC Politics & Institutions: The N.C. Community College System named Monty Sullivan as president, succeeding Jeff Cox, as leadership turnover continues across the system.

Election Integrity & Voting Rules: North Carolina Republicans’ latest election-law changes keep drawing fire, with critics arguing the state’s “integrity” push has mostly shifted power and made voting harder rather than proving widespread fraud. State Elections Board: The State Board of Elections has also moved to tighten absentee voting rules, including changes that make it easier to discard mail-in ballots—fueling more debate ahead of the 2026 midterms. Surveillance & Public Safety: A new budget provision makes the Automatic License Plate Reader pilot permanent on state highways, expanding ALPR access statewide while raising oversight questions. Healthcare Competition: A North Carolina hospital market debate is heating up as officials and advocates argue mergers can reduce competition and raise costs. Military & Youth Support: The “Purple Star Schools” designation is highlighted as a way to welcome and support military-connected students through frequent moves. Sports Governance: Brad Alford is set to become the next NCHSAA commissioner, taking over after a transition period. Local Economy: Burlington plans to seek state help for Alamance Foods’ expansion, aiming to add production capacity and jobs. Military-Related Tragedy: The Pentagon’s Iran-war death toll and troop-return details continue to reverberate, including a North Carolina service member named among the fallen.

Immigration Enforcement Clash: Gov. Josh Stein says he opposes a planned ICE detention center in Winton, arguing the state didn’t approve the deal and criticizing ICE’s record of detaining and abusing people, including U.S. citizens. Corrections Update: Winston-Salem officials say escaped Forsyth Correctional Center inmate Raymond Warren was recaptured and will face a new felony escape charge. Election & Federal Funding Fight: AG Kris Mayes joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions tied to federal counterterrorism and emergency grants, including demands that states share voter registration lists and help enforce immigration policy. Local Government: Lenoir town council will consider changes to its flood damage prevention plan that could affect flood insurance, and will also weigh a cell tower permit. Defense Policy: Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) co-leads a bill to keep at least 126 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in service through 2033. Public Safety/Health: Wayne County confirmed a cyclosporiasis case as North Carolina reports a statewide outbreak. Community & Culture: Cleveland County announced a new communications push for its Justice Center project ahead of opening.

Election Administration: The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved changes that make it easier to disqualify certain absentee ballots ahead of the 2026 midterms, with Republicans arguing it boosts security and Democrats warning it could toss valid votes. Campaign Politics: A Democratic-aligned group launched a $2.3 million digital ad campaign targeting U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley over his ties to Harvey West, a convicted sex offender, as the NC Senate race tightens. Higher Education & Workforce: UNC’s Board of Governors approved UNC-Chapel Hill’s plan to offer a Bachelor of Social Work to help address social work workforce shortages. Public Safety & Courts: A federal court case tied to a dark-web drug operation led to charges against a North Carolina man after overdose deaths in Ohio, according to newly filed records. Energy & Tech: Duke Energy and other major utilities joined President Trump’s expanded Ratepayer Protection Pledge aimed at preventing ratepayers from absorbing AI data center buildout costs. Military & Federal Policy: UNC and Virginia Tech will host a new senior service college fellowship after the Pentagon ended partnerships with some private universities.

Federal Courts & Elections: A coalition of 25 states and D.C. sued FEMA and DHS over new disaster-grant conditions that would require states to share voter lists and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, arguing the administration is using emergency money as leverage. North Carolina Politics: Gov. Josh Stein and AG Jeff Jackson urged the Utilities Commission to make Duke Energy’s new “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” commitment legally binding in writing, pushing for enforceable tariffs so data centers can’t shift costs to families. State Government & Public Safety: Union County approved a bond referendum for Nov. 3 to fund a new ~500-bed detention center after its current jail hit capacity and faces costly structural problems. Local Law Enforcement: Union County deputies arrested a New York man accused of identity theft and money laundering after he allegedly used multiple IDs to open business accounts across the state. Education & Civil Rights: The U.S. Department of Education launched investigations into five medical schools over alleged racial discrimination in admissions. Sports & Community: The NCHSAA named Brad Alford as its next commissioner, and Little League Softball’s World Series is set for Aug. 2-9 in Greenville with ESPN airing every game.

Federal Grants Watch: Proposed OMB rule changes could tighten grant requirements starting Oct. 1, raising new compliance worries for eastern North Carolina counties and nonprofits—Bertie County officials say they weren’t aware of a key concern letter tied to the shift. Elections Transparency: The NC State Board of Elections declined to release names of thousands of people flagged as dead on voter rolls, saying it could involve “subsequent investigations or prosecutions,” leaving voters without a way to verify removals. Early Voting Fight in Guilford: Guilford County’s board approved 17 early voting sites but rejected adding campus locations for NC A&T and UNCG, sending the dispute to the state board. Military & Politics: Trump attended a dignified transfer for four service members killed in the Iran conflict, while NC election officials say they’re largely ignoring Trump’s election-threat claims. Local Government & Growth: Brunswick County approved a commercial rezoning tied to a Sunset Beach extraterritorial jurisdiction change. Sports Business: Panthers owner David Tepper announced another $500M for Bank of America Stadium renovations, aiming to position Charlotte for major events.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE asked North Carolina to keep a man charged in a triple-fatal Salisbury hit-and-run behind bars, after a detainer request tied to his prior record. Election Integrity & Voting Access: North Carolina election officials are dealing with voter registration forms sent to dead residents, with the state board reporting about 34,000 deceased people still on rolls—raising fresh questions about third-party mailers and ballot administration. Higher Education Oversight: The U.S. Department of Education opened a civil rights investigation into ECU’s Brody School of Medicine over alleged race-based admissions discrimination. Housing & Local Rules: North Carolina moved to end most local off-street parking minimums for new development, a change pitched as pro-housing and rent-lowering. Cost of Living: A Charlotte-area HOA proposal would reportedly spike dues and add a large special assessment, fueling disputes over transparency and voting rights. Public Safety: A viral Charlotte video alleging a child was left unattended in a Tesla’s “pet mode” reignited debate over child safety and state law. Military & State Commemoration: Gov. Josh Stein ordered flags at half-staff for two Fort Bragg soldiers killed in the Middle East, as Dover dignified transfers continued to draw national attention. Disaster Recovery: Sen. Ted Budd pressed for more Western North Carolina disaster relief funding tied to Hurricane Helene rebuilding.

U.S. Military & Veterans: The Pentagon identified Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of New York as the third service member believed killed in the Iranian attack on a Jordan base, raising the toll to 18, while it also confirmed Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, a 30-year-old North Carolina father, killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone. National Security & Politics: As the U.S. carried out an 11th night of strikes on Iran and diplomacy looked shaky, Trump faced fresh criticism for minimizing the deaths of U.S. troops. North Carolina Courts & Health Care: A federal appeals court upheld limits on overturning a Golden Corral COVID business-interruption case, a reminder that even favorable state rulings may not change similar outcomes. Local Governance: Buncombe County and Asheville were forced to redo property-tax budgets after state law blocked use of new revaluation values, with Asheville raising its tax rate to keep funding steady. Elections & Voting Rules: The state elections board approved changes that make it easier to discard mail-in ballots, fueling renewed partisan fights over voting access. Public Safety Surveillance: Macon County commissioners voted to stop funding Flock license-plate camera use, adding to privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns.

U.S. Military & Iran War: The Pentagon confirmed a third service member believed killed in the July 17 Jordan base attack: Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of New York, bringing the death toll to 18 since the conflict began; separately, the U.S. identified NC Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, killed in Iraq while disarming an Iranian drone. Federal Funding & Politics: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far and defended a major supplemental request as Republicans seek replenishment and Democrats press back on priorities. North Carolina Elections: Guilford County’s Board of Elections approved an early voting plan that keeps most sites but drops campus polling locations at NC A&T and UNC Greensboro for now, with the State Board set to review. Immigration Enforcement Lawsuit (Charlotte): Two Charlotte moms filed claims against the U.S. after Border Patrol agents allegedly pointed an assault rifle at them during an immigration enforcement stop, seeking $3 million. Public Safety Tech: A new NC budget permanently expands the state’s license plate reader program, allowing cameras on state roads statewide and extending the controversial pilot. Local Courts (Rockingham Casino): A Rockingham County casino rezoning fight is now headed to the NC Supreme Court, focusing on who can challenge rezoning decisions in court.

Election Administration: The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 to make it easier to disqualify certain absentee ballots with “irregularities,” a change Democrats warn could toss valid votes while Republicans call it a security upgrade. Early Voting Access: Guilford County’s Board of Elections meets Tuesday to finalize November early voting sites, with student advocates pushing to restore locations removed earlier this year. Budget & Recovery: North Carolina’s new state budget includes about $706 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, though advocates say gaps remain versus what the governor requested. Public Safety & Emergency Response: Sampson Community College received a $1.62 million state appropriation to build an AgRescue Training Center for specialized farm-related emergency response. Health & Science: Merakris Therapeutics won a roughly $2.2 million NIH Direct-to-Phase II SBIR grant to advance MTX-001 for diabetic foot ulcers. Courts & Accountability: A judge is set to decide next month whether Gov. Roy Cooper must answer deposition questions in a lawsuit from bar owners over COVID-era executive orders. National Security: The Pentagon identified two U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian strike on a Jordan base, including a Fort Bragg service member.

U.S. Elections & Voting Rules: The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved new permanent mail-ballot rules that require written attestations to fix certain envelope “irregularities,” a change Democrats say adds hurdles and could disenfranchise voters with disabilities; the board also previously lowered the threshold for rejecting photo-ID forms. Campaign Finance: In Western North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, Jamie Ager outraised Rep. Chuck Edwards in Q2 and ended with $2.18M cash on hand versus Edwards’s $485K, as the race heads into the final stretch. Education: North Carolina’s new budget includes an average 8% teacher pay increase, with the biggest jumps for early-career educators, though leaders warn it won’t fully solve staffing shortages. Public Safety: Statewide law enforcement is launching “Speeding Slows You Down,” stepping up enforcement through July 26 after speed-related crashes killed nearly 350 people in 2025. Disaster Recovery & Infrastructure: Gov. Josh Stein and DEQ marked a milestone of more than $1B awarded for Hurricane Helene water infrastructure and resilience in western NC, with $758M still needed for remaining repairs. Federal Civil Rights: DOJ says UC San Diego’s medical school admissions practices favored Black and Hispanic applicants, alleging “race-neutral” subjective criteria were used to boost underrepresented minorities. Local Governance: Durham ALE and Durham police carried out a joint operation targeting illegal alcohol businesses tied to violence, seizing firearms, opioids, and liquor.

Defense & Public Safety: The Pentagon identified 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, a Fort Bragg soldier from Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Texas as two Americans killed in an Iranian attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan; a third service member remains missing as the U.S. vows to “swiftly punish” Iran. Tribal Land Rights: In Swain County, a Cherokee tribal member is fighting for access to possessory land after a private landowner barred entry via a gate on Cooper’s Creek Road, raising questions about whether the road is public. Public Health: The CDC says measles cases have reached 2,260 across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel fueling fears of more outbreaks. State Government & Infrastructure: North Carolina’s State Water Infrastructure Authority approved $244 million for 45 drinking water and wastewater projects across 28 counties, including Helene recovery work in western NC. Criminal Justice: A new NC Health News analysis finds more than one-third of state jails exceeded capacity in 2026, with Mecklenburg’s uptown jail operating far above its designed limit. Elections & Voting Access: North Carolina’s Republican-led elections board moved to make it easier to reject ballots, while separate coverage highlights ongoing disputes over early voting and ballot handling. Federal Enforcement: LS Cable & System USA agreed to pay $4 million to settle alleged PPP loan fraud allegations involving misrepresented employee counts.