AGP Executive Report

State Tax Fight: Jackson County commissioners weighed a resolution opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual local property tax revenue increases, a move backers say would curb growth while opponents warn it could squeeze funding for public safety, schools and services. Voting Access: NC Senate Republicans are considering cutting early voting days—possibly only for primaries—drawing pushback from voting advocates who say it would hit students and working voters hardest. Election Administration: Apex is exploring switching town elections from odd-year to even-year to save money and boost turnout by aligning with county, state and federal races. Redistricting Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Alabama ruling further tightens limits on challenging maps, underscoring how mid-decade redistricting could shape the 2026 House fight. Capitol Hill Drama: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced questions from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) after reports of a heated clash with President Trump’s acting DNI pick, Bill Pulte. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge approved a $10M settlement in a North Carolina civil rights case tied to a coerced teen confession later overturned by DNA. Local Crime: Michael Puckett was charged in Virginia with aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer after a welfare check shooting; he was captured in North Carolina after a multiagency search. Education Policy: More NC districts are starting school earlier than the state calendar law allows, citing exam timing and avoiding shortened fall semesters. Youth Online Safety: A NC youth social media ban cleared another hurdle as it heads toward a Senate vote, alongside AI-related K-12 provisions.

Federal Courts & Immigration Funding: Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Trump administration is scrapping a planned $1.8 billion DOJ fund meant to compensate allies after GOP backlash, clearing the way for a larger immigration-and-deportation funding fight in the Senate. National Security & Politics: Trump’s Iran “understanding” talk is being framed as a political reset heading into November, with voters focused on gas prices and lawmakers weighing how much to challenge the White House. North Carolina Public Safety: A late-night shooting in Concord left a 16-year-old girl seriously injured and a 47-year-old man dead after he intervened in an assault; prosecutors say the suspect fled and is being charged as an adult. Community & Law Enforcement: A procession honored Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt, a Cana native who died during a wellness check, drawing law enforcement and community members along the route. Health & Aging Policy: CMS data highlights multiple North Carolina nursing homes with strong federal ratings in Q1 2026, including several non-profit facilities scoring 4 or 5 stars. Campus Culture: A UNC system-adjacent national debate continues as universities respond to anti-DEI pressure and course-content complaints, with one school dropping a human sexuality textbook after “graphic images” concerns.

Offshore Wind Fight: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and AG Letitia James led a coalition of six states suing the Trump administration over a March deal with TotalEnergies that canceled offshore wind leases and paid nearly $1 billion, arguing it’s an unlawful “pay-not-to-play” scheme. Federal Budget/Immigration: Acting AG Todd Blanche told a House panel the DOJ is scrapping a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, a move that could unblock a roughly $70 billion immigration and deportation funding package. NC Energy & Utilities: The NC House fast-tracked a data center regulation bill that would require Duke Energy approval for new nuclear before retiring baseload plants and add limits on incentives, noise, and water use; meanwhile, NC AG Jeff Jackson challenged Duke’s proposed rate hike, saying the utility “overshot the mark.” Local Governance & Public Safety: Wilmington officials weigh a low/no-barrier homelessness shelter and a shared plan cost estimate; and emergency crews responded to an explosion at an International Paper facility in Warren County, with minor injuries reported. Civil Rights & Accountability: A Shelby officer fired after doorbell video of punching a Black woman in handcuffs now faces assault charges, underscoring pressure on NC law enforcement oversight. Sports & State Politics: State officials warned Hurricanes fans about counterfeit merchandise ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Mental Health Policy: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing a proposal to encourage mental health treatment without automatically committing people to psychiatric facilities, aiming to ease crowding and staffing strain. Data Centers & Energy Costs: A data center crackdown bill is set for fast movement in the House, including rules on electricity and infrastructure costs, water use, and limits on local incentive deals. Teen Social Media Limits: House Bill 301 would restrict social media accounts for kids under 13 and require parent consent for ages 14-15, with added education requirements tied to AI training. Anti-Gang Legislation: “Jaleeyah’s Law” (HB 1173) heads to a House judiciary committee hearing, targeting gang recruitment and leadership thresholds and tightening gun access for identified gang members. Criminal Justice & Public Safety: A former Shelby officer turned himself in after being charged with assault over a viral arrest video showing him punching a woman in handcuffs. Reentry Support: A new app, Next Steps by RREPS, uses AI to generate personalized reentry plans for people leaving incarceration, pulling from a verified resource database. Local Economy & Growth: Buc-ee’s is set to break ground on its first North Carolina travel center in Mebane on June 10, promising nearly 200 jobs. Military & Community: Rep. Don Davis swore in “Future Soldiers” at a Greenville recruiting event, highlighting enlistment and service.

Law & Order: A manhunt that began after the killing of Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt ended with Michael Puckett’s capture in North Carolina, where he was taken into custody in Surry County; authorities say he was armed and facing murder charges. Police Accountability: In Shelby, former officer Karson Blake Hyder turned himself in and was charged with assault inflicting serious injury after a doorbell video showed him punching a woman during an arrest; he was fired and the SBI investigation was launched at the request of the police chief and district attorney. Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Cabarrus County Schools over allegations that a boy watched girls change in locker rooms, escalating the national fight over sex-based protections. Elections & Courts: The North Carolina Supreme Court dismissed former Pembroke Mayor Charles Gregory Cummings’ petition in the 2023 mayoral dispute, leaving Allen Dial sworn in and serving through 2027. Public Safety & Industry: Emergency crews responded to an explosion at International Paper’s Warren County Container Plant; officials reported minor injuries for two people and a third transported for evaluation, with hazardous materials teams deployed. Food Prices: A Raleigh-area cost-of-living snapshot shows milk and bread down month over month, while eggs and beef are up. Community & Inclusion: Kinston nonprofit RADD is set to combine its annual ride with a special-needs baseball finale at Grainger Stadium, aiming to spotlight inclusion and community support. Federal Politics: Democrats in multiple states are weighing a 100% tax on payouts from Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” after a judge temporarily blocked the fund’s setup.

Law Enforcement: North Carolina SBI agents arrested Michael Timothy Puckett, 55, in Surry County, ending a multi-agency manhunt after he allegedly killed Carroll County, Virginia Deputy Logan Utt and wounded another deputy during a welfare check; authorities say he was armed when taken into custody and was booked without bond. Public Safety & Accountability: In Shelby, NC, a police officer was fired after a viral home-security video showed him repeatedly punching a Black woman while wrestling her to the ground; the department cited an administrative investigation amid community protests. Elections & Federal Pressure: Commentary highlights the Trump administration’s push for state voter information and election records despite court setbacks, raising alarms about federal intrusion into state-run elections. Federal Grants: A USDA cancellation of $300M in farm grants is tied to fraud claims, with a nonprofit alleging the agency’s purge left some projects in limbo and sparked legal fights. Justice System: A New Bern fentanyl dealer was sentenced to more than 12 years after pleading guilty to selling fentanyl and possessing a gun in furtherance of the crime. Politics & Governance: Editorials and commentary attack a proposed “anti-weaponization” slush fund tied to January 6 defendants, framing it as a major corruption fight heading into midterms.

Public Safety: A manhunt spanning the Virginia-North Carolina line continues after Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt was killed during a welfare check and another deputy was wounded; authorities say suspect Michael Puckett was spotted on a wildlife camera in Surry County, N.C., and the U.S. Marshals is offering a reward. Criminal Justice: In Shelby, the SBI opened an inquiry into allegations of excessive force after doorbell video went viral showing an officer punching a woman during an arrest; the officer was fired and the case is now in investigators’ hands. Elections 2026: A new report frames the U.S. Senate race as driven by inflation and cost of living, with crime and public safety trailing in voter concern. State Politics: Gov. Josh Stein attacked a proposed constitutional income tax cap cut as a “con” that would protect the wealthy while shifting costs to regular taxpayers. Health Policy: North Carolina approved the consolidation of Vaya Health and Partners Health Management, setting up a new behavioral health organization effective Oct. 1, 2026. Courts/Policy: A coalition of state attorneys general, including California’s AG, urged opposition to a Trump administration retirement rule they say would push workers into riskier investments. Local Governance: Boone’s chamber foundation announced a retention bonus push for childcare workers in Watauga County, alongside new community foundation grants.

Police Accountability: A Shelby officer was fired after a viral video appeared to show him straddling and punching a woman during an arrest; the case is now under review by the NC State Bureau of Investigation. Elections & Voting Rights: A judge ruled North Carolina violated its own law by letting nonresidents vote in federal elections, a decision Republicans are using to renew pressure for tighter election rules. State Politics: A new national report ranks North Carolina’s teacher union strength near the bottom, citing a steep membership drop since 2012. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Authorities say a motorcycle pursuit that began in Wake County ended in Martin County after the rider ran out of fuel. Federal Funding for Rural Health: Rep. Don Davis highlighted $3.36 million for Roanoke Rapids’ Rural Health Group as part of continued federal support for eastern NC community health centers. Budget Watch (Local): A resident questioned Roanoke Rapids’ budget sustainability, warning the city has relied on fund balance to cover ongoing operations. Transportation Safety (Regional): Federal investigators continue looking into a deadly I-95 bus crash in Virginia that killed five and raised scrutiny of driver licensing and training.

Veterans Policy: The VFW urged Congress to advance bills that would create a dedicated VA economic-transition administration and streamline enrollment for service members moving from DOD to VA care. Veterans Legal Fight: A federal court ruling in Ford v. Veterans Guardian dealt a major blow to “claim shark” practices tied to VA disability claims. U.S. Senate Race: Former Gov. Roy Cooper brought his “Make Stuff Cost Less” pitch to west Charlotte, arguing utility and health-care costs are squeezing middle-class families ahead of his showdown with Michael Whatley. Gang Law Overhaul: Goldsboro mother Whitney Brown-Tune pushed “Jaleeyah’s Law,” a proposal to tighten North Carolina’s gang membership standards and raise penalties for gang-related crimes. Police Accountability: A Shelby officer was placed on administrative suspension after a viral video allegedly showed excessive force during an arrest, with an internal affairs investigation underway. Election Security: North Carolina election officials reached an agreement to clean up voter registration lists involving foreign citizens. Courtroom Politics: In the Comey “seashells” case, a lead federal prosecutor stepped aside and was replaced, as the case heads toward an October trial. Public Safety: A North Carolina-based charter bus crash on Virginia’s I-95 killed five and injured 34, with charges pending.

Public Safety & Firearms: The NC Department of Public Safety is set to hold its fourth annual NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action news conference in Greenville on June 1, focusing on secure firearm storage and community outreach with partners including ECU Health and local law enforcement. Education & Workforce Development: The U.S. Department of Education published the final Workforce Pell Grant rule, clearing the way for short-term training programs (including collision repair and auto technician tracks) to use Pell starting this summer, with North Carolina already moving on its approval policy. State Budget & Pay: Gov. Josh Stein says the General Assembly’s budget framework is a step forward on pay for teachers and law enforcement, but warns revenue amendments and tax cuts could hollow out services. Corrections Hiring: NC prisons are rolling out a conditional hire program at three facilities to speed up correctional officer hiring and reduce drop-offs in the background process. Local Government: Wilmington’s WMPO voted to quash the Independence Boulevard Extension in the STIP, while city leadership appointments include new compliance and transportation directors. Environment & Flooding: DEQ announced a $1.6 million nature-based flood resilience project in Bladenboro to reduce downtown flooding by restoring streamflow and creating floodplain storage. Higher Ed Access: Richmond Community College’s foundation created a new endowed scholarship for students in its 911 communications program, backed by the NC chapter of the National Emergency Number Association.

Prediction Markets & Election Integrity: Gov. Josh Stein signed executive orders targeting insider use in prediction markets and barred state employees from betting, as the state and national GOP keep arguing over election security and market rules. Federal Power & Speech: ABC/Disney filed for early FCC license review after Trump urged action against the network, escalating a fight over broadcast renewals and free-speech claims. National Security: The Pentagon confirmed U.S. troops in war zones have been targeted using commercial location data, prompting lawmakers to press for tougher oversight of the ad-tech industry. Defense Contract Scrutiny: ProPublica reports a $620 million Pentagon loan to an NC startup tied to Donald Trump Jr. was pushed by a White House aide and requested by Peter Navarro, renewing questions about preferential treatment. North Carolina Health Policy: Medicaid coverage and spending updates show local billing shifts, including Benson’s jump in “medicine services and procedures” and rising radiology claims in Bryson City. Local Government & Housing Workforce: Stein visited Pitt Community College to highlight construction apprenticeships tied to his affordable housing push. Public Safety & Community: Memorial Day observances and local Pride events in Chapel Hill/Carrboro underscore how state politics and civic life intersect on the ground.

Workplace Safety: International Paper’s North Carolina packaging plant in Manson shut down after a boiler-related explosion injured multiple workers; the State Fire Marshal and Bureau of Investigations are leading the probe. Federal Power & Energy Policy: Rep. Deborah Ross is pressing the Trump administration over nearly $2 million in offshore wind lease buyouts, arguing taxpayer payouts were used to end projects in North Carolina. Justice & Public Safety: FBI and CMPD raided Charlotte’s Garden Inn Hotel as part of a drug trafficking investigation involving guns and alleged efforts to hide drugs in bathrooms. Military & Privacy: The Pentagon confirmed U.S. forces were targeted using commercially available location data, raising new questions for lawmakers and defense officials. Politics & Elections: Texas GOP politics are roiling after Ken Paxton’s Senate nomination win; Thune urged Republicans to unite behind Paxton as Democrats eye North Carolina and other GOP-held seats. Economy & Jobs: A new report finds college grads in North Carolina face a tougher job market, with unemployment higher than the overall rate. Local Government: Brunswick County set a June 1 budget hearing, keeping its property tax rate flat while trimming some requests. Sports & Culture: NASCAR suspended 23XI Racing account manager Evanna Howell indefinitely after an alleged golf-cart assault at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Prediction Markets & Ethics: Gov. Josh Stein is set to sign an executive order barring state employees from using nonpublic work information to bet on prediction markets, expanding North Carolina’s ethics rules amid the growth of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. Public Safety & Courts: Federal prosecutors filed to seize a northeast Charlotte hotel, alleging it functioned as a “distribution hub” for illegal guns and narcotics, following a joint FBI/CMPD investigation and raids that led to multiple arrests and charges. Behavioral Health: The NC Department of Health and Human Services approved the consolidation of Vaya Health and Partners Health Management into a new public behavioral health organization, Vaya Partners, effective Oct. 1 and serving more than 222,000 members across 47 counties. Health Care Costs: A Carolina Journal poll says voters back market-oriented health care changes, including ending Certificate of Need restrictions and expanding advanced practice nurse authority, as lawmakers debate the budget. Local Government: New Hanover County rescheduled its agenda review meeting to May 27, shifting the time but keeping the same location and topics. Military & Memorial Day: North Carolina communities marked Memorial Day with ceremonies honoring servicemembers and veterans, including local tributes in Lee County.

Prediction Markets & Ethics: Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order barring North Carolina state employees from using insider knowledge to bet on prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, expanding the state’s ethics rules to protect public trust. Juvenile Justice: A federal judge preliminarily approved a settlement limiting North Carolina’s use of solitary confinement for minors in juvenile detention, tightening when officials can place youth in room confinement and requiring the least time needed to address threats. Corrections Staffing: In an “NC Strong Update,” Stein highlighted law enforcement and military efforts and pointed to ongoing work to address correctional officer staffing shortages. Courts & Campaigns: A lawsuit filed in Guilford County accuses former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of using the courts for political gain during his 2024 governor’s race before dropping the case after losing. Local Government: Charlotte City Council began the process to select an interim mayor, with applications set for June 2-9. Public Safety: A small plane crash near Knightdale’s Raleigh East Airport runway left two people conscious and alert as investigators work to determine what happened.

GOP Power Grab in Texas: President Trump’s endorsement helped Texas AG Ken Paxton crush Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary runoff, a blow to the party’s establishment and a fresh sign of how dissent is getting squeezed out. Redistricting Roadblocks: Across the region, Republicans took hits in the redistricting fight—Alabama’s congressional map was blocked in federal court and South Carolina lawmakers rejected Trump-backed changes, keeping the midterm map fight messy. North Carolina Local Politics: Charlotte is moving toward a data-center showdown as residents pack hearings over drought and utility impacts, while the city council also sets a timeline to pick an interim mayor after Vi Lyles steps down. Courts & Public Safety: A federal jury convicted three people tied to a $215 million international email hacking scam, and North Carolina’s political world also keeps circling major investigations and legal disputes.

Courtroom Fallout: A North Raleigh deed-forgery case is back in motion after Dawn Mangum failed to appear in court and was jailed on a $500,000+ bond, tied to allegations she tried to seize a $4 million home using a warranty deed. Workplace Safety: International Paper workers were hurt in an early-morning explosion at its Warren County plant; the state fire marshal is investigating. Election Rules Fight: North Carolina’s GOP-backed voter-roll cleanup got a boost as the NC Elections Board agreed to use dismissed prospective juror lists to remove non-citizens from registration rolls. Western NC Recovery: FEMA has started approving more Helene buyouts and elevations after a long delay, with Haywood residents still waiting but seeing approvals trickle in. Gov. Stein Jobs Push: Stein announced BorgWarner will expand in Henderson County, adding hundreds of jobs and a $100 million investment. Energy at the Pump: Diesel and gas prices eased after Memorial Day travel demand.