AGP Executive Report

State Constitutional Power Shift: North Carolina Democrats filed three constitutional amendments aimed at protecting the governor’s traditional powers and reshaping court oversight, arguing GOP-era changes have left the state’s executive branch weaker even when voters elected a Democratic governor. Ocean Policy Fight: Senators and House committees urged the National Science Foundation to reverse plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $386M network that includes sites off North Carolina, warning the “descoping” move came without scientific review. Local Politics Watch: Charlotte City Council kicked off the process to pick a new mayor, with 32 applicants pitching their plans and experience. Elections Law: A North Carolina House elections bill would restrict ranked choice voting statewide and add hurdles for independent voters, drawing pushback from election reform advocates. Public Safety & Courts: A Lenoir County sex offender was arrested for allegedly failing to report an address change. Energy Costs: AAA says North Carolina gas prices fell to about $3.67 a gallon, down from last week after a recent spike.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: ICE investigators were reportedly granted access to voter files in Texas and North Carolina, including Forsyth County, as the Trump administration pushes claims about noncitizen voting ahead of the midterms. Public Safety & Courts: Wake County residents are being warned about a resurfaced jury duty scam that spoofs law enforcement and pressures people to pay to avoid arrest. State Politics & Elections: NC Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall are again floating changes to early voting, arguing the primary period is too long and strains local boards. Economic Development: Gov. Josh Stein joined officials to break ground on JetZero’s Greensboro-area airplane manufacturing project, promising 14,500 jobs and $4.7 billion in investment. Local Government: Montreat commissioners delayed budget talk due to pending state legislation, while continuing FEMA recovery updates and a Flat Creek Crossing project update. Federal/Constituent Services: Rep. Don Davis says his office helped eastern North Carolina constituents recover about $2.45 million from federal agencies since the start of 2026. Military & Health Workforce: Fort Bragg hosted the graduation of physician assistant trainees from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program.

State Budget Talks: North Carolina GOP leaders are still hashing out the final details of the long-awaited budget, with Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger now signaling the bill may not be finished as quickly as first hoped, though both chambers aim to deliver before the end of June. Medicaid Work Rule: Federal guidance has upended North Carolina’s Medicaid work requirement plans, with CMS’s interim final rule adding new complications for defining who counts as “medically frail,” potentially affecting coverage for hundreds of thousands of adults. Health Costs & Access: A western North Carolina couple says ACA coverage became unaffordable after enhanced tax credits expired, a sign of how rising premiums could push more residents off insurance. Medical Oversight: An investigation highlights how the North Carolina medical board has disciplined doctors in cases involving risky care, while critics argue lawmakers largely ignored audit calls for stronger consumer protections. Elections & Power: A Senate-control analysis flags an “unforced error” that could decide the 2026 race, pointing to candidate quality concerns in key states. Federal Court in NC: A judge in Eastern North Carolina says no friend-of-the-court briefs will be allowed in the Comey case tied to “86 47” markings on the Outer Banks. Public Safety: Concord police say a Sun Drop murder suspect from 2008 has been arrested in Washington state after nearly 18 years. Local Crime: Bertie County’s stolen vehicle investigation has ended with the arrest of a second suspect. Energy Prep: Dominion Energy crews are months ahead of hurricane season, hardening the grid and replacing aging poles to reduce outages.

State Budget Standoff: North Carolina still doesn’t have a budget, but GOP leaders say they’re “on track” as Phil Berger and Destin Hall work toward a draft and Democrats complain about the lack of details. Election Integrity Push: ICE Homeland Security Investigations obtained voter files from local election offices in Texas and Forsyth County, North Carolina, as part of the Trump administration’s push to identify noncitizens on voter rolls. Food Assistance Fight: A coalition of attorneys general, including California AG Rob Bonta, is urging Senate leaders to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill, warning cuts shift costs to states. Public Health Preparedness: A new series looks at how the U.S. is preparing for high-consequence outbreaks, as Hantavirus and Ebola concerns continue to grow. Weather & Safety: A cold front moves toward the Carolinas with a damaging-wind risk from scattered severe storms Sunday. Local Inclusion Spotlight: Hendersonville honored Donnie Jones for building Special Needs Sports and expanding accessible recreation across Western North Carolina.

ICE and voter files: Axios reports ICE Homeland Security Investigations accessed voter records in Forsyth County and Webb County, Texas, as part of the Trump administration’s push to find noncitizen voting—raising alarms about federal overreach into local election control. State courts and conflicts: A North Carolina op-ed argues Chief Justice Paul Newby should step aside in Duke-related rulings, pointing to ethics and financial ties after the NC Supreme Court upheld Duke Energy’s 2023 rate increases. Local elections logistics: New Hanover County Board of Elections rescheduled its August 2026 regular meeting to Aug. 19. Housing and community grants: NC Commerce announced $2.5 million in CDBG-NR Neighborhood Revitalization funding for Bladen County, with 13 grants totaling more than $13.7 million statewide. Homelessness policy: NC Senate committee advanced a statewide ban on unauthorized public camping, continuing the push to restrict where people can sleep. Public safety: A South Carolina mall shooting left at least two injured; meanwhile, NC-related crime items included an ATM theft case tied to a Raleigh man. Health and labor: Coverage highlights heat risks for H-2A migrant farmworkers in North Carolina and the broader strain on worker protections. Sports and culture: Germany’s World Cup opener notes training in North Carolina; plus broader national political commentary and entertainment roundups.

Federal Grants: Gov. Josh Stein’s office announced $13.7 million in Neighborhood Revitalization grants statewide, including a $2.5 million Community Development Block Grant to Bladen County for housing and infrastructure. Election Policy: A North Carolina lawmaker is pushing back on Senate Bill 1084, which would cut early voting from 17 days to 10, arguing the state hasn’t identified a real problem to fix. Public Health: Health officials are warning about alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-bite-linked allergy that can trigger severe reactions after eating meat or some dairy. Courts & Federal Policy: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits and displays altered at national museums and parks under an executive order. Local Justice: In Hickory, a family says a reopened 1992 murder case was delayed after charges against the police chief over alleged evidence-tampering and secret recording. State Politics & Policy: North Carolina’s attorney general is urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the farm bill, framing it as a food-assistance fight with national stakes. Defense & Coast Guard: The Coast Guard accepted delivery of a new Fast Response Cutter, expanding its coastal and maritime response capacity.

Homelessness Crackdown: A North Carolina Senate committee advanced the Prohibit Unauthorized Camping Act, which would ban camping or sleeping on state or local property without permission, while letting local governments designate limited areas for up to a year. Election Administration: Republicans on the Wake County Board of Elections rejected NC State’s Talley Student Center as an early voting site, citing parking access and continuing a broader pattern of college-campus polling fights. State Budget Timing: Lawmakers say the General Assembly’s biennium budget vote is still not set, with some members frustrated that cities and towns are waiting on funding while leaders negotiate tax and reserve terms. Housing & Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Josh Stein announced $13.7 million in Community Development Block Grant–Neighborhood Revitalization awards to 13 local governments for housing, infrastructure, and neighborhood improvements. Local Government & Development: Sanford/Lee County/Broadway’s technical review committee is set to consider a proposed $900 million data center project, with Phase One described as a 300,000-square-foot facility. Federal Policy Watch: A Carolina Journal update says NC’s U.S. Senate race has shifted from “toss up” to “lean D,” with Roy Cooper polling ahead of Michael Whatley.

Election Law Fight: A Wake County judge struck down “never-resident” voting in North Carolina, ruling people who have never lived in the state can’t register or vote in any NC election, including federal races. State Politics: Sen. Thom Tillis backed President Trump’s nominee for national intelligence director, Jay Clayton, setting up a confirmation hearing next week. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Stein announced $13.7 million in Neighborhood Revitalization grants for 13 communities, including $5.7 million for six Eastern Carolina areas. Courts & Public Safety: The N.C. attorney general and DEQ sued Brenntag Mid-South over alleged illegal contamination of state waters tied to Third Fork Creek and downstream Jordan Lake. Voting Access Dispute: Text messages obtained by BPR show a Jackson County GOP chair accusing state election officials of trying to “strong arm” county leaders over an early voting site at Western Carolina University. Community Security: Federal authorities charged an Indian Land, S.C., man with a hate crime for antisemitic vandalism at a Charlotte Jewish complex.

Federal Immigration Case: A Charlotte woman, Britney Sherene Curry, was indicted on federal charges including conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, false statements under oath, and mail/wire fraud tied to an alleged sham marriage used to fast-track citizenship. State Politics & Elections: Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved North Carolina’s open Senate race to “Lean Democratic,” while also rating Alaska and Ohio as toss-ups—tightening the path for Republicans to hold the majority. Homelessness Policy: A North Carolina Senate panel resurrected a statewide “unauthorized camping” homeless ban, setting up another fight over how communities handle encampments. Public Safety: In Cherokee County, a deputy shot a woman during a welfare check after she allegedly pointed a handgun at officers; she was taken into custody after being airlifted. Healthcare & Opioids: Ohio researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand primary-care prescribing support for opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Ripple Fiber announced an $80M expansion into Pima County, Arizona, bringing fiber service to more than 50,000 homes and businesses. Environment: Central North Carolina entered “exceptional drought” conditions after 16 straight days without measurable rainfall, with water restrictions already in place.

Federal Hurricane Helene Funding: Gov. Josh Stein asked North Carolina’s congressional delegation for about $10.15 billion in additional Helene relief, cutting roughly $3 billion from his earlier request and arguing more money is needed for housing buyouts and stalled infrastructure. State Public Safety & Courts: The House cleared “Jaleeyah’s Law” (HB 1173) 111-2 to toughen penalties and tools against gang violence, moving next to the Senate. Medicaid Work Rules: New Medicaid work requirements and guidance are raising alarms for recipients and confusion for states about who could lose coverage. U.S. Senate Politics: Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted North Carolina’s Senate race toward Democrats, citing national political factors and Trump’s weak approval in the state. Local Governance: Sunset Beach approved changes to its unified development ordinance that alter planning board authority and allow board member removal by council vote. Public Health: Alamance County confirmed a third rabies case after a fox tested positive in Snow Camp, with post-exposure treatment underway for the bitten person. Housing & Community: UNC Charlotte students helped design affordable homes through a national competition, with construction planned to start in early 2027.

Election Administration: The NC State Board of Elections is taking public comment on rule changes that could affect how counties handle voter ID exceptions and provisional/absentee ballot deadlines—details that can shape both ballot counting and public trust. Public Safety & Courts: A Wilson motel faces a temporary restraining order after ALE and local officials alleged a pattern of drug dealing, overdoses, assaults, and other crimes tied to the property. Campaign & Power: A Democratic super PAC says it’s targeting four North Carolina House seats as part of a $50 million push aimed at competitive GOP-held districts. Hurricane Relief: Gov. Josh Stein is asking Congress for about $10.15 billion more for Helene recovery, arguing additional federal help is needed for western NC infrastructure and buyouts. Higher Ed & Law: NC State says it’s investigating potential legal claims against LSU related to Will Wade’s departure, including whether LSU violated NC’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Local Government: Magnolia’s new town clerk, Jessica L. Melton, was sworn in, bringing international development and operations experience to the role. Tech & Privacy: A NCICAAC webinar set for June 23 will coach parents on online gaming risks and how predators can use gaming platforms to target children.

NC State vs. LSU: N.C. State says it’s investigating whether LSU improperly induced Will Wade to leave and whether LSU violated the state’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, after LSU asked N.C. State to sign a release of claims. Homelessness Policy: A Senate panel revived a bill that would bar “unauthorized public camping or sleeping” outside city-approved, short-term sites with sanitation and public safety staffing. Property Taxes: The N.C. House approved a property tax reappraisal moratorium, delaying use of new county values for 2026-27 and sending it to Gov. Josh Stein. Public Safety Staffing: House lawmakers advanced a bill expanding free community college tuition for children of active first responders, including correctional officers, to help address recruitment and retention gaps. Inmate Healthcare Costs: A new report says counties are seeing a recurring pattern of higher-than-expected jail healthcare costs driven by off-site hospital visits and specialty pharmacy needs. Elder Fraud Prevention: Secretary of State Elaine Marshall visited a senior center to warn about romance scams and share resources to prevent elder abuse and fraud. World Cup Ticket Backlash: FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended 2026 ticket prices amid investigations, arguing North America is doing “something wrong” if prices are unfair. Local Economy: Buc-ee’s broke ground on the state’s first location in Mebane, targeting an opening by November 2027 and promising 200 jobs.

Redistricting Watch: National GOP strategists are pointing to new congressional maps as a reason Republicans can hold the House in November, with NC GOP Rep. Richard Hudson saying the remap “favors Republicans.” Property Tax Policy: The NC House advanced a bill that would let some counties freeze property tax assessments for a year after reappraisals, setting up a final vote and possible action from Gov. Josh Stein. Crypto Regulation: The NC House moved a crypto ATM consumer protection bill forward, aiming to curb kiosk-related scams as it heads to the Senate. Courts & Public Safety: A federal judge ruled a man accused in the Charlotte light rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska is not competent for trial, sending him for treatment. Local Government: Wrightsville Beach leaders discussed doubling dog-waste fines amid complaints from residents. State Oversight: NC lawmakers also advanced a foreign land ownership ban, despite concerns about scope and funding. Sports/Legal: NC State is reportedly investigating LSU over Will Wade’s departure amid claims LSU may have avoided notice and buyout costs.

Supreme Court race shake-up: Rep. Sarah Stevens will resign from the NC House effective June 16 to focus on her bid for the state Supreme Court, setting up a replacement process in her Surry/Wilkes seat. Foreign land near bases: NC lawmakers advanced a bill to bar “adversarial” foreign companies from buying or holding agricultural land within 50 miles of military installations, with a registry and penalties for noncompliance. Charlotte train stabbing case: A federal judge ruled Decarlos Brown Jr. incompetent for now in the Zarutska killing case, ordering up to four months of treatment to restore competency; the state murder case remains paused pending the federal track. Workplace rights fight: A report highlights how the EEOC withdrew from several gender-identity discrimination cases early in Trump’s second term, pushing affected workers to seek private legal help. Public safety policy: An NC House panel advanced a bill requiring ignition interlock devices for more drunk-driving convictions, plus “intelligent speed assistance” for habitual reckless speeders. Environment/legal action: AG Jeff Jackson and DEQ sued Durham-based Brenntag to stop illegal discharges and require cleanup tied to contamination concerns affecting downstream waters. State politics/health: Democrats warned contraception access could be targeted again, while the State Health Plan board approved Medicare Advantage rate increases for about 177,000 retirees.

Federal Politics: President Trump formally nominated Todd Blanche as attorney general, setting up a tough Senate confirmation fight after backlash over a proposed “anti-weaponisation” fund and Blanche’s push to reshape DOJ priorities. Immigration Enforcement: ICE leadership says it’s preparing what it calls its largest deployment to New York City, after state limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge blocked Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unlawful tax, a win for states and employers that rely on skilled foreign workers. North Carolina Accountability: The NC House Oversight Committee asked the Mecklenburg County DA to pursue a criminal review of every DSS employee involved in the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody. Local Governance/Data Centers: Charlotte council approved a five-month data center moratorium while weighing neighborhood impacts and how state law limits what can be changed. Economy & Jobs: Amazon and Corning announced a multibillion-dollar fiber supply deal tied to expanding Corning manufacturing in North Carolina and creating 1,000 advanced manufacturing jobs. Public Health/Policy: A new global study finds sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are spreading, driven more by obesity and diabetes burdens than by drink consumption rates. Culture & Education: Colleges are stepping back from Pride Month amid heightened scrutiny and neutrality policies, including reports of deleted Pride posts at UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro.

Public Finance Watch: State Auditor Dave Boliek says more NC cities are sliding into financial distress, pointing to Rocky Mount’s performance audit and alleged hiring and budgeting red flags. Local Governance: Goldsboro’s Historic District Commission is working to protect architecturally significant neighborhoods tied to the city’s late-1800s and early-1900s growth. Consumer Finance & Federal Power: The Trump administration is reshaping the CFPB, shifting focus toward community and nonprofit lenders and issuing guidance that could affect access to mortgages and credit for some immigrants. Public Health & Water: NC lawmakers heard testimony that PFAS levels have dropped more than 90% over decades, as regulators weigh monitoring and minimization steps for wastewater biosolids. Health Care Workforce: NCDHHS announced $10 million for 39 rural EMS agencies to expand Mobile Integrated Health and behavioral health access. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports show diesel and premium fuel deals in multiple counties, with statewide averages still sensitive to global oil and refinery disruptions. Safety & Justice: Authorities used “sophisticated” methods in the manhunt for two escaped Vance County inmates, while separate local incidents include a deputy hit on U.S. 35 and a reported curfew debate in Fayetteville. Sports & Talent: Duke-bound 7-footer Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje drew NBA-scout attention at adidas Eurocamp in Italy. Elections & Voting Access: Coverage highlights continued pressure on early voting sites, including a Columbus County fight over polling locations.