AGP Executive Report

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate approved a roughly $70B immigration enforcement package to fund ICE and CBP through the rest of Trump’s term, after GOP senators blocked it over a proposed settlement-compensation fund; it passed 52-47 and now heads to the House. North Carolina Budget Uncertainty: Onslow County is weighing its FY 2026-27 budget while waiting on NC Senate Bill 889, which would pause 2026 property tax revaluations in some counties and could leave Onslow facing a ~$20M revenue shortfall. Higher Ed Civil Rights Scrutiny: The DOJ opened 15 new investigations into medical school admissions over potential race discrimination, expanding a broader push that follows earlier actions against UCLA and Yale. Election Integrity Fight: Four senators—Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Thom Tillis—voted to kill the SAVE America Act, despite its citizenship proof and photo ID requirements. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS ownership and quality snapshots showed Trinity Oaks (Rowan) as a nonprofit with a 4-star rating, while other for-profit facilities in Mecklenburg and Forsyth had lower CMS ratings and reported fines/penalties in early 2026. Public Safety: A Vance County detention escape entered its fourth day, with the FBI involved and a $40,000 reward offered for two armed, dangerous inmates. Defense & Military: Rep. Don Davis advanced 29 NDAA FY27 provisions tied to eastern NC bases, and a separate measure would require nuclear microreactor deployment to the Indo-Pacific by 2030.

Defense & Energy Policy: Rep. Pat Harrigan’s amendment to the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act would require the Pentagon to deploy transportable nuclear microreactors in the Indo-Pacific by Jan. 1, 2030, a move Guam’s delegate says needs more transparency and engagement. Rural Health: A $50 billion rural health push is being framed as a lifeline for places like Martin County, where hospital closures and long ambulance trips leave residents waiting for care. State Government & Utilities: North Carolina’s House advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act (SB 730) to stop ratepayers from subsidizing data centers and to shape energy policy, with bipartisan support. Local Governance: Wilkesboro Mayor Dale Isom is asking commissioners to discuss a PILOT-style deal so the town can help cover services county facilities rely on. Elections Prep (Mecklenburg): Mecklenburg County election officials say new voters can register quickly through DMV, mail, or in person, and should do it before the fall rush. Courts & Public Safety: A former Hendersonville resident, Joanne McDowell, says she’s stuck in limbo fighting old North Carolina charges tied to a child custody dispute. Military Community: Charlotte’s 156th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron dedicated a new emblem, highlighting decades of aeromedical evacuation service.

Higher Education Appointments: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced new members for the state’s university and college boards, including a UNC Chapel Hill professor, as she frames the picks as a way to strengthen institutions. Medical Examiner Pay Protest: In western North Carolina, Buncombe County medical examiners say they’ll join a statewide coordinated, indefinite vacation starting June 15 to protest pay that hasn’t risen in more than a decade. Workplace AI and Faith: A North Carolina software engineer won a religious exemption to opt out of using AI at work after Pope Leo XIV’s renewed warnings about AI’s human costs. Federal Loan Scrutiny: Lawmakers demanded answers after the White House intervened to secure a $620M Pentagon loan tied to a North Carolina startup connected to Donald Trump Jr. Immigration Enforcement Funding: Republicans on Capitol Hill push forward a $70B immigration enforcement package, even as GOP dissent over Trump-linked disputes shows cracks ahead of November. Public Safety: Authorities say a missing Cherokee County man was found dead on U.S. Forest Service land, while the FBI and multiple agencies continue searching for two escaped Vance County inmates.

Military & Defense: Fleet Readiness Center East at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., completed the first F-35B “Technology Refresh-3” upgrade, setting up future Block 4 hardware work. Death Penalty Politics: The Army says it’s not preparing to execute four death-row inmates, pushing back on a report that it had drawn up plans awaiting President Trump’s approval. Immigration Enforcement: Charlotte-area advocates rallied against proposed ICE detention centers in Concord, Greensboro and Winton, including a plan to reopen a Hertford County facility. Elections & Power: A new look at the midterms’ gerrymandering fight finds Republicans gaining ground in redistricting battles, with North Carolina’s map changes part of the broader trend. Public Safety: A manhunt continues for two escaped Vance County Detention Center inmates, with authorities warning they may have outside help. Health Care Spending: Medicaid billing spikes show up in local data, including big jumps in Taylorsville and Creedmoor for specific service code categories. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports show pockets of lower fuel costs across the state for regular, midgrade, diesel, and E85/E15 blends in the week ending May 30.

Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Senate cleared a $70 billion package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the rest of Trump’s term, after a marathon fight over amendments tied to Trump’s $1.8 billion settlement fund—sending the bill to the House next week. North Carolina Local Government: Guilford County hired Aaron Brown as its new budget director, starting June 15, as commissioners prepare for a budget amid major school bond debt pressures. Public Safety: Charlotte-Mecklenburg leaders and federal partners held a gun-violence prevention news conference, with advocates pushing for tougher accountability as summer risk rises. State Policy & Courts: A North Carolina pro-life constitutional amendment proposal (“Life at Fertilization”) is drawing scrutiny over whether it’s wise and well-drafted ahead of a potential 2026 voter question. Energy & Costs: Duke Energy’s proposed 18% rate hike is in the spotlight, while NCDOT’s ferry division says it needs $3.8 million more to keep summer service levels as fuel costs climb. Elections & Voting Access: Coverage continues on NC’s voter ID and election rules as federal and state-level fights shape what voters can do and what lawmakers can change. Gun Storage: State and local leaders warned about firearms ending up in juveniles’ hands, citing home storage failures.

Medicare Advantage Costs: The NC State Health Plan Board voted to raise out-of-pocket maximums and copays for about 175,000 retirees and older workers in 2027, with critics warning the changes will hit fixed incomes hard. Hospital Merger Watch: State Health Plan leaders warned that a WakeMed-Atrium merger could push premiums up by more than $100 a year if Atrium’s higher rates flow into the state plan. Teacher Pay Equity: The State Board of Education flagged concerns that the proposed teacher pay plan boosts early-career salaries while leaving many veteran teachers behind, with questions about how local supplements may be affected. Election Politics: A Democratic candidate in House District 32 (Vance/Granville) dropped out, reshuffling the race as Democrats weigh whether to keep the seat competitive. Courts & Crime: In the Tru Colors double homicide trial, prosecutors leaned on phone records plus DNA and fingerprint testimony as Omonte Bell and Dyrell Green face first-degree murder charges. Public Safety: Lincolnton police charged Kayla Rose Bessette with first-degree murder and robbery in the killing of missing 70-year-old Tony Maddox. State Government Integrity: AG Jeff Jackson warned of a workers’ compensation fraud scheme impersonating state officials and pushing victims into fake online hearings. Military: An Indiana National Guard sergeant died during training at Fort Bragg. Energy & Policy: A North Carolina data center regulation push is in focus as lawmakers consider rules aimed at noise, cooling, and cost responsibility for large facilities.

Immigration & Border Enforcement: The U.S. Senate cleared a $70B package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, but only after a late-night “vote-a-rama” exposed GOP fractures over whether to permanently block a $1.776B settlement fund for Trump allies. Election Integrity Fight: A second Senate attempt to attach the SAVE America Act to the immigration bill failed again, with North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis among Republicans joining Democrats to block the measure. North Carolina Child Welfare: In Raleigh, lawmakers grilled Mecklenburg County leaders over the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody, focusing on missed abuse reports and what the county’s systems should have caught. Mental Health Reform: A mental health reform package tied to Iryna’s Law advanced in the NC House, aiming to improve involuntary commitment decisions and expand outpatient treatment. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced $700M for coal power infrastructure using the Defense Production Act, pitching “clean, beautiful coal” as a jobs and energy-cost move. AI & Religious Exemptions: A North Carolina software worker won a religious exemption from using AI at work, a case that could spur more faith-based workplace appeals. Veterans: New Bern’s Willie Stallings is set for induction into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund In Memory Program in Washington, D.C.

Opportunity Zones: N.C. Commerce extended the public comment period for the state’s Opportunity Zone nominations, adding two weeks so nominations can be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026; the state can nominate up to 202 of 807 eligible low-income census tracts for federal designation. Housing & Local Control: A new GOP-backed Senate bill would make it easier for homeowners to build backyard cottages and other small secondary homes, shifting some zoning and land-use decisions from local governments to the state—sparking debate over growth management. Crime & Courts: A North Carolina report says white-collar crime rose from 2020 to 2024, with fraud, embezzlement and extortion up while counterfeiting fell; separately, Jaleeyah’s Law (HB 1173) advanced in the House Judiciary committee to toughen gang-related penalties and enforcement options. Energy & Environment: President Trump announced $700 million in coal support using wartime powers, including upgrades for plants in North Carolina and a West Coast export terminal—while North Carolina lawmakers and communities continue to wrestle with energy and development tradeoffs. Military & Immigration: The U.S. Senate cleared an initial step on immigration enforcement funding while rejecting efforts tied to a proposed DOJ “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Local Government: In Robbinsville, the Local Government Commission disputed claims by the mayor about tax freezes and potential penalties, after a board meeting discussion about retirement system payment issues. Tech & Data Centers: Duke University is building a new GPU-focused research facility in Durham, as North Carolina continues debating data center rules and impacts.

NC AI + social media bill: The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 301, bundling K-12 AI literacy with new limits on minors’ social media access—setting up a fast-track fight over how much the state should regulate tech and schools. Data center crackdown: The House approved a measure (Senate Bill 730) that would tighten data center rules in North Carolina, including requirements aimed at energy and water impacts and limits on local incentive deals. Highway surveillance goes permanent: Lawmakers moved to make North Carolina’s license-plate reader program permanent under SBI oversight, despite privacy and discrimination concerns. Gun-safety push stalls: NC House Democrats say their gun-safety bills haven’t cleared committee, even as they renewed pressure on Republicans ahead of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Homelessness funding shift in Charlotte: HUD’s Continuum of Care changes would prioritize housing plus addiction treatment and mental health services, a major shift for local nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness. Federal politics ripple into NC: Democrats demanded answers after ProPublica reported a $620 million Pentagon loan tied to a North Carolina startup and a Trump aide’s intervention. State budget/scholarship fight: Governor Stein said he opposed House Bill 87’s veto override, while lawmakers moved to enact the scholarship tax credit program anyway.

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.