AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Fire Policy: New Hanover and Pender counties were added as high-hazard for open burning under the Farm Act changes signed into law, tightening when and how residents can burn outdoors. Law Enforcement & Crime: Gov. Josh Stein signed police retention and child protection bills into law, while separate reporting highlights ongoing public safety pressure points across the state. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $197 million in additional recovery funding for North Carolina, including western NC projects tied to Hurricane Helene after fraud reviews. Elections & Voting Rights: North Carolina’s AG Brown led multistate opposition to a Postal Service effort aimed at undermining voting rights, as courts continue to block parts of the administration’s vote-by-mail push. Economy & Jobs: Goldhofer Inc. plans a $19.5M operation in Hickory creating about 80 jobs, supported by a One North Carolina Fund performance-based grant. State Politics: The long-awaited $34B budget cleared final legislative steps and heads to Gov. Stein, with debate over ferry tolls and other provisions. Culture & Community: A North Carolina-focused survey finds most parents say daily reading matters, but many say they lack enough books at home. National Context: A dangerous heat wave is driving record temperatures and raising health risks for Fourth of July plans.

State Budget Showdown: North Carolina lawmakers finally passed a long-delayed $34 billion budget, approving overdue raises for teachers and state employees and sending the bill to Gov. Josh Stein after final votes of 88-21 in the House and 35-10 in the Senate; the package also includes a major ferry overhaul that would require tolls on all routes starting next year, a move that drew coastal pushback. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Stein signed four public safety bills, including tougher penalties for exposing minors to obscene images and a change allowing retired law enforcement officers to return to work without losing special pay. Child Welfare Legislation: The Dominique Moody Safety Act cleared the budget process after a WBTV investigation into prior abuse-and-neglect reports at the child’s home. Courts & Access to Justice: Paralegals and a nonprofit asked the 4th Circuit to revive a challenge to a North Carolina law restricting nonlawyers from giving legal advice. Health Care Costs: Stein signed an executive order creating a Health Care Affordability Commission to develop recommendations to rein in rising costs. Consumer Protection: A new push to regulate crypto ATMs gained traction as lawmakers move to bring kiosk operators under the state’s Money Transmitters Act. Environment & PFAS: Federal agencies announced a multi-state settlement with Chemours over PFAS pollution tied to facilities including in North Carolina. Local Governance & Transparency: Wilmington officials faced questions after records showed a $30,000 Washington, D.C., trip by city leaders. Civil Rights & School Policy: A budget provision would require school districts to form committees to review book challenges. Drought & Data Centers: Wayne County remains in severe drought, while residents continue pressing local leaders over claims that a major economic project could involve a data center.

State Budget Showdown: North Carolina lawmakers are poised to take final votes Thursday on a GOP-authored $34 billion budget after preliminary approval, with Democrats arguing it misses needs while Republicans touts tax cuts, pay raises for teachers and law enforcement, and new funding for agencies. Elections & Voting Rules: The House is also moving a sweeping elections bill that would expand state oversight and ballot challenges, while election officials warn voters about registration mailers with errors and confusion. AI Push: Gov. Josh Stein’s AI Strategic Roadmap lays out protections, workforce prep, and government transformation goals, as lawmakers debate how to manage AI’s impact. Military & Foreign Land Protections: The NC Farmland and Military Protection Act (HB 133) cleared the House and would restrict adversarial foreign governments from acquiring sensitive land near bases. Public Safety & Schools: Child passenger restraint rules may shift from weight to height, and counselor shortages are worsening emotional and academic support for students. Business & Defense Industry: JetZero’s blended-wing jet demonstrator points to future manufacturing in Greensboro, while INKAS expands armored vehicle production in Charlotte.

State Budget Breakthrough: North Carolina lawmakers unveiled and began voting on a long-awaited $34 billion, two-year budget that includes pay raises for state workers, teachers and law enforcement, plus income tax cuts and Hurricane Helene funding, with Gov. Josh Stein expected to receive it soon. Elections Oversight Fight: The NC House advanced a sweeping elections bill that would expand state oversight, and the state elections board flagged voter registration mailers with errors and wrong return addresses. Courtroom Clash Over Political Ads: The Fourth Circuit fast-tracked a challenge to FCC guidance that would expand eligibility for lowest unit charge rates for political ads ahead of the Nov. 3 election. PFAS Transparency Fight: The budget sets aside $22M for PFAS research at UNC’s Collaboratory, but would classify staff as legislative employees to keep results confidential—sparking criticism. Public Safety & Health: New deer hunting rules aim to manage chronic wasting disease, while police warned about online rumors after a Walmart fentanyl exposure incident. Local Governance & Community: Raleigh’s Cameron Park/Forest Park naming battle continues after a neighborhood renamed itself over slavery ties, and Wilkes County named a new superintendent, Dr. Westley Wood, effective July 1.

Elections Overhaul: The North Carolina House passed a sweeping elections bill (HB 958) that would expand ways to challenge ballots and require post-election audits by the state auditor, with Democrats warning it could put eligible voters at risk. DEI Crackdown: Republicans overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes to ban DEI in public schools, community colleges, and universities, and also moved to restrict DEI efforts in state agencies. Campaign Finance Shockwave: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on coordinated party spending, a ruling that could reshape how North Carolina’s federal races are funded. Medicaid Work Rules: States are bracing for tighter federal guidance on who qualifies as “medically frail,” raising the odds that some disabled and sick North Carolinians could lose coverage. Public Safety & Courts: An Asheville police officer who shot and killed a suspect in April was cleared of criminal wrongdoing after a self-defense review by the DA. Business & Law: The ITC issued a final determination finding Voltage in violation of Shoals trunk bus patents, setting up an import ban. Food Prices: DOJ and states reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, including $3.3 million in penalties and 53 million eggs donated.

State Budget Showdown: North Carolina lawmakers are set to vote Wednesday and Thursday on a long-delayed $34B budget that includes about 8% average pay raises for teachers and other state employees, tax cuts, and $700M for Hurricane Helene recovery, with a $450M boost to the rainy-day fund. Local Cost Pressure: The budget also contains language that could require Charlotte to reimburse the state for I-77 South expansion costs if the city doesn’t re-approve the project—sparking pushback from local officials. Work Requirements Lawsuit: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled residents. Courts & Campaigns: A federal lawsuit filed by Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page accuses Phil Berger’s son of retaliation tied to Page’s NC Senate campaign. Labor & Disability: The EEOC sued FedEx in Kernersville, alleging discrimination against blind workers by denying reasonable accommodations. Sports Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender women and girls competing in women’s sports. Military: The Marine Corps announced a new “0315 Scouts” career field starting Oct. 1. Elections Admin: Buncombe County approved early voting sites for the 2026 general election, pending state review.

Jail Crisis in Eastern NC: Inmates briefly took control of Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center near Windsor, overpowering guards and holding two officers hostage before state investigators and the FBI cleared the facility and authorities regained control. Medicaid Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for medically fragile patients. Supreme Court Power Grab: The U.S. Supreme Court strengthened Trump’s ability to fire top agency officials, a major shift in federal oversight and the “administrative state.” Election Rules in the Spotlight: North Carolina’s hotly debated election bill is set to come before the House after clearing Rules, with supporters citing security and opponents warning it could burden military and overseas voters. Offshore Wind Reversal: The Trump administration agreed to pay Duke Energy $129 million to abandon its Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease, with Duke set to reinvest in other energy and grid projects. Fourth of July Safety: With wildfires raging in the West, officials are warning Americans to pause before lighting fireworks amid record fire danger.

Jail Crisis: In eastern North Carolina, inmates at Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor overpowered guards and took hostages early Monday, prompting a rapid response by local, state and federal law enforcement; officials say negotiations led to releases and the facility was later secured. State Budget & Pay: North Carolina lawmakers say a budget deal is reached with votes expected midweek, including income tax cuts, money for a new children’s hospital, and state employee pay raises—while employee advocates warn the increases may not keep up with inflation. Election Rules: The N.C. Board of Elections is weighing a proposed ban on amplified music outside polling places, drawing criticism that it targets Black and younger voters’ get-out-the-vote traditions. Voting Access: A new N.C. House bill would put a constitutional minimum of 14 days of in-person early voting in place, aiming to lock in early voting features voters already use. Federal Courts on Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s approach to counting certain mail-in ballots received after Election Day, a ruling that keeps states’ receipt deadlines in play. Medicaid Work Requirements: Multiple states, including Oregon, are suing the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing exemptions for people deemed “medically frail” are being interpreted too narrowly. Military Naming Fight: A Fort Bragg name-change push tied to the annual defense bill draft is reigniting debate in North Carolina over costs and identity. Public Safety: Ahead of July 4, North Carolina is running its Operation Firecracker “Booze It and Lose It” campaign to crack down on impaired driving.

Elections & Courts: Democrats including North Carolina Senate candidate Roy Cooper asked the 4th Circuit to fast-track a challenge to FCC guidance on political ad “lowest unit charge” rules, warning broadcasters could apply an unlawful interpretation before the Nov. 3 election. State Politics: A major NBC News report says the new Republican state auditor, Dave Boliek, is weighing in on county early voting plans—sparking alarms from voting-rights advocates who argue it goes beyond his authority. Immigration & Voting Law: North Carolina’s GOP has been pushing immigration and DEI-related bills into law and overriding Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes, keeping the focus on how far the legislature will go before the budget fight. Public Safety: Law enforcement leaders say mental-health calls are rising, with agencies emphasizing crisis training and de-escalation. Local Government: Newton Grove’s historic Archibald Monk House is back in the spotlight as descendants ask the town to help preserve the landmark. Community & Veterans: Eastern Carolina Vocational Center was named a 2026 AMVETS “Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year.”

Election & Voting Rights: North Carolina’s political fight over election rules is getting louder nationally as Trump presses Senate Republicans on voter eligibility changes, while courts keep blocking parts of his election overhaul push—raising fresh uncertainty for early voting. Statehouse & Immigration/DEI: In Raleigh, lawmakers moved to override Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes, pushing sweeping immigration and DEI-related bills into law, keeping the focus on how far the legislature will go against the governor’s priorities. Education Funding: The NC Supreme Court’s stance on Leandro remedies keeps the spotlight on whether the legislature will fully fund a “sound basic education,” with critics pointing to persistent underinvestment. Public Safety & Accountability: Federal prosecutors secured a prison sentence for a Wayne County DSS caseworker who stole more than $100,000 in SNAP benefits, underscoring continued enforcement against fraud in taxpayer programs. Military Personnel: A national debate is brewing over Pentagon firings and blocked promotions, with lawmakers warning about the risk of “yes-men” culture and politicized personnel decisions. Local Governance: A Wake County election board censure over a disputed 2024 ballot decision adds to the state’s ongoing election administration tensions. Health & Civil Rights: The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Buncombe County Schools over restroom access claims, fueling the broader national school policy showdown.

Housing & Local Power: A sweeping North Carolina House bill (HB 765) would curb local zoning authority, extend developers’ “vested rights” up to eight years, and create personal civil liability for board members in certain quasi-judicial decisions—an aggressive shift in how communities can regulate growth. Energy Costs: Duke Energy Carolinas cut its requested two-year residential rate increase from 18% to 11.6%, but the change still drew pushback from Attorney General Jeff Jackson as regulators weigh the revised filing. PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators secured a $450 million Chemours settlement over “forever chemicals” in the Cape Fear and other rivers, with critics saying communities still need stronger protections. Elections & Courts: North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin conceded to Justice Allison Riggs after a federal judge ordered Riggs certified, ending the latest challenge over election rules. State Politics & Governance: The General Assembly is set to put three constitutional amendments on the November ballot, while lawmakers and activists debate whether voters should gain power to add more via petition. Public Safety & Environment: The Wildlife Resources Commission is warning coastal residents not to feed alligators as encounters rise in mating season.

State Government & Finance: Gov. Josh Stein signed HB 506, shifting oversight of North Carolina’s $127 billion pension fund from the treasurer to a new five-member board, after criticism that too much money sat in cash and returns lagged for retirees. Child Care Crisis: A new Governor’s Office report says staffing shortages and affordability are worsening the child care crunch, estimating a $7 billion annual economic impact and pointing to the end of the Child Care Stabilization Grant as a key blow to provider retention. Elections & Voting Rights: Acting national intelligence chief Bill Pulte tapped Christina Norton—linked to the RNC’s 2024 poll-watcher operation—as chief of staff, raising fresh concerns among voting-rights advocates about midterm interference. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge sentenced a North Carolina DSS employee to prison for stealing more than $100,000 in SNAP benefits. Community & Humanitarian Aid: Diocese of Charlotte leaders and local Venezuelan residents are urging help for earthquake victims, including donations routed through Catholic Relief Services and local collection efforts. Controversy at the Great American State Fair: A Confederate flag video shown in North Carolina’s private booth was removed after backlash, with sponsors pulling out.

State Government & Elections: North Carolina lawmakers are back in Raleigh for the 2026 short session as the state still lacks a comprehensive budget, leaving schools and agencies in limbo and fueling criticism that the General Assembly is stuck in dysfunction. Voting Rights & Public Notice: A Watauga County commissioner districts lawsuit faces renewed scrutiny after a letter alleges the effort was funded by outside progressive money, while another editorial warns a bill could weaken the public’s right to know by shifting local legal notices from trusted community publishers to government-run distribution. Policy & Politics: Op-eds and editorials keep spotlighting GOP tax cuts and the push for new “sin” taxes, alongside calls to protect workers through a Right-to-Work constitutional amendment. Digital Access: NCDIT is urging residents to take part in the state’s second Digital Opportunity Survey to shape future plans for affordable internet and digital skills. Public Health: North Carolina is using opioid settlement funds to push county-level strategies, and separate coverage highlights residents suing Robeson County over landfill contamination tied to PFAS. Local Government: Pilot Mountain’s former town manager, Michael Boaz, was indicted on a felony embezzlement-by-public-officer charge after a state auditor and SBI investigation.

Insurance Fraud Crackdown: North Carolina’s Department of Insurance says it has tripled fraud special agents since 2017, touting $6.4M recovered last year and $20M-plus so far this year, with 380 arrests and 199 convictions in 2025, urging residents to avoid and report fraud. U.S. Senate Race Watch: A new University of Virginia Center for Politics update shifts the NC Senate contest from “toss up” to “lean D,” citing Cooper’s polling edge over Whatley and a broader national tilt. Online Child Safety: The FBI Charlotte office warns that “nihilistic violent extremism” is expanding, with online predators coercing children into self-harm and violence through blackmail and live-streamed acts. Public Safety Ahead of July 4: Wildlife officers are increasing impaired-boating patrols for Fourth of July weekend as part of “Operation Dry Water,” after a deadly alcohol-related lake tragedy in Chatham County. Local Governance & Recovery: Banner Elk and other western NC leaders announced resilience funding tied to Hurricane Helene flood mitigation, aiming to move infrastructure out of flood-prone areas and reduce future risk. Cold Case Breakthrough: Authorities arrested three people in the 11-year Sara Graham homicide case, including her stepmother, in a major development in the Fairmont woman’s disappearance and death.

PFAS Accountability: The EPA and DOJ reached a landmark $450 million PFAS settlement with Chemours, alleging illegal discharges into the Cape Fear River and requiring major corrective measures and drinking-water support tied to “forever chemicals.” Statehouse DEI/ICE Overhaul: North Carolina House Republicans overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes to enact new DEI bans in public schools and higher education and expand ICE cooperation, with one remaining DEI-related veto override still pending in the Senate. Homelessness Crackdown: The NC Senate advanced a bill to restrict homeless encampments on public property statewide and create “drug-free homeless service zones,” escalating penalties for certain drug offenses near shelters. Rural Health Tech Push: NCDHHS and NCDIT announced three programs to improve rural health care access through new digital tools under the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Local Government Budgets: Charlotte named attorney Robert Harrington interim mayor, while Hendersonville adopted a FY27 budget with a steady property tax rate and Guilford County approved a property tax hike after a contentious vote. Energy & Industry: A USGS assessment suggests the Carolinas may hold major untapped lithium resources that could matter as AI data centers drive demand for grid storage.

Housing & Disaster Recovery: Gov. Josh Stein’s administration announced a first-round $70M federal NOFO under the Renew NC Multi-Family Construction and Repair program to rebuild safe, affordable rental housing damaged by Hurricane Helene. Criminal Justice: In Wilmington, family members protested the decision not to charge officers in the fatal shooting of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra, after the DA said the use of deadly force met North Carolina’s “objective reasonableness” standard. Higher Ed Policy: North Carolina lawmakers overrode Gov. Stein’s veto to lock in new state limits on campus DEI and “divisive concepts,” including restrictions on how schools handle speech complaints. Elections & Governance: Day 360 of the state budget delay passed without lawmakers enacting the two-year spending plan, with talks still ongoing. Environment & Coastal Policy: A Coastal Resources Commission science panel urged caution as a bill advances to potentially expand the use of hardened shoreline erosion-control structures. Legal/Consumer: North Carolina became the first state to ban third-party litigation financing, raising questions about whether other states follow. Tech & Data Centers: Lawmakers heard concerns from residents and advocates about AI data center development, focusing on water and land impacts.