AGP Executive Report

Federal Hemp Fight: The U.S. Senate passed a stopgap funding bill that includes a provision led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar to temporarily delay a nationwide hemp ban tied to Nov. 12 restrictions on hemp-derived THC products, pushing the fight to the House and giving producers more time. DOJ Leadership: Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 Senate vote early Saturday, after a contentious confirmation fight and promises tied to a Trump-linked DOJ settlement. Immigration Enforcement in NC: ICE said it partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office for an operation in Pisgah National Forest, arresting 13 people, as advocates questioned why federal immigration enforcement was involved on public lands. Law Enforcement Oversight: A Winston-Salem ALE crackdown on Maximum Private Lounge led to ABC violations charges and the seizure of drugs and firearms, including weapons tied to felons. Election Politics: North Carolina’s 11th District scramble continues after Sen. Tim Moffitt withdrew from consideration to replace Rep. Chuck Edwards. Education Culture War: A teachers-union push is drawing fire over efforts to embed DEI into AI models used in public schools, with claims that DEI is already restricted under NC education law. Community & Safety: Wilmington’s Teen Summit marked 20 years giving teens a forum on mental health, grief, and food insecurity, while Gastonia police reported a two-day larceny blitz with 28 arrests.

U.S. Senate Confirmation: Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, with only Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposition, after GOP holdouts demanded written assurances tied to a disputed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and limits on IRS audit protections. North Carolina Elections: Western North Carolina Republicans face a tight scramble after Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew from the 11th District race following a House Ethics recommendation for censure, setting up a replacement decision by the GOP district executive committee. NC Campaign Finance: Former Gov. Roy Cooper’s U.S. Senate bid has pulled in $726K-plus through joint fundraising with four Democratic senators, signaling alignment on affordability and Medicaid priorities. State Politics & Policy: North Carolina House leaders left the hemp-derived consumables bill in committee, delaying action after protests and pushback from lawmakers and industry. Public Health: CDC added 94 measles cases, bringing 2026 totals to 2,465, with a mid-August federal review looming and school-year exposure risks for unvaccinated children. Local Governance: Privacy fights over license plate readers keep spreading as more cities scrutinize or pause the tech amid vandalism and civil-liberties concerns.

FCC & Federal Appointments: President Trump nominated North Carolina native Danielle Thumann Severs to the FCC, a move that could shift control of the commission and affect whether the agency can operate with a full quorum. Criminal Justice & Public Safety: The NC Alcohol Law Enforcement Division and the state ABC Commission suspended the 601 Bar’s permits in Dunn after a fatal Aug. 2 shooting tied to a history of violence and repeated calls for service. Attorney General Politics: Sen. Bill Cassidy said he’ll support Todd Blanche for attorney general, helping keep Blanche’s confirmation on track after GOP opposition from other senators. State Elections & Policy: North Carolina’s election board approved early voting plans for 80 counties, as lawmakers continue pushing election changes toward the governor. Legal & Civil Rights: DOJ accused Duke Law School of illegally using race-linked proxies in admissions, raising new questions about how universities comply with federal civil-rights rules. Local Government & Community: Wayne County approved more than $342,000 in opioid settlement funds for recovery-focused programs, including a day reporting center and a nonprofit support effort. Pageantry & Culture War: A Duplin County woman says she was stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA title over conservative Christian beliefs and political views, after resurfaced comments sparked the removal.

Attorney General Confirmation Fight: GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination to permanently lead the Justice Department, narrowing the path to confirmation and raising fresh questions about DOJ priorities and a proposed payout fund. North Carolina Federal Stakes: NC AG Jeff Jackson joined a coalition of 24 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over new sweeping tariffs, arguing they’re illegal and will hit North Carolina families and businesses hard. Local Government & Services: Carteret County has started mailing more than 82,000 property tax bills, with taxes due Sept. 1 and a four-month window before interest kicks in. Immigration Enforcement: ICE asked North Carolina to hold an accused illegal immigrant in connection with a toddler’s death in a bathtub case. Public Safety & Community: RDU travelers are dealing with flight cancellations and delays after an FAA-linked Midwest outage and severe weather ripple through the airport system. Religion & Local Tensions: Residents in Mooresville voiced opposition to a proposed Islamic center, with debate focused on community impact and religious concerns.

DOJ vs. Duke Admissions: The Justice Department says Duke Law School illegally used race as a factor in admissions, alleging “stand-ins” like essays and first-generation status; Duke says it’s reviewing the letter. Law Enforcement & Crime Politics: In New Bern, GOP Senate candidate Michael Whatley held a law-and-order press event with sheriffs, attacking Roy Cooper over prison releases and arguing departments need more training, supplies, and staffing. Election Fallout in NC-11: Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew from his reelection bid after a House Ethics censure recommendation, setting up a scramble to replace him on the ballot. Flock Camera Scrutiny: A Mooresville officer was arrested for allegedly using Flock cameras for personal purposes, while Pender County faces questions about where its cameras are placed. Hemp Policy Fight: North Carolina lawmakers delayed a vote on restrictions for hemp-derived THC products after protests, keeping the issue alive into the fall. Public Safety & Local Governance: Robbinsville’s mayor agreed to a three-month leave of absence after drug charges, with the mayor pro-tem taking over day-to-day duties.

Congressional Ethics Fallout in NC-11: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew from his re-election bid after a House Ethics Committee report recommended censure for “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two young staffers, with the committee citing gifts and boundary-crossing behavior even as it found no evidence of sexual contact. Local Government Power Fight: Graham’s city council is set to consider limiting the mayor’s vote so it would act only as a tie-breaker, a move aimed at reducing mayor Chelsea Dickey’s broad charter authority. Hemp Policy Stalls: A proposed NC House bill that would have effectively banned most hemp products was stalled after industry pushback, with lawmakers signaling it could return later. PFAS Legal Pressure: A proposed EPA settlement with Chemours is drawing opposition from NC officials and environmental groups, while Brunswick County continues its own PFAS class-action push. Public Safety & Enforcement: The NC Sheriffs’ Association elected new executive committee officers, and Holden Beach is seeking an official no-wake zone under the Intracoastal Waterway bridge to improve boating safety.

Congressional Shake-Up in WNC: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards abruptly withdrew from his re-election bid after a House Ethics Committee recommendation to censure him over “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two young female staffers, leaving Republicans scrambling for a replacement nominee for NC-11. Hemp THC Fight: Gov. Josh Stein urged lawmakers to legalize marijuana and build a regulated market, arguing a proposed hemp THC ban doesn’t protect consumers, as Sen. Ted Budd and Trump allies push over whether to delay the ban’s start. Statehouse Calendar: North Carolina lawmakers adjourned with major election and voting changes still in play, setting up veto fights and a long campaign stretch until November. Public Safety: Caswell County is reeling after a rural mass shooting that left multiple people dead and one person hospitalized, with investigators still working the scene. Privacy and Tech: Smart-glasses restrictions are spreading as privacy concerns grow, including bans in sensitive settings like courts. Local Mental Health: NAMI’s Pitt County affiliate opened a new community resource center to expand support groups and education.

Ethics Fallout in NC’s 11th: Rep. Chuck Edwards announced he’s withdrawing from his reelection bid after the House Ethics Committee recommended censure, saying he’ll finish his term; the panel found “substantial reason” he violated House rules by creating a hostile workplace and engaging in persistent unprofessional conduct toward two young female staffers, though it said there was no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositioning. Midterm Map Watch: National Democrats added 12 Republican-held House districts to their November target list, bringing the DCCC total to 58; NC’s Richard Hudson is named among the GOP incumbents in play. Health Care Jobs in the Triangle: Gov. Josh Stein announced STERIS will invest $600 million to build a formulated chemistries Center of Excellence in Sanford, creating 335 jobs. Military Training: North Carolina and Virginia National Guard soldiers trained on military funeral honors basics, reflecting ongoing readiness work. State Policy Battle—Hemp THC: The NC House left HB 328 (Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables) in committee after protests and law enforcement pressure, keeping the 21+ age limit and THC limits in limbo.

Election Law Overhaul: North Carolina House Republicans sent two major election bills to Gov. Josh Stein—HB 834 (74-35) and HB 958 (62-46)—cutting early voting for primaries/runoffs/specials, moving ballot-challenge deadlines to three business days after Election Day, and expanding post-election audit and ballot validation rules, with Stein signaling a likely veto and GOP leaders saying they may not try to override before November. Post-Election Disputes: The HB 958 changes would let county boards invalidate early-voted and mail ballots based on challenges filed after Election Day, a shift critics warn could fuel lawsuits and strategic challenges. UNC Records Fight: A judge delayed a decision on whether UNC must release a $1.2 million, 400-plus page report tied to the controversial SCiLL program, saying he will personally review the internal investigation before ruling. Attorney General Politics: Todd Blanche’s nomination advanced in the Senate Judiciary Committee after GOP holdouts—including NC’s Thom Tillis—said they were satisfied with a deal rescinding Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, though Susan Collins said she’ll vote no. Local Public Safety: Pitt County and statewide school leaders held active-shooter and back-to-school safety planning sessions. Drugs & Enforcement: A federal judge sentenced an Eastern NC man to 10 years for fentanyl and meth trafficking tied to a multi-county ring. Health Watch: The cyclospora outbreak expanded to 15 states, including North Carolina.

State Surveillance Expansion: North Carolina’s new permanent budget provision expands automatic license plate reader cameras statewide, including Flock Safety systems, drawing fresh civil-liberties backlash over privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns. Sheriff Leadership: Edgecombe County Sheriff Clee Atkinson was elected president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, with other leadership posts filled at the group’s annual conference. Federal Confirmation Fight (Tillis/NC): A Senate Judiciary Committee vote is expected to advance acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche after GOP holdouts— including NC Sen. Thom Tillis—won written assurances that Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund is dead. Tariff Legal War: A coalition of 25 state attorneys general and governors, including North Carolina, sued to block Trump’s forced-labor tariffs, arguing the administration exceeded legal authority and used forced labor as a pretext. Election 2026 Watch: North Carolina’s political ad spending is accelerating heading into late-summer primaries, with the state among the top markets for forward bookings. Local Governance: Lawmakers’ 2026 session is winding down with fewer bills passed and annexation/deannexation still driving local control fights.

House Ethics: The U.S. House Ethics Committee recommended censuring North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards after finding a “persistent” pattern of inappropriate conduct toward two young staffers, including lavish gifts and private dinners, even as it said it found no evidence of explicit sexual propositions. Tariffs Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including North Carolina, sued the Trump administration over new Section 301 tariffs, arguing they’re a pretext to recreate duties the Supreme Court struck down and seeking to block the levies and win refunds. AG Confirmation Drama: GOP senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn signaled they’ll back acting attorney general Todd Blanche after DOJ issued an order ending Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, though Democrats and critics say the assurances don’t go far enough. Local Governance: In Wilmington, a state commission is set to vote on $20 million in bond financing to rehabilitate Solomon Towers, where tenants have reported bedbugs, mold, and management problems. State Oversight: WECT reports the N.C. DOJ and State Auditor are reviewing complaints about a Pender County commissioner-linked nonprofit, with allegations including Medicaid fraud and misuse of funds. Elections & Voters: North Carolina’s voter registration surge is heavily unaffiliated, with 85.8% of weekly additions lacking a party label. Public Safety: A Western North Carolina mayor, Robbinsville’s Shaun Larry Adams, faces felony drug trafficking charges tied to alleged meth and cocaine possession and sales.

AG Confirmation Fight: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” after GOP senators John Cornyn and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis demanded written guarantees—clearing a major hurdle ahead of a Tuesday Senate Judiciary vote. Federal Courts & Tax Deal: Blanche also clarified that an IRS audit-limiting agreement tied to Trump applies only to specified past tax periods, not future filings—an issue senators had pressed to narrow. State Politics Watch: The Tillis angle keeps North Carolina front and center in the confirmation fight, with the fund’s fate now tied to whether Blanche can win enough Republican support. Health Policy: A new KFF Health News report argues ACA enrollment drops were driven more by rising costs and fraud crackdowns than by skyrocketing premiums, while rural hospital funding changes face new stress. Public Safety: A Charlotte-area case highlights repeat-offender concerns after a man was charged with murder in a shooting less than two hours after release on bond. Corrections Oversight: A North Carolina prison security roundup spotlights recent escapes and renewed questions about how facilities track and respond to incidents.

Federal Elections Watch: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he’s “very concerned” President Trump could use federal power to disrupt the 2026 midterms, warning about efforts to restrict voting by mail, obtain voter data, and potentially deploy federal agents to polling places. AG Confirmation Fight: Trump escalated pressure in the Todd Blanche attorney general standoff, telling Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. John Cornyn to move or he’ll keep Blanche as acting AG—while the Senate Judiciary vote remains tied to the “anti-weaponization” fund dispute. NC Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested 13 people in Caldwell County’s Wilson Creek area, citing criminal histories and illegal reentry, with the Forest Service saying it cooperated with law enforcement requests. Local Public Safety: A Grifton man was arrested after a Lenoir County chase that topped 130 mph, ending near Greene County’s Eastern Correctional Institution; officials say his car was seized under North Carolina’s “Run and Done” law. NC Health Policy: The General Assembly advanced SB 445, allowing automatic temporary hospital regulation waivers during emergencies, passing 37-0. Local Government Changes: Hendersonville’s SB 69 failed 0-37, while Elizabeth City’s HB 147 deannexed a 6.89-acre parcel in Pasquotank County, passing 37-0.

EPA-Chemours PFAS Fight: Gov. Josh Stein, AG Jeff Jackson and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson are pushing to toss a proposed $450 million Chemours settlement, arguing the deal was negotiated “behind our backs” and won’t undo long-running PFAS damage in eastern North Carolina. Medicaid Policy: Sen. Timothy D. Moffitt voted no on SB 403, a bill that would require DHHS to seek CMS approval for Medicaid work requirements—measure failed 0-37. Election Law & Courts: Top Republican legislative leaders defended voter ID and the tax cap amendments after a court upheld both constitutional changes approved by voters in 2018. Elections Scrutiny: The FBI has sought internet protocol data tied to online voter registration in South Carolina as federal agencies expand review of voter rolls and potential ineligible registrations. Public Safety Lawsuit: Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson and nine deputies were removed as defendants from a federal lawsuit tied to a 2023 Burlington fatal shooting. Local Government Funding: Rowan County commissioners will consider adding $167,000 for environmental monitoring at landfill sites. Youth Sports Spotlight: The 2026 Little League Softball World Series begins in Greenville, with 12 teams and 22 games on ESPN/ABC.

Blanche Confirmation Fight: President Trump escalated his standoff with GOP Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis, saying he’ll keep Todd Blanche as acting attorney general and push Congress to pass a revived $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” compensation bill if the Senate blocks his nomination. State Elections: In the NC Senate, Sen. Gladys A. Robinson voted no on HB 958, a package revising election administration and campaign finance rules that passed the Senate 28-13, while she voted aye on HB 268 to fund UNC capital improvements. Local Law Enforcement: The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association held its annual business conference and elected new executive committee officers, including Sheriff Cleveland “Clee” Atkinson as president. Public Health: NCDHHS launched a dashboard tracking cyclosporiasis cases, reporting 718 cases statewide this year and noting the dashboard updates Tuesdays. Water & Drought: After recent rain, drought conditions eased in parts of North Carolina, but officials urged continued conservation as reservoirs remain below normal. Community & Civic Life: North Carolina Democrats held a sold-out Unity Dinner in Raleigh featuring Sen. Elizabeth Warren, with protesters outside the venue.

U.S. Senate 2026 Watch: Prediction markets are heavily favoring Roy Cooper for North Carolina’s Senate seat, with Polymarket showing Cooper at 89% and Kalshi at 91.9%—a sign bettors expect a Democratic edge as absentee ballots head out Sept. 4. Education Funding: Bladen County school leaders say the state’s exceptional children funding cap is forcing districts to scramble, with 102 of 115 districts exceeding the limit and therapy costs rising faster than state payments. Teacher Pay Policy: A new Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education is set to rethink how North Carolina rewards teachers, shifting the debate from simple raises to pay structures tied to effectiveness and hard-to-staff roles. Election Administration: Sen. Brent Jackson backed HB 958, an elections bill that would shorten primary early voting, raise campaign finance reporting thresholds, and change how challenged and absentee ballots are handled. Trump/DOJ Fight With NC Stakes: The Blanche attorney general confirmation standoff is still roiling, with Trump saying he may keep Todd Blanche as acting AG and push Congress on the controversial “anti-weaponization” fund if Senate holdouts— including NC Sen. Thom Tillis—won’t confirm him. Child Safety Lawsuit: Families filed suit against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube over deaths of four teens, including a North Carolina case, arguing platform design drove years of harm.