AGP Executive Report

State Budget & Health Costs: Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order creating a Health Care Affordability Commission to tackle rising costs, with the new panel co-chaired by Treasurer Brad Briner and DHHS Sec. Dev Sangvai. Local Water Enforcement: Raleigh has started fining repeat violators of drought water-use restrictions, with repeat offenders facing possible shutoffs. Child Welfare Reform: After a Charlotte child’s death, the Dominique Moody Safety Act cleared both chambers and is a step from becoming law, aimed at changing how complex child welfare cases are handled. Drought Worsens in Brunswick: Brunswick County moved to a Stage 2 mandatory water conservation alert as extreme drought drives higher irrigation demand. Public Safety & Guns: A proposed ATF rule would allow licensed dealers to deliver guns to buyers’ homes after online checks, drawing safety concerns. Healthcare Layoffs: Cape Fear Valley Health is cutting 200 positions, affecting 138 employees searching for work. Business & Jobs: Goldhofer will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Hickory, investing $19.5M and creating 80 jobs. Education Policy: A new budget provision requires school districts to form committees to review book challenges.

North Carolina Budget: Lawmakers are expected to take final votes Thursday on a $34 billion, GOP-authored state budget proposal that Democrats criticize as falling short while Republicans say it trims income taxes and boosts pay for teachers and law enforcement. AI Policy: Gov. Josh Stein’s AI Strategic Roadmap lays out goals to protect residents, prepare workers, and reshape how government serves the public. Elections & Voting Rules: A sweeping NC elections bill is moving through the House and Senate, with disputes over auditor powers and ballot challenges, while the state elections board flags problems with voter registration mailings. Water Conservation: Brunswick County issued updated Stage 1 water conservation guidance as drought worsens, including tighter irrigation schedules ahead of Independence Day. Western NC Rail Push: Canton leaders are backing a potential passenger rail connection to Western North Carolina, seeking federal funding and state matching dollars. Tribal Gaming: The Catawba Nation opened its Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain and says it plans two more casinos in North Carolina. Business & Growth: Bouygues Construction acquired Vannoy Construction, expanding its southeastern U.S. footprint, including operations in North Carolina. Public Health/Science: A new study finds most early epilepsy relapses are tied to modifiable factors like adherence and dosing, not drug resistance.

Rural Listening Session: Gov. Josh Stein met with local leaders in Martin County, including Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin and Rural Infrastructure Authority board member Ron Wesson, as the state gathers ideas on how to help rural communities. Elections Oversight: A North Carolina elections bill would expand state auditor power over county boards and require closer review of absentee and provisional ballots, including military ballots. Campaign Finance Court Fight: The 4th Circuit fast-tracked a challenge to FCC guidance that would broaden eligibility for lowest unit charge political ad rates, with arguments set for July. Budget & Water Policy: Lawmakers’ new budget language extends a moratorium on expanding most interbasin water transfers through August 2028, raising concerns for Charlotte Water’s plan to increase transfers. Housing & Education Pathways: App State and the NC Community College System created a statewide articulation agreement for health-related AAS degrees, aiming to streamline transfers into App State’s health sciences bachelor’s program. Coastal Grants: The state is accepting applications for FY2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant funding to improve access and facilities in coastal counties. Voter Mail Warning: The State Board of Elections warned about a voter registration mailing campaign using outdated party options and incorrect return addresses in New Hanover County.

Supreme Court Campaign Finance: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on coordinated political party spending, a 6-3 ruling that could reshape how Republicans and Democrats fund federal races. NC Elections: The North Carolina House passed a sweeping elections bill (HB 958) that adds new ballot-challenge paths and gives the state auditor post-election audit duties, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats. NC DEI Overhaul: North Carolina lawmakers overrode vetoes to ban DEI in public schools, community colleges, universities, and state agencies, with additional changes tied to immigration enforcement rules. Medicaid Work Rules: States are bracing for a new federal “medically frail” standard that could cut coverage for some disabled and sick Medicaid enrollees facing work requirements. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: DOJ and multiple states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged price manipulation, including $3.3 million and 53 million eggs in donations. Local Business & Jobs: Cornerstone Caregiving is renovating a downtown Waco Drug Co. building with a TIF incentive, while NC’s biotech sector also saw FDA name seven companies for a drug supply chain PreCheck pilot.

State Budget & Recovery: North Carolina lawmakers released a long-delayed $34B budget framework that would boost pay for teachers and state employees, fund community colleges through a new Propel NC model, and set aside $706M for Hurricane Helene recovery—aimed largely at helping unlock federal matching dollars. Workforce & Education: Durham Tech leaders say the community-college funding model could strengthen programs tied to local life sciences, healthcare, and skilled trades as the Triangle’s economy grows. Antitrust & Consumer Costs: The Trump administration and multiple states sued major egg producers over alleged price-fixing; separate settlements announced this week include payments and egg donations, underscoring pressure on companies tied to higher grocery prices. Workplace Rights: The EEOC filed a federal lawsuit against FedEx over alleged disability discrimination against blind workers at a Kernersville facility. Local Governance: A “commonsense” election calendar fix argues North Carolina municipalities should align voting schedules to avoid duplicative county election costs. Public Safety: North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement says alcohol was a factor in a fatal Robeson County crash and charged four adults tied to underage alcohol sales and supply.

Supreme Court & Federal Power: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that presidents can remove heads of regulatory agencies with executive power, a major shift that strengthens Donald Trump’s control over the “administrative state,” while carving out limits around the Federal Reserve. Voting Rights & Access: North Carolina and other states are facing fresh pressure over election rules as lawmakers and courts weigh how much access voters should have—just as a new push targets voter suppression and early voting protections. FCC Political Ads: The FCC asked the 4th Circuit to reject a fast-track challenge to its political advertising guidance, arguing the case is too early and focused on staff-level direction. Energy & Offshore Wind: Duke Energy agreed to terminate its Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease and reinvest $129 million in other projects, adding fuel to the fight over energy affordability and clean power in North Carolina. State Economy: A new report highlights North Carolina’s strong private-sector growth, but also flags rising public suspicion toward big business—an issue local leaders will have to manage. Local Governance: Martin County leaders met with Gov. Josh Stein and state officials in a rural listening session focused on hospital reopening, housing, and economic development. Business & Finance: Kite Realty priced $300 million in exchangeable senior notes, a sign of continued capital activity in the Triangle. Health & Workforce: Covista and Advocate Health launched a nursing education pipeline aimed at expanding access and practice-ready staffing. Public Safety & Courts: Mecklenburg County plans to reopen a detention center amid overcrowding, while the state continues pushing for juvenile beds—raising questions about how the system will handle capacity.

Blood Supply Crunch: Blood Assurance is urging North Carolinians to donate before the July 4 holiday, offering $40 e-gift cards for donors June 29–July 7 as local supplies dip below a comfortable 2–3 day level. Biotech in the Triangle: Kriya Therapeutics was selected for the FDA PreCheck Pilot Program, with its new Research Triangle Park facility set to manufacture AAV gene-therapy products. State Budget Watch: A budget deal is in place in Raleigh and could include income tax cuts, money for a new children’s hospital, and pay raises—though state employee groups say the proposed increases may fall short of inflation. Voting Rules in Focus: A constitutional amendment proposal would lock in at least 14 days of in-person early voting in North Carolina, protecting same-day registration during the early voting period. Mail-In Ballots: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count certain mail-in ballots received after Election Day, a ruling that doesn’t change how North Carolina runs elections. Public Safety: Authorities cleared an eastern North Carolina jail after inmates overpowered correctional staff and took guards hostage. Health Care Policy: Trump dismissed a major bipartisan housing bill as “a big yawn,” tying any decision to passage of the SAVE America Act.

Health Care & Costs: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reported a $497 million loss, a move that could mean higher premiums for its 4.3 million members and renewed scrutiny of a health system described as “broken” and too expensive. Elections & Voting Rules: Democrats asked the 4th U.S. Circuit Court to fast-track a challenge to FCC guidance on political ad “lowest unit charge” rates, arguing broadcasters could apply an unlawful interpretation before the Nov. 3 election. Local Government & Elections Oversight: In North Carolina, the state auditor is weighing in on county early voting plans, drawing alarm from voting-rights advocates who say it goes beyond the office’s authority. Business & Jobs: Verizon is set to acquire Carolina West Wireless, requiring customers to switch providers by Sept. 30 while awaiting FCC approval. Tech & Industry: United Therapeutics won FDA approval for its LungFX device for centralized ex vivo lung perfusion, and NN, Inc. says it’s expanding liquid-cooling awards tied to NVIDIA AI data center racks. Public Safety & Courts: North Carolina bar owners seeking depositions from Roy Cooper and Mandy Cohen continue pressing their COVID shutdown lawsuit.

Education Funding Fight: A new pushback in North Carolina’s education funding debate follows the NC Supreme Court declining to force lawmakers to pay for Leandro remedies, renewing questions about whether the state is meeting its “sound basic education” duty while per-student spending lags the national average. Title IX in Buncombe: The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Buncombe County Schools after complaints alleging biological men were allowed into girls’ restrooms. Workforce Pipeline: Surry-Yadkin Works and Surry Community College launched the Careers Electric Summer Academy to train students for North Carolina’s growing electrical workforce. State Policy & Business: A North Carolina bill to loosen liquor rules is moving forward, including changes that would allow limited liquor tastings at ABC stores and let bars/restaurants serve two mixed drinks at a time. Local Economy: Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the Stokes County Arts Council to support small businesses with grants up to $5,000.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemical” pollution tied to plants in New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, with money earmarked for discharge cuts and drinking-water cleanup. Energy Bills: Duke Energy Carolinas trimmed its requested residential rate increase from 18% to 11.6% after public pushback, though the AG says the revised proposal still isn’t low enough. Drought Response: Rocky Mount moved to mandatory Stage 1 water conservation, limiting lawn watering and other nonessential use and warning repeat violators could face shutoffs. Education & Demographics: North Carolina colleges are bracing for a “demographic cliff” as declining birthrates shrink the pool of 18- and 19-year-olds, while Alamance-Burlington schools reported early test gains. Politics & Voting: North Carolina voters will see three constitutional amendments on the ballot, and lawmakers are debating whether citizens should be able to add more via petition. Local Governance: Pilot Mountain completed a leadership transition by swearing in new commissioner Vincent Hancock.

Child Care Crisis: A new state report says North Carolina’s child care system is worsening, with staffing shortages and the end of stabilization grants driving an estimated $7 billion annual economic hit. State Politics & Education: Editorials and opinion pieces argue over public school funding, vouchers, and whether North Carolina’s “right to the privilege of education” is being honored. Great American State Fair Controversy: North Carolina’s booth at the National Mall removed a Confederate flag video display after attention and sponsor fallout. Local Economy & Jobs: SAS Institute confirmed it cut 300 positions, with details on locations not released. Community & Culture: Thousands packed downtown Raleigh for the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup parade, while a Boone event will host the International Fly Fishing Film Festival. Public Safety & Health: Reports highlight ongoing concerns from immigration enforcement tactics to workplace heat protections nationwide. Science & Legacy: North Carolina biochemist Mary-Dell Chilton, a pioneer in plant biotechnology, died at 87.

Middle East Politics: A Reuters/Ipsos look at Trump voters finds growing doubts about his interim Iran deal, with many fearing it won’t last and could hurt Republicans in November. Local Recovery: Chimney Rock Village in western NC says Helene rebuilding is continuing, with more than half of damaged businesses reopened and weekend traffic improving. Philanthropy: The Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to boost giving to at least $500M over a decade, citing urgent nonprofit needs amid federal cuts. Workforce & Business: Altec will expand in Mount Airy, adding 100 jobs with its “Project Poplar” maintenance and assembly upgrades. State Government Watch: North Carolina’s second Digital Opportunity Survey is underway, urging residents to weigh in on internet access and digital skills needs. Community Grants: Women Givers of Northeast NC awarded $11,160 across seven local nonprofits, including support for youth programs and homeless services. Local Accountability: Pilot Mountain’s former town manager Michael Boaz faces a felony embezzlement charge tied to alleged misuse of public funds. Elections & Governance: Commentary and coverage continue to swirl around NC’s election rules and the state’s lack of a comprehensive budget.

Federal Hemp Crackdown: North Carolina hemp businesses are bracing for a November federal change that closes a loophole for intoxicating hemp products, with owners warning it could push the industry into shutdowns and a black market. Democrats’ 2028 Calendar Fight: The DNC approved new fines and penalties for states that break the presidential nominating schedule, aiming to stop “rogue” caucuses like Iowa’s. State Politics & Voting: A new University of Virginia poll shifts North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race from “toss up” to “lean D,” while national Democrats and Republicans trade barbs over party unity and voter access. Public Safety: The FBI says online extremists are coercing North Carolina children into self-harm and violence, often through games and chat platforms. Energy & Jobs: Duke Energy won new federal DOE grant funding for reliability work at coal plants, including Roxboro in North Carolina. Local Spotlight: Goldsboro earned Main Street America accreditation, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is seeking proposals to rehabilitate the long-vacant Bluffs Lodge.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants, drawing sharp backlash from Democrats including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Homelessness Policy: The NC Senate advanced HB 437 to restrict homeless encampments statewide and expand tougher penalties for some drug crimes near homeless service providers, while allowing limited designated camping areas if shelters can’t meet demand. Education & DEI: NC lawmakers moved to ban DEI programming in public schools and higher education, with districts weighing what changes they must make to comply. Local Government & Housing: Charlotte named attorney Robert Harrington as interim mayor starting July 1, and Hendersonville adopted its FY 2027 budget with a steady property tax rate. Business & Jobs: iQor announced plans to hire 1,300+ workers across North Carolina and Mississippi, and Truist is set for earnings coverage ahead of its release. Public Safety & Crime: Authorities sought a woman accused of passing counterfeit bills in Craven and Jones counties, and a Robeson County tax preparer pleaded guilty in a $13.9M COVID tax credit fraud scheme. Community Spotlight: New Bern renewed its Main Street America Accreditation for downtown revitalization.

Housing & Recovery: Gov. Josh Stein’s Renew NC effort just opened a first-round $70 million Notice of Funding Opportunity to boost safe, affordable multi-family rental housing in areas hit by Hurricane Helene. Education Policy: A new NC law tightens campus DEI bans and adds limits on “divisive concepts,” while also restricting how schools handle complaints about protected speech. Elections & Voting Rights: A federal judge blocked key parts of Trump’s 2026 election overhaul, including a plan for a centralized citizen list and expanded rules for mail voting. Immigration: Haitian and Syrian communities in North Carolina reacted to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending Temporary Protected Status, warning of major disruption ahead. Environment & Animals: NC agriculture officials are adding extra interstate movement requirements after New World Screwworm detections. Local Government: Pender County commissioners approved extra funding to keep schools at the same service level without position cuts. Business/Legal: North Carolina’s litigation funding ban is drawing attention as other states consider similar moves.

State Economic Development: Davidson County commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning that expands one of North Carolina’s biggest potential industrial “megasites,” clearing the way for future growth near Conrad Hill Mine Road. Environment & Industry: The U.S. Justice Department reached a $450 million PFAS settlement with Chemours covering facilities in West Virginia, New Jersey and North Carolina, with penalties and cleanup spending tied to reducing discharges. Higher Education & Tech: NCDIT named Shannon Casucci Chief Procurement Transformation Officer, aiming to streamline how the state buys and delivers technology. Manufacturing & AI: Unilever is expanding AI digital twins after results at its Raeford, NC plant showed less waste and higher capacity. Politics: Senate Republicans rejected a war powers resolution on Iran after Trump’s pressure campaign, while the president also pushed voting restrictions tied to the SAVE America Act. UNC Culture Debate: Critics say UNC Chapel Hill deleted a “Pride Month” post, arguing it may overreach its neutrality policy. Business & Courts: North Carolina became the first state to ban outright third-party litigation funding.