Sunday - May 24, 2026
Public Policy Tipoffs Involving North Carolina Newsletter for Thursday May 21, 2026 ( 35 items )  

11 Defendants Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Scheme To Evade Tolls And Parking And Traffic Tickets
NEW YORK, May 20 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York posted the following news release: * * * Eleven Defendants Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Scheme To Evade Tolls And Parking And Traffic Tickets * United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the arrests of eleven defendants in connec  more

Army Reserve Maj. Carlos Ramirez-Barrios inducted into prestigious military order
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, May 20 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: * * * Army Reserve Maj. Carlos Ramirez-Barrios inducted into prestigious military order * JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Army Reserve Major Carlos Ramirez-Barrios was recently inducted into the prestigious Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) at the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Museum. The induction recognizes his 18 years of exceptional service and his significant  more

Attorney General Alan Wilson defends South Carolina's fishermen and coastal wildlife
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, May 20 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news: * * * Attorney General Alan Wilson defends South Carolina's fishermen and coastal wildlife * (COLUMBIA, S.C.) - Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a multistate friend-of-the-court brief to the Washington D.C. District Court in support of coastal states' research of red snapper populations and regulation of fish and wildlife resources. The states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, an  more

Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Protect Funding for Nurses and Other Healthcare Workers
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 19 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Protect Funding for Nurses and Other Healthcare Workers * North Carolina's rural counties would be the hardest hit. Attorney General Jeff Jackson sued the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that would have devastating consequences for North Carolina's healthcare workforce and leave many rural residents without primary care.  more

Bank of America Goes Live on CLS's Cross Currency Swaps Service
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, May 20 [Category: BizFinancial Services] -- Bank of America, a financial institution, posted the following news release: * * * Bank of America Goes Live on CLS's Cross Currency Swaps Service * NEW YORK, NY - CLS, a financial market infrastructure group delivering settlement, processing, and data solutions, today announces that Bank of America (BofA) has gone live on its Cross Currency Swaps (CCS) service. One of the world's leading financial institutions, BofA join  more

Bank of America Outlook Sees Renewed Opportunity Across Commercial Real Estate, Farmland, Timberland and Energy
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, May 20 [Category: BizFinancial Services] (TNSrpt) -- Bank of America, a financial institution, posted the following news release: * * * Bank of America Outlook Sees Renewed Opportunity Across Commercial Real Estate, Farmland, Timberland and Energy * CHARLOTTE, NC - Bank of America today released its 2026 Specialty Asset Management Outlook (PDF), highlighting investment opportunities across commercial real estate (CRE), farmland, timberland, and energy. As capital m  more

Barney Frank Protected Consumers from Predatory Lending
DURHAM, North Carolina, May 20 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Center for Responsible Lending issued the following news release: * * * Barney Frank Protected Consumers from Predatory Lending * WASHINGTON, DC -It was announced this morning that former Congressman Barney Frank, co-author of the eponymous Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, has died. "Our heart goes out to Congressman Frank's husband, family, and friends for their loss," said Mike Calhoun, presiden  more

DOE Awards $94 Million to Support Deployment of Small Modular Reactors
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 21 -- The National Association of State Energy Officials posted the following news on May 20, 2026: * * * DOE Awards $94 Million to Support Deployment of Small Modular Reactors By Camille Norton, NASEO On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the awardees of $94 million in funding to spur the deployment of advanced light-water small modular reactors (SMRs). The funding for the eight companies selected through the Generation III+ SMR Pathway to Deploym  more

FCC Modernizes Disaster Information Reporting System
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr: * * * FCC Modernizes Disaster Information Reporting System Re: Resilient Networks; Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications, Third Report and Order, PS Docket Nos. 21-346 and 15-80; ET Docket No. 04-35 (May 20, 2026). Later this week, I'll be heading ba  more

Gardner-Webb Names Molly Hanley as Inaugural Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach
BOILING SPRINGS, North Carolina, May 21 -- Gardner-Webb University issued the following news: * * * Gardner-Webb Names Molly Hanley as Inaugural Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach Experienced Coach and Former Standout Athlete Tapped to Launch Runnin' Bulldogs' Newest Program * Vice President for Athletics and Athletics Director Brendan Fahey has announced the hiring of the first coach of the Gardner-Webb acrobatics and tumbling team. Molly Hanley, a standout collegiate athlete and the head   more

Governor Stein Announces State's New "First in Opportunity" Strategic Economic Development Plan
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 20 -- Gov. Josh Stein, D-North Carolina, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Stein Announces State's New "First in Opportunity" Strategic Economic Development Plan * Today Governor Josh Stein and the NC Department of Commerce announced North Carolina's new "First in Opportunity" Strategic Economic Development Plan Opens in new window - a comprehensive statewide roadmap designed to guide North Carolina's next phase of economic growth, strengthen long  more

Harris Delivers Floor Remarks in Support of the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Mark Harris, R-North Carolina, issued the following news release: * * * Harris Delivers Floor Remarks in Support of the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act * WASHINGTON, DC -Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 2616, the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, legislation that puts students first by keeping classrooms focused on reading, writing, critical thinking, and other skills they   more

House Appropriations Subcommittee declines to fund Southern West Virginia water needs in draft funding bill
BOONE, North Carolina, May 20 [Category: Sociological] -- Appalachian Voices posted the following news release: * * * House Appropriations Subcommittee declines to fund Southern West Virginia water needs in draft funding bill * Today, the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee released its draft funding bill for Fiscal Year 2027. Advocates from Appalachia and Reps. Carol Miller and Riley Moore have advocated for $250 million in funding to be included in the bill for drink  more

House Rules Committee Chairwoman Foxx Opens Hearing on Veterans Bills, Women's History Museum Site
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-North Carolina, chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, issued the following opening remarks on May 19, 2026, at a hearing to consider the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 1041), Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act (H.R. 6047) and Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act (H.R. 1329): * * * Good afternoon, the Committee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at  more

Institute for Justice: Support Pours in for Supreme Court Petition to Revive Key Fourth Amendment Warrant Requirement
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 21 -- The Institute for Justice posted the following news release: * * * Support Pours in for Supreme Court Petition to Revive Key Fourth Amendment Warrant Requirement Victims of wrong-house raids, law professors, civil rights attorneys, and a police officers' nonprofit call on Court to restore original meaning of Warrant Clause. * A petition asking the Supreme Court to revive the original meaning of the Fourth Amendment is building momentum with supportive briefs f  more

Interior Dept. Fish & Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comment on Endangered Species Permit Applications
WASHINGTON, May 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on multiple permit applications involving endangered foreign species under the Endangered Species Act. The notice covers requests involving the import, export, breeding and scientific study of protected animals and biological materials. The agency said the applications involve zoological institutions, conservation organizations and museums seeking authorization for activities that w  more

Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative transitions to a UNC-Chapel Hill Certificate in Lactation Consultant Education
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina, May 20 -- The University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health posted the following news: * * * Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative transitions to a UNC-Chapel Hill Certificate in Lactation Consultant Education * By Robert A. Poarch, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute The Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative (MRT-TI) will be transitioning into a formal graduate certificate program beginning in the fall of 2027. This is an excellent oppor  more

N.C A&T JOMC Alumna Jada Webb Selected for National Geographic Content Scholarship Program
GREENSBORO, North Carolina, May 20 -- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University posted the following news: * * * N.C A&T JOMC Alumna Jada Webb Selected for National Geographic Content Scholarship Program * EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 20, 2026) -Jada Webb '26, who graduated from the mass communication program in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JOMC) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been selected for the highly competitive   more

N.C. A&T Names Campbell '04 Interim Director of Bands
GREENSBORO, North Carolina, May 19 -- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University posted the following news: * * * N.C. A&T Names Campbell '04 Interim Director of Bands * EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 19, 2026) - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named Aaron J. Campbell '04 interim director of bands. Campbell's appointment takes effect July 1, following the retirement of Kenneth Ruff '90, '93, Ed.D., after 23 years as N.C. A&T director of bands. C  more

N.C. Office of State Auditor: MEDS Commission Calls on General Assembly to Fully Fund SEIMS Replacement
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 21 -- The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor issued the following news release on May 20, 2026: * * * MEDS Commission Calls on General Assembly to Fully Fund SEIMS Replacement The Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Advisory Commission today approved a resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly to provide necessary and sustained funding for the full replacement of the Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS). The MEDS  more

N.C. Sweetpotato Commission Opposes Expansion of Imports From Korea
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service opposing the proposal to expand the importation of fresh sweetpotato roots from the South Korea into the mainland U.S. The commission emphasized the potential risks this expansion poses to the state's agricultural economy and existing plant health safeguards. North Carolina accounts for more than 60% of the U.S. sw  more

National CHANGE Initiative Supports NCCU Faculty Development and Student Success
DURHAM, North Carolina, May 20 -- North Carolina Central University issued the following news: * * * National CHANGE Initiative Supports NCCU Faculty Development and Student Success * North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is one of nine historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) selected to join the Community for HBCU Advancement Through Networked Growth and Excellence (CHANGE) initiative. The national program is led by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) in partnership wit  more

NCDEQ Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 20 -- The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release: * * * NCDEQ Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water * As the summer water recreation season approaches, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources Opens in new window (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom. Algae are naturally occurrin  more

New REPAIR Provisions Fail to Adequately Protect Americans' Right to Repair Today's Technology-Driven Vehicles
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina, May 20 [Category: Industrial Materials] -- MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association posted the following news release: * * * New REPAIR Provisions Fail to Adequately Protect Americans' Right to Repair Today's Technology-Driven Vehicles * RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers was deeply disappointed to learn that key provisions of the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act will no longer be considered by  more

NEW: Millions Expected To Lose Health Care As Costs Spike After DC Insider Michael Whatley Cheered On ACA Subsidy Expiration
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 20 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * NEW: Millions Expected To Lose Health Care As Costs Spike After DC Insider Michael Whatley Cheered On ACA Subsidy Expiration * Washington Post: "The state with the biggest decline in [ACA] enrollment as of the beginning of the year was North Carolina, which dropped about 214,000 people, or 22 percent..." After DC insider Michael Whatley backed Washington Republicans as they ended the ACA  more

Oklahoma Firefighting Teams Deploy to Kansas to Support Ongoing Response
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 19 -- Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Oklahoma, issued the following news: * * * Oklahoma Firefighting Teams Deploy to Kansas to Support Ongoing Response * Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced that Oklahoma is sending three wildland fire task forces to Kansas to assist with wildfires in southwest Kansas near Ashland.  The task forces are made up of fire departments from Major County, Noble County, and Washington County an  more

Over 440 Civil Rights, Faith, and Labor Organizations Call Department of Justice Indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center a "Naked Attempt to Weaponize the the Criminal Justice System to Silence Speech"
WASHINGTON, May 20 [Category: Political] -- The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights issued the following news release: * * * Over 440 Civil Rights, Faith, and Labor Organizations Call Department of Justice Indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center a "Naked Attempt to Weaponize the the Criminal Justice System to Silence Speech" * National Coalition Urges Congress to "Put a Stop to It" Ahead of House Judiciary Committee Hearing on SPLC The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human   more

Rep. Foushee Introduces Legislation to Help Local Governments Access Modern Technology
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Valerie Foushee, D-North Carolina, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Foushee Introduces Legislation to Help Local Governments Access Modern Technology * WASHINGTON, DC (May 20, 2026) -Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced the State and Local Public Sector Innovation Act, which would establish a federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Commerce to modernize the technology infrastructure utilized by state and local government  more

Revitalized Army Reserve center opens doors in northern New Jersey
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, May 20 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: * * * Revitalized Army Reserve center opens doors in northern New Jersey * JERSEY CITY, N.J. - "Our facilities provide venues to conduct training, build camaraderie and unit cohesion, and enhance the skills needed to ensure our Soldiers are ready to provide the capability the Army needs," said Brig. Gen. John Rhodes, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve's 99th Readiness Division, dur  more

Rice Business Dean Peter Rodriguez named president of Wake Forest University
HOUSTON, Texas, May 20 -- Rice University posted the following news release: * * * Rice Business Dean Peter Rodriguez named president of Wake Forest University * Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business since 2016, today was named the 15th president of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He will begin his new role July 1. During nearly a decade at Rice, Rodriguez led a period of signifi  more

Rules for Thee, But Not for Me: Laurie Buckhout Name-Dropped Military Official to Try to Get Out of a DUI Arrest
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * Rules for Thee, But Not for Me: Laurie Buckhout Name-Dropped Military Official to Try to Get Out of a DUI Arrest * Newly-surfaced video footage shows proven loser Laurie Buckhout cynically tried to dodge the law by invoking the title of a Pentagon general during her 2017 drunk-driving arrest. According to the police body cam footage, Buckhout tried to "talk her way out of" a blood  more

Smithfield Foods Awards 12 Impact Grants Nationwide
SMITHFIELD, Virginia, May 21 -- Smithfield Foods, an American food company, issued the following news release: * * * Smithfield Foods Awards 12 Impact Grants Nationwide Local nonprofits receive funding to advance key focus areas as applications open for additional grants * Smithfield Foods has awarded more than $280,000 in Impact Grant funding to 12 nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities where Smithfield employees live and work. These grants build on the more than $24 mi  more

Students welcomed into Trine business honor society
ANGOLA, Indiana, May 20 -- Trine University posted the following news: * * * Students welcomed into Trine business honor society * Trine University welcomed 13 students into the Delta Mu Delta business honor society during a ceremony on Tuesday, March 17. Delta Mu Delta is an international honor society that recognizes academic excellence in business administration programs at institutions accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. At Trine, the society is  more

UNCG Graduate Student Excels in Science and Leadership
GREENSBORO, North Carolina, May 20 -- The University of North Carolina Greensboro campus posted the following news: * * * UNCG Graduate Student Excels in Science and Leadership * Nooshin KianvashRad credits UNC Greensboro with helping her to better recognize herself. The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) has shown her that she is indeed a leader, one whose confidence and skills continue to grow every day with each new challenge -whether pursuing better cancer outcomes   more

Va. A.G. Jones Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 21 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 20, 2026: * * * Attorney General Jay Jones Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs Coalition challenges unlawful rule that could restrict access to advanced education and worsen workforce shortages * Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against th  more