General Assembly

District attorneys expressed concern over potential 'chaos' resulting from the state legislature’s failure to create a sentencing structure for felony murder following an unconstitutional Supreme Court ruling regarding mandatory life sentences. Larry Krasner pointed to successful individualized resentencing efforts for juveniles as a template, citing Robert Saleem Holbrook as an example of community reintegration. The General Assembly was given 120 days to draft a solution but failed to achieve consensus.

A Delaware lawmaker prompted the General Assembly to mandate reforms regarding how state drug benefits are negotiated with Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The State Employee Benefits Committee was tasked with examining ways to increase transparency and reduce hidden costs in this process. The reformer argued that requiring PBMs to supply detailed pricing data, rebates, and contract information is necessary for the state to better manage its group health insurance plan.

Hampton Roads’ groundwater supply is under threat according to a new analysis. State lawmakers are calling for a special session of the General Assembly to address issues raised by the report.

The Virginia Department of Education is seeking a new vendor to develop and modernize student assessments, following criticism over delayed results and technology issues. The new system aims to include more accessible, rigorous tests with improved support for educators and families, as outlined in a Request for Proposal issued ahead of the current vendor's 2027 contract end.

The United Nations faces a limited pool of candidates for the next secretary-general, with only eight nominees and a lack of female representation despite growing calls for a woman to lead. Research highlights the need for more women candidates to address historic imbalances and strengthen leadership during critical global challenges.

Virginia Department of Education is seeking a new vendor to develop and modernize the state's Standards of Learning (SOLs) assessments, following delays and criticism. The current vendor's contract ends in 2027, and the new system aims to provide more timely, accessible, and rigorous testing aligned with higher academic standards.

Virginia's new law 'Yes in God's Backyard' allows churches to sell unused property for community and church benefit. Newport News plans to implement the law next year, which was passed by the General Assembly.

Kevin Crutchfield, a candidate for State Senate District 34 in Cabarrus County, discusses his family-owned business Casco Signs and how his business experience informs his political work. He emphasizes community service, employee support, and the importance of helping local businesses grow.

The Fort Mill School District is requesting McMaster and the General Assembly to enforce Silfab's zoning designation. Despite a recent ruling stating Silfab does not fit within the county's Light Industrial zoning district, the company has declared it will remain.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for a 120-day extension to address legislative changes to second-degree murder sentencing after a March ruling deemed mandatory life sentences unconstitutional. The House passed a partisan bill allowing parole after 30 years for such cases, but Senate GOP leaders opposed it, and the court deadline approaches.

North Carolina faith leaders are urging lawmakers to uphold Governor Josh Stein's veto of House Bill 437, which would ban unauthorized camping on public property and require removal of encampments. The bill's supporters argue it addresses public safety and secures federal funding, while opponents claim it criminalizes homelessness and creates unfunded mandates. Supporters plan to attempt a veto override when the General Assembly reconvenes in August.

The Trump administration claims over $1 billion in cuts to United Nations budgets, including a 9.7% reduction in the peacekeeping budget and a 15% cut to the regular budget, achieved through U.S.-led negotiations. U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos emphasized these cuts as unprecedented reforms aimed at improving UN efficiency.

North Carolina public schools are grappling with the new DEI law, Senate Bill 227, which became state law after the General Assembly overrode Gov. Josh Stein's veto.

Charlotte's new mayor, Robert Harrington, states the city must comply with state laws limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies while continuing to prioritize opportunities for citizens and small businesses. State Republicans are overriding vetoes on bills that prohibit DEI in public education and state/local governments, potentially impacting Charlotte's Business INClusion (CBI) Program.

Tammy Legette is seeking legislative reform after a relative fraudulently altered a property deed to claim sole ownership of her late grandfather's home in Charlotte. The relative was cited for illegal notarization and pleaded guilty, but Legette faces ongoing challenges in clearing the title. She advocates for two bills to require government ID for deed recordings and streamline title disputes.

New state funding of $2 million over two years will support a study of menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to establish scientifically based catch limits, following years of legislative efforts and concerns from conservation groups about declining menhaden affecting species like striped bass and osprey.

The Dominique Moody Safety Act, aimed at improving child welfare oversight, passed both chambers of North Carolina's General Assembly as part of a budget vote. The legislation follows the December 2025 death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody, whose case revealed thirteen prior child protective services reports and failures to remove her from harmful home conditions.

Virginia will implement 10 notable new laws starting July 1, including changes to alcohol sales in restaurants, expanded cellphone limits in schools, renter protections, and an assault-style firearms ban. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the measures after they were approved by the General Assembly, though enforcement of the firearms ban is temporarily blocked.

A federal judge blocked Virginia's law prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from wearing masks and requiring visible badges, ruling the law likely violates federal preemption under the intergovernmental immunity doctrine and supremacy clause. The Justice Department argued the law endangers federal employees, while Virginia's attorney general stated the law aims to ensure transparency and public safety.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed H.955, an education transformation bill aimed at strengthening public schools through voluntary district mergers, local governance preservation, and regional collaboration. The law addresses financial pressures from declining enrollment and rising costs while emphasizing investments in teaching and learning over structural changes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing with state honors and a Huawei phone. UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop later addressed the General Assembly.

Georgia Republican lawmakers Jon Burns and Larry Walker announced they will not pursue redistricting efforts during a special session, citing pending legal cases. They shifted focus to property tax relief, gas tax suspension, and a July 1 deadline for removing QR codes from ballots.

Virginia's General Assembly approved a $10 million mass violence care fund after the 2019 Virginia Beach mass shooting, which included victims from the 2022 Chesapeake Walmart shooting. The fund is not currently accessible, raising questions about its implementation.

Mecklenburg County leaders reaffirmed their decision to withdraw support for the I-77 South project, a move that has sparked legislative action. The General Assembly is considering a draft amendment targeting municipalities that rescinded backing for the project.

Governor JB Pritzker shifted blame to the Chicago Bears for passing a stadium bill, claiming the team attached itself to his megaprojects legislation. Critics argue he used the Bears to advance stalled legislation, while Pritzker defended his limited legislative session attendance and offered lobbying advice to the team.

Charlotte may need to repay the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for a rejected I-77 South toll plan. Ed Driggs stated that the General Assembly's decision should have been anticipated.

North Carolina lawmakers face crunch time to finalize a new state budget with less than three weeks remaining before the fiscal year ends. The state has operated without a comprehensive spending plan for nearly 1,000 days since the General Assembly last passed one.

Atlanta's public transit system, MARTA, faces scrutiny due to violent incidents and deteriorating conditions, prompting a federal investigation. The article highlights declining service, infrastructure issues, and lack of state funding, with political challenges hindering support for the system.

The House Education Committee passed a bill requiring cyber charter schools to implement student safety measures, including mandatory camera use during live instruction and protocols for reporting concerns. The bill faced opposition from GOP lawmakers, who argued it unfairly targets online education and limits parental choice, and passed with a 14-12 vote.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick warns that the state's budget surplus is nearly depleted, forcing officials to make significant spending cuts to align with revenue. The report highlights that Missouri cannot borrow to cover shortfalls and criticizes the current budget for lacking proactive measures to address financial challenges.

Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed 32 new members to governing boards at Virginia’s colleges and universities, including 20 reappointments, as part of efforts to reshape higher education leadership. Notable appointees include James Dyke, Cristin Grigos, and Ann Cherry, while John Rocovich was removed from Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors for misconduct. The General Assembly must confirm the appointments.

North Carolina Democratic lawmakers propose constitutional amendments to establish a code of ethics for Supreme Court justices, reform the Judicial Standards Commission, and limit the General Assembly's ability to transfer powers between Council of State members. The amendments aim to address judicial independence concerns, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest for justices like Phil Berger Jr., linked to legislative actions under his father's leadership.

North Carolina state lawmakers are advancing bills during the 2026 legislative session, including proposals to liberalize alcohol sales regulations and introduce constitutional amendments. GOP lawmakers are pushing for changes that face opposition from religious conservatives, while some amendments aim to influence voter turnout. The discussion includes insights from NC Newsline reporter Brandon Kingdollar.

Illinois lawmakers are considering pausing or reducing the state's gas tax hike amid rising fuel prices, though a decision must be made before their legislative session ends. Governor JB Pritzker has indicated the pause is an option but emphasized infrastructure funding from the tax. Indiana has suspended similar taxes, saving residents about $0.60 per gallon.

The Philippines and Kyrgyzstan are competing for the UN Security Council’s Asia-Pacific non-permanent seat for the 2027-2028 term, with the General Assembly set to elect new members on June 3. Kyrgyzstan’s unexpected late push has shifted the race, challenging the Philippines’ previous favoritism.

The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously upheld Governor Mike Kehoe's authority to call lawmakers into a special session for congressional redistricting and initiative petition changes. The court ruled the Missouri Constitution grants the governor unlimited discretion to convene the General Assembly on 'extraordinary occasions.' The NAACP of Missouri had challenged the session's legitimacy, arguing it lacked urgency, but the court rejected the challenge.

Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed a bill aimed at creating a regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia, stalling legal sales for a second time. The legislation, supported by lawmakers, would have established a legal framework for retail sales under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, but Spanberger argued the state needs stronger regulatory and enforcement structures before proceeding.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, previously labeled a RINO by Donald Trump, has aligned with Trump's efforts by calling a special session to redistrict congressional seats, gerrymandering Memphis into a Republican-leaning area. Lee attended a White House event with Trump during British King Charles III's visit and justified the redistricting as fulfilling the General Assembly's obligations.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is open to discussing taxes on services like gym memberships and streaming services. She believes that all reasonable ideas should be discussed, especially as the economy changes. Spanberger has yet to sign off on any new state-based tax increases.