Today's NC Political News briefs
Cybersecurity campaign launches, crime panel to meet, opportunity zone comments near deadline
RALEIGH — North Carolina agencies and Gov. Josh Stein’s office announced several statewide updates this week, including an internet safety campaign, an upcoming Governor’s Crime Commission meeting, a public comment deadline for opportunity zone nominations, summer food benefits for children, a judicial nomination and hurricane season preparedness guidance.
NCDIT launches internet safety campaign for National Internet Safety Month
Gov. Josh Stein and the N.C. Department of Information Technology launched the “Secure Your Square” Challenge on Tuesday as part of National Internet Safety Month.
The campaign encourages residents, families, schools, businesses, local governments, state employees and community organizations to complete online safety activities through a digital bingo card during June. The state said the challenge is intended to promote steps people can take to protect personal information, devices, accounts and online communities.
Participants can download the bingo card through NCDIT and complete activities throughout the month.
Governor’s Crime Commission to meet June 4
The Governor’s Crime Commission is scheduled to hold its quarterly meeting Thursday.
According to the N.C. Department of Public Safety, the meeting will include a presentation on the governor’s criminal justice priorities. The commission advises the governor and the secretary of public safety on criminal justice matters and helps administer federal and state grant funding related to crime prevention, victim services, juvenile justice and law enforcement.
The meeting may be worth monitoring for discussion of public safety funding, violence prevention, juvenile justice or law enforcement priorities.
Opportunity zone public comment period closes June 7
The N.C. Department of Commerce is accepting public feedback through Sunday on eligible low-income census tracts that may be considered for new Opportunity Zone nominations.
Commerce announced the comment period April 29 and said feedback forms will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 7. The department said 807 low-income census tracts are eligible for nomination.
The federal Opportunity Zone program is designed to encourage investment in designated areas through tax incentives. The new zones are expected to be certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury later this year and take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
First round of SUN Bucks reaches more than 1 million children
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said Monday that the first round of 2026 SUN Bucks benefits will reach more than 1 million children in North Carolina.
The agency said $121 million will be distributed to eligible families in the first issuance. SUN Bucks provides grocery-buying assistance to help families with school-age children during the summer months, when students are not receiving meals at school.
The update has broad statewide impact for families, schools and public benefit programs, particularly as summer begins.
Stein nominates Caitlin M. Poe for Special Superior Court judgeship
Gov. Josh Stein announced Monday that he has nominated Caitlin M. Poe to serve as a Special Superior Court judge.
Poe would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of A. Todd Brown. According to the governor’s office, Poe has served as a litigation attorney since 2012 and is a partner at Williams Mullen. She previously clerked for Judge James Dever III in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The nomination has been sent to the General Assembly, which must confirm the appointment by joint resolution.
Governor, emergency officials urge hurricane season preparation
Stein and state emergency management officials urged North Carolinians on Monday to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1.
The governor’s office said the State Emergency Response Team has been reviewing lessons from previous storms, updating response procedures, coordinating with federal and local partners and conducting preparedness exercises.
State officials encouraged residents to prepare emergency kits, make evacuation and communication plans, review insurance coverage, protect important documents and sign up for weather and flood alerts. Officials also directed coastal residents and visitors to review evacuation zones through the state’s Know Your Zone program.
