North Carolina
North Carolina GOP negotiations likely next to curb appointment powers of Gov. Roy Cooper
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina House and Senate Republicans are likely headed to negotiations over how to retool the composition of several key state commissions controlled by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s appointees after the House approved its version of the changes on Wednesday.
Both the House proposal and a version OK’d by the Senate in April would shift the makeup of a handful of panels by giving more seats to those picked by legislators and Council of State members, and even to legislators themselves.
Differences between the competing plans will need to be worked out if they want to send a final bill to Cooper’s desk.
Cooper and his allies have called the proposed reworking of appointments to commissions like those setting electricity rates and approving road-building projects and environmental regulations an unconstitutional power grab.
They cite state court rulings going back 40 years on the separation of powers between the governor and the General Assembly. Cooper and GOP legislators have previously fought in court over control of commissions as well.
While Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers, lawmakers shepherding the bill acknowledge litigation may be coming if a final measure is enacted. Still, they believe the courts will be on their side, and argue any changes will bring more accountability and diversity of thought on important boards dominated by the governor’s picks.
The differences between the two versions settle in a few areas.
The Senate version would reduce the seven members on the state Utilities Commission — all Cooper’s picks — to five, and let future governors pick only two of the positions. The House version makes no such changes.
The House proposal would increase the number of voting members the General Assembly elects to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors from 24 to 28. The Senate makes no such changes. The General Assembly passed legislation during the 2010s to reduce Board of Governors membership from 32 to 24.
Both chambers’ plans would let the Legislature pick 14 of the 20 seats on the Board of Transportation, with the other six appointed by the governor. Currently it’s the governor who chooses 14 members.
But the House plan would replace the 20 members with new appointees starting July 1. The Senate would have allowed members to complete their terms.
Like the passage of the Senate legislation, the House approved its legislation on a party-line vote favoring the GOP.
Drake Powell
Guard | UNC
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 185 lbs
2025 Draft Age: 19.78
As a natural wing or off-ball guard, Powell has what it takes to be an impact player at the next level. He boasts the positional size and athleticism to exploit his opponents on either end of the floor. Overall, he’s a very smart player with a competitive edge and is willing to adapt to what his team needs to win.
Powell is really best as an off-ball player offensively, especially given he’s not known for being a self-creator or primary ball-handler. However, he is a smart cutter and has found ways to position himself for success when finding space. To really take his game overall to the next level, the North Carolina freshman will need to prove he can become a better shooter. Whether it’s in the mid-range or beyond the arc, his jumper is inconsistent. Again, as an offensive prospect, he needs to improve to really become a two-way threat. The physical traits are there for him to get where he needs to be, but the development of his offensive game is a huge swing for Powell in terms of draft stock.
On the defensive end of the floor, Powell really shines. His athletic tools allow him to be all over the place and make plays on and off of the ball. He is quick, boasts length and is very smart as a defender. When thinking about what will differentiate him from other prospects at the next level, it will be his upside as a defensive prospect. He plays with tremendous energy and effort and he makes those around him better on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, he is one of the best defenders in the entire freshman class.
If Powell can convince NBA teams that he has the future projection of being a better offensive player, there’s no question he could be one of the most impactful players in the draft. In the meantime, he can lean on his defensive abilities to contribute to winning. The former five-star recruit is following in the footsteps of his father as a Tar Heel, as he played baseball for North Carolina when he was in school.
Mid to Late Lottery Pick in 2025 NBA Draft.
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North Carolina
WATCH: Steamy and Stormy in North Carolina on Friday, Heat Advisory in the eastern Triad
Friday, August 2: High humidity remains Friday with highs reaching into the 90s and feels like temperatures expected near 100 degrees. A Heat Advisory for the heat index reaching between 105 to 107 degrees is in effect from 11 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. in the easter Piedmont Triad. Spotty to scattered storms may also bring a severe threat for the afternoon. Storms that do become severe may bring damaging wind and hail.
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