AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Power Shift: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump can fire and replace commissioners at independent agencies, overturning decades of precedent, while also letting a Federal Reserve governor keep her job as she fights the move. Trump Money & Politics: New financial disclosures show Trump made more than $2.2 billion last year, with big gains tied to crypto and family business deals, fueling fresh backlash over profiting from the presidency. Border Build-Out: AP reports Trump’s administration is accelerating a “smart wall” along the U.S.-Mexico border, pairing fencing with sensors and surveillance as critics question the cost and impact on border communities. Economy Watch: The U.S. added 57,000 jobs in June and unemployment fell to 4.2%, but hiring was weaker than expected, keeping Fed rate questions alive. Kids Online Debate: A Pew poll finds nearly 60% of Americans support banning social media for kids under 16, with strong support for parental consent and age checks. Health & Safety: Amana recalled about 13,500 window and through-the-wall AC units due to a fire/burn risk, and the FDA upgraded a Zapp’s/Dirty potato chip salmonella recall to the highest urgency. Agriculture & Water: The Supreme Court agreed to hear a Nebraska vs. Colorado water dispute over South Platte River Compact terms. 250th Anniversary: The U.S. Mint is rolling out special 250th birthday nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars, and NeighborWorks America highlighted housing’s role in shaping the nation’s next 250 years. World Cup: The U.S. advanced to the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia, but top scorer Folarin Balogun will miss the next match after a controversial red card.

Supreme Court: In a 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, rejecting Trump’s attempt to end the practice. Trade & Economy: Trump’s administration declined to renew USMCA with Mexico and Canada in its current form, setting up annual reviews and renewed negotiations after the July 1 deadline. World Affairs: U.S.-Iran indirect talks resumed in Qatar, with Iran’s top negotiator saying high-level talks won’t move forward until the U.S. meets its memorandum terms. Gaza Humanitarian: The UN warned of a $100 million funding gap for UNRWA as reports say a “Board of Peace” plan could manage Gaza shelters. Sports: The U.S. men’s soccer team beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the World Cup Round of 16, but Folarin Balogun’s red card means he’ll miss the next match vs. Belgium. Tech & Consumer: Sony says PlayStation will stop producing physical discs for new games starting January 2028. Public Safety: The U.S. Navy is searching for a missing MH-60S helicopter crew member after an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea.

Supreme Court Fallout: The Court dealt a major blow to President Trump’s birthright citizenship push, upholding automatic citizenship under the 14th Amendment, while also backing bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports—sparking immediate political reactions in states like Massachusetts and Minnesota. Press Freedom: A federal judge ordered the Pentagon to temporarily stop escorting New York Times reporters, citing First Amendment violations, as courts continue to weigh Trump-era limits on access. Immigration & Families: A separate Supreme Court ruling leaves Temporary Protected Status largely beyond court review, raising fears for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians. Energy & Nuclear: The Trump Energy Department is accelerating small modular reactor development, aiming to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050. U.S.-Iran Talks: U.S. envoys met Qatar’s emir in Doha as negotiations with Iran continue. Politics (State Watch): A new New Hampshire Senate poll shows Chris Pappas narrowing the gap with John Sununu. Local Justice: States sue over Medicaid’s “sick enough” work-test implementation. Tech & AI: Claude restrictions on Anthropic’s Fable model triggered subscriber backlash as access rules tighten. World Cup (U.S. Sports): The U.S. heads into knockout play favored over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

U.S. Supreme Court: In a major rebuke to President Trump, the Court upheld birthright citizenship and struck down his executive order limiting it, while also allowing states to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports under the Constitution and Title IX. Student debt: Federal judges blocked Trump administration rules tightening Public Service Loan Forgiveness, just before they were set to take effect. Congress & elections: House Republicans abruptly canceled votes and sent lawmakers home early after a GOP revolt tied to Trump priorities, including a strict voter ID push. Immigration & courts: The Supreme Court also upheld a Mississippi mail-ballot rule allowing late-arriving ballots postmarked by Election Day. Foreign policy: Iran refused to meet U.S. envoys, complicating ceasefire and nuclear talks as Strait of Hormuz shipping continues. Economy & policy: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promoted “Trump accounts,” offering $1,000 for kids to start investment accounts. Sports & culture: The NBA Cup final is set for Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse; the U.S. heads into World Cup knockout play vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Supreme Court Immigration Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s executive order trying to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are “unlawfully or temporarily” present, reaffirming that most kids born on U.S. soil are citizens under the 14th Amendment. Sports Policy: In related rulings, the Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, with Idaho and West Virginia winning. Women’s Sports Reaction: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson praised the decision protecting women’s sports, calling it a landmark for Title IX. Holiday Travel: AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the Fourth of July, with most driving and millions flying. Heat Safety: With dangerous heat in parts of the U.S., cooling centers are operating in multiple communities to help residents stay safe. Business & Jobs: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced Goldhofer will invest $19.5M and create 80 jobs in Hickory for its first North American assembly and production facility. Local Construction: Missouri DOT plans lane closures on U.S. 61/67 in Jefferson County starting July 6 for drainage work and adding a fifth lane. Food & Antitrust: Texas AG Ken Paxton announced settlements with major egg producers that will send more than 7 million eggs to food banks in Texas.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: The U.S. and Iran agreed to halt recent strikes and return to talks in Doha, with both sides still arguing over next steps and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Supreme Court Power Shift: SCOTUS dealt major blows to Trump’s agenda on mail voting and some agency actions, but expanded presidential power by allowing firings of independent agency heads—while shielding Fed Gov. Lisa Cook for now. Education Accountability: The Department of Education finalized the STATS earnings rule, tying federal student aid eligibility to whether graduates earn more than typical peers. Energy Grid Costs: A Republican congressman and Energy Secretary pushed a bill requiring data centers to pay for grid connection costs instead of shifting them to other ratepayers. Gas Prices Pressure: Trump urged gas stations to cut prices quickly, warning of “big problems” if they don’t. Housing Bill Status: House Speaker Mike Johnson says the housing bill will become law with or without Trump’s signature. America 250 Celebrations: D.C. plans late fireworks with heightened security, while Baltimore’s Sail250 drew huge crowds. Business & Courts: Cal-Maine reached a DOJ/AG resolution over egg-industry claims; Luigi Mangione’s federal trial is set for January.

U.S. Supreme Court, election rules: In a 5-4 ruling, the Court let states count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day as long as they were postmarked on time, dealing a blow to the Trump administration’s push for a hard cutoff. Fed independence: The Court also blocked Trump from immediately firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, preserving “for cause” protections while her legal fight continues. Carroll verdict stands: The justices declined to review Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll case, meaning he still owes $5 million. White House, Iran talks: Trump said U.S. officials will travel to Qatar for Iran talks after a ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s side says no technical meeting is scheduled this week. Environment, Guam: A University of Guam study using AI links rising sea levels to higher salt levels in some coastal groundwater wells. Local roads: West Virginia’s US-50 bridge work brings rolling roadblocks June 29 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) with delays and alternate routes. Tech/health: A report says AI could ease healthcare burnout, but many workers don’t trust their organizations’ AI plans. Economy/markets: The yen slid to a 39-year low near 162 per dollar as rate expectations rise, with intervention risk looming.

U.S.–Iran Tensions: Iran launched drones and missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait after new U.S. strikes, threatening to halt talks and raising fears the Strait of Hormuz ceasefire is slipping. Markets & Crypto: Stock futures bounced on “stand down for now” reports, but crypto slid as traders priced renewed conflict risk. Federal Courts/Voting: A federal judge blocked key parts of Trump’s mail-voting overhaul, limiting federal power over state election rules and expanding USPS control. Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration’s authority to end Haiti and Syria temporary protection status, putting Indiana’s Haitian community at risk. Weather & Safety: A dangerous heat wave is expected to push triple digits across the Midwest and East, while wildfires in the West and flooding in Kentucky left multiple dead. Energy/Science: The NSF reversed plans to remove hundreds of ocean monitoring instruments, keeping long-term sensors in U.S. waters, including off Alaska. Local Spotlight: Altoona’s Artie Fink Jr. earned a spot as first alternate for the U.S. Senior Open in Columbus, Ohio. Sports: Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the World Cup knockout round, with Alphonso Davies playing a key late role.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. says it struck 10 Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack on a merchant vessel, while Trump warns Iran “will no longer exist” if the ceasefire collapses—sparking fresh strikes and threats involving Bahrain and Kuwait. Politics & 250th Anniversary: Trump unveiled a limited-edition “Patriot Passport” for America’s 250th, featuring his image and “Welcome, but be good!” as Biden hits back over the Reflecting Pool dispute. Elections: Louisiana’s GOP Senate nomination goes to Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow in a runoff; Democrats’ Jamie Davis wins the other spot. Public Safety: A postal carrier was killed in Wilkes County, N.C., and a man faces first-degree murder charges. Wildfires: Three firefighters died battling Colorado-Utah border fires as the Snyder Fire grows and emergency measures expand. Local Good News: Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign raised a record $633,513 for hunger relief in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Defense Posture: U.S. Marines received new anti-ship and air defense systems in Okinawa, boosting distributed strike capability in the Indo-Pacific. Sports: Klopp calls the U.S. men’s team the best it’s ever been as the World Cup knockout stage begins.

Louisiana Senate Race: Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP Senate nomination in a runoff, beating Treasurer John Fleming, and will face Democrat Jamie Davis in November after Davis won the Democratic primary. U.S.-Iran Escalation: The U.S. struck 10 targets in Iran after a ship attack near the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump warning the ceasefire could collapse and threatening the “Islamic Republic of Iran” won’t exist if violations continue. Markets & War Watch: Stocks hit fresh highs as investors bet the U.S.-Israel/Iran conflict is nearing an end and oil prices ease. Immigration Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling expands federal scrutiny of some green card holders with pending criminal issues when they return from abroad. ICE Leadership: Trump nominated former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE. State Politics (South Dakota): The state’s top election official lost a GOP nomination after a challenger backed hand-counting. Energy: DOE selected TVA for a $400M grant to advance next-gen nuclear at Clinch River. Local Infrastructure (Oregon): ODOT launched a survey on how drivers use the Center Street Bridge ahead of long construction. America 250: Trump unveiled a limited-edition “Patriot Passport” for the 250th anniversary.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court ended temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians, a ruling that could reshape life for thousands in Arizona and beyond. Middle East: Hezbollah rejected a U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework that ties Israel’s withdrawal to Hezbollah disarmament, as Bahrain reported Iranian drone attacks and a ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. AI Policy: OpenAI delayed the public launch of GPT-5.6 and is releasing it only to vetted partners after U.S. authorities raised national security concerns. Politics & Culture: Trump unveiled a new “Patriot Passport” design for the U.S. 250th anniversary featuring his portrait and “Welcome, but be good!” Weather & Safety: A major heat wave is expected to push triple digits across the East, while Utah’s Cottonwood Fire is surging under extreme conditions and has triggered fireworks restrictions. Local Economy: LA Semiconductor’s Pocatello plant is up for sale through a court-approved process after receivership.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: President Trump said he’ll reveal whether there are consequences after Iran’s ceasefire violation involving attacks on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, as U.S. strikes targeted missile/drone sites and radar locations. Public Health: The CDC says many Americans in low-to-medium hospital risk areas can pause mask-wearing, while still urging masks for high-risk counties and on public transit/indoors at airports. Idaho Courts & Schools: A Boise jury awarded a University of Idaho professor $10 million in a defamation case tied to TikTok claims; meanwhile, a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s trans bathroom ban was dropped after a student death. State Demographics: Utah’s growth from 2020-2025 was driven by Latinos, who became nearly half of new residents in key counties. Local Governance: Whitewater, Wisconsin named John Weidl its permanent city manager. Sports & Culture: Christian Pulisic returned for the U.S. ahead of the World Cup knockout round; West Virginia kicked off America250 with a free, 230-foot portable Ferris wheel, while Baltimore’s Sail250 brings tall ships and the Blue Angels to the Inner Harbor. Business: Polestar will exit the U.S. market after failing to get an exemption from a Chinese-linked connected-car tech ban.

World Cup Knockout Set: The U.S. men’s national team topped Group D despite a 3-2 loss to Türkiye, and now faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with Christian Pulisic back from injury. Weather Watch: A widespread heat dome is expected to bake much of the eastern U.S. next week, pushing heat indexes to 100–110 degrees (some spots near 115) and raising fire danger. Classified Docs Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty to illegally retaining classified information; sentencing is set for Oct. 28. Election Rules Fight: The Trump administration is weighing using DHS grant money to pressure states on election practices, including ballot handling and SAVE database use. Auto Tariffs & Labor: GM Korea’s union is nearing a strike after members voted to walk out over wage talks and the company absorbing most of the U.S. tariff burden. Environment & Courts: Seventeen states sued California to block its plastics law, arguing it imposes rules nationwide without a vote. Local Impact: Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson secured $750,000 to remodel Franklin County Medical Center’s long-term care wing into private suites.

Immigration & Courts: The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end legal protections for Haitians and Syrians under TPS and to potentially revive “metering” limits on asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border, while a federal judge in Boston halted Trump’s order to create a federal voter list and restrict mail ballots. Elections: Another court fight continues over Trump’s election moves, including a judge blocking a mail-voting restrictions push tied to a national voter database. Housing vs. Voting: Trump said he won’t sign a major bipartisan housing bill until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, a voter-ID measure that would sharply limit vote-by-mail in many states. Health: A new Supreme Court TPS ruling could affect more than a million people, with advocates warning of deeper humanitarian fallout. Sports & Culture: Team USA scored early vs. Turkey in Inglewood, while Scotland fans are stuck in World Cup limbo after a 3-0 loss to Brazil. Business: MLB proposed capping most free-agent deals at five years and 15% of a team’s salary cap, setting up a new fight with the players’ union.

Immigration Courts & Voting: A federal judge in Boston blocked key parts of Trump’s mail-in voting executive order, limiting federal control over state election administration. Supreme Court Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians and also ruled asylum-seekers can be turned away at the border before “arriving.” Housing & Politics: Trump canceled signing a bipartisan housing bill, tying it to passage of his SAVE Act voter-suppression push. Defense & Foreign Policy: The White House asked Congress for about $87.6B in supplemental funds, mostly for the Iran war, as Israel pressed on in southern Lebanon despite a renewed U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Economy: Final GDP data upgraded first-quarter growth to 2.1%. Public Health: Tick season warnings are rising as Lyme disease risk climbs. Environment/State Watch: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a pesticide linked to Parkinson’s. Disaster Response: Twin earthquakes in Venezuela killed at least 160; Rubio says U.S. rescue and aid are being deployed.

World Cup Watch: The U.S. is likely headed for the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina after Bosnia beat Qatar for third place, with qualification scenarios still in play. Sports Health: USMNT star Christian Pulisic says he’s ready to help in the group finale but is “probably not ready” for 90 minutes after a left calf injury. Tech & Trade: The U.S. is pushing an international accord, “Pax Silica,” to cut Western AI chip supply-chain reliance on China. Elections & Courts: A federal appeals court upheld a block on the Justice Department getting Michigan’s unredacted voter rolls, dealing a blow to Trump’s election overhaul push. Iran & War Powers: Trump says any Iran deal with Strait of Hormuz shipping fees would be “unacceptable,” while Senate Republicans face internal pressure after a war-powers rebuke. Economy & Costs: Trump asks DOJ to probe oil companies over gasoline “gouging” as prices fall. Immigration Policy: USCIS proposes steep increases to naturalization and related fees, with possible limits on fee waivers. Local Business/Jobs: Amazon’s Walla Walla County data-center permit is stalled because a required traffic impact analysis is missing. Bankruptcy: Spirit Airlines’ headquarters sale moves forward with a near-term bid deadline as the airline winds down.