AGP Executive Report

Middle East Escalation: The Trump administration launched another wave of strikes on Iran after an Iranian attack downed a U.S. Apache helicopter, with CENTCOM calling the response “self-defense” and warning of further action if talks fail. Cost of Living: Inflation hit a three-year high, climbing to 4.2% in May, as energy prices and renewed Middle East tensions keep pressure on gas and everyday goods. Voting Rights Fight: DOJ pressed a federal judge in Maryland for unredacted state voter registration lists, but a government lawyer offered little detail on how the data would be used. Consumer Finance: Trump nominated Capital One executive Brian Johnson to lead the consumer financial watchdog, a move critics say could weaken protections while supporters call it pro-consumer-law reform. Catholic Church: U.S. bishops advanced beatification and canonization steps for Minnesota missionary priest Joseph Buh and layman John Rick Miller. Defense & Industry: A Virginia-based firm won a $12.47M contract to service Guam’s submarine fleet, and the U.S. Army awarded work tied to long-range precision artillery. Weather & Health: A dangerous weather outbreak threatened more than 100 million Americans, while Utah’s measles outbreak continued to strain communities.

Immigration Enforcement: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70B bill to fund ICE and CBP for three years, teeing it up for President Trump’s signature and boosting his deportation push. Middle East Escalation: After Iran downed a U.S. Apache near the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said it began strikes on Iran; Trump warned Tehran it will “pay the price,” as Iran retaliated with missiles and drones. Iran Deal Shift: The administration signaled it’s pursuing a nuclear agreement with Iran even without Israeli approval, with Vice President JD Vance saying U.S. national security comes first. Abortion Access: Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and others reintroduced a bill to protect the right to travel for abortion care, aiming to block anti-choice states from restricting cross-border access. Prediction Markets: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and colleagues urged stronger CFTC oversight of prediction markets to curb insider trading and manipulation. Education & Disability Services: California AG Rob Bonta led a multistate lawsuit challenging the Education Department’s move to stop special education grants. Home Insurance Crisis: Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith released a report linking soaring premiums to extreme weather and warning of broader economic fallout. Public Health: Utah’s measles outbreak continues to strain families and clinicians as vaccine-preventable disease returns. Housing Market: Existing home sales rose in May to the strongest pace since early 2026, helped by improving affordability. World Cup & Visas: A Somali referee denied entry to the U.S. returned home to a hero’s welcome, highlighting visa friction around the tournament.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: The U.S. began “self-defense” strikes on Iran after an Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying Iran shot it down and that the U.S. “must” respond; CENTCOM says the pilots were rescued and uninjured, while Iranian state media reported explosions near the Strait. Cuba Policy: Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington called Trump’s new Cuba sanctions a “pretext” for military action, as the U.S. also pledged $100M in humanitarian aid with distribution limited to faith-based and nonprofit groups. Immigration Oversight: A House Oversight hearing focused on alleged abuse in U.S. immigration policy, arguing it creates burdens for taxpayers. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals, including 16 in Tennessee, to post clearer pricing or face penalties. Children’s Well-Being: A new report finds children’s well-being fell in 29 states from 2019 to 2024, with declines in multiple regions. Elections (CA/SC/ME): California’s 22nd District Democrat Randy Villegas and SC’s GOP/DEM races advanced toward November; South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham won the GOP Senate nod, while Maine’s Senate primary remains closely watched. Public Health (Screwworm): USDA confirmed new world screwworm cases moving into Central America/Mexico, with cases now reported in Texas.

Middle East & U.S. Military: A U.S. Army Apache crash near the Strait of Hormuz left two crew members uninjured, as Trump acknowledged the incident while the Iran-Israel conflict keeps escalating. World Cup Fallout: FIFA revoked Iran’s ticket allocation for U.S. matches, adding to visa and entry turmoil around the tournament. Politics & Courts: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee, with the White House signaling an appeal. Voting Rights: DHS plans to let states access federal citizenship data by June 30 while monitoring mail ballots for fraud concerns, as lawsuits challenge Trump’s push to restrict voting by mail. Public Health: CDC expanded enhanced Ebola screening to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson as World Cup travel ramps up. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Trump named Texas cattleman John Bellinger to lead New World screwworm preparedness as new cases are confirmed in Texas and New Mexico. Energy & Industry: The administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new builds, using Defense Production Act authority. Local/Regional: Canada’s PM says the Gordie Howe Bridge across the Detroit River will open by week’s end. Severe Weather: Storms threaten millions with hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes across the Plains into the Great Lakes.

U.S. Politics & Courts: Trump says he’ll ask the Supreme Court to revive his $475 million CNN defamation case, seeking a fresh look at when juries should decide whether statements are defamatory. Immigration & Enforcement: The administration is moving forward with what it calls the largest-ever effort to revoke citizenship, targeting people accused of fraud. Federal Policy & Civil Rights: The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened investigations into Colorado’s Cherry Creek School District over claims of race-based exclusion and unequal treatment in programs and training. National Security & Foreign Policy: Trump claims Iran’s top leader is involved in peace talks and says the leader was injured in a February airstrike; meanwhile, the White House is pressuring Oman to cut ties with Iran over Strait of Hormuz shipping concerns. Economy & Industry: U.S. Steel plans up to $2.5 billion in upgrades at its Pittsburgh-area Mon Valley Works. Public Safety & Agriculture: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas, prompting alerts for livestock owners across nearby states. Space & Defense: The Space Force is seeking industry partners to expand small and medium vertical launch capabilities at Vandenberg. Local Impact: Kentucky’s transportation agency backed off a proposed “road diet” on Dixie Highway after pushback from Northern Kentucky communities. Sports & Culture: Trump’s attendance at NBA Finals Game 3 in New York triggered major security perimeters and longer fan entry lines.

White House & Sports: President Trump will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden—his first as a sitting president—despite previously trashing the NBA, with the city tightening security and canceling most nearby watch parties. Election Integrity: The FBI is contacting Wisconsin election officials tied to the 2020 probe, raising questions about what records could be sought and how local jurisdictions will respond. Immigration Enforcement: The Justice Department plans to seek denaturalization for 17 U.S. citizens accused of immigration fraud, expanding Trump’s citizenship crackdown. Middle East & Energy: Israel halted strikes on Iran at Trump’s request, while the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchange Nobitex, and a Fed study says today’s oil shocks are hitting inflation and jobs less than in the 1970s. Health Care Costs: A new poll finds many Americans blame big health insurers for rising medical costs and worry about denials or delays. Tech & Trade: Lawmakers introduced a bill to block Chinese-connected vehicles entering via Canada and Mexico over data and surveillance concerns. Business & Jobs: TOYO plans a $357M 1.5 GW solar cell plant in Houston, aiming for hundreds of manufacturing jobs.

Middle East Diplomacy: Trump told reporters Netanyahu has “no choice” but to accept any U.S.-Iran deal, while also urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran’s missile barrage—oil jumped above $92 as the exchange raised fears of wider conflict. Sanctions & Finance: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Iran’s Nobitex crypto exchange, alleging it helps the IRGC dodge sanctions. Economy & Energy: A Fed study says oil shocks from the Iran war are adding less to inflation and employment than in the 1970s, even as analysts warn supply disruptions remain severe. Public Safety: Five people were stabbed at New York’s Penn Station on the eve of Trump’s visit; the suspect was taken into custody. Sports (LA): Nelly Korda won the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera for a second straight major, clinching with a dramatic final putt. Local Transit (WA): Seattle-area light rail ridership surged after the new floating-bridge line opened, making it the No. 1 daily system in the U.S. Politics (CA): Spencer Pratt fell to third in the LA mayor’s race as Nithya Raman gained ground.

Middle East Tensions: Iran and the U.S. traded strikes as Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait, with CENTCOM saying U.S. forces shot down Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz; the U.S. is also weighing letting Gulf allies use frozen Iranian assets for war damages. Trump-Iran Diplomacy: Trump told NBC’s “Meet the Press” he won’t unfreeze Iranian assets or lift sanctions until a peace deal is reached, and said the key sticking point is preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon—even via outside purchases. Counterintelligence Alarm: U.S. officials raised Israel’s spying threat level to the highest category amid concerns Israel is eavesdropping on U.S. Iran negotiators. White House AI Shakeup: Senior AI adviser Sriram Krishnan is set to leave at month’s end, adding to a string of Trump administration departures. Defense & Tech: Lockheed plans flight testing for PrSM Increment 4 (range over 1,000 km) and Ukraine authorized its MAC OWL armored vehicle for service. Sports & Culture: Nelly Korda surged into a share of the U.S. Women’s Open lead; the U.S. men’s team lost 2-1 to Germany in Chicago ahead of the World Cup.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: The U.S. says it will try to redirect Iranian assets to help Gulf allies pay for reconstruction and repairs after recent attacks, as peace talks stall and the ceasefire faces fresh strain. White House/Defense: Reports claim the Trump administration is alarmed by alleged Israeli spying tied to Iran negotiations, which the White House and Israel deny. World Cup Visa Fight: Iran accuses the U.S. of “vindictive behavior” after visas were refused for key World Cup team officials, even as Iranian players reportedly got approval. North Korea: Kim Yo-jong calls Pyongyang’s nuclear status “absolutely irreversible,” ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit. Sports (Women’s Open): Nelly Korda seized a share of the lead at the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera, tied with Sei Young Kim at 6-under after a birdie finish. Local Pride: Boston’s Pride Parade blended protest and celebration under the theme “Pride as Protest since 1776.” NBA Finals Security: MSG and the Secret Service are tightening screening and enforcing a no-bag policy for Game 3 as Trump attends.

Economy & Jobs: The U.S. added 172,000 jobs in May, with unemployment steady at 4.3%, as Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling credits the administration’s push for high-paying work. Housing Costs: A TD Bank survey finds 74% of Americans would consider Trump’s proposed 50-year mortgage, even as experts warn it could mean far more interest. Politics—California: Ballot counting continues in California’s governor’s race, with Xavier Becerra projected to advance; scrutiny and a federal probe are tied to the slow count. Immigration & Enforcement: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended threats to restrict customs processing at some airports, while Democrats pressed questions about federal officers and court orders. Foreign Policy—Iran: The U.S. and Iran remain locked in escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. forces intercepting drones and striking radar sites. World Cup—Visas & Diplomacy: Iran’s World Cup team faces visa problems for some staff as the U.S. warns against “sneaking terrorists” into the country. Health: A U.S. doctor infected with Ebola in Congo has recovered and was released from a German hospital. Crime & Courts: The U.S. moved to dismiss a lawsuit over deadly U.S. military boat strikes, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction.

Federal Courts & Elections: The U.S. Senate confirmed Kansas nominee Jeff Kuhlman to the federal bench in a party-line vote, with two other Kansas picks still headed for consideration. Sports & Local Pride: Quinnipiac women’s rugby players sued over the school’s move to cut the program from varsity to club status, alleging Title IX retaliation and unequal support. World Cup in the U.S.: Iran’s World Cup team received U.S. visas for players and key staff, clearing the way for matches near Los Angeles as tournament logistics ramp up. National Politics: Trump attacked Sen. Thom Tillis over his “red line” on confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Health & Policy: CMS finalized a Medicaid work requirement rule starting in 2027, with major coverage-loss projections. Economy & Tech: YouTube Premium prices are rising in June, and the Fed faces pressure as strong jobs data boosts rate-hike expectations. Foreign Affairs: The U.S. shot down Iranian drones aimed at the Strait of Hormuz and struck radar sites afterward.

Economy Watch: The U.S. added 172,000 nonfarm jobs in May, unemployment held at 4.3%, and hiring gains showed up in leisure/hospitality, local government and health care. White House & Immigration: A report says Trump’s DOGE team pushed to put nearly 3 million living people into the Social Security “Death Master File” to help drive out migrants. Tech & Privacy: Meta is reportedly building facial recognition into its smart glasses via code in its AI app, raising fresh concerns about surveillance. National Security & Politics: The Senate is stuck in a FISA fight as lawmakers clash over extending spy powers amid backlash tied to Trump’s DNI pick, Bill Pulte. Health & Food: A new survey finds 79% of Americans check nutrition labels at least sometimes, with calorie count and sugars drawing the most attention. Texas Agriculture: New World screwworm was confirmed in a Zavala County calf, triggering quarantines and an “infested zone” as officials work to stop spread. Michigan Remembrance: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff for the June 6 funeral of former Rep. Joe Schwarz.

White House & Foreign Policy: President Trump downplayed any need to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, calling it “entombed,” while also saying he’s not seeking a meeting with Iran’s supreme leader—though he left the door open if a deal is reached. Congress & War Powers: The House passed a bipartisan resolution requiring congressional approval for continued military action against Iran, setting up a tougher fight in the Senate. Education: The U.S. Department of Education warned Colorado’s JeffCo Public Schools it could lose federal funding over alleged Title IX violations tied to transgender student policies. Public Safety: Federal investigators launched a probe into Atlanta’s MARTA after back-to-back stabbings, focusing on security spending and passenger safety protocols. Health & Agriculture: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm fly in south Texas, a major threat to the U.S. cattle industry. Politics (Statehouse): Colorado Democrats head to a June 30 governor primary between Sen. Michael Bennet and AG Phil Weiser. Sports & Culture: Trump says he’ll attend an NBA Finals game next week at Madison Square Garden.

White House & Congress Clash Over Iran War Powers: President Trump blasted House Republicans and Democrats after a rare bipartisan vote to limit his military authority on Iran, warning it could derail negotiations. Customs & Federal Workforce: Trump signed executive orders tightening customs enforcement and pushing federal workforce reforms, aiming to curb import-export rule dodging. Attorney General Pick: Trump says he will nominate Todd Blanche as attorney general. Public Safety: DOT launched an investigation into MARTA after recent stabbing attacks, citing security spending and safety protocol concerns. Health Coverage: HHS is overhauling the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, raising worries about how insurers cover screenings. Environment & Risk: Michigan faces extreme wildfire danger; Minnesota reports rising Boundary Waters permit cancellations. Tech & AI: IBM’s Think Gov 2026 spotlights scaling AI and automation in government. Economy & Markets: Jobless claims rose; oil and gas pressures remain tied to Iran tensions. Sports & Culture: Trump plans to attend NBA Finals Game 3 in New York; Disney’s Monstropolis land is taking shape in Florida.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to restrict President Trump’s Iran war powers, with four Republicans joining Democrats—setting up a likely veto fight. Trump-Iran Talks: Trump claimed Iran agreed to forgo nuclear weapons but warned the deal could change; Iran’s officials pushed back, saying its program is peaceful and non-military. Middle East Markets: Stocks slid as investors weighed renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and Lebanon developments; oil rose and gold fell. White House Tech: A “White House App” is reportedly being pushed onto government devices, with a hidden feature that lets users send Trump a pre-set compliment. California Politics: California’s June 2 governor primary results are rolling in, with Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, and Tom Steyer leading early polling. Local Spotlight: Spokane ICE protest fallout centers on police delays; Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward plans a free, three-day soccer kickoff festival. Sports & Culture: USMNT’s Chris Richards trains alone as World Cup status remains uncertain; Greenville marks America’s 250th with a weekend of events.

Cancer Breakthroughs: ASCO spotlighted new oncology data, including pancreatic cancer drugs that at least doubled survival in trials, with Revolution Medicines and Merck drawing top analyst buzz. Trump & Intelligence: Trump named FHFA director Bill Pulte as acting national intelligence director, drawing sharp pushback over his lack of national security credentials. Trade & Canada Tensions: U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra revived Trump’s “51st state” talk as Canada’s PM Mark Carney shrugged it off ahead of trade talks; the U.S. also moves toward forced-labor import levies and broader tariff plans. Markets & Inflation Watch: Gold keeps climbing past U.S. Treasuries as the biggest reserve asset while oil jumps on U.S.-Iran strikes, stalling a record U.S. stock rally. Jobs: Job openings hit a two-year high with 7.6 million openings in April, even as hiring cooled slightly. Middle East: Iran-U.S. talks continue via mediators despite big gaps, while Hezbollah rockets and Israeli strikes test a U.S.-mediated Lebanon ceasefire. Public Health: Colorado logged its 23rd measles case; officials are investigating possible local exposure. Education Staffing: Louisiana and other states face major teacher shortages, with thousands of unfilled roles and many teachers not fully certified. Energy & Infrastructure: The Army Corps awarded an $85M design/engineering contract for Great Lakes invasive carp prevention at Brandon Road; Urenco plans major uranium enrichment expansion in New Mexico. Agriculture Alert: USDA says New World screwworm was detected in Mexico near the border, keeping Texas on watch. California Politics: California’s governor primary remained too close to call early Wednesday as votes were still being counted.