AGP Executive Report

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to force President Trump to withdraw from the Iran war and require Congress to approve further military action, with four Republicans joining Democrats. Middle East Diplomacy: Lebanon-Israel ceasefire talks in Washington wrapped up with a focus on a full ceasefire and phased steps, with a June 22 session set to resume. Economy Under Pressure: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to face Senate Finance questioning as lawmakers press on costs, tariffs, and the administration’s economic plan. Tech & Markets: SpaceX set its IPO at $135 a share, aiming to raise up to $75 billion and valuing the company at $1.77 trillion. Health & Regulation: The FDA accepted Pharming’s resubmitted drug application for Joenja (leniolisib) for children ages 4-11 with APDS, with an Oct. 24, 2026 decision target. Immigration & Courts: Washington state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take a redistricting challenge, arguing lower courts should apply a recent Voting Rights Act ruling. Public Safety: A Michigan woman was charged after a crash involving a stolen U-Haul van following a police pursuit. Human Rights: The UN says sexual violence is a major feature of Sudan’s war, with women describing rape, forced captivity, and extortion.

Intelligence Shake-Up: President Trump tapped Bill Pulte, a housing regulator with no known intelligence background, as acting head of the U.S. intelligence community—sparking alarm from former lawmakers who warn it could undermine national security. Middle East Tensions: Trump said he’s “a little bit perturbed” by Israel’s fighting with Hezbollah even as U.S.-Iran strikes and ceasefire talks continue to churn. California Politics: In the California governor’s race, Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra lead while the outcome stays too close to call as late ballots keep rolling in. Legal Immigration Test Case: A federal judge paused sentencing for former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, weighing whether her obstruction conviction should be overturned amid shifting immigration court rulings. National Security & Courts: A judge is also reviewing whether to toss Dugan’s verdict, an early test of how courts respond to Trump’s immigration crackdown. Public Health: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak “had a big head start” but testing is improving as confirmed cases rise. Local Community: A New Hampshire mother is asking the public to help find her daughter’s missing stuffed animal, “Hoppy,” after a camping trip. Food Aid: Myron’s Meal Mobile is continuing summer meals for kids in Mercer County for a sixth straight year.

U.S. Politics: Iowa’s Josh Turek won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, setting up a November matchup with Republican Ashley Hinson. Elections: Montana’s GOP primary for an open U.S. Senate seat went to Kurt Alme, while California House races advanced multiple Democrats and Republicans to the general election. Courts & Civil Rights: A federal appeals court heard arguments over whether the Trump administration can dismantle slavery-related exhibit panels at Philadelphia’s President’s House site ahead of July Fourth. Education Policy: The Trump Education Department is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights advocates. Foreign Policy & War: U.S. forces carried out “self-defense” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island after attempted attacks, as U.S.-Iran talks show mixed signals. Tech & Business: McDonald’s is testing voice-activated drive-thru AI again in select locations. Trade & Economy: The U.S. is moving on tariffs, including a proposed 25% tariff on Brazil, while Vietnam’s trade growth continues with the U.S. as a top export market.

U.S.-Mexico Border Security: Federal officials say they uncovered a 2,000-foot drug-smuggling tunnel linking Mexico to California, arresting four people tied to more than $45 million in cocaine. Middle East Diplomacy: Secretary Marco Rubio laid out conditions for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, blaming Iran for attacks on commercial vessels and mining international waters, as Israel and Lebanon began a new round of direct talks in Washington. Iran Talks Under Strain: Rubio told lawmakers he sees signs Iran’s new supreme leader is “engaged,” but negotiations remain unclear as ceasefire language keeps slipping amid continued fighting. Politics in Washington: AP reports Texas AG Ken Paxton and Maine Democrat Graham Platner are in D.C. seeking party backing, with Paxton meeting President Trump. Tech & Policy: Trump signed an order pushing agencies to seek early access to “frontier” AI models. Transportation & Safety: Honda recalled nearly 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. over airbag issues, and the Air Force lifted a pause on T-38 flight operations after a May crash. Legal & Courts: Montana AG Knudsen praised the Senate confirmation of Katie Lane as a federal judge. Local Crime: A Macomb County woman was charged after allegedly fleeing police in a stolen U-Haul cargo van.

World Cup Rules: U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino and other teams can use laptops during 2026 World Cup matches, including during new mid-game hydration breaks, as long as players don’t leave the pitch. Elections & Courts: Democrats are appealing a judge’s refusal to block Trump’s anti-mail voting order, arguing it could disenfranchise voters by reshaping ballot delivery rules. Middle East & Energy: Iran has suspended talks with the U.S. and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz after Israeli strikes in Lebanon, raising fears of oil-price spikes. Immigration & Detention: A New Jersey detention facility near the Statue of Liberty is criticized for alleged abuse and poor conditions as deportation efforts continue. Tech & Markets: The SEC defended its Musk/Twitter settlement, saying it wasn’t collusion after a judge raised concerns about special treatment. Housing & Cost of Living: New data points to a potential 2026 housing rebound in select metro areas, while scam losses to internet fraud keep climbing for Americans over 60. Defense & Space: Space Force selected Northrop Grumman to demonstrate orbital interceptor tech for the Golden Dome missile defense plan. Sports: Oklahoma State’s Preston Stout won the NCAA individual golf title, earning U.S. Open and Masters exemptions.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: Iran says it’s halting indirect talks with the U.S. as Israel pushes deeper into Lebanon, while the U.S. reports intercepting two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at American forces in Kuwait—oil prices jump on the renewed risk. Immigration Ruling: The Supreme Court says immigrants who got Temporary Protected Status but entered illegally can’t apply for green cards, tightening a key path to permanent residency. Capitol Security: A woman was arrested after attacking U.S. Capitol Police with a baseball bat, and a Capitol Police officer was charged for allegedly obstructing the January 6 investigation by urging a participant to delete posts. Defense & Tech: The Army is seeking major THAAD interceptor funding and nearly $2.9B for counter-drone systems, while Anthropic confidentially files for a U.S. IPO. Economy & Cost Pressure: A survey finds U.S. financial literacy at a 10-year low, and the U.S. is also facing market jitters tied to the stalled U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Local & Daily Life: DoorDash named a Brooklyn “Doughnut Plant” among the nation’s top local shops ahead of National Doughnut Day. Sports: Serena Williams announces her return to competitive tennis at Queen’s Club.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: The State Department’s Marco Rubio pushed a new Israel-Lebanon de-escalation idea tied to Hezbollah stopping attacks first, while Israel moves deeper into Lebanon despite a ceasefire. Defense & Security: Iran’s IRGC claimed it struck a U.S. air base tied to a telecom attack, as the U.S. keeps pressure in the Strait of Hormuz with military actions against vessels. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International accused the U.S. military of an “unconscionable” campaign of extrajudicial killings at sea, citing a growing strike toll. Courts & Elections: DOJ asked a judge to recuse herself in a Georgia voter-records case, alleging bias tied to Fulton County DA Fani Willis. Economy & Trade: Little Rock’s data center rules face pushback from an environmental panel over water use and protections. Markets/Tech: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is set to visit Naver in Seoul amid AI infrastructure competition. Sports (U.S. focus): Christian Pulisic helped spark the U.S. men’s 3-2 friendly win over Senegal ahead of the World Cup. Energy: The U.S. is weighing a push for small nuclear reactors, aiming to expand nuclear capacity despite cost and licensing hurdles.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: Iran’s parliament speaker says Tehran won’t sign any deal with Washington until Iranian rights are secured, as U.S. officials continue to float a possible ceasefire extension. Middle East Tensions: The U.S. carried out another strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing three and marking the fourth such attack this week. Economy & Inflation: A White House adviser touts rising wages, but new inflation data keeps many Americans worried. Workplace Rules: Illinois, Oregon, and Washington are rolling out new June employment laws that expand worker protections and add employer compliance duties. NATO & China: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth renewed pressure on allies to boost spending while signaling alarm over China’s military rise. Public Safety: A meteorite landing in Cape Cod Bay is being investigated after a loud boom was reported across the Northeast. Local Watch: Cape Coral held a hurricane preparedness expo, and Belle Plaine dug up its 1976 time capsule ahead of a July 4 public display. Politics & Campaigns: Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces fresh controversy after reports of sexually explicit texts, with his wife responding publicly.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: Iran says it shot down a U.S.-Israeli “Orbiter” drone over Qeshm Island, while the U.S. says it continues to defend forces amid negotiations and warns about Hormuz. Middle East Diplomacy: Lebanon’s leaders pressed Washington to stop Israel’s escalation, but reportedly heard hard Israeli conditions: no ceasefire, no ground retreat, and no withdrawal from South Lebanon without steps on Hezbollah weapons. Defense & Alliances: AUKUS partners (U.S., U.K., Australia) announced deeper undersea drone cooperation, aiming to field new unmanned undersea payloads and effectors. Immigration Enforcement: Protests escalated at ICE’s Delaney Hall in Newark, with hunger strikes alleged, state police deployed, and arrests reported as advocates and officials trade blame. Economy Watch: A new report warns Americans are draining savings to keep spending, raising questions about how long the consumer-driven economy can last. Health & Politics: The White House released Trump’s latest Walter Reed physical, saying he remains in “excellent health” and “fully fit.” Sports Spotlight: Zachary Svajda kept rolling at the French Open, reaching the fourth round while honoring his late father.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. is ready to restart strikes on Iran if talks fail, as negotiators work toward a deal that would extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Courts & Federal Power: A federal judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center, and another judge pressed lawyers over whether a Trump-linked $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund deal involved fraud. Trade & Tariffs: The Justice Department says it will appeal a ruling that could trigger broad refunds of tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: New research finds intensified ICE activity reshaped the childcare workforce, cutting capacity and hitting immigrant women hardest. Public Safety: A chemical tank rupture at a Washington paper mill killed 11, while Nevada and other areas reported deadly highway crashes. China Influence Scrutiny: A Southern California mayor pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, renewing fears about Beijing’s reach. Ebola Response: Kenya’s high court temporarily blocked a U.S. Ebola quarantine facility for Americans, and the U.S. said it’s engaging Kenyan authorities to resolve objections.

White House Court Fight: 143 lawmakers led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Robert Garcia and Rep. Jared Huffman filed an amicus brief urging a D.C. appeals court to stop Trump’s planned White House East Wing demolition and a $1B ballroom build without Congress. Federal Funding Blocked: A judge temporarily halted Trump’s $1.776B “anti-weaponization” fund, freezing payouts while legal challenges play out. Voting Rules in Limbo: A federal judge declined to block Trump’s mail-in voting executive order for now, but left room for future challenges. Iran Deal Uncertainty: Iran’s semi-official Fars says Trump’s reported Iran deal claims don’t match the draft under review, as negotiations hinge on Trump’s final sign-off. Crypto Regulation Push: The CFTC approved Kalshi’s first U.S. bitcoin perps and issued guidance for Coinbase, expanding the regulated market for perpetual futures. Tech/Finance: Paxos won SEC approval for clearing and settlement services, positioning it as a central securities depository for equities. Politics & Access: The Supreme Court sent a Native American voting rights case back after a ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act’s enforcement. Cost of Living: Costco and Walmart report shoppers are changing gas-buying habits as prices stay high. Space: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explosion threatens NASA’s Artemis timeline.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: Negotiators reached a tentative 60-day ceasefire extension and plan new nuclear talks, but the deal still hinges on President Trump’s approval as both sides trade strikes and officials debate whether a final agreement is near. Markets & Energy: Copper jumped to a two-week high after ceasefire headlines, while global investors watched oil and equities for signs the Middle East risk premium could ease. Foreign Terror Designations: The State Department added Brazil’s Comando Vermelho and Primeiro Comando da Capital to the U.S. foreign terrorist organizations list, aiming to disrupt cross-border networks tied to violence and drugs. Space Industry: Blue Origin’s New Glenn suffered a major setback after an explosion during a Florida hotfire test; officials say no injuries, but the incident raises questions for future launches. Elections & Voting Rights: Oregon’s top election officials pushed back after a judge declined to block Trump’s mail-vote limits, keeping the court fight alive. Health Care & Fraud Oversight: Ohio Medicaid waiver fraud is set for a new task force hearing, spotlighting alleged shell-company billing for care services never delivered. Local Watch: A Dallas residential gas explosion killed at least one person and injured others as investigators work to determine the cause.

U.S.-Iran Ceasefire on Shaky Ground: A reported 60-day MOU to extend the Iran ceasefire and restart nuclear talks is still awaiting President Trump’s final approval, even as Iran and the U.S. trade strikes and Iran claims it hit a U.S. base in Kuwait after U.S. action near the Strait of Hormuz. Elections: A federal judge refused to block Trump’s mail-voting executive order for now, saying the lawsuit is premature because the order hasn’t taken effect yet. Supreme Court: Justices revived a Mississippi death-row inmate’s Batson claim, pushing the case back on racial bias in jury selection. Health & Pharma: FDA approved AbbVie’s DECNUPAZ for adult BPDCN, backed by the CADENZA trial. Economy & Markets: Fed’s preferred inflation gauge rose to 3.8% in April, while bitcoin slid below $73,000 amid renewed Middle East tensions and ETF outflows. Environment: An EWG analysis found PFAS pesticides in about half of California surface-water and sediment samples.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: The White House dismissed an Iranian state TV “draft deal” as a total fabrication, even as Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will be “open to everybody” with the U.S. “watch[ing] over it,” amid fresh defensive strikes and Iran’s IRGC claiming it hit a U.S. airbase after actions near Bandar Abbas. Markets & Cost of Living: Oil jumped above $90 as the standoff flared, while a Primerica Household Budget Index report said middle-income purchasing power slid as gas prices rose sharply. Federal Reserve: Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said the Fed should keep its focus on getting inflation back to 2% because the labor market has stayed “very resilient” despite the energy shock. Space & Defense Economy: SpaceX Starship launches are paused pending an FAA probe after a test-flight mishap, while Applied Aerospace plans a $683 million IPO. Courts & Culture: A lawsuit fight over adding Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center continues, with the center’s executive director arguing funding ties could be harmed if the name is removed. Business & Energy: ExxonMobil shareholders approved moving its legal home from New Jersey to Texas. Public Safety: A chemical tank implosion at a Washington paper mill killed two and left nine missing.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy Under Pressure: President Trump told his Cabinet the U.S. is “not satisfied” with Iran’s proposal, warning the U.S. may have to “finish the job” if talks fail, as negotiations continue over a ceasefire, nuclear limits, and Strait of Hormuz access. Markets Watch: Oil prices slid as traders saw signs of incremental progress in U.S.-Iran talks, even after fresh “self-defense” strikes raised escalation fears. Public Health Crisis: The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is “outpacing” containment and nearing a “catastrophic” tipping point, with violence and security concerns hampering care and response. College Sports Rules: A bipartisan Senate bill would regulate college athlete pay, limit transfers, and create a “Lane Kiffin Rule” to restrict coach movement during the season. Local Voting Guide (SC): Early voting is underway statewide ahead of June 9 primaries, with county-by-county locations and rules for party-free voting. Rural Healthcare & AI: Health systems say rural care gaps can’t wait for AI adoption, pushing for immediate, high-impact uses by frontline staff. Memorial Day & Community: American Legion posts held Memorial Day ceremonies honoring fallen veterans across multiple communities.

World Cup Buzz: U.S. pundits are calling Australia’s FIFA chances a “lay-up,” but Socceroos players tell ESPN they’re fired up to prove them wrong when the teams meet in Seattle June 19. Sports Roster Watch: Mauricio Pochettino named the USMNT’s 26-man World Cup squad, with Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie leading a group split evenly between veterans and first-timers. Tennis: Jannik Sinner cruised in his French Open return, extending a 30-match winning streak as he chases the one title still missing. Climate & Health: Europe’s early heat is breaking records, with officials warning about risks as deaths linked to the wave are reported. Markets: Wall Street hit fresh highs; Asian shares mostly rose and oil slipped after the U.S. rally. Immigration Court: A federal appeals court gave Mahmoud Khalil more time to fight a deportation push. Texas Politics: Ken Paxton’s runoff win sets up a tough November matchup against Democrat James Talarico. Public Safety: A chemical tank implosion in Washington state killed at least one and left nine missing.