AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Iran Tensions: The U.S. and U.K. are reportedly planning a high-level London conference to build a coalition protecting Strait of Hormuz shipping as Iran rejects “U.S. bullying” and war risks keep energy markets on edge. Markets & Tariffs: Wall Street ended mixed as oil eased and investors weighed Trump tariffs and inflation worries. Tech & Trade: Trump blasted the EU’s €890 million Google antitrust fines and says Washington will launch a Section 301 investigation into alleged unfair treatment of American firms. Immigration Courts: A federal appeals court blocked the Trump administration’s immediate termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, buying time for about 350,000 people. Public Health: The U.S. measles outbreak hit its worst level in decades as vaccination rates keep sliding. Space & Safety: SpaceX completed its 13th Starship test flight, while a Kenmore Air floatplane crash on Washington’s Sucia Island injured 11 but all were rescued and hospitalized. Energy Deal: Kuwait’s KPC signed a $16 billion lease-and-leaseback deal for its oil pipeline network with Blackstone, KKR, and Brookfield.

Federal Courts & Elections: A federal judge blocked the DOJ from getting Kentucky voter rolls, saying the government didn’t explain why it needed the data. Immigration & Education: The DOJ sued Colorado over in-state tuition and aid for illegal aliens, arguing it violates federal law. Congressional Oversight: House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan pressed the DOJ to criminally investigate Jack Smith over alleged non-disclosure to Congress; Smith’s lawyers called it an “unprecedented” theory. National Security: U.S. forces carried out strikes targeting al-Shabaab in Somalia, while U.S. missiles hit Iran amid escalating regional attacks. Trade & Industry: Trump said the U.S. will investigate EU trade practices after new EU fines on U.S. tech firms; separate reports also point to new U.S. tariffs tied to forced-labor claims. Public Health: Measles cases in the U.S. surged past last year’s total, with Florida reporting major outbreaks. State Watch: Wisconsin ranked 8th in a national “State of the States” report and highlighted top-five veteran employment services. Disaster Relief: Central Iowa flood victims can apply for SBA disaster loans tied to July 2–4 storms.

Middle East Tensions: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi condemned President Trump’s plan to use frozen Iranian assets to pay for ship and cargo damage in the Strait of Hormuz, warning it sets a “dangerous precedent” as U.S. strikes continue for a 13th straight night. Trade & Tariffs: Trump’s administration rolled out new Section 301 tariffs—10% on India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, plus 12.5% on other partners—aimed at forced-labor enforcement after a Supreme Court setback hit earlier tariff authority. Defense Posture: The U.S. deployed the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” to Guam for the first frontline Indo-Pacific exercise role, while B-1 bombers reportedly launched from the UK as Iran warned British bases could become targets. Tech & Markets: Singapore’s GIC will add $30B to hedge funds as long-run returns slip, and Bitcoin fell near $64.8K amid Iran-related market volatility. Domestic Courts & Health: A federal judge questioned how testosterone replacement for troops compares with transgender care in a lawsuit over the military ban, as the AAP moved to drop its Florida case.

Education & Courts: West Virginia’s superintendent revoked Del. Elliott Pritt’s teaching certificate after federal charges alleging he enticed a minor online and shared explicit material. Immigration & Justice: A homicide suspect was recaptured after a federal judge ordered his release, with prosecutors accused of withholding a warrant. Politics & Voting: A federal panel denied a preliminary injunction against Tennessee Republicans’ Memphis redistricting, a move critics say diluted Black voting power. War Powers & Iran: Sen. Tammy Baldwin pushed to end the Iran war as the Senate voted down limits and the House passed another war-powers measure; a new poll finds most Americans want the conflict ended now. AI & Security: House lawmakers introduced an “AI kill switch” bill, while reports say a JD Vance Secret Service detail member is under investigation over a possible leak. Health & Consumer Protection: The FTC/DOJ actions included a federal ban on 19 fake Urolithin A supplement sellers; separate reporting highlights rising tick-bite red meat allergies (alpha-gal). Energy & Trade: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark nuclear cooperation deal that could open the door to enrichment talks. Local Watch: Florida’s lobster mini season kicks off with stepped-up Coast Guard and state enforcement.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. carried out a 12th straight night of strikes on Iranian military and maritime targets as Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. facilities in Jordan and Kuwait, while both sides traded warnings over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Congress & War Funding: The House narrowly approved a $95B budget framework that heavily funds the Iran war effort, plus election-related programs and aid for farmers hit by trade actions. Immigration Crackdown Backlash: Sen. Dick Durbin blasted the Trump administration’s immigration raids as “cruel,” arguing the “worst of the worst” claim doesn’t match who was targeted. Judicial Nominations Fight: Durbin urged opposition to Trump’s AG nominee Todd Blanche and criticized Kara Westercamp’s lifetime court nomination over inflammatory past social media posts. Election Security & Courts: An appeals court upheld Peter Navarro’s Jan. 6 subpoena contempt convictions, rejecting his executive-privilege argument. Tech, AI & Policy: Congress faces pressure over AI safety testing as OpenAI-related concerns spur calls for mandatory guardrails. Nuclear Deal Watch: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement, with enrichment questions now headed for congressional review.

Middle East Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN leaders in Manila that Iran’s demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent for global trade. U.S.-China Tensions: Rubio met China’s Wang Yi and discussed preparations for Xi Jinping’s September U.S. visit, while both sides tried to manage disputes amid South China Sea flare-ups. Iran War Fallout: The Pentagon says troops are increasingly dying far from Iran as attacks target distant bases; meanwhile, the U.S. pledged to protect Bulgaria after deploying tanker aircraft to Bezmer Air Base. Congress & Budget: House Republicans pushed a go-it-alone $95 billion plan to fund the Iran war and other White House priorities, despite Democratic objections. Courts & Citizenship: The Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling keeps opposition arguments alive, and a New Jersey judge ordered an immigration detainee released after officials held him past a departure deadline. Energy Policy: Rep. Brett Guthrie unveiled the POWER Act draft aimed at speeding permitting to lower electricity costs. Public Safety: The FBI says a father and son held two federal biologists hostage for more than 15 hours near Mount Shasta before releasing them unharmed. Foreign Policy Watch: Reuters reports the U.S. is moving ahead with a Saudi nuclear pact that could allow enrichment under weaker safeguards, setting up a likely fight in Congress.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. launched a tenth straight night of airstrikes on Iran as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the war has cost about $37.5 billion so far, while Democrats warned against rubber-stamping more funding. Diplomacy vs. Pressure: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is still open to talks, but accused Tehran of not honoring commitments and warned Iran’s Strait of Hormuz demands would set a dangerous precedent. Capitol Hill & Courts: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city can’t enforce an ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, but urged the federal government to act. AI Backlash: A new report says opposition to AI data centers is spreading from protests into state legislatures and online campaigns, with New York leading a moratorium. Fraud & Accountability: Two people pleaded guilty in Minnesota’s housing stabilization fraud scheme, tied to millions billed for services allegedly never provided. Elections Security: New Jersey disclosed a software error that wrongly registered about 6,600 non-citizens as voters, with fewer than 400 later voting. Trade: A 25% tariff on Brazil took effect as Trump’s temporary global levies expire, with exemptions for some products.

U.S.-Iran Escalation: Trump renewed threats tied to Iran’s nuclear work, warning “Pickaxe Mountain” could be targeted as fighting and retaliations keep widening across the region. Middle East Security: Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missiles after a deadly week that included U.S. casualties, underscoring how close the conflict is getting to American bases. Trade & Tariffs: Canada’s premiers met virtually with PM Mark Carney after Trump tariff threats; Ontario’s Doug Ford floated tit-for-tat retaliation, warning of major economic pain. DOJ & Universities: The Justice Department is investigating Harvard’s China-related financial aid practices, raising questions about whether foreign funding rules are being applied in ways that could disadvantage U.S. students. Federal Courts: A federal judge denied a former Loretto Hospital CFO’s bid to dismiss fraud charges tied to alleged COVID-era billing. Politics & Elections: Illinois election officials kept two Latino candidates off the ballot for a retiring House seat after signature shortfalls. Local Life: Bloomington’s ice rink demand is outpacing supply as the city’s ice center ramps up for fall at full capacity.

Middle East Escalation: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim strikes on U.S. air-defense and radar sites in Bahrain and Kuwait as the U.S. says it hit Iranian command centers and missile launch sites, keeping the conflict dangerously active. Diplomacy in Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun meets Trump in Washington as the U.S. pushes Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon “pilot zones” tied to Lebanese Army control and Hezbollah disarmament. Public Health: Michigan lawmakers demand federal answers on the cyclosporiasis outbreak after thousands of cases, while Alabama confirms 28 cases and Nebraska reports a fast surge tied to possible Taco Bell exposure. Trade War: Trump unveils 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian imports over alleged discrimination against U.S. goods, setting up fresh retaliation and higher costs. Courts & Competition: A federal judge pauses Paramount’s $110B Warner Bros. merger for at least two weeks amid state antitrust concerns. Crime & Justice: Mexican cartel boss “El Mayo” Zambada gets life in a U.S. prison. Cyber/Copyright: U.S. seizes 1,000+ domains used to illegally stream the 2026 World Cup.

Mideast Escalation: The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide security warning to Americans abroad as Iran conflict intensifies, citing heightened tensions and possible flight disruptions. Defense & Casualties: The Pentagon identified two U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian attack on a Jordan base, with a third missing as remains are being assessed. Terror Probe in NYC: The FBI says an incendiary device was deployed outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan; the suspect, Andrew Arrabaca, was taken into custody and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating. Hollywood Antitrust: A federal judge temporarily paused Paramount Skydance’s $110B Warner Bros. Discovery merger, saying it likely violates antitrust law, as multiple lawsuits pile up. Travel Safety: The State Department also warned travelers to watch for impostor police scams, especially around document checks and fake currency investigations. Health Policy: Sen. Jon Ossoff pressed the Trump administration over cyclospora monitoring after FoodNet tracking was reportedly made optional. Consumer Tech: JetBlue won Spirit’s LaGuardia slot auction, adding flights at the heavily regulated airport. Wrongful Conviction Case: A Baltimore jury found a detective not liable in an exoneree’s wrongful conviction lawsuit, and a judge dismissed remaining claims.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. carried out another round of heavy strikes on Iran for a ninth straight night after confirming a third American death, as Washington says it’s degrading Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and “swiftly punishing” IRGC forces. Diplomacy in the Background: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun in Washington to discuss a trilateral framework aimed at restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and disarming Hezbollah, with a White House summit planned. Travel Warnings: The State Department renewed a worldwide caution for Americans abroad, warning Iran-aligned groups could target U.S. citizens and interests far beyond the Middle East. Elections & Security: Indiana election officials defended the state’s midterm vote security despite Trump’s public concerns about equipment, voter rolls, and foreign interference. Politics in Maine: Maine’s Jordan Wood suspended his U.S. Senate campaign and endorsed Troy Jackson, as delegates choose a replacement for the late Graham Platner. Public Safety: A mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona left 10 injured, with a suspect in custody. Local Life: Salt Lake City launched a tourism push branding itself “America’s Mountain City,” leaning on dining, sports, and quick access to resorts.

Middle East Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, pressing for U.S. backing to implement a June trilateral framework and push an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Federal Courts & Civil Rights: A judge blocked a full shutdown of a federal internet equity program, saying its race-based funding rules are unconstitutional while keeping most of the program alive. Election Integrity & Security: Trump’s election speech claims China sought access to voter registration data on a massive scale, while critics dispute the conclusions. Immigration Enforcement Oversight: Federal agents were told the FBI will stop investigating confrontations involving ICE, potentially limiting scrutiny of violence by immigration officers. Wildfire Fallout: Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Trump’s criticism of Canada’s wildfire response “absolutely unacceptable,” as smoke and tariffs keep colliding politically. Tech & Safety: The FAA and federal workers must install a White House app built with code from Russian-founded Elfsight, raising security concerns. Health & Policy: A long-running knee-surgery study finds arthroscopic “sham” results can be better than surgery for degenerative cartilage tears, with higher osteoarthritis and reoperation rates after surgery. Public Health Data: Louisiana’s lung cancer rates run above the U.S. average, with only six parishes below it. Travel Advisory: The State Department issued worldwide caution for Americans abroad as Iran-U.S. tensions escalate.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. completed an eighth straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting coastal surveillance, air defenses, and missile/drone storage, after two American troops were killed in Jordan and another was reported missing; Iran retaliated with drone attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, as tensions spiral and both sides trade warnings. Travel & Safety: The State Department issued worldwide travel cautions for Americans as the conflict raises risks across West Asia, while wildfire conditions at home worsened enough for federal officials to raise national wildfire preparedness to Level 5. Legal/Competition: Oregon and 11 states sued to block the $110.9B Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. merger, arguing it would violate antitrust law and reduce competition for films and cable. Tech Policy: DOJ allowed federal employees to download TikTok on official devices again, citing a new security structure after ByteDance’s U.S. data/control changes. Economy/Cost of Living: Sen. Elizabeth Warren attacked Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” saying it boosts tax breaks for the wealthy while cutting Medicaid and food assistance.

U.S.-Iran War Escalation: Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei called President Trump’s signature “worthless,” warned of “unforgettable lessons,” and said Tehran is suspending its MoU commitments after renewed U.S. strikes. Troop Casualties in Jordan: CENTCOM says two U.S. soldiers were killed and one is missing after an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan; four others were treated and discharged. Middle East Diplomatic Pressure: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is set to meet Trump in Washington as U.S.-mediated talks focus on ceasefire steps and Israeli withdrawal plans. Second Amendment Fight: A federal appeals court struck down New Jersey’s AR-15 and magazine bans, setting up a wider legal showdown. Consumer Safety Recall: Target recalled 200,000+ Cat & Jack children’s raffia sandals due to a choking hazard. Wildfire Smoke Health: Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to blanket parts of the U.S., including the D.C. area, with warnings lasting into the weekend. Local Economy/Jobs: Verizon plans layoffs of 54 workers in Washington state, effective Sept. 18.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes as fighting over the Strait of Hormuz intensifies, with Washington saying it hit surveillance and military logistics while Iran claims damage to civilian infrastructure and water systems. Travel Warning: The State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to/through the Middle East amid “potential for unforeseen escalation.” Election Security Push: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to several states alleging up to 250,000 non-citizens may be on voter rolls, while local officials in Louisiana and elsewhere defended their safeguards. DOJ vs. Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s city attorney defended a mask ban for federal agents after DOJ called it unconstitutional. Immigration Rule Change: New limits for international students replace “Duration of Status” with fixed admission periods, adding paperwork and tighter deadlines. Public Health: Real-world data on Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi suggests most patients stay stable or improve. Sports & Campus: Penn State approved tuition increases and a performance bonus for its president; BYU earned academic honors in men’s basketball.

Election Integrity Fight: Republicans in Congress keep circling Trump’s SAVE America Act, but the bill is stuck in limbo as critics say it would federalize elections and tighten voting rules nationwide. Civil Liberties & Press Freedom: Press groups warn that CBP seizures of a journalist’s phones are creating a chilling effect on free expression. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Detroit hit the world’s worst air quality among major cities as Canadian and Minnesota wildfire smoke pushed hazardous conditions across the Midwest and Northeast; Michigan officials also warn about chemical-like odors in the haze. Public Health Alert: The CDC linked a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded Taco Bell iceberg lettuce from a Mexico supplier, warning people in five states to avoid it. Environment & Courts: Conservation groups sued over Trump’s Endangered Species Act rollback, arguing the administration narrowed what counts as “harm” to wildlife. Housing Market: Pending home sales fell sharply in June as high mortgage rates and record prices keep buyers on the sidelines. Politics & States: Nebraska’s Democratic Senate nominee filed to be removed from the November ballot, while Washington’s secretary of state responded to Trump’s election claims. National Security: Russia and China rejected Trump’s claims of election interference as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalates with strikes and counterstrikes.