AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court & Voting Access: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count late-arriving mail ballots, keeping Nevada’s post–Election Day rules intact and rejecting a push for a single federal deadline. AI & Privacy: Minnesota’s first AI “nudification” ban takes effect, letting victims sue platforms and advertisers tied to the technology. Health Care Oversight: A new federal watchdog report says Medicare and Medicaid spent over $12B on assisted-living facilities, prompting calls for tougher quality oversight. Climate & Heat: NOAA warns most of the U.S. will bake through summer with above-average temperatures and heightened wildfire risk as drought spreads. Fourth of July Disruptions: Heat wave conditions threaten events nationwide, with some communities scaling back or canceling. Local Infrastructure: Florida will close State Road 60 for two weeks for CSX crossing reconstruction, creating a major truck detour. Markets: The Texas Stock Exchange begins trading Monday in a bid to challenge Wall Street. Crypto & Sports: Kraken becomes FIFA’s first official crypto exchange supporter for World Cup 2026, aiming at fan engagement and onboarding. History & Memory: A rare 1776 Declaration of Independence broadside was found in UK archives and will be displayed in a U.S. Revolution 250 exhibit.

Election Integrity Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition urging the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule that would restrict mail-in ballots using a federal “eligible voter” list, arguing the USPS has no authority to act as a gatekeeper. Housing Crunch Debate: A Mortgage Bankers Association white paper warns the U.S. could build about 3 million homes too many by 2045, even as today’s affordability crisis is driven by a shortage. Public Accountability: An audit says former Gov. Mike Parson’s office used state aircraft for hundreds of thousands in flights with missing or unclear public purposes, earning a low “fair” rating. Foreign Policy Diplomacy: U.S. and Iran indirect talks in Doha ended with progress on a communications channel and continued work on issues like frozen Iranian assets and Hormuz. Health & Safety: USDA reports new screwworm cases in U.S. animals, all tied to Texas so far, raising pressure for faster control. Local Justice: Sublette County identified human remains found near Sweetwater Gap in September 2025 as John Gillies. Civic Life: Idaho is recruiting volunteers to serve on firing squads after switching its default execution method.

Border Security: Trump’s administration is pushing ahead with a $46 billion “smart wall” on the U.S.-Mexico border, pairing new steel fencing with sensors, cameras, and surveillance towers—despite criticism that it’s militarizing border communities while crossings are at decades-low levels. Iran Talks: U.S.-Iran indirect talks in Doha wrapped up with mediators saying “positive progress,” with the next round set after Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral processions; oil prices fell as supply-disruption fears eased. Heat & Wildfire Risk: Forecasters warn a potentially record-breaking U.S. summer heatwave is building, with extreme temperatures expected over the Fourth of July weekend and drought and wildfire danger across much of the West. Supreme Court & Immigration: New reporting highlights the Supreme Court’s role in clearing the way for the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, setting up deportation pathways. Local 250th Celebrations: Communities across the country are gearing up for America’s 250th birthday with major fireworks and parades, including big Independence Day events in Peoria and Nevada County. Tech & Fraud Concerns: India has asked Meta to delay WhatsApp’s new username feature, citing risks of online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. AI Adoption: A Microsoft study finds Watauga County, North Carolina leads the state in AI use, with about 47% of working-age residents using AI tools.

Voting Rights: A federal judge blocked USPS-backed mail-in voting restrictions pushed by President Trump after ruling they likely conflict with a 2021 settlement tied to timely ballot handling. Elections Watch: Colorado’s Republican governor primary remains razor-thin as Victor Marx cuts into Barb Kirkmeyer’s lead and sits just outside the mandatory recount threshold, with more ballot counts expected. Sports Policy: The Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports, a ruling already triggering local political and legal fallout. Religious Liberty Push: The DOJ released a draft Religious Liberty Commission report urging a broader federal role to protect faith expression in schools and healthcare, including a proposed support hotline. Public Safety: New Mexico State Parks is boosting patrols and enforcement against boating under the influence for the Fourth of July weekend. Justice & Accountability: Washington’s attorney general is launching a probe into the Longview packaging mill disaster that killed 11 workers, alongside other state and federal investigations. Infrastructure & Jobs: The U.S. DOT awarded $24 million to extend Paducah’s main public port in Kentucky, aiming to expand shipping for manufactured goods and agriculture.

Supreme Court & Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, striking down President Trump’s executive push to end automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents, a major setback for his immigration crackdown. Sports & Civil Rights: In a separate ruling, the Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports, keeping Title IX and equal-protection fights in the spotlight. Energy & Grid Reliability: Vermont is spending nearly $4 million a year to keep seven fossil-fuel plants on standby for peak demand, raising questions about cost, reliability, and the pace of clean power. Prediction Markets: Prediction markets surged to about $24B a month, and states including Kentucky and North Carolina are moving to tax providers as legal battles with regulators grow. Local Business & Consumer Rules: Florida’s new law requires restaurants to disclose mandatory fees and service charges before customers order, aiming to reduce tipping confusion. State Politics: Tennessee Republican primary candidate Paul Suarez highlights a service background from the Army to EMT work as he runs for the 32nd District seat. Public Safety & Infrastructure: South Carolina postponed an $8M U.S. 17 road project after resident opposition, with officials promising more traffic assessments and a later public meeting.

Supreme Court Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s attempt to limit citizenship for children born to undocumented or temporary residents, a 6-3 decision that reshapes the immigration fight. Sports Rights: In another major ruling, the Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, with West Virginia’s and Idaho’s laws found consistent with Title IX and the Constitution. Mideast Diplomacy: U.S. and Iranian negotiators met in Qatar with mediators as both sides prepared for talks tied to a Lebanon ceasefire and a broader MoU, while Iran said it won’t enter final negotiations unless key provisions are met. Politics & Health: New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to Congress after months, saying he was hospitalized for depression. State Policy: Florida’s board voted to bar undocumented students from state colleges, joining other states moving toward “prohibitive enrollment.” Economy & Jobs: A report on Whirlpool’s Iowa refrigerator plant says Trump-era tariffs haven’t prevented layoffs and production cuts. Local & Daily Life: Ohio fireworks rules vary by city, and Louisiana’s fire marshal urged safety ahead of the Fourth. Public Safety: A tractor-trailer crash killed a driver on U.S. 23 in Pickaway County.

Supreme Court Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on Trump’s birthright citizenship push, a fight over what the 14th Amendment means for kids born in the U.S. Voting Access: The court also recently backed states’ rules on counting late-arriving mail ballots, limiting Trump’s election overhaul efforts. Federal Power Shift: In a separate major ruling, the court strengthened presidents’ ability to fire leaders of independent agencies, reshaping how the federal government runs. U.S.-Iran Tensions: The U.S. and Iran are sending delegations to Qatar after recent attacks, with Iran saying talks are focused on frozen funds rather than high-level meetings. Trade & Compliance: New apparel compliance steps kick in for importers in July, including CPSC eFiling and California textile recycling rules. Local Politics: Colorado voters head to primary Election Day with in-person and drop-box options, while Generation Z candidates are pushing into races nationwide. Public Safety & Economy: Minnesota export data shows a drop tied largely to mineral fuel sales to Canada, and heat continues to strain budgets and daily life.

U.S. Supreme Court & Voting: The Court upheld state rules letting mail ballots be counted after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then, rejecting a Republican challenge and dealing a blow to efforts to tighten ballot receipt deadlines. Elections in the States: The justices also signaled they’ll weigh whether Arizona must require proof of citizenship for all election registrations, a fight tied to fears about noncitizen voting. U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: Iran left the date of further talks open after a Gulf escalation, while the U.S. said a meeting is planned in Doha—keeping pressure on a fragile stand-down over the Strait of Hormuz. Public Health (Idaho): Idaho launched a “Stroke Smart State” push for faster stroke treatment, emphasizing EMS and quicker care to reduce disability and death. Local Governance (Florida): Florida’s budget included $1 million for the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club to rebuild after Hurricane Milton. Wildfire Tragedy: Three U.S. Forest Service firefighters died battling the Snyder Fire along the Utah-Colorado line as the blaze surged. Tech & Regulation (FDA): FDA’s OPDP letters suggest a sharper focus on how DTC drug ads shape consumers’ overall impressions, not just isolated wording. Kids & Policy: A Democratic proposal would ban social media accounts for children under 16 and push stricter school cellphone limits.

U.S.-Iran Talks: The U.S. and Iran agreed to stop attacks and hold new talks in Qatar to settle the Strait of Hormuz dispute after weekend strikes threatened a fragile ceasefire. Humanitarian Response: U.S. Marines and airmen are expanding airport and port capacity in quake-hit Venezuela as search-and-rescue crews race to find survivors. Immigration Enforcement: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told migrants on temporary protected status to seek permanent residence or leave after a Supreme Court decision narrowed protections. Local Finance: Jersey City will receive $120M in state aid to help close a major budget deficit and pay down prior debts. Voting Access: Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary is underway with ballots already going out; voters can also use early in-person options and absentee voting. Fraud Warning: Advocates say “notario fraud” is worsening as fear and confusion push immigrants toward unqualified scammers. Public Safety: U.S. 395 at the Nevada-California border is closed after a suspected DUI wrong-way crash sent one driver to the hospital in critical condition.

US-Iran Tensions: The US and Iran agreed to halt fresh Gulf strikes and renew talks over the Strait of Hormuz, with a meeting set for Tuesday in Qatar after days of missile and drone exchanges that threatened a fragile interim ceasefire. Regional Security: Iran’s lawmakers warned Tehran will keep asserting control over Hormuz, while Israel also struck Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon amid a separate US-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework. Immigration Policy: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CNN that migrants on temporary protected status should seek permanent residence or leave, after a Supreme Court decision cleared the way for ending TPS for many Haitians and Syrians. Public Health: Arizona PFAS “forever chemicals” have been found in drinking water for nearly 2 million residents, with cleanup expected to take years or decades. Extreme Weather: A heat dome is pushing dangerous, record-level heat across much of the US through the July 4 weekend. Wildfires: Three firefighters died battling wildfires along the Utah-Colorado border as governors declared state emergencies.

US-Iran Tensions: The U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes as negotiations to end the war strain, with Iran warning it could halt talks if attacks continue and drones/missiles hitting Gulf states hosting U.S. forces. Middle East Diplomacy: Israel’s Lebanon ceasefire and security framework remain contested as heritage sites in southern Lebanon take damage amid ongoing strikes. Wildfire & Emergency Response: Utah’s Cottonwood Fire and the Snyder wildfire along the Utah-Colorado border have killed firefighters and triggered disaster declarations and evacuation warnings. State Politics & Budgets: Idaho leaders warn spending cuts are coming as tax cuts drive a forecast shortfall. Immigration Enforcement: Trump’s nomination of former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE raises questions about enforcement direction. Health Policy: A judge blocked a state ban on buying soda with food stamps, while SNAP payment error rates remain a concern. Sports: Utah State men’s basketball snapped a skid with a comeback win over Colorado State, while falling to Nevada in another Mountain West matchup.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. carried out fresh strikes on Iran near the Strait of Hormuz after a tanker was hit, with CENTCOM saying it targeted surveillance, communications, air defense, drone storage and mine-laying sites as the interim truce frays. ICE Leadership: President Trump nominated former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, urging Senate confirmation quickly. SNAP Oversight: USDA reported the SNAP payment error rate hit 10.62% in FY 2025, above Congress’s 6% threshold, with billions in improper payments tied to state calculations. Immigration Casework: U.S. Marshals found a missing child in Olympia, Washington, after a tip tied to potential trafficking risk, and transferred the child to state youth services. State Policy: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a pension overhaul creating a board to manage the $127 billion fund, shifting authority away from the treasurer. Disaster Response: Kentucky Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency as severe flooding prompted rescues and road closures in Garrard County.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. launched new strikes on Iran after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire following a drone hit on a commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and Bahrain trading blame as drones and ships came under attack again. Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy: Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-backed framework tied to Hezbollah disarmament and partial Israeli withdrawal, but Hezbollah warned of civil war and enforcement details remain unclear. U.S.-Iran Politics at Home: A Reuters/Ipsos look at Trump voters finds many doubt the interim Iran deal will hold and fear it could hurt Republicans in November. 250th Anniversary Politics: Trump unveiled another limited-edition U.S. passport rendering featuring his own portrait and “Welcome, but be good,” adding to the controversy over how the celebration is being branded. Courts & Crime: A California appeals court upheld Harvey Weinstein’s 2022 rape conviction but ordered resentencing, while in the U.K. rapist Nicholas Rossi—who fled the U.S. after faking his death—died in hospital. State Watch: Idaho’s governor signed a bill making ballot initiative signature collection harder, and an editorial says state leaders are failing Idahoans on communication and citizen engagement.

Election Law: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and Sec. of State Francisco Aguilar say a federal court permanently blocked key parts of a Trump elections executive order, stopping federal enforcement of changes tied to voter registration, election funding, and ballot counting. Immigration & TPS: South Florida leaders and Democrats urged the U.S. Senate to extend Haiti TPS after the Supreme Court cleared the way to end deportation protections and work permits for hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Middle East: The U.S. carried out airstrikes after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and U.S. officials trading claims about ceasefire violations and a proposed communication line. State Politics: The DNC approved new penalties for states that break the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, aiming to deter “rogue” caucus plans like Iowa’s. Public Health/Benefits: Idaho’s SNAP waiver takes effect next year, restricting benefits from buying candy and soda. Sports (Local): Utah State hired Rob Neilson as BYU’s new women’s volleyball coach; Utah State men’s basketball beat San Diego State to tie for the Mountain West lead.

Immigration Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a major blow to hundreds of thousands as legal fights continue. Second Amendment & Guns: A Virginia judge blocked parts of Spanberger’s gun-control law with a preliminary injunction, while Hawaii’s gun rules face renewed scrutiny after higher-court rulings. Election Integrity Push: California’s slow mail-ballot counting is again being framed by Trump and allies as “cheating,” with investigations announced in Los Angeles. World Cup & Sports: The U.S. fell 3-2 to Turkey in a meaningless group finale, setting up a Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia-Herzegovina. National Security: North Korea’s Kim ordered more “deadly and destructive” offensive posture after weapons tests, as NATO tries to ease strains with the U.S. over Iran. Ukraine Front: Crimea declared a state of emergency amid intensified Ukrainian strikes, bringing outages and fuel shortages. Venezuela Disaster Response: The U.S. sent search-and-rescue teams after deadly twin earthquakes. 250th Anniversary: The Great American State Fair opened with a power outage at a food hall, adding to early questions about the America 250 rollout.

Supreme Court & Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for President Trump to end temporary deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians, a move that could also ripple into other Temporary Protected Status cases. Venezuela Earthquakes: Venezuela declared a state of emergency after twin quakes devastated parts of the north and Caracas, with at least 188 dead and about 1,520 injured as rescue teams race against time. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran attacked a Singapore-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the U.N. maritime evacuation plan to pause, while U.S. and Gulf officials push for de-escalation and safe trade routes. Food & State Budgets: Alabama’s SNAP payment error rate hit 9.52% in fiscal year 2025, raising the state’s potential cost share for benefit mistakes. Florida Immigration Crackdown: Florida confirmed the Alligator Alcatraz detention site is closing permanently after processing more than 22,000 people. Public Safety & Health: Michigan’s state health investigation took over after a Novi DaVita dialysis center closure tied to a patient death and multiple hospitalizations. Economy & Energy: Oregon’s prosperity council urged tax cuts and major changes to boost jobs and growth, while the U.S. approved a Philippines grant to modernize energy governance.