AGP Executive Report

Federal Policy & Courts: USDA expands payment limitation and eligibility rules for farmers, letting more producers structure farm entities without shrinking access to the farm safety net. Energy & Grid Reliability: A new warning flags PJM’s emergency peak power shortfall by June 2027, raising the odds of blackouts as demand from data centers and electrification strains aging infrastructure. Commercial Real Estate & Efficiency: Green Building Alliance is running a free “Commercial Building Energy Efficiency 101” session June 23, focused on cutting electricity and gas use for nonprofits, schools, hospitals, and light manufacturing. Logistics & Transportation: FedEx elected Mark Edmunds to its board, adding deep audit/finance and cyber oversight experience. Food Industry: FERM FOOD is launching a gluten-free, fermented binder aimed at improving structure and reducing crumbliness in industrial gluten-free bread. Local Hospitality: citizenM will debut its third Washington, D.C. hotel—citizenM Washington, D.C. Georgetown—opening in June 2026. Public Works Procurement: Clackamas County posted multiple paving and park project bid notices using online submission through Bid Locker.

Grid Reliability: A warning tied to PJM’s eastern power system says emergency peak capacity could run out by June 2027, raising the odds of blackouts as demand from data centers and electrification climbs. Federal IT & Cyber: GSA is pushing a “single portal” vision for federal services, while CISA begins a hiring push for 329 employees to modernize cyber, infrastructure security, and emergency communications. Immigration & Work Visas: A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B surcharge as an unlawful “tax” without Congress’s backing. Apparel Supply Chain: AAFA released a public glossary of traceability terms for apparel, footwear, and accessories to standardize how the industry talks about tracking and compliance. Defense Cyber Compliance: BrightlineIT says it achieved CMMC Level 2, positioning it for defense and regulated clients. DC Business & Industry: A D.C. hiring/operations angle shows up in the broader federal tech push, alongside local infrastructure and service-access modernization. Sports/Events: UFC Freedom 250 is set for the White House South Lawn with a prime-time broadcast on Paramount+.

Food & Processing Policy: USDA rolled out a Small Processors Action Plan to help small and very small meat and poultry plants get faster help and clearer processes, alongside a new round of funding for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. Energy & Courts: The Supreme Court sent back a Biden-era fight over gas furnace and water-heater efficiency rules, and a D.C. judge vacated an IRS notice that limited wind and solar tax credit treatment. Grid Reliability: The D.C. Circuit backed FERC’s rejection of a PJM grid-planning approach that would have reduced member-committee approval for certain decisions. AI & Infrastructure: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revived the idea of AI as a metered “utility,” tying AI access to electricity, water, and internet-style billing. Housing: Analysts say mortgage-rate pressure is likely to slow house-price growth in 2026 and into 2027. Local Business & Tech: A veteran-run vending startup is expanding smart, healthier vending contracts in the Washington area. Security & Diplomacy: VP JD Vance weighed U.S.-Israel ties and Iran negotiations as Washington seeks a path to end the conflict.

Rail & Logistics: The Association of American Railroads says May brought strong gains in U.S. rail carload and intermodal volumes, using its Rail Industry Overview to flag freight as a near-term economy barometer. Local Governance: Charlestown is postponing zoning consideration for a proposed 55,000-square-foot data center after a public listening session was scheduled. Energy & Policy: A D.C. federal judge vacated IRS guidance that had tightened when wind and solar tax credits could be claimed, a win for renewable developers. Tech & Regulation: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declined Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s request to testify on AI innovation and export controls. Construction & Housing: A D.C.-area housing market update from Bright MLS’s chief economist is set for a Washington, D.C. CEO forum this fall. USDA Workforce: An internal union poll says most USDA Food and Nutrition Service employees would rather quit than relocate after the agency shuttered its Washington, D.C. headquarters. Digital Assets: A Washington, D.C. legal roundtable highlighted growing opportunities—and compliance hurdles—in tokenized securities. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Amazon is expanding European fulfillment centers with more than $10B and new robots, aiming to add 25,000 jobs.

White House UFC fight legal fight: A federal lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C. seeks to block UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn, arguing the Interior Department and National Park Service skipped required environmental review and proper authorization for major federal action. USDA workforce shake-up: The Agriculture Department is telling some Food Safety and Inspection Service employees they must choose by June 30 to relocate or accept separation, with removal for not reporting to a new duty station. D.C. housing pressure: A new look at D.C.’s housing reality finds cautious optimism alongside landlord strain, as residents and policymakers wrestle with affordability and stability. Energy reliability: ISO New England says it expects enough power for summer demand peaks, warning conditions could get tight if generation losses hit during hot weather. Local politics, local stakes: WTOP published candidate questionnaires for D.C. Ward 6 and the D.C. attorney general race, spotlighting priorities ahead of the June primary. Public health research: New TORCH infection findings suggest risks persist even as vaccination improves, underscoring the need for sustained surveillance and targeted prevention. Mining market access: Great Western Mining says its shares will begin trading on OTCQB in the U.S. under ticker GWMOF, aiming for broader investor access and liquidity.

Local Politics (Ward 1): WTOP published verbatim candidate questionnaires for the D.C. Council Ward 1 primary, spotlighting backgrounds and priorities from Miguel Trindade Deramo, Jackie Reyes Yanes, Aparna Raj, and Rashida Brown. Local Politics (At-Large): WTOP also ran at-large D.C. Council questionnaires tied to the special election, including Jacque Patterson and Doni Crawford, plus additional at-large candidate Q&As such as Candace Tiana Nelson, Leniqua’dominique Jenkins, Fred Hill, Dyana Forester, and Kevin Chavous. Local Politics (Mayor): WTOP’s mayoral candidate questionnaires covered the field—Rini Sampath, Vincent Orange, Kenyan McDuffie, Ernest Johnson, Gary Goodweather, and Janeese Lewis George—giving voters a clearer look at how each candidate frames D.C.’s economy, services, and governance. Federal/Local Infrastructure: In court filings, the federal government argued a judge can’t stop the White House’s $400M ballroom project because construction is already underway and security needs are at stake. Energy & Industry (Offshore Wind): A fishermen’s group launched a campaign against offshore wind expansion, saying it’s “industrializing the ocean” and threatening commercial fishing livelihoods. Consumer/Tech: A study says DoorDash and Instacart-style delivery can cost nearly 80% more than picking up in person, driven by fees and inflated prices. Health/Pharma: Novo Nordisk said Wegovy pill prescriptions surpassed 3 million in the U.S., with most new users new to GLP-1 therapy.

D.C. Landmark Work: The Great Reflecting Pool on the National Mall is back in service after restoration work, with officials and supporters framing it as long-lasting “industrial strength” beautification ahead of America’s 250th. Local Community & Faith: A Eucharistic procession drew at least 1,000 Catholics near the White House, looping through Farragut and Lafayette squares as part of the Archdiocese of Washington’s “One Nation Under God” event. Defense Tech Policy: A House Armed Services provision would create a U.S.–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, aiming to speed joint work across areas like counter-UAS, missile defense, AI, cyber, and medical/biotech. Energy & Housing Costs: The U.K. is pushing “Warm Homes” upgrades for millions of properties, including free improvements for renters and low-income households—an energy-bills story that will resonate with D.C. audiences watching affordability. Industry & Labor (Global): Myanmar plans special economic zones for four regions, while the Philippines and U.S. discussed expanding economic cooperation tied to the Luzon Economic Corridor.

D.C. Policy & Infrastructure: A new push to “restore” Washington’s iconic landmarks is back in the spotlight as Trump touts the Great Reflecting Pool and fountain repairs, with visitors and critics debating whether the work is more than cosmetic. AI & Tech Markets: Google’s planned shift to AI-driven search is rattling advertisers, with “conversational discovery” ads potentially changing how users find and click through to websites. Trade, Security & Health: In a House hearing in Washington, Rep. Young Kim accused China of fueling the U.S. fentanyl crisis via precursor chemicals and alleged gaps in enforcement. Public Safety Reform: Minneapolis activists vowed to keep pressing police reform after voters rejected a ballot measure that would have replaced the police department with a broader public safety model. Health & Research: New studies presented in Washington link food insecurity to gut microbiome changes in children, and point to a possible new treatment target for sleep apnea-related heart risks. Local Economy & Services: USDA is accepting applications for rural businesses and community development projects, while D.C. continues to weigh how to fund and manage public services amid shifting costs.

D.C. Energy Costs: A new map using EIA data shows residential electricity prices jumped sharply in Washington, D.C. (about 22.5% year over year), with the rise tied to grid investment costs and surging demand, including from AI-driven data center expansion. Federal Courts & Markets: The D.C. Circuit upheld the CFTC’s denial of a $147M whistleblower award, rejecting a former trader’s claim that the agency relied on him as the original source. White House Construction Fight: DOJ argued in D.C. Circuit court that the White House ballroom project can’t be stopped by the courts and that Congress already authorized it, as judges pressed on whether it’s a “fait accompli.” Workforce & Manufacturing: JWF Industries held Senior Signing Day for graduating students, spotlighting local trades and manufacturing career pipelines. Labor Politics: UAW endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan Senate and Jocelyn Benson for governor, signaling continued labor influence in state races. Agriculture Policy: USDA’s Farm Service Agency opened a window for eligible landowners to review base acre increases for ARC/PLC programs.

D.C. Policy & Planning: U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan and Jan Schakowsky led 85 lawmakers urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to stop Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank’s E-1 corridor, warning the window for diplomacy is closing fast. Immigration Courts: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration policy that tightened entry and benefits for immigrants from dozens of countries, calling it “legal limbo.” Tech & AI: The Washington AI Network’s AI Honors Gala in D.C. highlighted both breakthroughs and public anxiety about AI’s pace and reach. Healthcare Costs: New maternity billing codes starting in January shift care toward à la carte charges, raising questions about whether pregnancy will get pricier. Consumer Safety: Walmart sold baby bottles recalled for a choking hazard after hard plastic shells can bubble or peel. Local Workforce & Community: Food policy leaders at George Washington University discussed building careers in food and agriculture policy, including roles tied to D.C. government. Public Safety/Design: PennDOT advised Lewisburg against painting a rainbow crosswalk, citing MUTCD rules.

D.C. Planning Fight: The National Capital Planning Commission asked for more details on President Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch near the Lincoln Memorial, focusing on air-travel navigation impacts, height justification, lighting, and traffic as public concerns mount. Energy & Data Centers: D.C. is seeking “intervenor” status on a data center application, signaling the city wants a formal seat at the table as power and permitting pressures grow. AI & National Security: House lawmakers held a hearing on positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities, while another letter pressed the FBI and PCAST for answers on alleged foreign influence campaigns aimed at slowing U.S. AI and data center buildout. Clean Energy Oversight: A GAO finding backed claims that the Energy Department violated spending law by steering clean-energy R&D funds toward priorities favored by Secretary Chris Wright. College Sports Policy: Senators heard testimony on the Protect College Sports Act amid warnings that women’s and Olympic programs are being cut as schools struggle with football and basketball spending. Local Industry & Trades: NAWIC highlighted support networks for women in construction and trades, emphasizing education and inclusion.

AI Governance Fight: A draft “Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026” circulated in D.C. would block states and localities from regulating AI model development, pushing oversight to a federal process critics say has stalled on child safety and consumer protections. Clean Air / Energy: Environmental groups told the D.C. Circuit the EPA unlawfully delayed methane rule deadlines for the oil and gas sector. Local Economy & Costs: New data shows core inflation hit 3.3% in April, with consumer spending soft and take-home pay down slightly—another pressure point for households. Gambling Tax Shock: A new 10% gross winnings tax is already rattling gamblers and casinos, with industry calls for changes underway. Agriculture / Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a new world screwworm case in Texas, stressing food supply remains safe. Tech & Cybersecurity: A report warns many firms aren’t proactively defending against VPN and proxy-based identity and access fraud. Sports Business: With MLB trade season nearing, the Tigers’ potential sell-off—especially around Tarik Skubal—sets up a crowded, high-stakes deadline. D.C. Business Watchdog: Public Citizen says Trump’s White House ballroom donors have received $50B+ in government contracts, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Food Security: StarKist is backing a campaign aimed at putting childhood hunger to bed, inviting everyday participation.

D.C. Policy Hearings: House panels in Washington, D.C. advanced two major tracks: a Clean Air Act mobile-source modernization hearing led by Rep. Gary Palmer, and a federal privacy/data security law hearing led by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, both aimed at updating rules for modern industries and consumer protections. Health Care Costs: Rep. Brett Guthrie and Rep. Morgan Griffith announced a June 10 hearing focused on lowering health care costs through stronger price transparency for patients and employers. AI & Cybersecurity: Sen. Gary Peters criticized the Trump AI executive order as falling short on safe, coordinated adoption, while TSMC’s CEO told Reuters the AI boom is sustaining demand for advanced chips and that the firm is open to pricing power but won’t “suddenly” raise prices. Drugs & Supply Chain: Sen. Rick Scott’s Aging Committee hearing spotlighted contaminated foreign-made drugs and pushed the CLEAR LABELS Act for country-of-origin labeling. Maritime & Fisheries: Sen. Dan Sullivan chaired a “Blue Economy” hearing emphasizing workforce training and coastal economic strength. National Security/Trade: Sen. Susan Collins pressed Sec. Marco Rubio on Iran’s commercial impacts and urged release of Gavi funding. Local Construction/Infrastructure: D.C.-area development chatter included a proposed 250-foot Trump arch with an observation deck, plus ongoing construction and utility work tied to major projects.

AI & Media Jobs: The Economist and industry groups are flagging a shift in newsroom hiring toward “editor-coders,” AI-native product design, and editorial-led engineering—part of a Future Newsrooms Study that mapped 16 emerging strategy roles from thousands of LinkedIn postings. Energy & Data Centers: A new report says AI-driven data centers are already straining electricity and water systems, with UN University estimating their power use rivals major countries and could double in four years. Local Policy Watch (D.C.): A D.C. hearing spotlighted how AI is reshaping cybersecurity and federal readiness, as lawmakers push for model security reviews and earlier access for trusted partners. Trade & Agriculture: CAFTA is in Washington, D.C. to press for CUSMA/USMCA renewal ahead of a July 1 review, arguing North American agri-food trade growth shows the deal is working. Transportation & Safety: The FAA is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight near Fort Lauderdale, underscoring ongoing aviation safety concerns amid controller shortages. Tech Product Launch: HitPaw Edimakor rolled out version 5.0.0 with “reference to video” and AI ad creation features. Defense Aviation: A French ambassador signaled Rafale fighters could soon join Ukraine’s Western aircraft mix, boosting long-range strike options. Sports Business: Kalshi is promoting $10 trades for Stanley Cup Final predictions, tying sports betting growth to new market platforms.

Data Center Pushback: Rep. Raul Ruiz is urging Imperial County officials to slow down data center development, citing higher energy costs, grid and blackout risks, water impacts in drought conditions, and health concerns tied to heat and noise. Border Infrastructure: CBP reopened public comment for a 71-mile Imperial Valley border barrier plan, with residents and groups weighing environmental and local impacts through June 29. Homeland Security Fight: Sen. Gary Peters says HSGAC Republicans blocked 57 amendments aimed at DHS accountability, anti-corruption steps, and cost controls, while advancing ICE/CBP funding. Maritime Industry: Sen. Maria Cantwell warned that extending a Jones Act waiver adds major uncertainty for shipyards and workforce investment, with little effect on gas prices. Federal Oversight Under Threat: The U.S. Chemical Safety Board faces steep budget cuts during the Longview probe into a deadly paper mill implosion, raising fears the investigation will be weakened. FCC vs. Security Claims: Hikvision says the FCC is overstepping authority in device denials tied to national security concerns. Consumer Finance: CFPB says it worked with Bilt after a bank-partner transition to ensure affected customers get redress. Retirement Fraud Focus: Scott and Gillibrand plan a Senate hearing spotlighting financial literacy as a defense against scams targeting seniors.

D.C. Policy & Courts: A federal judge blocked the National Park Service from removing an anti-Trump “86 47” flag near the National Mall, keeping the message up for now and escalating First Amendment fights tied to the administration’s heightened scrutiny of similar symbols. Federal Enforcement: DOJ announced faster review and stronger enforcement for False Claims Act cases targeting fraud against federally funded benefits programs, aiming to speed up decisions on whistleblower-led “qui tam” matters. Federal Workforce: The U.S. Forest Service is offering voluntary early retirement and separation incentives ahead of a major reorganization that will move hundreds of positions and shutter regional offices. Local Economy & Housing: Salem lawmakers approved a dedicated stabilization fund for a new high school and municipal buildings, with proposed funding via short-term rental and lodging tax increases. Industry & Risk: EV insurance is still pricier than gas—about 42% higher on average—though the gap is shrinking for newer models as repair costs and tech adoption change. Business Growth: Enterprise Rancheria received a U.S. Commerce designation and support for rural development plans, including future expansion tied to its entertainment and job-creating projects.