AGP Executive Report

Travel & Cost Watch: With gas and inflation squeezing budgets, Dunhill Travel Deals ranked states for budget-friendly 2026 road trips, pointing to cheaper driving and lodging outside pricey coasts, with Missouri highlighted as a value pick. Weather & Safety: El Niño is back, with forecasts calling for a strong-to-very strong event by late 2026—raising risks for extreme heat and disruptions. Severe Storms: A major tornado outbreak tore through the Midwest, including heavy damage in Illinois and nearby states. Public Health: Tick bites are spiking in the Midwest; the CDC says ER visits for tick bites are at their highest since at least 2017. Community & Faith: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage continued along the East Coast, including major events in Washington, D.C. Local Business: Allegiant is adding new Florida routes from parts of the Midwest and East Coast, while a new nationwide plumbing referral marketplace launched to connect homeowners with vetted local pros. Sports & Culture: USMNT World Cup watch parties drew big crowds, and Missouri 4-H raised more than $80,000 at its Clover Classic.

Severe Weather: A fresh Midwest tornado outbreak is underway, with nearly three dozen reports logged as supercells track toward the Ohio Valley, following earlier deadly storms that damaged homes and left residents without power. Local Politics: In Missouri’s Nodaway County, residents and the Maryville mayor are pushing back on a proposed AI data center, arguing it could hurt quality of life and rural land. Environment: Alaska officials are investigating the death of an endangered fin whale found dead on a cruise ship’s bow in Seward; NOAA says initial findings suggest the whale was pregnant. Business & Growth: Saia is expanding Midwest freight capacity with new terminals in Duluth, Minnesota, and Columbia, Missouri. Sports & Community: Iowa State’s 2025-26 season ended with a strong run to the Big 12 semifinals, while local racing in Wisconsin was wiped out by rain on Father’s Day. Health & Safety: Elevated bacteria levels are forcing beach closures and swimming advisories across parts of the U.S.

Gullah Geechee Land Fight: On Hilton Head and St. Helena Island, unclear titles and heirs’ property are driving missed taxes and delinquent sales, while rising assessments and development pressures push families off ancestral land—local groups are stepping in with legal help and tax support to keep property in the community. Severe Weather Watch: A persistent storm track is keeping the central and eastern U.S. on alert, with damaging winds, large hail, flooding downpours, and a few tornadoes possible from the Midwest into the I-95 corridor early in the week. Housing & Money: Mortgage rates slipped to 6.47% for a 30-year fixed, while a Realtor.com affordability report puts Indiana at the top for buying a home in 2026. Tech & Infrastructure: A new map shows data centers are clustering in a few states—Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio—raising concerns about uneven growth. Energy Reliability: Blackout risk is rising as power grids struggle to share electricity across regions during extreme events. Sports: Wyndham Clark surged to a big lead at the U.S. Open as Scottie Scheffler charged into contention. Local Color: Rochelle’s fire station repainted patriotic doors to honor America’s 250th birthday.

World Cup Moment: Curaçao made history in Kansas City, earning its first-ever World Cup point with a 0-0 draw vs. Ecuador, powered by goalkeeper Eloy Room’s 15 saves at Arrowhead Stadium. Royal Watch: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima swapped orange for blue to cheer Curaçao as the Netherlands advanced earlier in the day. Severe Weather: Tornado-like winds battered northwest Kansas, knocking down trees and power poles and leaving about 3,000 customers without electricity, with flash flooding warnings in place. Public Safety & Heat: Officials warned of extreme heat risks across the Pacific Southwest as World Cup crowds and holiday travel ramp up. Local Costs: Springfield, Missouri residents face a 4% sewer rate increase starting July 1 to fund upgrades and meet Clean Water Act requirements. Immigration & Labor: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative praised new Trump administration H-2A guidance that allows dairy operations to use the work-visa program for seasonal labor needs. Community & Culture: Thousands are expected to join International Day of Yoga events across the southern U.S., with Spanish-language and adaptive chair yoga aimed at underserved groups.

USMNT World Cup Update: The U.S. men clinched the round of 32 and secured first place in Group D after beating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0, setting up a knockout match Wednesday, July 1 at 8 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Severe Weather Watch: Storms, flash flooding, and extreme heat are hitting the Plains, Midwest, and South, with flood watches tied to Tropical Storm Arthur remnants and tornado risks that could disrupt travel and events. Kansas City Shooting: A Kansas City, Missouri shooting left 1 dead and 5 wounded after gunfire near East 19th Street; no suspects were in custody. Midwest Business & Jobs: Iowa’s Economic Development Authority backed expansions in Independence and Newton, aiming to create 65 jobs and bring in $51.5 million in investment. Retail Expansion: Dollar General plans to open about 450 new stores in 2026, doubling down on small towns and rural areas as shoppers seek lower prices. Gas Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy reports show regular gas as low as $3.35 in Jefferson County (week ending June 13), with many Midwest areas still seeing price pressure tied to supply and refinery outages. Politics/Legal: A judge cleared the way for concealed Biden tapes and transcripts to be released, with some parts expected to be redacted.

World Cup Buzz: The U.S. men’s team clinched the round of 32 and topped Group D after a 2-0 win over Australia, setting up a July 1 knockout match in Santa Clara and fueling talk of possible paths ahead. Heat & Health: Philadelphia declared a Heat Health Emergency for the Juneteenth heat wave, sending field teams and opening cooling support for high-risk residents. Wildfire Smoke: The 2026 wildfire season is already burning at record early-season levels, driving unhealthy air quality across more states. Severe Weather: Illinois is reporting more tornadoes this year than any state since 2015, as storms keep rolling through the Midwest. Beach Closures: Several states are closing beaches or issuing advisories due to high bacteria levels, including E. coli concerns. Local Life & Deals: McDonald’s fried apple pie returns in Indiana; and Ole Bull State Park in Pennsylvania highlights year-round outdoor options. Sports & Tickets: Fans are also weighing World Cup ticket costs, with hospitality packages priced far above standard FIFA tiers.

UAW Election Setup: The United Auto Workers has finalized leadership nominations at its Detroit convention, setting up a major ballot this fall under a new federal-monitor vetting process. Juneteenth Travel & Closures: TSA warns of heavy airport crowds and thousands of delays/cancellations over the Juneteenth weekend; stock markets and most banks are closed, while FedEx/UPS run normally. Gas Watch (Midwest): Wisconsin regular gas is down to about $3.77/gal, while GasBuddy reports show low prices across parts of the Midwest and Texas counties. Severe Weather & Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur remnants continue to batter the Gulf and Midwest, with flooding and storm impacts disrupting travel and daily life. Iowa Rural Economy: Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet Index rose to its highest level in three years, with rural CEOs reporting less negativity and modest growth. World Cup Friday: USA vs. Australia is set for Friday at Lumen Field (FOX/Telemundo), with fans hunting schedules and streaming options ahead of kickoff. Business/Industry: Iowa’s IEDA approved incentives for manufacturing expansion and job creation, while Saia opened new Midwest terminals in Minnesota and Missouri.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants battered the Gulf South with heavy rain, strong wind, and water rescues, while a separate Midwest storm line knocked out power and raised tornado concerns. Heat Outlook: The U.S. West and Gulf Coast are set to sizzle this summer as El Niño takes hold, while parts of the Midwest and Northeast trend cooler. Public Safety: A Times Square shooting sent people running just hours after a Knicks parade, and NYC also saw a deadly Central Park horse carriage incident. Defense & Diplomacy: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the Taiwan Strait in a live-fire drill aimed at deterring China, drawing sharp condemnation from Beijing. World Cup on Home Soil: The U.S. sits atop Group D after a 4-1 win over Paraguay, with the next match vs. Australia on June 19. Local Economy & Sports: Rockford’s “Reclaiming First” sports facilities beat projections by 60%, generating about $89.5M in regional output. Community Growth: Wakonda, South Dakota, reactivated its development corporation as new businesses return to the small town.

Severe Weather & Safety: A tornado watch is in effect across dozens of New York counties until 3 p.m., with officials urging residents to shelter immediately, avoid windows, and protect against flying debris. Midwest Storm Damage: A powerful tornado hit central Illinois, damaging homes, blocking roads, and knocking out power as more severe weather moved through the region. Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur has weakened, but its remnants still threaten the Florida Panhandle with heavy rain, flooding risk, and a possible redeveloping system in the Atlantic. Health: Colorectal cancer is rising among younger Americans, with new research tracking mortality trends and warning that many under-50 patients aren’t getting routine screening. Housing & Costs: Rhode Island’s median single-family home price fell year-over-year for the first time in nearly a decade, while builder sentiment remains subdued nationwide. Energy Prices: Gas prices show mixed pockets—some counties report premium and diesel deals near the mid-$3 to mid-$5 range. Politics & Courts: Senators are calling for DOJ action tied to Anthony Fauci’s COVID-era role, questioning whether a broad pardon should be challenged. Local Spotlight: Wisconsin property taxes remain a top election issue, with candidates pushing constitutional changes to limit future tax hikes. Religion: Two St. Mary Catholic Central High School alumni were ordained priests, adding to a milestone anniversary for another alumnus.

Midwest Severe Weather: Tornadoes and damaging storms ripped through the Midwest, with confirmed twisters reported in Illinois and Iowa and more threats overnight as thousands lost power. Storm Response: FirstEnergy Pennsylvania crews are gearing up for a fourth major storm in 12 days, with wind gusts up to 65 mph possible and restoration teams on standby. Climate & Land Loss: The U.S. has lost about half of its historical grasslands, and experts say protecting what remains is vital for biodiversity. Tech & Risk: A new analysis warns many U.S. data centers sit in flood, wildfire, and extreme-heat zones, raising reliability and cost concerns. Ports & Jobs: West Coast port labor talks are already heating up ahead of 2028, with automation and terminal ownership among the flashpoints. Space Update: Historic SLC-6 towers at Vandenberg were demolished to make way for SpaceX operations. Local Midwest Life: Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is again collecting ticks from Wisconsin residents to track tickborne disease risk. International Tensions: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the Taiwan Strait in a live-fire drill, drawing sharp condemnation from China.

U.S. Pacific Command: The Pentagon restored the name “U.S. Pacific Command,” dropping “Indo” from USINDOPACOM as it heads into a tense period in the region. Taiwan-China: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the west in a live-fire drill, a move Beijing called provocative. Ocean Monitoring: The Trump administration is shutting down major ocean observation arrays, raising alarms for fisheries as waters warm and acidify. Energy & Economy: The G7 backed Canada’s “potential” to add global energy capacity, while U.S. pending home sales rose 3.8% in May, lifting hopes for housing stability. Environment & Health: North Carolina seagrass declined more than 16% from 2006-2020, and West Michigan detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes with no human cases yet. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reported bargain regular prices like $3.69 in Buncombe County and $3.29 in Lubbock County for the week ending June 6. Local Jobs & Food: South Dakota students are lining up for wind energy careers, and MSU’s field day highlighted growing markets for small grains.

U.S.-China Tensions: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the China-facing side of the Taiwan Strait in a live-fire drill, a move Beijing called provocative. Defense Command Update: The Department of War restored the U.S. Pacific Command name, dropping the “Indo” reference while keeping the same mission and area of responsibility. DC Election Watch: In Washington, D.C.’s mayoral race, socialist-leaning candidate Janeese Lewis George led with 52.6% as ballots were still being counted. Energy Affordability: A new report argues grid upgrades are key to keeping power bills manageable, warning that delayed infrastructure forces costly replacements and transmission limits. Data Center Backlash: Wyoming and Spokane-area pauses show NIMBY opposition shifting from nuclear to AI data centers over water, rates, and local control. Food & Culture: The 2026 James Beard Awards were held in Chicago, honoring top chefs and restaurants nationwide. Weather & Health: Nearly half the U.S. is in drought, raising public health risks, while tick bites are surging in summer months. Gas Prices (local snapshots): Regular gas hit $3.25 in Canadian County and $3.09 in Johnson County; diesel lows included $4.48 in Karnes County and $4.54 in Cass County.

Taiwan-China Tensions: Taiwan carried out a first-ever westward live-fire drill using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets, firing 32 rounds in “shoot-and-scoot” tests that Beijing called a provocation. Public Health: Measles cases are rising in Walla Walla County as vaccination rates fall, with officials blaming misinformation and anti-vaccine rhetoric. Gas Prices Watch: After an Iran truce announcement, oil benchmarks slid and the national gas average edged down to about $4.04, but experts warn pump relief could take weeks. Local Economy & Retail: Meijer earned Great Place to Work certification for the eighth straight year, citing benefits and a high-trust workplace culture. Business & Entertainment: Kinepolis agreed to buy 13 Showcase Cinemas locations for about $30 million, expanding its U.S. footprint. Community Life: Rhinelander’s teens are building a permanent skatepark culture through a temporary skatepark project. Weather: A tropical storm watch is up for parts of the Gulf Coast, with heavy rain and flash-flood risk looming. Food Scene: The James Beard Awards named top U.S. restaurant and chef winners in Chicago, with politics and local pride on full display.

U.S.-China Tensions: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the Taiwan Strait in a live-fire drill, a move Beijing calls a provocation. Health & Safety: Corey Feldman was hospitalized after a medical emergency on a flight to Los Angeles. Public Health: A new Johns Hopkins-led study says urine drug testing can flag regional fentanyl exposure shifts that track overdose risk. Local Power & Water: Heartland residents are pushing back on data centers over water, utility rates, and local control, prompting moratoriums and new zoning rules. Weather & Risk: South Carolina reported its first heat-related death of 2026 as temperatures climb; forecasters also warn of more storm chances across the Midwest. Midwest Agriculture: New World screwworm is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, and vets fear it could reach Minnesota. Travel & Business: Delta announced its first nonstop Detroit-to-Aruba flight. Sports & Culture: The James Beard Awards in Chicago highlighted Midwest talent, while Kansas City braces for World Cup security after federal agents seized drones.

U.S. Weather Watch: Another round of severe storms is forecast to hit the Midwest and Northeast starting Tuesday, with damaging winds, large hail, and tornado risk stretching from Illinois/Indiana toward the East Coast. El Niño Update: NOAA says El Niño has arrived, with forecasts pointing to potentially historic strength—raising concerns for major weather swings, including impacts on U.S. rainfall and storm patterns. Capital Punishment Case: Jury selection begins Monday in the federal death-penalty trial of Payton Gendron, convicted in the 2022 Buffalo supermarket killings. Housing & Cost Pressure: Homebuilder sentiment fell in June, dragged by higher mortgage rates and materials/financing costs, especially in the South. World Cup on U.S. TV: Key Group G/H matchups are set for U.S. viewers on FOX/FS1 and Telemundo/Peacock, with Spain vs. Cape Verde and Iran vs. New Zealand among the early games. Military Drill: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the west in a live-fire exercise, escalating tensions with China. Local Notes: Southern Arkansas University named Shelby Shelton its next softball coach; Oregon State is advancing a major mass-timber lab building; and TxDOT posted lane-closure plans for parts of US 87 and I-40.

Severe Weather: A fresh multi-day storm setup is expected to slam the Midwest and Northeast by midweek, with Illinois and Indiana starting the threat and tornadoes possible again after recent tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. Storm Damage Update: Preliminary reports say at least 29 tornadoes hit Illinois and northwest Indiana last week, with a derecho also leaving widespread damage and power outages. World Cup—Kansas City: England’s World Cup base in Kansas City was forced indoors after a “deadly” tornado warning, with destructive winds and heavy rain hitting the area even as the camp escaped a tornado. World Cup—Dallas Opener: Japan opened its tournament against the Netherlands with a 2-2 draw in Dallas. U.S. Sports Spotlight: The White House hosted UFC Freedom 250 with Trump and Dana White walking out together to kick off the event. Public Safety: An Illinois woman died in a Camden County, Missouri crash on US 54. Local Business: The Breakfast Club opened a new Des Moines location and is planning more Midwest expansion. Defense/Foreign Policy: Taiwan fired 32 U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward the China-facing Taiwan Strait in a live-fire drill, drawing sharp condemnation from Beijing.