AGP Executive Report

Immigration Ruling: A federal judge struck down President Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax needing Congress, after the policy sparked chaos last September and only 85 payments came in. Capitol Watch: Bill Gates is set for a closed-door House Oversight session tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files, with transcripts expected later. National Security Posture: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told troops at Guantanamo Bay the Pentagon is “prepared and postured” for any Cuba contingency as tensions rise. Local Politics: In Montgomery County’s MD-16, Democratic Central Committee appointments will be replaced by voters in the June 23 primary after a chain of vacancies. Transportation Safety: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles, including 463,000 Pilots, over rear suspension/subframe corrosion risks that could lead to loss of control. Education Hearing: CPS CEO Macquline King testified under subpoena as Republicans pressed questions on race, transgender policies, and sex education. UFO Transparency Push: Lawmakers renewed calls to release records tied to Brazil’s Varginha UFO case amid broader UAP declassification pressure. DC Events & 250th: Alaska National Guard service members are activating to support Freedom 250 events in Washington, D.C., with traffic and security help.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: Congress passed the $70 billion Secure America Act to keep ICE and CBP funded through fiscal 2029, a win Republicans say ends months of DHS obstruction while Democrats warn it’s a blank check for aggressive enforcement. H-1B Fee Blocked: A federal judge struck down Trump’s proposed $100,000 H-1B fee as executive overreach, dealing a fresh legal blow to the administration’s transactional immigration approach. DC Courts & Oversight: A D.C. court action also hit federal tax-credit rules for wind and solar, vacating IRS Notice 2025-42 and reviving the “five percent safe harbor” path—though developers may still face uncertainty on appeal. UFC at the White House: UFC CEO Dana White dismissed claims that fighters or media were banned from UFC Freedom 250, while the event’s tight capacity and Trump’s birthday tie-in drive the logistics story. USDA Farm Changes: USDA’s Farm Service Agency expanded payment limitation and eligibility rules for farmers, aiming to give more flexibility in structuring operations. Local DC Life: DC Water is in the spotlight after leadership shakeups tied to Potomac sewage issues and a real-time water-quality dashboard rollout. World Cup Build-Up: Croatia arrived in the U.S. for the World Cup, basing in Alexandria as the tournament ramps up near Washington.

Federal Services Overhaul: GSA Administrator Ed Forst pitched a single “one portal” for federal services, building on Login.gov to make it easier for residents to navigate government. Cybersecurity Hiring: CISA is launching a hiring push for 329 employees, with about 180 offers expected this month, as it tries to modernize cyber, infrastructure security, and emergency communications. DOJ School Review: DOJ opened a compliance review into gender and sex education policies at SFUSD and three other California districts, focusing on Title IX, parent opt-out rights, and access rules for transgender students. Health Tech Impact: A Johns Hopkins study found an AI screening tool increased diabetic eye exam referrals for African American patients at community primary care sites. Local Community Spotlight: Washington, D.C. resident Alex Chaves is serving as a GLOE ambassador for the local Jewish LGBTQ+ community, including work on DOJ antisemitism training. Energy & Security: Trump said Iran shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and vowed a response. Procurement Update: DBIA released a federal QBS blueprint to help agencies use qualifications-based selection for design-build projects.

U.S.-Israel-Iran Tensions: VP JD Vance said the U.S.’s core goal in Iran talks is preventing a nuclear weapon, as Trump warned Netanyahu against renewed strikes that could isolate Israel and widen the war. Immigration Enforcement: Tom Homan said ICE is preparing what he calls the largest deployment to New York City, after new state limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. DC Courtroom & Federal Policy: A D.C. judge vacated Biden-era limits on wind and solar tax credits, and the Supreme Court sent back a gas-appliance energy-efficiency fight to the D.C. appeals court. H-1B Cost Fight: Lawmakers backed a federal court order blocking Trump’s proposed $100,000 H-1B fee, arguing it would hit rural schools and healthcare. Local DC Civic Life: The Kennedy Center began removing Trump’s name after a court order saying the change required congressional approval. Public Safety: Senators Rick Scott and Ed Markey pushed National Naloxone Awareness Day, highlighting naloxone’s role in reversing overdoses. Community & Veterans: Southeast Florida Honor Flight celebrated WWII veterans who have flown to Washington, D.C., with a birthday event.

America 250 Planning: Sen. Roger Marshall launched an “America 250” resource page to help Kansans track major Washington, D.C. events, including July 4 fireworks and Smithsonian and Library of Congress programming. Supreme Court & Citizenship: As the Court weighs Trump’s push to narrow birthright citizenship, the administration frames it as protecting the value of citizenship—while critics warn it’s about who gets to belong. DC Civic Life: DC’s Chilanga District commissioner urged civil servants to stay professional during campaign season and avoid mixing politics into the workplace. Courts & DC Politics: A federal judge again blocked a Trump prison policy affecting transgender women, ordering they stay in women’s facilities while the case proceeds. White House UFC Fight Fight: A judge moved to set a fast schedule in a lawsuit seeking to stop Trump’s UFC “Freedom 250” event and halt construction of the “Claw” arena on the South Lawn. Health Care Push: A coalition of 336 groups backed Medicare for All in a new open letter, while CMS declined to set federal work-hour limits for resident physicians. Local Business Note: Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza says it’s relocating from 14th & R to 14th & Florida, aiming to reopen by early autumn.

White House UFC Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit in D.C. challenges the June 14 UFC event planned for the White House South Lawn, calling it unlawful and a misuse of national monuments, while the administration calls the case baseless. DC Water Leadership & Water Safety: DC Water ousted CEO David Gadis after a Potomac sewage spill and a boil-water advisory hit thousands in upper Northwest neighborhoods; the agency also rolled out a new water-quality dashboard. Local Governance & Public Safety: DC’s juvenile curfew rules are in flux as emergency action expires, and police reported a teen stabbing near Constitution Avenue in Northwest. Community & Faith: More than 1,000 people joined an Eucharistic procession through Washington, D.C., as families gathered for a “witness to the whole world” moment. Sports in the District: The DC Defenders’ playoff run ended after a loss to Orlando, and the NWSL Championship is set to return to Audi Field in 2026.

DC Mayoral Race: WTOP published verbatim questionnaires for multiple D.C. mayor candidates, including Rini Sampath, Vincent Orange, Kenyan McDuffie, Ernest Johnson, and Janeese Lewis George, giving voters a clearer look at backgrounds and priorities ahead of the June primary. Public Safety: A 15-year-old girl died in Southeast D.C. after police say an accidental shooting involving a friend as the city’s youth curfew expired; an adult family friend was taken into custody because the firearm was unregistered and unsecured. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge halted new USDA conditions on billions in federal food aid, including SNAP-related requirements tied to gender ideology and other policy areas, pausing enforcement for 20 states and D.C. Local Infrastructure: DC Water says it will reopen a Piney Branch Parkway segment in Petworth after a 27-day closure tied to the Piney Branch Tunnel project, restoring a key commuter route. National Security/Foreign Policy: Trump reiterated that the U.S. won’t lift the freeze on Iranian assets or ease sanctions without an agreement, while negotiations continue. Arts & Culture: A new documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire explores the band’s rise and the making of major hits.

SNAP Fight in Federal Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in USDA nutrition funding, including SNAP, siding with 20 states and D.C. that the requirements could disrupt aid for low-income families. Local Public Safety: D.C.’s temporary teen curfew zones are set to expire at midnight, creating a multi-week enforcement gap before a permanent law takes effect July 16. Violent Crime Update: Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old girl in Southeast D.C. DC Courts and Historic Landmarks: A D.C. appeals case over the White House East Wing ballroom continues, with the Justice Department arguing courts can’t stop the project. Freedom 250 / Military Tickets: Bank of America and FIFA are offering $2.25 million in free World Cup tickets for veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and families in U.S. host cities. DC Water Leadership: DC Water confirmed CEO David Gadis is out amid ongoing scrutiny tied to recent service issues.

Immigration Courts in DC: A federal judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that stalled asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship decisions for applicants from 39 countries, calling the delays unlawful and driven by improper factors. Local Policing Reform: Activists vowed to keep pushing major Minneapolis Police Department changes after voters rejected a ballot plan to replace it with a new public safety model—momentum they say is spreading to cities including Washington, D.C. DC Community & Veterans: Drew Davis and Brad Kraut are set to livestream a 600-mile Boston-to-Washington, D.C. ride June 7–14 to raise awareness and funds for disabled veterans during America’s 250th. DC Health & Safety: A new study highlights TORCH infections’ ongoing risk in pregnancy, underscoring the need for stronger prevention in data-limited settings. Business & DC Spotlight: Maryland realtor Cher Castillo was named a Vogue “Woman of Influence” for her luxury real estate leadership across the Washington region. Sports (DC-area interest): The Hurricanes evened the Stanley Cup Final series with an overtime win, setting up Game 3 in Vegas.

Immigration Courts: A federal judge blocked Trump administration policies that left asylum and other immigration applicants from 39 countries in “indeterminate legal limbo,” calling the hold unlawful. Homeland Security Funding: The U.S. Senate passed a $70B Homeland Security budget backing Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, with Democrats trying and failing to strip an “anti-weaponization” fund. USDA Grant Fight: Another judge halted USDA from tying tens of billions in federal food funds to broad compliance demands tied to Trump priorities. Iran Pressure & Markets: OFAC sanctioned an Iranian LPG smuggling and shadow-banking network, while Trump claimed Iran’s missile arsenal is down to about 21–22%—a view disputed by intelligence briefings. AI in Defense: Fort Carson Gen. Patrick Ellis received an award for integrating AI into national defense, including efforts to connect legacy systems and speed battlefield decisions. DC Utilities: DC Water confirmed its CEO is stepping down after a Potomac sewage spill, as the city also faces rising electricity costs. America 250: The National Archives’ “Freedom Plane” tour is bringing founding documents to communities nationwide, including a Denver stop.

Immigration Courts: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration policy that froze asylum, work permits, green cards, and other immigration decisions tied to a broad travel ban, calling it unlawful and leaving people in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Local Politics & Public Safety: A new study says a National Guard deployment in D.C. cut property crime but had little measurable impact on violent crime, raising questions about cost and where troops were placed. Health & Costs: New billing codes starting in January could make pregnancy care more “à la carte,” shifting away from bundled payments and sparking debate over whether it improves care or drives up costs. D.C. Water & Health: After sewage overflows, researchers warn residents can be exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the need for sewer upgrades. Media & Community: NAHJ launched a Cultural Competence Training Program to help newsrooms improve accuracy and coverage of diverse communities. Sports & Culture: Union Market District is gearing up for World Cup viewing with big-screen match broadcasts and themed activations. Transit & Speech: PETA sued WMATA over blocking its ads, arguing the transit agency is applying an ideological ban on controversial viewpoints. Tech & Food Access: Instacart teamed with Vida Health to connect nutrition advice to grocery stipends for people managing chronic conditions.

DOJ Crime Push: The Justice Department is rolling out a nationwide public safety initiative modeled on Memphis’ Safe Task Force, offering funding to 2–4 large cities to target violent crime and modernize public safety. Local Governance: The D.C. Council’s failure to extend Mayor Muriel Bowser’s emergency youth curfew authority leaves a summer enforcement gap until a permanent curfew starts July 16. Freedom 250 Fallout: Trump announced a “rally to end all rallies” on June 24 in D.C. after Freedom 250 performers pulled out, replacing the concert lineup with Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, and Trump himself. Transportation & Safety: DC DMV published May 2026 updates and safety reminders for riders and cyclists, while WMATA faces a PETA lawsuit over rejected donation ads. Policy & Foreign Affairs: Trump says a trade deal with India is coming soon, and the U.S. remains open to dialogue with North Korea “without preconditions” while pushing complete denuclearization. Health & Education: Local elementary students in D.C. are among those advancing after an AI project earned a national finalist spot, and a cancer survivor is heading to Capitol Hill to press for research funding.

World Cup Security: White House FIFA task force leader Andrew Giuliani says the U.S. is leaning on local law enforcement and federal coordination to secure the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup across 11 U.S. cities plus Canada and Mexico. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court backed the FCC’s power to enforce telecom data privacy rules, upholding penalties tied to mishandling customer location data. DC Crime: A D.C. mother was arrested after a 13-month-old died from dehydration and malnourishment, with police calling it a homicide by neglect. Federal Ethics & Elections: Sen. Elizabeth Warren pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over Trump’s stock trades, while Senate Democrats met election experts to stress-test threats to the 2026 midterms. Energy & Policy: Trump is reportedly eyeing a Cold War-era powers plan to push about $700M toward coal facilities. Local Governance: An interim city manager released a city services assessment covering 14 departments, laying groundwork for future capital planning.

Iran War Powers Fight: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan war powers resolution to halt further American hostilities against Iran, a direct rebuke to President Trump as lawmakers push for an end to the conflict. Middle East Diplomacy: Trump’s reported tense phone call with Netanyahu has added friction to Iran talks, while Israel and Lebanon agreed to a conditional ceasefire tied to Hezbollah actions. Congressional Hearings: House panels held hearings on modernizing Clean Air Act mobile-source rules and on a federal privacy and data security law, as lawmakers also advanced a plan to boost health care price transparency. Health & Aging: A Senate hearing spotlighted “poisoned pills” from dangerous foreign drug supply chains, and DC-area policy news included a bill to require states to report HCBS anti-fraud efforts. DC Community & Culture: DC’s Pride and “Freedom 250” planning continues amid political and security scrutiny, while local sports and arts items ranged from NWSL returning to Audi Field to a DC exhibition at Gallery 16Ten.

Media Power Struggle: CBS fired “60 Minutes” veteran Scott Pelley after a staff-meeting dispute, as the network’s ownership shifts and political ties raise fresh questions about who controls major news in Washington. Local Sports Spotlight: The NWSL Championship is coming back to Washington—Audi Field will host the 2026 title game on Nov. 21. Entertainment & DC Culture: DC Studios released the final “Supergirl” trailer ahead of the June 26 release, spotlighting Milly Alcock, Lobo, and a new look at Kara’s DCU future. National Security & Courts: A federal appeals court halted the Pentagon’s policy to remove transgender troops, ruling it was arbitrary and driven by animus. World Affairs: As the U.S. and Iran continue indirect talks amid a long-running conflict, the World Cup 2026 adds a new twist with Iran and the U.S. set to meet again. Aviation Safety: The FAA is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight near Fort Lauderdale.

Court Fight Over Trans Troops: A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. temporarily blocked a Trump-era policy banning transgender service members, calling it arbitrary and driven by animus, while the case continues. Tariffs and Forced Labor: The U.S. proposed new tariffs and duties tied to alleged forced labor in goods from 60 countries, including major economies like China and India. CFPB and Consumer Relief: The CFPB says it worked with Bilt to ensure customers harmed by a bank-partner transition get full redress, including reimbursement for common fees. Offshore Wind Lawsuits: Maine joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration offshore wind cancellations, arguing the deal harms jobs and energy goals. DC Public Safety: DC Police issued a critical missing alert for a 15-year-old last seen May 13 near Indiana Avenue NW. FCC Spectrum Push: The FCC kicked off an AWS-3 auction for about 200 spectrum licenses aimed at expanding 5G capacity. Local Politics: The Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map expected to favor Republicans in November.