AGP Executive Report

Southwest Flood Threat: Another round of heavy rain could bring flash flooding through Monday to parts of Arizona, New Mexico and neighboring states, where saturated ground and recent deadly floods have left communities especially vulnerable. Midterm Showdown: Texas Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are making final pushes in a tight Senate race as early voting nears its end; President Trump is joining campaign events by phone rather than rallying in person. Data Center Backlash: Opposition to proposed data centers is emerging as a campaign issue across the country, with voters raising concerns about power bills, water use and local control. Census Fight: Forty-five House Republicans urged the Commerce secretary to count only citizens when determining congressional apportionment, a proposal that would reshape how representation is allocated. Foreign Policy: Quad ministers meeting in Atlanta pledged to strengthen supply chains and criticized export restrictions, without naming China. Trump Lawsuit: A federal judge dismissed Trump’s defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch, ruling he failed to show actual malice.

Midterm Countdown: Affordability is a major voter concern, with a national survey finding grocery costs nearly tied with government corruption. Campaigns are making final appeals ahead of Tuesday’s vote. House Battlegrounds: Sixteen races are rated toss-ups by multiple election analysts. Indiana’s 5th District has tightened, while Texas is seeing its most competitive slate of congressional and legislative contests in years. Texas Energy and Land: Federal regulators approved an $8.2 billion deepwater LNG port off Matagorda, expected to begin construction in 2027. Separately, state parks officials face questions over a draft agenda for a proposed land discussion near SpaceX’s Boca Chica operations. Data Center Pushback: North Carolina residents and lawmakers are urging a two-year pause on new data centers, citing concerns about electricity and water use, farmland and local costs.

Midterm Watch: With Election Day days away, North Carolina has passed 2 million early and mail ballots. Voters cite living costs, health care, housing and data centers as key concerns; competitive Ohio races could help decide control of Congress. Federal election monitors are also headed to Alaska. Energy Costs: Gas averaged $4.12 a gallon on Oct. 26 and diesel $6.35, with prices rising amid the U.S.-Iran conflict. Reports of tanker attacks near Oman added to fears of supply disruptions. Public Safety: Ohio authorities arrested 12 men in an undercover prostitution investigation and identified seven potential trafficking victims. State Policy and Jobs: Oklahoma’s new laws include a ban on child marriage, while a planned $28 million aluminum facility in Kentucky is expected to create 50 jobs.

Midterm Watch: Five Senate contests in South Carolina, Alaska, Iowa, Ohio and Kansas have tightened ahead of Tuesday’s vote, with several key to control of the chamber. The Justice Department is also battling election-related lawsuits across the country. Oregon Crash: Three people died when two helicopters collided in Oregon, including a flight instructor and student pilot. Colorado Flooding: Floodwaters damaged more than 500 homes and prompted 50 rescues in southwestern Colorado, as officials assess damage to roads and communities. Public Health: Bird flu was detected in 29 U.S. poultry flocks in the past month, affecting about 1.32 million birds; health officials say risk to the general public remains low. Business Pressure: At least 221 U.S. trucking companies have filed for bankruptcy this year as fuel, insurance and debt costs squeeze small operators. Chicago Sewage: Heavy storms sent raw sewage into the Chicago River, renewing concerns about aging infrastructure as more people use the waterway for recreation.

Election Showdown: The Trump administration’s push to challenge suspected noncitizen voters faces court battles nationwide. A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to disclose where it has asked states to set ballots aside or promise not to do so. A new report also highlights persistent barriers to voting in Native communities. Turnout Risks: Forecasters expect storms, heavy rain and strong winds across parts of the central U.S. on Nov. 3, potentially complicating in-person voting in closely contested states. Defense Partnership: The U.S. and Japan agreed to establish a Japanese facility to jointly produce advanced air-to-air missiles, amid concerns over China’s military activity. Farm and Food Aid: USDA plans to buy up to $472.5 million in U.S.-grown and raised food for nutrition programs, supporting producers and food assistance networks. Animal Health: Arizona reported its first animal case of New World screwworm, an infected dog, as the parasite’s U.S. outbreak spreads.

Midterm Elections: With Election Day on Nov. 3, nearly 1.3 million Ohioans have already voted. Competitive House races in Pennsylvania are tilting toward Democrats, while data center opposition is emerging as a campaign issue in Arizona and other states. Polling Security: The Justice Department says FBI and ICE agents will not serve as election monitors; other federal employees will observe polling places under civil-rights rules. Farm Costs: Colorado diesel prices have nearly doubled from a year ago, squeezing farmers whose shipping contracts were set before fuel costs surged. Southwest Recovery: A $24.8 million federal grant will fund manufacturing training and equipment in Southwest Virginia, with programs expected to train 2,000 workers. Regional Security: North Korea fired more than 10 missiles toward the sea between Korea and Japan, as U.S. and South Korean forces tracked the launches amid rising border tensions.

Election Watch: With midterms days away, competitive House and Senate races are drawing national attention as voters focus on living costs and the economy. Coastal Flooding: King tides and onshore winds brought near-record water levels and flooding to Florida’s Atlantic coast, while high tides also affected both U.S. coasts. Colorado Recovery: After severe flooding in southwest Colorado, the state requested $65 million in federal aid to repair damaged roads and bridges before winter. Energy Costs: Three tankers carrying Russian diesel are headed for the U.S. East Coast, drawing criticism of President Trump’s move to allow the fuel shipments as prices climb. Indiana Utilities: NIPSCO proposed $90 in credits for electric customers, paid over 18 months, subject to regulatory approval; the company says the savings stem from data center development. Abortion Access: An Idaho woman says the state’s near-total abortion ban forced her to leave for care after doctors diagnosed her fetus with a fatal condition. Defense Technology: The Army is opening two Indiana National Guard sites to commercial drone and counter-drone testing.

Energy Policy: President Trump says he is ending Biden-era methane rules for oil and gas producers, claiming the rollback will save $45 billion and unlock more domestic fuel production. Southwest Flooding: Rescues and road closures continue in southwestern Colorado after severe floods; communities face months of repairs, with more rain in the forecast. Midterms: With Election Day less than a week away, candidates are making final pitches as voters focus on living costs and competitive races in states including Iowa and Colorado. Food Supply: USDA is offering $5 billion in loan guarantees to expand U.S. meat, poultry and seafood processing. Water and Data Centers: Ohio residents are raising concerns about the water demands of a fast-growing data-center boom, while a new USDA research center in Tucson will study water and soil challenges for Southwest farmers.

Midterm Countdown: With Election Day a week away, races for Congress and state offices are tightening. A new poll puts Michigan Democrat Jocelyn Benson ahead of Republican John James by 51.4% to 44.5%. The Justice Department is also asking Washington state not to count ballots linked to more than 400 residents it says may not be citizens. Southwest Flooding: Communities across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona are assessing major flood damage, with estimates in New Mexico alone reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. More rain is forecast, raising concerns about further flooding and dangerous travel. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices remain high, averaging $6.35 a gallon nationwide. The Rocky Mountain region hit a record $6.52, adding pressure on farmers, shippers and household budgets. Winter Outlook: NOAA says a strong El Niño could bring stormier conditions across the South this winter, while forecasters warn of possible atmospheric-river flooding in Southern California.

Income Inequality: A Pew analysis found the widest income gaps across five U.S. metro areas, where upper-income households earn roughly nine to 10 times as much as lower-income households. Public Funds: Mobile, Alabama, fired one employee and placed two on leave after nearly $15 million intended for a new arena was diverted in an email scam; investigations are ongoing. Health: Flu activity is rising, and a Washington, D.C., doctor urges people to get vaccinated ahead of holiday gatherings. Severe Weather: Flooding has prompted rescues, evacuations and road closures in southwest Colorado, as forecasters warn the U.S. Southwest could face more rain. Midterms: Voters are weighing affordability, property taxes and a fast-growing backlash to data centers, now a campaign issue in races across the country. Federal authorities also charged 13 people in an alleged stolen-vehicle pipeline from Texas to Mexican cartels.

Severe Weather: Flooding in southwest Colorado washed out roads, forced evacuations and prompted a disaster declaration across 12 counties, with National Guard members helping. Energy and Industry: EQT agreed to buy Range Resources for $12.8 billion, creating the country’s largest natural gas producer as power, data-center and export demand climbs. Midterm Watch: Early in-person voting in Ohio’s Franklin County has already topped its full 2022 total; voters in four states will also decide abortion-rights measures. Border Technology: Customs and Border Protection is preparing a contract worth up to $50 million to add biometric, AI and other tools to agency applications. Local Stakes: Mississippi River communities have released guides to help officials weigh data-center projects’ water use, utility demands, public costs and economic benefits. Public Safety: An Illinois man faces federal charges after allegedly mailing powder-filled letters to members of Congress; tests found the substance was not dangerous.

Midterm Politics: With Nov. 3 approaching, Trump escalated attacks on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, questioning his loyalty and linking him to extremism; El-Sayed has rejected the claims. Polls also show Democrats Paige Cognetti and Bob Brooks narrowly leading Republican incumbents in two Pennsylvania House races. Kansas voters will decide whether to retain two Supreme Court justices and five appeals judges. Flood Emergency: Heavy rain has raised flood threats across the Four Corners. In southwest Colorado, flooding has displaced residents and washed out roads; the governor expanded the emergency declaration to 12 counties and deployed National Guard members. Travel Costs: U.S. airfares rose nearly 23% year over year through September, and major carriers say high prices may persist even if fuel costs ease. Livestock Trade: USDA is reopening the Columbus, New Mexico, crossing for Mexican cattle imports despite continued screwworm concerns, citing enhanced inspections and safeguards.

Midterm Battle: With Election Day approaching, Trump escalated attacks on Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, questioning his loyalty and repeating claims he has denied. In Alaska, the administration is defending a Trump-directed lawsuit that could block certification of the Senate race if Republican Dan Sullivan loses, citing a second candidate with the same name. Data Center Debate: Local and state races may shape whether AI data centers get built, as officials control much of the permitting and energy infrastructure. The stakes are economic as well as local: AI investment is a major source of U.S. growth, while communities are weighing power demands and other costs. Southwest Flooding: More heavy rain threatened the Four Corners after days of flooding forced evacuations and rescues. In New Mexico, floodwater left mud, sewage contamination and power outages; officials warned the region was still in an active disaster. Seafood Industry: The Trump administration announced a proposed voluntary “U.S. Caught Seafood” label and at least $5 billion in federal loan guarantees to expand domestic processing.

Colorado Flooding: Gov. Jared Polis expanded the disaster emergency to 12 southwest counties, with 100 National Guard members helping evacuate residents and conduct search-and-rescue operations as roads washed out. Auto Industry: Trump announced Audi plans a $4 billion Georgia factory, expected to create about 4,500 jobs; construction is slated to start next year, with production in the early 2030s. Midterms: With voting underway ahead of Nov. 3, Trump urged Washington voters to cast ballots early and backed three Republican candidates. Household Costs: Insurance premiums are outpacing property taxes in many U.S. counties, while airlines face rising fuel costs and travelers are seeing steep fares. Schools and Climate: Mold problems have disrupted classes and operations at Chicago-area schools and other public buildings; heavier summer storms and damp conditions are contributing to the risk.

Flood Emergency: Days of rain flooded Colorado and New Mexico communities, prompting rooftop rescues, evacuations and road closures. Colorado expanded its disaster declaration to 12 counties and deployed 100 National Guard members. Air Travel: U.S. checkpoint traffic is on pace for its first annual decline since 2020, but airlines are accepting fewer passengers as fares rise; September ticket prices were up more than 22% from a year earlier. Midterm Campaigns: President Trump rallied Florida Republicans in Fort Myers, while early voting in Bowie County, Texas, ran 27% ahead of the same point in 2022. Fuel Costs: The Trump administration is exploring reopening shuttered refineries and offering $150 million to expand U.S. refining capacity as fuel prices strain households and businesses. Veterans: The first national memorial to honor Gulf War service members opened on the National Mall in Washington.

Coastal Flooding: King tides, heavy rain and strong winds could bring flooding to Florida’s coast this weekend, with hazardous surf and rip currents expected to persist into next week. Midterm Push: Barack Obama is campaigning in Detroit and Cleveland for Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Sherrod Brown. A new poll also finds Trump’s net approval among urban voters improved since July, though analysts caution the subgroup results may be volatile. Data Center Debate: Ohio and Georgia candidates face growing opposition to AI data centers over concerns about electricity bills, water use and pollution, making development a key midterm issue. Environmental Health: A new study suggests Navy pumping may not fully contain fuel contamination near Hawaii’s Red Hill storage facility, which previously polluted drinking water for 93,000 people. Housing: Construction has begun on a $36 million Youngstown project offering 120 apartments for families earning up to 60% of the area’s median income.