AGP Executive Report

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.

World Cup Weather & Safety: Kansas City’s World Cup kickoff has been hit by severe storms, including tornado warnings that forced England’s squad to shelter and shut down the FIFA fan festival early. Sports Crime & Security: England’s World Cup training gear was reportedly stolen en route to its Kansas City base; two men face receiving-stolen-property charges. Health Care Fraud: A federal appeals court upheld prison sentences for Michigan and Ohio pharmacists tied to a $13M fraud ring. Military Posture: Taiwan fired dozens of U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets toward China in a live-fire drill, escalating tensions as Beijing calls it provocation. Climate & Travel: Weather warnings are also swirling around the tournament, with extreme heat alerts in parts of the U.S. and Canada. Local Community Spotlight: Chicago’s Griffin Museum is hosting an immersive Anne Frank exhibit, bringing the hidden annex to the Midwest.

Severe Weather & Recovery: Tornadoes and damaging storms ripped through the Midwest, with Illinois and Indiana residents dealing with roof damage, downed trees and long power outages as cleanup stretched into next week. World Cup in the Midwest: England’s World Cup camp in Kansas City faced a tornado warning and, separately, a theft-in-transit of training gear—two men were charged, but officials say most items were recovered and training wasn’t derailed. Sports Spotlight: South Bend Cubs clinched a first playoff berth since 2022 and won the Midwest League West first-half title. Lottery: Powerball’s June 13 jackpot was an estimated $258 million (numbers: 3, 13, 44, 50, 53; Powerball 2). Tech & Power Demand: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with major power and grid-upgrade implications. Space Watch: SpaceX is targeting a June 15 Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg to send 24 Starlink satellites into orbit. Local Culture: Serpent Mound’s 17th annual Summer Solstice Celebration returns in Ohio, with lectures, tours and music.

El Niño Watch: NOAA says El Niño has developed and is expected to intensify into a moderate-to-strong pattern this fall, with California bracing for a wetter, stormier winter and major flood and infrastructure risk. Earthquake Risk: New research finds the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults in Southern California are in a “critically loaded” state after stress levels reached the highest in 1,000 years, raising long-term quake concern. Severe Weather: The Northeast faces another round of damaging storms Sunday, with a Level 2 threat over 50 million people, while the central U.S. remains on alert for large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Public Health: CDC reports a rare Lyme-causing bacterium (Borrelia mayonii) has been detected in New York for the first time, expanding where clinicians should consider tick-borne illness. Local Governance: Allendale Township, Michigan, adopts a yearlong data center moratorium as communities push back on energy, water, and noise impacts. Tech & Power: A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, underscoring looming grid strain as AI demand grows.

World Cup Kickoff (U.S. sports): The U.S. men’s national team opened the 2026 World Cup at home, beating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium, with Christian Pulisic involved in the early scoring and Folarin Balogun netting two. Severe Weather (Midwest): Tornadoes and storms ripped through the Midwest again, including confirmed twisters in Wisconsin and damage across Illinois and Indiana, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and forcing cleanup and recovery. Extreme Heat & Power (East/Southeast): A heatwave is stressing the grid along the East Coast, with the federal government issuing a power emergency to help prevent blackouts. AI + Energy Infrastructure (Ohio): A report says OpenAI is in advanced talks to lease a massive 10-gigawatt data center campus on federal land in Ohio, with major power and buildout needs. Child Well-Being (U.S.): A new Kids Count report finds child well-being worsened in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with declines in education and health and rising child poverty. Military/Foreign Policy (Taiwan-China): Taiwan fired U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets in a live-fire drill aimed at deterring a potential invasion, drawing sharp condemnation from China.

Severe Weather: Tornadoes and storms slammed the Midwest again, with Illinois and Indiana hit hardest; officials reported widespread damage, searches in tornado-ravaged areas, and power outages affecting hundreds of thousands. Weather Drivers: Ohio’s heavy rain is being linked to a warm Gulf air setup over the Great Lakes plus a faster shift toward El Niño conditions. Public Health: A CDC/White House advisory warns a veterinary sedative is showing up in illegal drugs, with medetomidine detections surging and officials stressing naloxone alone won’t reverse its effects. Economy & Cost of Living: New data shows household debt at an all-time high, while inflation talk continues as prices rise again amid the Iran war. Energy Policy: A new push to ban U.S. crude oil exports is being criticized as a move that could backfire on gasoline prices and energy jobs. Housing: A St. Paul housing study highlights how rent-control efforts and zoning changes are shaping construction and rent outcomes. Politics & Governance: Iowa Republicans are challenging Libertarian candidates’ ballot access, setting up a review.

Severe Weather: Tornadoes and damaging storms tore through the Midwest, including confirmed touchdowns outside Chicago, leaving at least one death in Iowa and knocking out power for hundreds of thousands while flights were delayed or canceled. Heat + Storm Mix: A dangerous combo of oppressive humidity and thunderstorms is pushing heat advisories across the East and Midwest, with heat indexes near or above 100 in parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. World Cup Kickoff (Kansas City): Kansas City is gearing up as the smallest U.S. host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an expected 650,000 visitors and major public investment tied to hosting matches at Arrowhead Stadium. World Cup Road Trips: Travel research highlights scenic drive routes between host cities, turning match days into full-on road trips. Local Hospitality: Volunteers in the Kansas City area are preparing to welcome visitors, including parish and community groups helping fans feel at home. Health Care Watch: Medicare Advantage plans are under fire over denial rates for prior authorization, with critics saying appeals often get overturned only after pushback. Energy + Food: Ethanol production held steady while inventories fell, signaling continued demand for corn-based renewable fuel. El Niño Update: NOAA says El Niño is in place and strengthening, with implications for hurricane activity and broader U.S. weather patterns.

Severe Weather & Power Outages: Storms tore through the Midwest and Chicago area, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands, damaging buildings, and causing more than 1,000 flight delays and cancellations; one person died in Iowa after being struck by a tree. Heat & Tornado Risk: A fresh round of dangerous heat and severe weather threats is set to continue across the Great Lakes and Midwest, with tornado watches and warnings issued in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan. El Niño Watch: NOAA says El Niño has officially begun and could intensify into a “Super” event, with major global weather impacts and heightened heat risks. World Cup Logistics (Kansas City): Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, but worry international visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system; the area expects about 650,000 visitors and hundreds of millions in economic activity. Environment in Court: A federal court hearing is underway over the U.S. plan to kill up to 450,000 barred owls over 30 years to protect spotted owls. Local Business/Community: Culver’s “Thank You Farmers” barn was damaged in Beaver Dam storms, while Kansas City’s World Cup planning continues to expand transport and health infrastructure.

World Cup Health Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for international patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s complexity and costs, so they’re expanding translation and coordination. Severe Weather: Storms across the Midwest and Great Lakes have knocked out power and disrupted travel, with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds possible as the threat shifts east. Local Labor Fight: Omaha city councilmembers backed striking Teamsters at Premier Midwest Beverage, urging Glazer’s Beer and Beverage to resolve a dispute now stretching past four months. Healthcare Pay Controversy: Nebraska’s state auditor is questioning a Norfolk nonprofit hospital’s nearly $5 million gastroenterologist pay and $3.8 million plastic surgeon pay, with critics pointing to incentive bonuses tied to more procedures. Housing Pressure: A new report says foreclosure pressure is surging in the South, driven largely by rising insurance and property taxes that raise monthly payments. USDA Seafood Office: Oregon welcomed the USDA’s new Office of Seafood, aiming to cut barriers and boost support for fishermen. Lottery: Powerball’s June 10 jackpot was estimated at $238 million. Tick Season Warning: The CDC says tick-related ER visits are rising in the Midwest; health officials urge prevention and quick care for symptoms.

E15 Push in Congress: Supporters are trying again to pass a bill that would let 15% ethanol gasoline be sold year-round nationwide, aiming to boost corn demand and rural economies while negotiating concessions with refiners. Gas Prices Watch: Fuel costs remain a patchwork across the U.S.; in Texas, regular averaged $3.95 and diesel $4.89 for the week ending May 30, while scattered county “lowest” deals show how much prices can swing station to station. Housing Momentum: Existing-home sales rose 3.2% in May, reaching the fastest pace since December, as affordability improved and mortgage rates stayed below last year. Severe Weather: Storms are battering parts of the Midwest and Northeast with hail, damaging winds, flooding, and tornado risk, with travel disruptions possible. World Cup Heat: As the 2026 tournament begins, extreme heat is expected across the Desert Southwest, Southern Plains, and Texas, with heat-stress concerns for fans and players. Artemis III Crew Named: NASA announced the all-male Artemis III astronauts for a 2027 mission focused on docking tests in Earth orbit. Political Violence Concern: An AI campaign video from Michigan GOP candidate Aric Nesbitt showing Democrats being attacked drew backlash from Democrats and critics. Air Travel Shakeup: Spirit Airlines’ exit from Detroit Metro leaves a major low-cost gap, raising questions about future fares. Local Tragedy: Authorities are investigating a death after a missing man was found in a lake near Ellston, Iowa.

Housing & Cost of Living: Existing home sales jumped 3.2% in May to the fastest pace since December, with prices hitting an all-time high for May as affordability improves slightly despite still-high mortgage rates. Energy & Fuel Prices: H5N1 bird flu detections in poultry flocks across 12 states are expected to keep pressuring egg and poultry prices into summer, while local gas-price reports show wide variation by county and fuel type. Grid Reliability: Ameren Missouri is seeking public input on an $881 million transmission upgrade expected to add about 25 cents per month for residential customers to improve reliability. Weather & Safety: Severe storms and extreme heat are moving through the Upper Midwest and into eastern South Dakota, with heat advisories and tornado/wind/hail threats. Local Transportation: Maryville, Missouri is weighing tighter rules and education for e-bikes and e-scooters after near-collisions, especially involving minors. Agriculture & Competition: The FTC has launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration after farmers warned of squeezed margins and higher grocery costs. Culture & Community: A Midwestern LGBTQ community calendar in Cincinnati is expanding the city’s queer event scene, building a “Cincy Gay Agenda” for locals. Sports & Crime: Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for a track-meet stabbing in Texas, while college baseball fans are gearing up for the College World Series in Omaha.

Right-to-Try Debate: A new push for state “Right-to-Try” and related access laws is reviving the argument that early patient access drains clinical trials—though one analysis says it could actually strengthen trials if regulators use enforcement discretion. Pro AV Growth: CTI bought Texolve Digital, its second Pro AV acquisition in under a month, expanding broadcast engineering for major sports venues. Travel Sales Expansion: Audley Travel added four inside sales reps to speed advisor-to-booking support across regions. Pharma Logistics: DSV launched a Luxembourg–Indianapolis Air ThermoDirect route to improve cold-chain reliability for temperature-controlled medicines. Housing Market: Existing home sales jumped 3.2% in May to the fastest pace since December, with prices hitting a new May high. Weather & Storms: NOAA warns eastern Iowa faces an elevated severe storm risk Wednesday and Thursday, including tornado potential. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reports show localized price swings, including midgrade at $4.59/gal in Clark County and diesel at $4.79/gal in Creek County. Earthquake Reminder: A 6.1 quake off Cuba was felt across south Florida, with precautionary evacuations but no major damage reported. Culture/Entertainment: Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” opens in theaters, and MAC named Chappell Roan as the face of Viva Glam 2026.

World Cup Build-Up: The U.S. men’s national team is settling into its Southern California training base ahead of Friday’s opener vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, with players and fans packing the Great Park practice session. Navy Drills: The USS Theodore Roosevelt will lead U.S. participation in the 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercises, with more than 30 nations and 25,000 personnel expected around Hawaii and San Diego. Earthquake Watch (Florida): A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s west coast rattled parts of Florida, prompting precautionary evacuations and temporary shutdowns, with no major damage reported. Local Infrastructure: Pacifica Pier damage is worsening after major cracks, threatening nearby businesses and triggering ongoing inspections and community pressure for a path forward. Health & Tech: A new study finds that being transparent about AI in healthcare boosts trust, but higher AI diagnostic accuracy can reduce or stall trust in some patients. Mental Health (VA): Chicago’s VA hospital has begun enrolling veterans in a psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for treatment-resistant PTSD. Retail Expansion: Pump & Pantry plans to buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores, expanding its Midwest footprint. Community & Sports: New Ulm’s VFW Silver won the Luverne Junior Legion Baseball Tournament; Roxana’s Peyton Cincoski captured the IESA Class 3A 100-meter title. Entertainment/Business: Jade Presents filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with nearly $3 million in debts.

Housing Market: Realtor.com says U.S. home prices posted their biggest year-over-year drop in a decade in May, as persistent inflation pushed mortgage rates higher and sellers cut asking prices. Severe Weather & Flooding: Forecasts warn flooding could affect more than 88 million people across the Midwest and northern Plains, with heavy rain and possible tornadoes and damaging hail. Energy & Gas Prices: GasBuddy spotlights wide local variation in pump prices, with premium deals as low as $4.24 in Chambers County and diesel lows around $4.79 in several areas, while broader fuel costs remain tied to Middle East shipping disruptions and refinery outages. Local Development: Heart of America Group is proposing a new 70,000-square-foot headquarters building in Des Moines’ East Village, with city council review today. Education & Jobs: Youngstown State University selected 12 students for a paid 2026 Ohio Export Internship Program, pairing them with Ohio companies for summer export-focused work. Business Expansion: Pump & Pantry agreed to buy 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores, expanding its Midwest footprint into Iowa and Minnesota. Courts & Public Safety: Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial in Texas continues with defense witnesses after prosecutors rested, while a major fire in downtown South Bend’s Lafayette building disrupted nearby businesses. International: A 7.8 earthquake struck the Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings that were later canceled.

Fuel Costs & Summer Travel: Michigan boaters are weighing how much to buy as gas prices stay high after Iran-war disruptions, with ethanol-free fuel often costing far more than regular. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a week of volatile storms across the Plains and Midwest, with damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding, and tornado risk shifting north and east. Local Safety & Community: A 13-year-old was seriously hurt after falling from a ride at a Butte, Montana carnival; in central Minnesota, investigators are probing a deadly early-morning house fire. Education Spotlight: An Indiana eighth grader will represent the state at the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City. Higher Ed Policy: UW Board of Regents will consider a modest, below-inflation tuition increase for 2026-27. Courts & Housing Data: A Chicago MLS fight with Zillow over listing data is headed to court, raising big questions about who controls home listing information. World Cup Build-Up: USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner’s spot is under debate as the team prepares for its 2026 opener, while Arizona’s Athletic Grounds touts “white glove” field service for Turkey’s training site.

Middle East Tensions: Iran warned U.S. and Israeli bases in the Gulf are “legitimate targets,” after Tehran cited IDF escalation in Lebanon and said talks over unfreezing assets are stuck. Energy & Travel Costs: GasBuddy data for the week ending May 30 shows spotty but generally elevated prices across the U.S., with examples like regular at $4.09 in DeWitt County, diesel at $4.59 in McClain County, and premium as low as $4.31 in Tishomingo County—while AAA and analysts link higher pump prices to Middle East shipping disruptions and refinery outages. Aviation & Tourism: Royal Air Maroc launched a new nonstop Casablanca–Los Angeles route, running three times weekly and aimed at growing U.S.-West Coast travel demand. Local Education: Hazard Community and Technical College said longtime Spanish professor Scott May is retiring after decades of teaching and student support. Environment & Energy Policy: The Interior Department asked a federal court to allow revised environmental reviews for older oil-and-gas leases in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.