AGP Executive Report

Kennedy Center De-Trumping: After a court-ordered deadline extension for thunderstorms, workers removed “THE DONALD J. TRUMP AND” signage from the John F. Kennedy Center, following a May 29 Judge Christopher Cooper order tied to a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty—while the center’s broader future still hangs in the balance after the Trump-era shakeup. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro Scrutiny: Lawyers say Pirro’s aggressive, high-profile approach as D.C.’s top federal prosecutor has made juries more skeptical, contributing to acquittals and mistrials and changing how potential jurors talk about the government. White House UFC Security + Weather: UFC Freedom 250 brought heightened Secret Service-led security and major downtown traffic restrictions, but storms forced delays and kept organizers watching for lightning. Medicare Broker Pushback: A new look at Medicare enrollment finds broker commissions vary sharply by plan type, often steering retirees toward Medicare Advantage options with higher pay. Medicaid Work Rules Land: CMS released final guidance on Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions must do to keep coverage—while states scramble to implement systems and avoid coverage losses. Energy Costs/Data Centers: Virginia lawmakers and allies are pushing back on data-center grid-expansion costs, arguing residents shouldn’t foot the bill as Microsoft and others expand. Healthcare Crisis Warning: Analysts warn deportations and shortages could worsen the already tightening U.S. healthcare workforce. DC Politics Ahead: With Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton retiring, the D.C. delegate race is set to bring generational change as voters also prepare for mayoral and council contests. Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for D.C. and parts of the region through late evening.

UFC at the White House: UFC Freedom 250 is set for Sunday on the South Lawn, with President Trump attending for a card that’s already drawn legal and logistical heat—after a D.C. judge rejected a bid to stop the event and the Justice Department defended it. Kennedy Center Name Fight: Crews removed Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center’s physical signage and other materials after DOJ certified compliance with a court order, following a deadline extension tied to severe thunderstorms. Weather Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for D.C. and the region through late evening, with hail, damaging winds, and lightning possible. Power Grid Pressure: Federal energy regulators are nearing a decision on whether AI data centers or existing customers pay for grid expansion—an outcome that could shape household bills and how fast new facilities get built. Local Governance: Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated a citywide juvenile curfew and curfew zones through June 27, citing youth violence and council inaction. Public Safety/Justice: A former “ghost fleet” tanker master pleaded guilty in D.C. for evading Coast Guard orders during a sanctions-busting oil run.

Kennedy Center Name Fight: Workers in Washington removed President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center’s physical signage and digital materials after a federal court order held up on appeal, with DOJ citing a missed deadline tied to thunderstorms and safety concerns. Local Governance: Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated a citywide juvenile curfew with MPD curfew zones, extending it nightly through June 27 as she argues the D.C. Council failed to extend an emergency curfew law. Power & Tech Costs: Federal energy regulators are set to decide how AI data centers should pay for grid expansion—whether costs land on existing electricity customers or on the companies driving demand—an outcome that could affect bills and the pace of new construction across the PJM region including D.C. Cybercrime in D.C.: A Ukrainian man extradited from Ireland pleaded guilty in U.S. court for his role in the Conti ransomware scheme, which prosecutors say hit victims across 47 states and included the District of Columbia. Public Safety: Brady is suing DOJ and ATF over a FOIA request tied to firearm tracing “Demand Letter 2,” arguing the government must release data despite protections Congress has placed on sensitive tracing information.

Kennedy Center Name Fight: Workers in Washington removed Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center early Saturday, after courts said the venue can’t be renamed without Congress—despite DOJ seeking a short weather delay and a last-minute stay attempt. White House Weekend Security & Culture Clash: The same legal fight swirled around UFC Freedom 250 on the White House grounds, with fans packing the Lincoln Memorial area and a judge letting the event proceed. Local Public Safety: Mayor Muriel Bowser reissued a citywide juvenile curfew and curfew zones for 15 days, citing youth violence and arguing the D.C. Council’s inaction has pushed federal involvement. Cybercrime & Justice: A Ukrainian man tied to the Conti ransomware operation pleaded guilty in D.C. after an extradition from Ireland, as prosecutors described massive victim impacts. Energy & AI Strain: PJM and FERC face major decisions over AI-driven electricity demand growth, with grid capacity and pricing pressures rising across the region. Voting Rights Pressure: The FBI searched an Ohio voter-registration group’s office, part of a broader push by the Trump administration that critics say is meant to intimidate election activity.

Kennedy Center Showdown: Workers removed Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center facade early Saturday after courts ruled the performing arts landmark can’t be renamed without Congress, following a last-minute DOJ bid to delay over thunderstorms that was rejected by appeals judges. White House UFC Fallout: A federal judge cleared the way for UFC Freedom 250 on the White House grounds after denying an emergency effort to stop the event, even as critics argued the commercial fights on federal property were unlawful. Local Public Safety: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated a limited juvenile curfew and curfew zones aimed at curbing “teen takeovers,” with MPD empowered to set the geographic boundaries. Crime Update: A former MPD officer from Hyattsville was convicted in federal court for allegedly fraudulently taking more than $18,000 in COVID-era relief funds. Weather & Power: A severe thunderstorm watch covered D.C. and nearby areas, while heat and humidity continued to strain the regional grid, prompting a power emergency in the Southeast. Food Assistance Push: State attorneys general, including D.C., urged Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill, warning cuts are worsening hunger. AI Scrutiny: State AGs opened a sweeping investigation into OpenAI via a broad subpoena tied to how the company handles ads, user interactions, and children’s use.

UFC at the White House: A federal judge in D.C. denied an emergency bid to stop UFC Freedom 250, ruling plaintiffs failed to show they’d be directly harmed or face irreparable injury—so the event is set to proceed on the South Lawn. Kennedy Center Name Fight: Courts kept the order in place to remove President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center facade and signage, as the board pressed for stays and appeals. D.C. Home Rule Threat: Trump said he’d “take over” Washington if progressive mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George wins, escalating his rhetoric about federal control. National Mall “8647” Probe: Federal authorities are investigating anti-Trump “8647” markings found on National Mall grass. Public Safety—White House Shooting: A bystander wounded near the White House last month is still recovering and has retained a lawyer. Local Crime: MPD arrested three teens tied to a Navy Yard Chipotle brawl and is seeking suspects in additional theft cases in Southeast. AI Deepfakes: State broadcasters, including D.C., urged Congress to pass the NO FAKES Act to protect voices and likenesses from unauthorized AI replicas. Power and Heat: The Energy Department declared a southeastern power emergency as heat strains grids, with PJM prices spiking across the Mid-Atlantic.

Kennedy Center Fight: The Trump administration filed an appeal in D.C. federal court after a judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center and blocked a two-year renovation plan—setting up another legal showdown in the D.C. Circuit. National Security: U.S. authorities seized 13 internet domains tied to alleged Chinese spying recruitment, warning security-clearance holders about fake “consulting” job offers using AI-generated content. D.C. Politics & Public Safety: In the mayor’s race, Kenyan McDuffie is pushing tougher enforcement against “teen takeovers,” while Janeese Lewis George faces pressure over her stance on a police-enforced curfew. Health Policy: CMS issued final Medicaid work-requirement rules, with states scrambling to implement systems ahead of the 2027 rollout. Weather: A heat advisory and severe thunderstorm watch are both in play across D.C. and the region, with outdoor activity risks for residents. Federal Contractors: A coalition of attorneys general sued over new Trump contract terms aimed at purging DEI, arguing the rules are unclear and bypass proper process. National Mall Investigation: Federal investigators collected grass samples after “8647” appeared on the National Mall, as officials called it vandalism tied to political violence claims.

Kennedy Center Fight: A conservative watchdog filed a judicial misconduct complaint against D.C. District Judge Christopher Cooper, arguing he should have recused himself from a case tied to President Trump’s effort to rename the Kennedy Center. Federal Contractor Clash: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and a coalition of attorneys general sued the Trump administration over new, unclear federal contracting terms aimed at purging DEI, saying contractors face severe penalties without guidance. SNAP Funding Blocked: A federal judge paused USDA conditions that would have tied SNAP and WIC funding to “anti-DEI” and other policy demands, including in Virginia and other states. D.C. Election Watch: In the D.C. special election for an at-large council seat, candidates are pitching priorities and experience as turnout efforts ramp up, including a major faith-based endorsement for mayoral candidate Kenyan McDuffie. Public Safety & Transparency: Rep. Gosar and Sen. Hagerty introduced resolutions to block D.C. measures that would require disclosure of identifying information about federal law enforcement officers involved in arrests and use-of-force incidents. Local Infrastructure: WMATA and D.C. Public Library announced a new library project at Congress Heights station, starting with transit upgrades and a rebuilt bus loop. Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for D.C. and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

DC Primary Election 2026: Early voting is underway ahead of the June 16 Democratic mayoral primary and at-large special election, with key details on who can vote early, hours for voting centers, and the top mayoral contenders—Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie—plus what voters should know before Election Day. Local Governance: The DC Council is moving toward higher education support in the 2027 budget, with a first vote that signals more investment in schools. Federal Courts: A federal judge in Washington questioned the Trump administration over a controversial $1.8 billion “weaponization” fund, warning DOJ not to backtrack on assurances the plan won’t proceed. Public Safety & Accountability: Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Bill Hagerty introduced resolutions aimed at overturning DC Council measures that would require identifying information disclosure for federal law enforcement in arrest and use-of-force reporting. National Security: U.S. authorities seized 13 internet domains tied to alleged Chinese fake consulting firms recruiting current and former U.S. officials for insider information. Consumer Watch: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles nationwide, including in DC, over rear suspension subframe corrosion that can lead to loss of control.

Gun Rights in Court: DOJ civil rights officials say they’re picking Second Amendment fights meant to force Supreme Court review, including cases involving gun and magazine bans. Election Rules: USPS proposed a plan that would require states to hand over mail-in voter lists and barcode data before ballots are delivered, tightening Trump’s election verification push. Local Legal Fight: AG William Tong joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump contract mandates aimed at “DEI” requirements, arguing they’re vague and could cost contractors billions. DC Development: Mayor Bowser broke ground on Canopy Row at Walter Reed, a 141-home project in Ward 4 with townhomes and stacked units, including homes reserved for lower-income buyers. National Security: Federal authorities seized 13 domains tied to alleged Chinese “fake consulting” sites targeting current or former U.S. security personnel. Transportation Safety: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles, including Pilots sold in DC, over rear suspension subframe corrosion that could lead to loss of control. Energy Grid Watch: PJM power developers say generation is ready, but they need data center contracts and transmission progress to keep up with demand.

UFC Freedom 250 Legal Fight: U.S. government attorneys told a D.C. federal judge the Department of Interior and National Park Service broke no laws in allowing UFC’s South Lawn card this weekend, arguing the plaintiffs waited too long and that the event’s $60M-plus build would be harmed by an injunction. Local Governance: D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson proposed tapping $150M from the District’s rainy day fund to restore major social spending cuts ahead of fiscal 2027 budget votes. Voting Access & Data: A new USPS plan tied to a Trump directive would require states to hand over voter lists to keep mail ballots flowing, with D.C. and other states suing. Federal Courts & Food Aid: A judge blocked USDA from tying SNAP funding to anti-DEI and other policy demands, while Michigan AG Dana Nessel and allies won a preliminary injunction. Civil Rights: DOJ opened an investigation into whether Philadelphia police use a vague “good cause” standard to cancel concealed-carry permits. Education Policy: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Superintendent Chris Reykdal plan to seek a statewide K-12 cellphone ban for the 2027-28 school year. Energy Tax Credits: A D.C. court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring the “5% safe harbor” for wind and solar “beginning of construction,” at least for now.

SNAP Fight in D.C. Courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from tying SNAP aid to anti-DEI and other political conditions, with D.C. among the plaintiffs challenging USDA’s move. Energy Policy in the District: The D.C. federal court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring the “5% Safe Harbor” for wind and large solar projects—though Treasury is expected to appeal. White House Security + America 250: The National Mall is gearing up for near-daily America 250 events, including UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, with heightened security and advance registration requests. Local Housing Investment: DCHFA closed on 950 Eastern Ave in Ward 7, bringing 56 affordable homes (including permanent supportive housing) supported by tax-exempt bonds and federal and local financing. Education Tech Debate: Washington state leaders, including Gov. Bob Ferguson and Superintendent Chris Reykdal, are pushing a statewide “away for the day” cellphone ban in K-12 schools. Public Safety: MPD is investigating a fatal shooting in Northwest that left a 29-year-old dead.

D.C. Mayoral Race: Seven candidates laid out how they’d handle safety, housing, and especially federal relations, with multiple proposals centered on how D.C. should work with (or limit) Washington agencies and law enforcement. Energy Policy in the Courts: A federal judge in D.C. vacated an IRS rule that made it harder for wind and solar projects to use the “Five Percent Safe Harbor” for clean-energy tax credits, sending the guidance back for review after finding it could mean less clean power and higher electricity prices. Supreme Court Signals More Gas Appliance Reversals: The Supreme Court tossed a Biden-era ruling upholding strict gas appliance efficiency standards and sent the dispute back to the D.C. appeals court for reconsideration. UFC Freedom 250 Legal Fight: Activists filed suit in D.C. federal court to block the White House South Lawn event, arguing federal agencies violated law by allowing a private promoter to use public land and by proceeding without required approvals. Local Public Safety: MPD is investigating a fatal Northwest shooting that left a 29-year-old man dead, and is asking the public for tips. Consumer Finance: The CFPB is facing a lawsuit over a fair-lending rule under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, with plaintiffs seeking to undo the agency’s final changes.

UFC at the White House Under Legal Fire: A federal lawsuit filed in D.C. challenges “UFC Freedom 250” on the White House South Lawn, arguing federal agencies violated park rules and that the event lacks proper congressional authorization for the buildout. Energy Policy in the Courts: A D.C. federal judge vacated Trump-era IRS guidance that tightened when wind and solar projects qualify for federal tax credits, sending the IRS notice back for more review. Immigration Fees Blocked: A judge struck down the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B fee, calling it unlawful, a major hit to a policy aimed at making the program harder to use. DC Primary Logistics: Voters head to the June 16 D.C. primary with early voting underway and ranked-choice voting for the first time, plus a full rundown of voting-center hours and deadlines. Public Health Watch: CDC data shows measles cases in 2026 are on pace to surpass the 2025 record, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people. Local Development: Mayor Bowser broke ground on Canopy Row at Walter Reed, a mixed-use housing project bringing 141 homes, including units reserved for lower-income households.

UFC on the White House Lawn Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit filed in D.C. seeks to block “UFC Freedom 250” on the White House South Lawn, arguing Interior and the National Park Service violated federal law by allowing a private, for-profit event on federal parkland and by failing to complete required environmental review; the case also targets construction tied to the event. Local Politics & Elections: WTOP published candidate questionnaires for D.C. races, including D.C. attorney general hopeful J.P. Szymkowicz and multiple D.C. Council candidates (Ward 1 and at-large), as voters head toward the June primary. Food Assistance Court Fight: A judge paused Trump administration efforts to attach policy compliance conditions to SNAP and other federal food funding, granting a preliminary injunction that includes the District of Columbia. Kennedy Center Naming Fallout: A D.C. judge dismissed the Kennedy Center’s breach-of-contract lawsuit against jazz musician Chuck Redd, finding it qualifies as a SLAPP and ordering the center to pay Redd’s legal fees. Housing Development: Mayor Muriel Bowser is set to break ground on Canopy Row at the former Walter Reed campus, a mixed-use project adding 141 homes, including affordable homeownership options.

UFC at the White House: A D.C. federal lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project seeks to stop the June 14 UFC event on the White House grounds, arguing the administration improperly commercialized federal parkland and skipped required approvals, with plaintiffs also calling the setup “corrupt.” SNAP funding fight: A judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new USDA conditions tied to SNAP and other nutrition grants, siding with a coalition of 20 Democratic-led states plus D.C. over alleged unlawful, vague requirements tied to immigration and “gender ideology.” DC Water leadership shakeup: The DC Water board voted to remove CEO David Gadis after months of criticism over a January sewage spill into the Potomac, with mayoral candidates clashing publicly over whether he should go. Kennedy Center dispute: A D.C. Superior Court judge tossed the Kennedy Center’s breach-of-contract case against jazz musician Chuck Redd after he canceled a Christmas Eve performance following the center’s Trump renaming. Local politics: WTOP published candidate Q&As for D.C. Council races, including Ward 1 contender Rashida Brown and at-large candidates Elissa Silverman, Jacque Patterson, Doni Crawford, Oye Owolewa, and Kevin Chavous, ahead of the June primary. Election Day clarity: The Supreme Court is poised to decide whether ballots must be received by Election Day, a ruling that could reshape mail-ballot rules in states including D.C.