AGP Executive Report

New Mexico Jobs: Eden Pharmacy is expanding in Albuquerque with a $2.7M upgrade to a state-of-the-art compounding facility, aiming for 45 high-paying jobs soon and 56+ over the decade, plus an estimated $78M economic impact. California Politics: A Newsom “break the glass” warning over the jungle primary is drawing fresh fire from GOP frontrunners, while Republicans push voter ID as “common sense” even as they keep leaning on debunked fraud claims. AI in Industry: McFarland-Johnson rolled out a firmwide “responsible AI” push, embedding it into everyday workflows rather than treating it like a bolt-on. Sports & Culture: The Preakness heads to Laurel Park for a $400M-era change, and SNL’s Season 51 wraps with big-name cameos and chatter. Sudan Watch: Coverage continues to spotlight how outside arms and money keep the Sudan war grinding on.

Counterterrorism: Nigeria and the U.S. say they’ve killed 175 ISIS-linked militants in northeastern operations, building on the earlier strike that took out Abu-Bilal al-Manuki—while analysts focus on what this could mean for Nigeria’s intelligence reach in the Lake Chad region. U.S. Politics: Alabama’s GOP governor nomination is projected to go to Tommy Tuberville, setting up a rematch with Doug Jones; in Georgia, Burt Jones and Rick Jackson advance to a runoff. California Politics: A new poll has Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra leading the crowded governor field, with Tom Steyer third and undecideds slipping. Energy Policy: Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s bill would expand energy-storage safety testing and funding for thermal-runaway risk tools. Local & Courts: Lawyers in the Charlie Kirk killing case push to seal parts of a hearing after a judge rejected a full camera ban. Humanitarian: UNHCR and Al-Rahma are sending relief supplies to Sudanese refugees in Chad.

Courtroom Fight: Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will argue Tuesday to seal parts of a key hearing after a judge refused to ban news cameras—prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Elections Watch: Polls open Tuesday for Alabama’s 2026 primaries, while Texas GOP runoff early voting starts Monday (including Cornyn vs. Paxton) with strict same-party runoff rules. Local Governance: Greenwood County commissioners pressed hospital oversight and a pay-scale proposal during a routine meeting, demanding tighter trustee reporting. Policy Push: Oklahoma’s minimum wage ballot question heads to a June 16 vote, aiming to raise pay to $12 in 2027 and $15 by 2029. Africa/France: A fresh backlash to Macron’s “Pan-Africanist” pitch continues as France’s Africa summit strategy shifts toward anglophone partners like Kenya. Security: Nigeria and the U.S. say they killed 20+ ISIS militants in northeastern Borno.

AfroBasket Qualifiers Kick Off: The FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers start this month in Côte d’Ivoire, with Zone 4 running May 28–June 4 in Malabo (Chad and hosts already qualified; Cameroon earned a historic bronze in 2024). Digital Welfare Push in West Africa: Lomé hosted a four-day World Bank-backed workshop on modern, interoperable digital social benefit payments, bringing together 10 countries and BCEAO to expand access and improve governance. Cameroon Road Finally Gets Money: After a 15-year delay, Cameroon secured CFA130.4B for the Ebolowa–Kribi highway, reviving a project tied to port and trade expansion. Local Politics Watch: California’s “jungle primary” system is under fresh scrutiny as early polling shows a crowded governor race with no clear frontrunner. U.S.-Nigeria Counterterrorism: New coordinated strikes hit ISIS targets in northeastern Nigeria as officials tout ongoing pressure after recent high-profile leadership losses. Property Tax Shock in Geneva: Geneva’s latest reassessment sparked outrage, with overall assessments up 38% and owners set to contest this month. Sports & Culture: Rain wiped out a South Dakota stock car event, while Beaches Turks and Caicos opened its $150M Treasure Beach Village with fireworks and a celebrity-filled bash.

Lake Chad Terror Crackdown: AFRICOM and Nigeria hit ISIL targets again in Borno’s Metele area, saying more than 20 militants were killed and no U.S. or Nigerian personnel were harmed—after the high-profile joint strike that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global No. 2. Security at Home: Nigeria’s Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele says school kidnappings are pushing lawmakers to fast-track state police, as displaced families in Borno await relief and resettlement. Regional Coordination: Nigeria’s National Defence College is urging tighter cross-agency cooperation to choke terrorism financing networks. U.S. Politics: A Republican House member, Tom Kean Jr., is sidelined by a “serious” illness and has missed 88 votes, with his return uncertain. Weather Watch: Lancaster County braces for what could be the first 2026 heat wave, with highs near record levels and storm risks. Health & Science: A blood test that detects tumor DNA is being pitched to help choose better treatment for early-spread cancers.

ISIS Strike in Nigeria: Trump and Tinubu say U.S.-Nigerian forces killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in the Lake Chad Basin, calling it a major blow—though analysts note the top leader is still at large and the region’s terror network keeps shifting. Retaliation & Chaos: Hours earlier, suspected Islamists attacked a Nigerian military school in Yobe, killing 17 police trainees, while in Borno terrorists abducted 42 schoolchildren after the al-Minuki raid. California Politics: Former LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa tells Democrats to stop blaming Trump for homelessness and affordability, arguing those crises grew under Democratic policies. Global Human Rights: Amnesty reports executions hit a 44-year high in 2025, led by Iran and Saudi Arabia. Public Health Push: A new plea warns vaccination funding is collapsing as leaders meet in Geneva.

ISIS Strike Fallout: Nigeria and the U.S. say Abu-Bilal al-Minuki—ISIS’s global second-in-command—was killed in a Lake Chad Basin operation, but Nigeria’s military is now pushing back on claims that American troops were on the ground, saying the U.S. role was intelligence and surveillance while Nigerians did the boots-on-the-ground work. Identity Confusion: Officials also say earlier reports that he died in 2024 were wrong, tied to aliases and mistaken attribution. New Violence in Nigeria: Hours after the announcement, Reuters reports 17 police trainees were killed in Yobe during an attack on a specialized military school. Aftershock Risk: With ISIS/ISWAP activity concentrated in the region, analysts warn retaliation is possible. Other News: Saturday Night Live ended its 51st season with Will Ferrell as Jeffrey Epstein’s ghost and a Chad Smith monologue prank, plus Paul McCartney music.

ISIS Strike in Nigeria: Trump and Tinubu say a joint U.S.-Nigerian operation killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, in the Lake Chad Basin, calling it a “flawlessly executed” blow that also took out several lieutenants; DHQ later pushed back on confusion from earlier 2024 claims, saying similar names and aliases are common and that identity is “no ambiguity.” Aftermath on the Ground: The war isn’t paused—Borno also saw an IED blast that killed six ISWAP bomb makers, and reports say 42 schoolchildren are missing after a suspected Islamist attack. California Politics: Early June 2 primary voting shows a Republican surge with 900K+ ballots returned, while Democrats trail their 2022 pace. Sports & Culture: Preakness week is in full swing at Laurel Park, and the trans-athletes debate keeps flaring at CIF meets.

Counterterror Strike: U.S. and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global No. 2, in a Lake Chad Basin operation, with Trump calling it “meticulously planned” and Tinubu calling it “effective collaboration.” Aftermath & Doubts: The win is already tangled in controversy—Nigeria had reportedly declared the same man dead in 2024, raising fresh questions about how these announcements get tracked. On-the-Ground Horror: While the raid hit a top commander, suspected Islamists abducted 42 schoolchildren in Borno, and the search is still ongoing. Local Business Watch: Casio’s keyboard business is still bleeding money, with the company signaling painful cuts and a long road to break-even. Sports (Weekend Buzz): The Preakness runs at Laurel Park again, with no Kentucky Derby winner in the field—so anything can happen.

Sudan Escalation: After a drone attack hit Khartoum’s airport and SAF sites on May 4—days after the first international flight since the war began—Sudan recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia, signaling a fresh regional blame game. US Accountability: A new report says the Trump administration’s boat strikes have killed at least 192 people, and journalists identified 13 victims even as officials kept identities hidden. California Politics: In the governor’s race, Xavier Becerra is getting hammered after former staff pleaded guilty in a campaign finance scandal, while the primary is now underway. Surveillance Fight: North Carolina is pushing for more automatic license plate readers statewide, and Wisconsin shows how fast AI surveillance backlash can spread. Sports Spotlight: The Preakness is Saturday at Laurel Park (Pimlico under renovation), with Iron Honor the early favorite and no Derby winner chasing the Triple Crown. Haiti Security: A UN-backed Gang Suppression Force commander arrived in Port-au-Prince to replace the Kenyan-led mission as violence keeps spreading.

California Governor Showdown: In the final pre-primary debate, candidates traded barbs over affordability, housing, healthcare, and education—while Xavier Becerra took the heat after his former aide Dana Williamson pleaded guilty in a campaign-funds scheme, with rivals pressing whether it’s “fully resolved.” Debate Lightning Round: On abortion pill extradition, Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco said yes; Democrats Becerra, Porter, Mahan, Steyer, and Villaraigosa said no. Foreign Policy Watch: Trump’s China trip ended without a clear Iran deal, with China again calling for a ceasefire and opening the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible.” Sahel Security: Activists and officials kept spotlighting conflict-linked sexual violence and cross-border terror pressure in the Horn of Africa and Lake Chad region. Local Color: The Braves kept rolling with Mauricio Dubón’s breakout mindset talk, and Bentonville Film Festival dropped its star-studded 2026 lineup.

California Governor Showdown: In what’s likely the last big televised stop before the June 2 primary, the seven top candidates clashed hard in San Francisco—especially on crime, election integrity, abortion enforcement, and how much state power should override local rules. Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton backed extraditing a California doctor accused of sending abortion pills across state lines, while Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa said no. Oklahoma Privacy Fight: The ACLU of Oklahoma is teaming up with community groups for “Get the FLOCK Out,” a town hall targeting automatic license plate readers and fears about warrantless tracking and data sharing. Sudan Escalation: After a drone attack hit Khartoum’s airport and SAF sites, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia, adding fresh heat to a war now in its fourth year. Local Culture & Business: Napa weighs BottleRock’s economic upside against crowding and logistics, while Oklahoma lawmakers adjourned after pushing major education and mental health funding wins.

Sudan Escalation: After Khartoum’s airport briefly reopened for international flights, drones hit on May 4, and the government now recalls its ambassador from Ethiopia, blaming complicity as the war enters its fourth year. Africa Forward Summit Backlash: France’s Macron sparked a continent-wide firestorm with a claim that “we are the true Pan-Africanists,” reigniting debate over debt, influence, and whether France is changing for real. UN Pushes Accountability: UN rights chief Volker Türk is demanding independent probes into deadly Nigerian and Chadian airstrikes, while militaries deny civilian harm. California Politics: The final televised governor debate is set for May 14, with candidates including Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton—plus the Katie Porter controversy over being “shouted past.” Chad Crisis: A fuel depot fire in Abeche injured more than 200 people, and UN warnings keep spotlighting the region’s spiraling violence.

Sudan Fallout: After drones hit Khartoum’s airport and SAF sites on May 4, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia—coming right after the airport reopened for the first international flight since the war began. Chad Disaster: A fuel depot fire in Abeche left 206 injured, with 53 still under observation, and officials ordered fuel depots moved outside city limits within 10 days. Education Politics (US): In West Virginia, Haley Meredith, Simon Hargus, and incumbent Debbie Hendershot are set for Wood County Board of Education seats. California Governor Race: A new Emerson poll shows Xavier Becerra surging to 19%, with Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer close behind at about 17% each, as the June primary nears. Local Spotlight: Huntington Beach approved a school district maintenance building despite neighbor concerns. Crime Crackdown: Florida authorities say they dismantled a multi-state retail theft fencing ring tied to about $12M in stolen goods.

Sudan Escalation: After Khartoum’s airport saw its first international landing since the war began, drones hit on May 4—prompting Sudan to recall its ambassador from Ethiopia and raising fresh fears that any “return to normal” won’t last. Sahel Pressure: The UN is demanding independent probes into alleged Nigerian and Chadian airstrikes that reportedly killed dozens to 100+ civilians, as ECOWAS moves toward a new regional counterterror force. Florida Crime Crackdown: Hillsborough County says it smashed a multi-state retail theft and fencing ring—14 arrests, $5 million recovered, and stolen goods tied to major retailers and construction sites. California Politics: New polling keeps the governor’s race tight—Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton hovering in the low 20s as ballots start locking in. Triple Crown Twist: Maryland is considering moving the Preakness to three weeks after the Derby, but trainers say one extra week may not be enough. France-Africa Reset: Macron defends a shift toward “partnership of equals” at a Nairobi summit, even as critics question the price tag.

Sudan Escalation: After a drone attack hit Khartoum’s airport on May 4, Sudan’s government recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia, accusing its neighbor of backing the violence—just as the airport had reopened for domestic and then first international flights. Sahel Terror Focus: The U.S. says West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, Sudan, and Somalia are key counterterror fronts as ISIS remnants regroup and exploit weak governance. Lake Chad Fight: Chad’s strikes around Lake Chad have pushed Boko Haram out of islands and reportedly killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen, with civilians forced to pay taxes to the militants. Haiti Pressure: In Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil, residents protested for protection after gang violence displaced hundreds, with authorities still not releasing casualty details. Local Watch: In the U.S., an airport board approved higher hangar rents, while a North Dakota city commission debate drew business-focused questions.