AGP Executive Report

Free Speech & Censorship: Germany lawmakers are debating reform of a criminal code section that can punish insults to politicians with fines or prison, after past viral cases drew international backlash. Politics & Regulation: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Trump can fire and replace commissioners at independent agencies, while allowing a Federal Reserve governor’s challenge to proceed. Tech, Media & Culture: A Netflix soap, The Royals, is confirmed as fiction adapted from a 2011 YA novel, not a true-story retelling. Publishing & Books: A new Library of Congress exhibit, “The Declaration’s Promise,” spotlights how the Declaration’s language shaped U.S. history, with a focus on freedom of speech and religion. Social Policy: A Pew poll finds most Americans back banning social media for kids under 16, with strong support for parental consent and age verification. Local Life: Maui County still hasn’t opened a safe parking pilot approved in 2022, with a new update pointing to a site prep timeline. Business/IPO: Cumberland Farms filed for an F-1 for a proposed IPO.

World Cup Shock to Round-of-16: The U.S. advanced after a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Folarin Balogun’s red card adds pressure ahead of a Belgium rematch. Late Drama in Seattle: Belgium completed a stunning 3-2 comeback over Senegal, scoring twice in the final stretch to reach the next round. Arkansas Ballot Fight: A federal judge struck down parts of Arkansas’ initiative and referendum rules, including photo-ID requirements for canvassers, setting up a fast-moving legal fight before the July 3 petition deadline. Immigration Protest Conspiracy Case: Defendants in Minnesota pleaded not guilty in a federal case alleging encrypted coordination to interfere with immigration enforcement. Publishing & Media Loss: Rosetta Miller Perry, longtime founder and publisher of the Tennessee Tribune, died at 91. Sony’s Disc Exit: Sony’s move to end PS5 disc production could trigger more PlayStation Store monopoly lawsuits. AI for Creative Teams: One report argues insurers and other small teams are shifting from “buy” to “build” as AI tools consolidate specialist creative work.

Publishing & Books: A new book from Bob Gonzalez, “Pro Football’s Constitution: It’s not just good it’s ‘Perfect,’” ties the 1972 Dolphins’ undefeated season to the U.S. Constitution, aiming at a playful, sports-history take on American ideals. Book Culture & Access: Sony’s move to stop producing physical PlayStation discs in January 2028—and wind down PS3/PS Vita digital stores—raises fresh concerns for game preservation and long-term access. Tech & Science (AI): Anthropic announced new AI-powered pre-clinical drug discovery programs, prioritizing “neglected” diseases outside traditional pharma’s focus. Media & Entertainment: YouTube is rolling out an “America 250” hub with interactive games and anniversary content to drive engagement around the U.S. birthday weekend. Local/Community Reading: A Lifeway Research report finds Gen Z churchgoers often attend but lag in living out faith during the week, pointing to a formation gap.

Public Libraries & Reading: Transylvania County Library is bringing back North Carolina Reads, a statewide book club with five titles and fall discussions. Local Governance & Community Events: Fort Wayne postponed “Lunch on the Square” to July 9 due to extreme heat, and the U.S. Postal Service will close on July 4. Publishing & Copyright: A new Yale policy protects faculty authors’ copyright in open-access publishing. National Policy & Rights: The Supreme Court preserved birthright citizenship while upholding state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. Public Safety & Services: Wisconsin fire departments are adding paid staff as volunteer ranks shrink, with fewer volunteers and more 911 calls straining response capacity. Travel & Media Tie-Ins: Airbnb is offering 1,300+ FIFA World Cup tickets via select stays in host cities—an example of screen-and-sport demand driving bookings. Health & Welfare: South Dakota released updated WIC income guidelines effective July 1, 2026.

U.S. Supreme Court & Immigration: In a major rebuke of President Trump’s birthright citizenship push, the Court ruled Tuesday that babies born on American soil are citizens under the 14th Amendment, even if parents are unlawfully or temporarily present. Publishing & Media Business: The Washington Blade named Brian Pitts as publisher after longtime publisher Lynne Brown’s retirement, with Brown staying involved on special projects. Books & Pop Culture: HappyNest Entertainment is expanding kids’ media with new projects tied to R.L. Stine (Story Club adaptation), a graphic novel push (“Louie and Bear”), and a “Space Camp” STEM franchise. Local Libraries & Community Reading: A Statehouse Reporting Project roundup encourages Americans to use primary sources and student journalism ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. Food & Consumer Programs: South Dakota announced updated WIC income guidelines effective July 1, 2026. Industry Watch: UNPA says it will cease operations after 34 years, citing the retirement of founder Loren D. Israelsen.

Publishing & Books: U.S. Supreme Court justices disclosed millions in book earnings and teaching income in 2025 financial filings, offering a rare look at how major authors on the bench profit from publishing. Amazon & Retail: Amazon reportedly delisted a conservative YouTuber’s book, citing a “disappointing customer experience,” then claiming an error—another reminder that platform rules can hit authors fast. Book Deals in Politics: Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s latest financial disclosure includes a royalty agreement with Hachette Book Group for an advance on an untitled book. Book Culture & Debate: A new report argues book bans in the U.S. aim to erase critical thinking, while another story highlights how Holocaust memory and U.S. history narratives are being reshaped in competing ways. Local Publishing: Boise’s new all-ages board game pub, Chits & Chats, is preparing for a grand opening—showing how community spaces keep expanding beyond traditional bookstores.

Local News Value: A new Media Insight Project study finds 41% of Americans and teens say local news is best for useful, day-to-day information—especially weather/traffic (65%) and crime/public safety (49%). Publishing & Copyright: A lawsuit by hundreds of newspapers targets OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging AI is trained on copyrighted news without permission, raising stakes for local journalism. Supreme Court & Media: The Court declined to revive Alan Dershowitz’s defamation case against CNN, and also refused Trump’s appeal in E. Jean Carroll’s $5M verdict. Book-to-Event Buzz: Indiana author Benjamin Darr will speak at a library about “Sol Anchor,” a LitRPG/GameLit blend. Printing Industry: Konica Minolta launched its AccurioPress C5080 series, aiming to cut setup time and simplify production for commercial printers. Tech & Energy: IBM says a new chip design could boost efficiency for AI workloads, addressing rising power demands. Culture & 250th: Sail4th 250’s tall-ship spectacle is set for NYC July 4, with details on viewing and the international fleet.

Local Journalism Fight: Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing to weaken public-notice rules by removing the requirement to print meeting minutes in local newspapers, even as the state already posts legal notices online—sparking a push for transparency. Community Resilience: Maui County’s Lahaina Community Meeting will cover evacuation management, wildfire mitigation, school rebuild status, utility projects, and the Hookumu Hou buyout program, with livestream and Q&A. Wildlife & Safety: A University of Hawaii study finds vehicle collisions are the leading documented cause of pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) deaths, with wind turbines also a notable factor. Library of Congress Acquisition: The LoC acquired a 31-page handwritten music manuscript created during Charles Wilkes’ Antarctica expedition, preserving some of the earliest Antarctic-inspired music and poetry. Publishing/Media Policy: A new push backs the “Journalism Competition and Preservation Act,” arguing Big Tech’s dominance leaves local news struggling. Immigration Reporting Spotlight: SPJ honored a San Diego immigration reporter for work on asylum and custody conditions, highlighting local journalism’s role in covering federal policy impacts.

Travel Agents’ Comeback: Americans are rediscovering travel agents for real-world problem-solving—rebooking delays, handling airline chaos, and saving hassle when plans go sideways. Wildfire Response: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis activated the National Guard after three firefighters were killed battling the Snyder Fire, expanding state resources across the Colorado-Utah region. AI Infrastructure Boom: A new presentation argues the U.S. AI buildout may be consuming capital and energy faster than the dot-com internet expansion—because data centers and power needs are physical, not just software. Cannabis Capital Shift: Curaleaf CEO Boris Jordan says institutional investors are finally willing to talk with cannabis firms, even as equity money still lags behind debt financing. Immigration as a Political Test: The Dem primary in Colorado’s 8th District is framed as a key read on whether anger over ICE actions turns into votes. Media Under Pressure: Uganda’s military chief ordered closure of Nation Media Group Uganda offices, disrupting TV, radio, and newspaper operations. Texas Education Overhaul: Texas approved a new chronological approach to history teaching and a statewide English book list emphasizing classics and Bible excerpts. Publishing/Books & Culture: A rare Declaration of Independence “lost copy” story highlights how fragile print history can travel for centuries; meanwhile, Supergirl’s film adaptation continues to reshape comic source material for screen. Tech & Copyright: A publisher coalition sued OpenAI and Microsoft over mass copyright infringement.

Voting Access: Wisconsin voters with disabilities say absentee rules force them to choose between independence and a secret ballot, spotlighting gaps in how states implement accessible elections. Commemorative Publishing & National Memory: Trump’s America@250 commemorative passport design is unveiled with his image over the Declaration of Independence, adding fuel to debates over how the anniversary is packaged and promoted. Postal Rates for Readers: The USPS plans to raise the Forever Stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents starting July 12, with “buy now” advice for anyone mailing cards and bills. Local Books & Events: Key West Art & Historical Society hosts a lecture on “Remembering the Maine,” tracing how public memory shaped U.S. naval power. Community Literacy: Stephens County’s Imagination Library program has topped 1,000 children receiving books monthly. Tech & Media Habits: A reader reacts to GTA 6 dropping physical discs, arguing the end of game media clutter could cut waste and shift consumer expectations.

Big Tech Milestone: Amazon became the second U.S. company to hit $1 trillion in market value, underscoring how the bookseller has grown into a broader retail, cloud, and advertising giant. Consumer Pressure: New car payments average $733 a month, with used cars above $29K and high financing rates adding to “sticker shock” for shoppers. Publishing & Libraries: Texas education officials approved Bible excerpts as required reading, reigniting church-state fights and book-curriculum debates; meanwhile, Michigan’s Hartland library board is facing ACLU concerns after it reshelved 148 challenged books without review. AI & Copyright: A publisher coalition is suing OpenAI and Microsoft over mass copyright infringement, while another report argues AI news use is rare and regulation is lagging. Media & Entertainment: Netflix price hikes are pushing more viewers toward free streaming, and public-domain movie access via YouTube playlists keeps expanding. Books & Culture: A new “Southern News, Southern Politics” book spotlights how one newspaper shaped North Carolina for a century.

Publishing & Books: A coalition of publishers sued OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged mass copyright scraping, adding fresh pressure to the U.S. fight over AI training and publisher rights. Library Access & Censorship: Massachusetts advanced a bill meant to protect libraries from book bans, while Texas moved further by approving Bible passages as required reading in public schools—an ongoing flashpoint for curriculum control. Local Book Culture: A new book by Paul Rohrbaugh spotlights the McKinley National Birthplace Memorial, tying local history research to a fresh publishing push. Media & Memoir: A veteran journalist and former federal official released a memoir on race, power, and the Trump years, continuing the surge of political first-person publishing. Culture & Reading Habits: A “fiber” and “misinformation on social media” health explainer reflects how mainstream outlets keep blending lifestyle guidance with media literacy. American 250th Lens: AP’s “American Objects” profile highlights the electric guitar as a uniquely American invention—another reminder that U.S. publishing is leaning hard into the 250th anniversary theme.

Local Journalism Metrics Rollout: The American Press Institute and the AP Fund for Journalism are expanding “Metrics for News” to 10 local newsrooms, aiming to track how audiences engage and help publishers make editorial and business decisions. AI Training for Health Workers: Northern Arizona University is accepting applications for two AI training programs for healthcare employees, focused on using health data to support more personalized care (no prior coding required). Classified Info Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty to illegally retaining classified information, with sentencing set for Oct. 28 and a plea deal that could limit prison time. Publishing/Print Industry Spotlight: Laser Letters, a Maryland Eastern Shore print and communications shop, marked 40 years of service with expanded printing and mailing support for local organizations. Rare History Find: A Roman sailor’s tombstone discovered during a New Orleans backyard cleanup is being returned to Italy, after Latin experts and the FBI got involved. Tech/Finance Watch: SK hynix’s planned Nasdaq ADR listing is seen as a potential support for South Korea’s won amid prolonged weakness.

Publishing & Books: A Massachusetts House bill would safeguard libraries from book bans, while a separate push in Texas would require Bible reading in public schools—both spotlighting how U.S. education policy keeps colliding with publishing and access. Publishing Industry & Tech: A coalition of publishers sued OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged scraping of copyrighted content for AI training, adding pressure to the U.S. copyright fight over generative tools. Supreme Court & Immigration: The Supreme Court cleared Trump’s bid to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians and also backed limits on asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border—moves that could reshape the reading public’s lives and the publishing market tied to immigrant communities. Local Culture: Vermont’s Lost Lantern launched “The United States of Bourbon,” a whiskey blend built from one distillery per state—an American-made branding story that fits the broader “250” culture wave. Sports & Media: MLB proposed major free-agent contract limits, likely to spark another labor showdown with the players’ union.

Book Bans & Library Access: Massachusetts’ House passed a bipartisan bill to protect school and public libraries from book challenges, giving librarians primary authority and requiring age-appropriate, professionally guided review processes. AI & Copyright Clash: A coalition of publishers suing Microsoft and OpenAI alleges they scraped millions of news articles to train AI without licenses, seeking damages and an order to stop further use. Immigration Policy at the Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can revive a restrictive asylum practice, overturning a lower-court block tied to limits on daily asylum applications. AI Workforce Response: A new nonprofit, RAISE US, backed by former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, is launching $500M+ in worker training pilots in several states to prepare for AI-driven job disruption. Publishing/Books in Culture: The Obama Presidential Center’s opening weekend drew thousands, with programming that included a Chicago Public Library branch—another reminder of how public institutions keep books and learning in the spotlight. Retail & Consumer Tech Deals: Prime Day day 3 deal coverage continues to drive attention to major consumer brands and shopping behavior. Whiskey as Americana: Lost Lantern launched “The United States of Bourbon,” a blend built from one distillery per state—an unusual, publishing-adjacent nod to American craft storytelling.

Publishing & Culture: A new lecture series, “Beyond Gold: Stories Across Cultures,” spotlights under-told California histories, including a Juneteenth-focused talk on Black Californians and how publishers and institutions have shaped what gets remembered. Books & Media Law: Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” trademark fight resumes with an amended complaint, alleging the brand’s commercial rollout has threatened to overwhelm the plaintiff’s business. Tech & Reading Habits: A new push argues AI is “killing the how-to book” and could be the next hit to literacy, raising alarms for authors, publishers, and libraries. Publishing Industry Business: Sun Chemical’s SunCure® EcoPlast direct print ink earns APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition for rigid polypropylene packaging—an eco-compatibility win for print supply chains. Travel/Consumer Content: Guides on Europe entry rules (ETIAS/EES) and “no data caps” internet plans keep showing up in the same feeds as book-and-media coverage, reflecting how publishing audiences are being pulled into broader lifestyle discovery.