AGP Executive Report

Border & Rail Safety: Federal prosecutors indicted 11 people in two separate cases tied to migrant deaths in sealed rail cargo containers in Texas, highlighting how freight delays and slowdowns near the border can create deadly opportunities for smugglers. Aviation Security: Three U.S. airports (Tampa, Des Moines, Charleston) are set to join TSA Gold+ and outsource screening operations to private partners, a shift that could change checkpoint staffing and traveler wait times. Energy & Ports: The U.S. granted Argent LNG long-term authorization to export 25 MTPA of LNG for 20 years, while new sanctions target Cuban energy, financial, port, and medical entities. Trade & Forced Labor: The Dominican Republic issued a decree blocking imports made with forced labor after the U.S. imposed a 12.5% Section 301 tariff. U.S.-Iran Shipping Risk: As U.S. strikes continue, officials say future ship and cargo damage could be paid from frozen Iranian assets—prompting pushback from Iran’s foreign minister and raising uncertainty for maritime operators. Cross-Border Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open Monday, but U.S.-Canada tariff tensions have already reshaped the celebration plans.

Middle East Shipping Disruption: The U.S. launched its 13th straight night of strikes on Iran as Houthis attacked Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, pushing oil above $100 and raising fears for the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. Maritime Liability Fight: Trump says future ship and cargo damage will be paid from Iranian funds held under U.S. control, while Iran’s foreign minister warns asset seizures set an “incendiary precedent.” Highway Infrastructure: Iowa DOT opened a public comment period through Aug. 3 for replacing the U.S. 59 bridge over U.S. 34 near Emerson, proposing a new west structure and interchange reconfiguration to keep traffic moving. Rail/Trade: CN agreed to end opposition to Union Pacific’s mega-rail merger in exchange for greater U.S. network access, a major antitrust and service-impact flashpoint for freight shippers. Aviation Safety: A Kenmore plane crash off Sucia Island left 1 person critically injured, with all 11 aboard accounted for as the cause remains under investigation. Energy & Ports: Russia warned Black Sea waters are unsafe for navigation amid Ukraine attacks on Russia-linked vessels, with Novorossiysk issuing a temporary navigation ban. Tech With Logistics Impact: ATR is market testing U.S.-specific ATR 72-600 changes, including a forward passenger door and a three-class cabin, aiming to win more U.S. regional airline business.

Rail M&A: Union Pacific struck a deal with Canadian National to end CN’s opposition to UP’s proposed $85B Norfolk Southern merger, trading concessions for CN’s U.S. Midwest network access as regulators review the application. Shipping & Energy Security: Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea pushed Brent above $100, while the U.S. warned of “major military punishment” for Iran if attacks continue—raising new risks for global freight routes. Road Construction: Missouri moved a westbound I-70 Exit 117 traffic shift to tonight for bridge work, with lane reductions and detours through Route 40/240 and other nearby exits. AI Governance for Transport Tech: Lawmakers introduced an “AI Kill Switch Act” requiring major AI firms to be able to throttle or shut down powerful systems during emergencies, after reports of rogue behavior. Oil Reserve Watch: The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is being drawn down amid the Iran war and Red Sea disruptions, with analysts warning usable stock may be lower than official figures. Trucking Labor: A report examines whether Nevada truckers can claim workers’ comp after out-of-state injuries, hinging on employment ties and reporting steps.

Strait of Hormuz Escalation: The U.S. says it’s on a 12th straight night of strikes to “degrade” Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping, while Trump warns each Iranian ship attack will trigger U.S. destruction of “one bridge or power plant.” Iran’s IRGC claims it stopped three tankers and says any vessel trying to pass without consent will face the same fate. Maritime Readiness: U.S. Navy Maritime Pre-Positioning Ship Squadron 3 conducted a group sail off South Korea to sharpen formation sailing, mine avoidance, and anti-sub tactics. Trade & Security: Rubio told ASEAN leaders Iran’s push to control and toll the Strait would set a dangerous precedent for other waterways. Tech & Supply Chains: The U.S. accuses China’s Moonshot AI of distilling Anthropic’s Fable for its K3 model and says it may blacklist/sanction Moonshot. Enforcement on the Ground: Indiana announced a Southern District Fraud Task Force to target fraud in taxpayer-funded programs. Logistics Safety: A driver escaped injury in a train-truck crash in DeSoto Parish after bailing before impact; the crossing is closed for cleanup. Aviation Spotlight: EAA AirVenture’s first night air show drew crowds with American aircraft, drones, and fireworks.

Middle East Shipping Shock: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN leaders that Iran’s push to control and toll the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent for global trade. Maritime Disruption: With Yemen’s Houthis threatening Saudi-linked routes, multiple oil tankers made sharp Red Sea course changes and U-turns toward the Suez Canal, adding pressure to energy logistics. U.S.-Iran Escalation: President Trump vowed the U.S. will bomb and destroy “one bridge or power plant” in Iran for every ship attacked in Hormuz as CENTCOM reported its 11th straight night of strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s maritime capabilities. Aviation/Capacity: JetBlue won Spirit’s prized LaGuardia slots in a bankruptcy auction, paying $58.5M for 22 daily slots—key capacity in a slot-controlled airport. Road Projects: Missouri delayed U.S. Route 136 resurfacing by a week, with milling July 27 and paving Aug. 3; Alabama plans a traffic shift onto the westbound Gordo Bypass lanes starting July 28. Local Safety: Sturgis approved a Safe Streets plan targeting zero traffic deaths by 2040, using crash data to prioritize high-risk intersections. Transit Access: OATS Transit expanded affordable Monroe County service options, including intercity trips to Columbia for medical and rail connections.

Middle East Shipping Disruption: CENTCOM says it rerouted eight commercial vessels and disabled one as the U.S. reinstated a naval blockade enforcement tied to the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. carried out an 11th straight night of strikes aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. Red Sea Energy Shock: Houthis declared a blockade against Saudi Arabia and warned ships off Saudi ports; multiple Saudi crude tankers reportedly U-turned toward Suez, adding pressure to already strained global routes. Cross-Border Trade Friction: Canada canceled the joint Gordie Howe Bridge ribbon-cutting with the U.S. after Trump’s 50% tariff threat; the bridge still targets opening to traffic July 27. Freight Safety Watch: Nevada Highway Patrol stepped up commercial vehicle inspections after repeated truck crashes at a Carson City intersection, including brake-fade concerns on steep grades. Logistics & Security: Italy seized about 1,700 pounds of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated banana shipment at the port of Vado Ligure. Infrastructure Planning: TxDOT set an in-person and virtual public meeting for July 23 on upgrading U.S. 59 to interstate standards in Live Oak and Bee counties (future I-69). Hazard Transport: A uranium ore semi rollover on the Navajo Nation had an empty cargo container and no public hazard, but renewed calls for stricter trucking oversight.

Maritime Security: CENTCOM says U.S. forces helped secure about 900 commercial ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz since May, moving roughly 450 million barrels of crude oil, even as attacks continue. Red Sea Disruption: Shipping data shows tankers are rerouting after Houthi warnings and a Saudi-port blockade threat, including U-turns toward Suez that could sharply lengthen voyages. Energy & Prices: AAA reports U.S. gas averages just over $4.00 a gallon as the U.S.-Iran standoff keeps oil markets jumpy. Labor & Training: A new report flags a 3.8 million skilled-worker gap by 2033 as manufacturing hits a record $2.91T, raising the stakes for workforce pipelines. Legal/AI: A federal judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5B copyright settlement tied to pirated books used to train Claude, with 91% of covered authors already claiming payouts. Supply Chain Demand: Blue Yonder survey finds 55% of U.S. consumers are buying less beef amid price pressure and supply disruptions. Road Ops: MoDOT announced upcoming lane closures and a public meeting for Livingston County U.S. 36 intersection improvements.

NORAD Airspace Security: NORAD scrambled F-16s to intercept multiple civilian aircraft that violated restricted presidential airspace over New Jersey, using warning flares to force safe exits after 10+ incursions. Maritime Infrastructure: Wrangell, Alaska advanced plans for a $605M–$726M shipyard to service large vessels up to 500 feet, with a $50M federal grant pending. Port & Shipping Risk: CENTCOM said the U.S. carried out its 10th straight night of strikes on Iran to degrade capabilities used against commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while traffic continues but remains largely stalled. Energy & Fuel Costs: Gas prices climbed again as the Iran conflict disrupted supply expectations, with Georgia reporting a weekly jump to about $3.73 average and Idaho pushing above $4. Rail Safety Probe: Transport Canada is investigating a CN train crew incident where workers fled a locomotive surrounded by wildfire near Armstrong, raising questions about operating through active fire zones. Aviation Slots: JetBlue won Spirit’s LaGuardia takeoff/landing slots in a $58.5M bankruptcy auction, potentially adding up to 12 round-trip flights in 2027. Food Supply Chain: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary iceberg lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak, affecting shipments to 27 states.

Middle East Shipping Shock: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb gateway, a move that could further choke Red Sea trade and energy flows. Gulf Tensions, More Risk for Carriers: Iran again targeted U.S. bases in Jordan and Kuwait as Washington reinforced forces; U.S. strikes continued and Strait of Hormuz traffic reportedly slowed to near standstill, with tankers and fuel ships hit and crews avoiding the waterway. Energy Prices Hit Drivers: U.S. gasoline snapped back to about $4 a gallon nationally as Brent topped $90, lifting diesel costs that ripple through trucking and freight. Logistics Workarounds Under Pressure: Chevron is in preliminary talks to revive a long-dormant Iraq-to-Syria pipeline to bypass Hormuz volatility, while U.S. officials say they’re facilitating the energy corridor discussions. Defense Shipping & Procurement: Hanwha Philly Shipyard was selected to build next-generation Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels for the Golden Dome missile defense effort. Mail Delivery: Sen. Amy Klobuchar urged USPS to drop its RTO plan, warning it would slow mail by cutting end-of-day collection.

Middle East Logistics Shock: The U.S. carried out its ninth straight night of strikes on Iran, with CENTCOM saying the goal is to degrade attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran reported explosions across multiple cities and the U.S. confirmed additional troop deaths tied to drone-related incidents in Iraq and Jordan. Maritime Interdiction: CENTCOM said it redirected six commercial vessels and disabled one as it enforces a naval blockade, while officials warned shipping risk remains a live issue for global lanes. Energy Market Pressure: Oil prices pushed higher amid fears of tighter supply, even as Energy Secretary Chris Wright told ABC the U.S. is still “assuring flow of traffic” through Hormuz. US Road Work: The Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge will run one-lane traffic July 20-24 for an inspection. Aviation Safety: A federal audit found major gaps in U.S. aviation cybersecurity oversight. Public Health Recall: Taylor Farms expanded a lettuce recall to products shipped to 27 states over cyclospora risk.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. launched its eighth straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting Revolutionary Guard facilities and assets after two American troops were killed in Jordan; Kuwait and Bahrain activated air defenses as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Maritime Disruption: Shipping through Hormuz has slowed sharply, with Gulf crude exports rising early July even as transits fall to just a few tankers a day amid renewed attacks. Travel & Security: The U.S. Embassy in Jordan urged Americans to avoid Aqaba International Airport and Aqaba Seaport after a “specific and credible threat,” with Jordan evacuating transport facilities. Food Safety Logistics: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states tied to a Cyclospora outbreak, urging consumers to discard implicated products. Aviation Screening: TSA CT scanners are now installed at hundreds of U.S. airports, but liquid rules still vary by checkpoint. Road Work: Bermont Road in Florida sees a lane closure July 20-24 for guardrail repairs, with drivers urged to allow extra time. Defense Shipbuilding: TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard were selected to build Missile Defense Agency missile range instrumentation vessels.

Middle East Escalation: Two U.S. service members were killed and one is missing after an Iranian missile and drone attack on a Jordan base (Muwaffaq Salti Air Base), with four others evacuated and later discharged; CENTCOM says the strikes mark the first hostile-action deaths since a prior ceasefire and that Iran’s missile tech enables high-speed, maneuverable attacks. Retaliatory Strikes & Shipping Risk: The U.S. launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran starting 6 p.m. ET, aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and “swiftly punish” IRGC forces; CENTCOM also reports a renewed naval blockade, redirecting five commercial vessels and disabling one. Port & Drone Security: Florida lawmakers introduced the Seaport Security Act of 2026 to strengthen defenses against unauthorized drone flights near U.S. seaports. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclospora outbreak, now reaching 27 states. Intermodal Demand: Domestic loaded rail containers are up sharply year over year, with June growth near 13% as shippers lean on intermodal amid capacity and truck cost pressures.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes as the Strait of Hormuz fight intensified into a seventh straight night of U.S. attacks, with Iran hitting Kuwait again—reportedly a desalination plant and oil facilities—while Kuwait suspended airport operations amid missile/drone threats and reported injuries. Maritime Disruption Risk: The renewed focus on logistics and surveillance around Hormuz raises fresh concerns for global shipping and energy flows as both sides target infrastructure tied to vessel movement. Tech & Aviation: Archer and Beta announced a standardized eVTOL charging push aiming to reach up to 250 U.S. air-taxi sites, betting on industry-wide hardware compatibility. Policy & Infrastructure: Oklahoma Sen. Alan Armstrong made federal permitting reform his top priority, arguing delays drive up energy costs and slow projects. Privacy & Public Safety: A new legal push targets license-plate camera surveillance, framing it as a consent and accountability fight. Road Incident: A crash on Florida’s U.S. 27 killed two and shut southbound lanes near Pines Boulevard.

I-26 Upgrade: Westbound lanes finally opened in Buncombe County as NCDOT completes the final four-lane traffic pattern on the $531M I-26 widening, with “finishing” work still ahead west of the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge. Road Disruptions: A multi-vehicle DWI crash backed up westbound I-70 near Midway, while a gas leak repair reopened U.S. 17 in Brunswick County after hours-long shutdowns and detours. Maritime & Sanctions: CMA CGM suspended Cuba bookings after U.S. pressure, leaving humanitarian cargo—including millions of syringes—stranded in Kingston, Jamaica. Middle East Shipping Risk: U.S.-Iran strikes kept escalating, with Hormuz shipping traffic reported to slow sharply as bridges, ports and logistics nodes were hit—raising near-term fuel and freight uncertainty. Tech & Mobility Safety: Amazon-owned Zoox recalled all 105 robotaxis after one drove into a smoke-obscured active fire scene, updating software to better detect and respond to heavy smoke. Defense Logistics: MARAD announced $2B for two missile range instrumentation vessels at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, aimed at replacing aging tracking ships for missile defense testing.

Middle East Disruption: U.S.-Iran fighting kept escalating, with strikes hitting bridges and a port surveillance tower at Chabahar and Hormuz shipping slumping to near standstill as only a handful of commodity vessels transited—raising fresh logistics and energy-supply jitters. Port & Air Infrastructure: Richmond International Airport’s commission discussed construction priorities and a “gateway to the world” vision, while the U.S. DOT awarded Denton, Texas $1M for an Intelligent Transportation Systems master plan to improve traffic flow. Border & Public Safety: ICE body-camera gaps are under fire after a Biddeford, Maine mayor called it “totally unacceptable” that agents weren’t equipped before a deadly shooting. Freight & Fuel Costs: Diesel prices stayed volatile, with Fulton County’s lowest reported at $3.97/gal, and AAR data showed mixed rail performance (carloads slightly down, intermodal up). Cyber & Supply Chain: Coca-Cola’s Fairlife temporarily suspended U.S. production after a ransomware attack, though product quality/safety was said unaffected. Tech & Mobility: SpaceX scrubbed a Starship launch attempt after multiple engine failures, and Wall Street slid as chip stocks sold off amid AI spending worries. Local Roads: Kentucky’s U.S. 51 “Cairo” Bridge is expected to reopen late Friday after a vehicle pursuit incident.

Maritime & Defense Industrial Base: Trump floated buying some ships built overseas while pointing to South Korea as a key partner to rebuild U.S. shipbuilding capacity, with Hanwha Defense USA linking the effort to radar vessel work that could scale through Philadelphia. Autonomous Shipping Buildout: Saronic is moving ahead with a $3.2B shipyard at the Port of Brownsville to mass-produce autonomous surface vessels, aiming for thousands of jobs and faster wartime-style output. U.S.-Iran Shipping Disruption: CENTCOM says U.S. forces intercepted and redirected three commercial vessels trying to breach the Iran blockade, while airstrikes continue as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Logistics & Trade: Toyota Tsusho is shipping auto parts directly from Japan to Canada and Mexico to help smaller suppliers avoid double-tariff costs tied to routing through the U.S. Ports & Local Mobility: Whittier, Alaska is drafting a 20-year plan to handle surging cruise, ferry, rail, and freight traffic. Disaster Relief: U-Haul opened 17 San Antonio-area centers offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box containers for storm and tornado victims. Safety Watch: New Orleans reports a rise in fatal e-bike crashes, with four deaths since April and calls for better speed/stop awareness. Animal Transport: NOAA approved relocating 28 beluga whales from Marineland to U.S. aquariums after the park closed, with multi-week transport underway. Road Justice: A Guam man was sentenced to three years (with two suspended) for a drunk-driving crash that snapped a teen’s leg.