AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri, with storms possibly bringing 60 mph winds and small hail. Local Government: Cedar Rapids Police Chief Dave Dostal plans to retire; the City Council will consider his retirement agreement Tuesday. Schools & Taxes: Webster City and West Marshall school districts will vote Tuesday on levies for upgrades and maintenance, including air conditioning and facility repairs. Banking: Equity Bank says it will merge with Lincoln Savings Bank, turning Lincoln’s 16 locations into Equity branches by year’s end. Education & Tech: Drake University is partnering with Panama’s national AI strategy, launching a data analytics degree pathway starting next August. Politics: More than 60 current and former Iowa Republicans have joined “Republicans for Turek,” backing Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek. Public Safety & Health: Water over Euclid Avenue is causing lane closures in Des Moines while crews repair damage. Sports: Iowa women’s soccer closed nonconference play with a 3-0 win over Missouri State, and Iowa field hockey stayed undefeated with an 8-0 shutout of Ball State.

Hawkeye Football: Iowa opened the season with a 40-0 shutout of Northern Illinois at Kinnick, led by Kamari Moulton’s 183 rushing yards and two TDs, plus a defense that held the Huskies scoreless and forced key stops. Cyclones Football: Iowa State rolled past Southeast Missouri State 38-10 in the Jimmy Rogers era, with Jaylen Raynor scoring on a trick-play run and the defense piling up sacks. UNI Football: Eastern Washington beat Northern Iowa 34-24, but the game came with serious injuries for the Eagles, including a knee injury to linebacker Samarai Anderson. Immigration Services: Iowa advocates warn that shrinking federal funding is straining legal help for immigrants and refugees, leaving some people without representation as cases move fast. Des Moines Sustainability: Retired wind turbine blades were ground into concrete blocks used for a retaining wall at Premier Credit Union in downtown Des Moines. Community Spotlight: Des Moines held a historic brick oven celebration honoring Italian heritage, drawing hundreds of people for bread and cultural preservation. Sports on TV: Caitlin Clark and Team USA play Italy in the FIBA Women’s World Cup group stage Sunday, with coverage on TNT and HBO Max.

College Football (Iowa State): Jaylen Raynor threw for 184 yards and two TDs and ran for two more as Iowa State opened the Jimmy Rogers era with a 38-10 win over Southeast Missouri State in Ames. Injury Update (Iowa): Hawkeyes RB L.J. Phillips left the NIU opener with a lower-body injury near the end of the first quarter. College Football (Iowa): Kamari Moulton powered Iowa early with a 50-yard TD run and a 37-yard score as the Hawkeyes got rolling at Kinnick. Local Sports & Community: Iowa fans packed tailgates and high school marching bands lit up stadiums as football season kicked off. Public Safety: Two people died in a Mitchell County head-on crash Friday, according to Iowa State Patrol. State Politics: Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement mourning Ray Gaesser, praising his work in biofuels and conservation. Health Alert: Reynolds warned Iowans about kratom and pushed for a total ban, citing dependence and overdose risks. Arts & Culture: A Des Moines printmaker is bringing a honeybee-themed exhibit, “Wax Cathedral,” to Creston.

Iowa Politics & Campaigns: Iowa voters are fed up with data centers, and both parties are leaning into the same pitch—fewer tax breaks, higher power costs, and more pressure to rein them in—showing up heavily in ads ahead of midterms. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The Iowa DOT is taking public feedback on a planned Iowa Highway 37 bridge replacement over Beaver Creek in Monona County, with construction slated for 2029 and a detour route outlined. Public Safety & Health: An Oelwein water system violation notice is headed to residents after two required July samples weren’t tested for coliform bacteria due to lab timing, according to city officials. Law Enforcement & Technology: Iowa State Patrol Trooper Jason Marlow says technology has “changed everything” in modern policing, from training to new computer systems. Sports (High School): Week 2 delivered big results across Iowa, including Spencer’s thriller over Carroll and Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn’s 28-14 win over South O’Brien, plus top-25 matchups like Dowling Catholic beating Johnston 41-35. College Sports: Augustana women’s soccer rallied for a 6-1 win over Buena Vista, while the men fell 2-1 to Central.

Public Health: Iowa HHS says confirmed measles cases have climbed to 22, up from 19 last week, with officials urging vaccination and calling ahead if you think you’ve been exposed. Weather & Safety: Another round of late-season heat hit northwest Iowa Friday, with highs in the low 90s and heat indexes pushing past 100; some football kickoffs were moved later due to the conditions. Local Government: Iowa City approved an $8 million loan to cover payroll and cash flow until state funding arrives in October, and splash pads are set to close Sept. 8 for winterization. Politics & Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds renewed calls for a total kratom ban, warning about dependence and life-threatening risks as Iowa considers stronger statewide action. Business & Community: Urbandale rejected a Buc-ee’s land-use amendment, leaving other Iowa cities to pitch the mega travel stop. Crime & Courts: Oskaloosa police charged a fifth suspect in the Aug. 11 Kwik Star armed robbery; in Council Bluffs, police announced an arrest tied to an online child predator operation.

High School Football: The Gazette’s Week 1 rankings keep rolling, with Cedar Rapids Xavier staying unanimous No. 1 after a 33-7 win over North Scott; Class 5A’s new leader is West Des Moines Dowling after a 21-0 victory, and Solon remains atop Class 3A. Iowa Football (College): Iowa opens Saturday vs. Northern Illinois with no single QB named—Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown share the top spot on the depth chart. Iowa State Football: ISU’s new-look roster is built on “pillars” like linebacker Carson Willich and kicker Kyle Konrardy as the Cyclones prep for their opener. Local Government: Tama County supervisors approved utility permits and moved forward with legal counsel for secondary roads union matters. Community & Culture: Waterloo’s Walnut neighborhood broke ground on a new playground after years of planning, and Toledo artist Hannah Mullen’s work is featured at major Des Moines venues. Public Safety & Health: Iowa measles cases rose to 22, and an extreme heat warning is in effect for Iowa City ahead of Saturday events. Sports (Other): Iowa Western started its title defense with a 71-0 win, and Barbe’s defense shut down Iowa 42-15 in a season opener.

Sports & Culture: Caitlin Clark and Team USA open the 2026 Women’s FIBA World Cup Friday in Berlin, with Clark averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists and the U.S. missing A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum. Local Politics: Former Iowa Rep. Dave Dawson is running for the open 4th Congressional District seat, pitching rural healthcare, lower drug costs, and limits on corporate PAC influence. Education Policy: Iowa Department of Education is taking public feedback on proposed new achievement levels for the state’s summative assessment, with community sessions across the state starting Sept. 14. Public Safety & Health: Iowa AG Brenna Bird announced the first wave of opioid addiction fight grants totaling $1.6M, while measles cases are rising in nearby southwest Wisconsin with Iowa reporting 108 confirmed/probable cases. Community Updates: Iowa City apartment fire displaced seven residents; UNI marks its 150th anniversary this weekend; and Lansing’s Mississippi River bridge is set to open early, beating the spring 2027 deadline.

Public Health: Iowa health officials are warning about kratom—especially synthetic 7-OH—after confirming 45 kratom-associated deaths across 23 counties, including 16 so far this year. Weather & Safety: Dubuque schools dismissed some classes early Wednesday due to extreme heat and limited air conditioning, with a Sept. 8 vote looming on whether to double the district’s PPEL levy to speed up cooling upgrades. Environment & Outdoors: The Iowa DNR says the state’s pheasant population averaged 23 birds per route in its August survey—second-highest in more than a decade—though northeast numbers fell sharply. Local Government & Community: Mason City wrapped up a six-year emerald ash borer cleanup by removing the final ash tree from city right-of-way, after cutting 2,816 trees and planting 900 more. Sports (Iowa): Iowa’s season opener at Kinnick Stadium is set for Sept. 5, with new heat-focused gameday procedures including unlimited sealed water bottles and 4,000 refillable bottles distributed at gates. Education & Tech: The Iowa Communications Network named new Iowa high school students to its Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council, including students from Des Moines, Johnston, Waukee, Ames, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City.

DNR Long Gun Auction: Iowa’s annual sale of confiscated long guns is live online and runs through Sept. 12, with pickup required by 4 p.m. that day and an in-person inspection Sept. 11. Gas Watch: AAA says Iowa regular averages $3.89, down 14 cents this week, while diesel is $5.44. Disaster Aid: Gov. Reynolds says FEMA’s Public Assistance is now activated for Jasper, Polk, Story and Warren counties after July storms and flash flooding. Heat Safety for Football: Kinnick’s Sept. 5 opener will add cooling areas and allow unlimited sealed water bottles plus extra first-aid support. Politics & Debates: Iowa PBS will host Senate candidate debates Oct. 7 (Hinson vs. Turek) and Oct. 8 (Mitchell vs. James), with a governor debate Oct. 21. Local Crime & Courts: State auditors found $122,000 in questionable spending by a former Guttenberg Chamber exec; and a Twin Cities man pleaded guilty after allegedly waving a gun during Clear Lake’s July 4 celebration. Weather Aftermath: Hull crews restored power after overnight storm damage, with hundreds initially affected.

UNI Naming Rights: UNI is launching a first-ever hunt for a corporate sponsor to buy naming rights to the UNI-Dome, a 50-year Cedar Valley landmark. Space Science: A University of Iowa researcher says her team found corundum on Mars, a mineral once thought to be Earth-only, with plans to study deeper Martian crust. Iowa City Safety: The Iowa City Council delayed a vote on adding three permanent police positions for downtown’s Pedestrian Mall after the April shooting, citing cost and wanting more planning. Fraud Watch: The Iowa Insurance Division warned of a licensing-identity theft scam that can lead to fake policies and stolen federal health subsidies. Workers’ Comp Scam: Iowa’s DIAL also flagged a scheme impersonating regulators to trick injured workers into paying upfront fees. Health & Community: New perinatal care investment aims to support Iowa mothers dealing with mental health struggles. Weather: Heat advisory continues with hot, humid conditions and scattered storm chances.

Heat Safety: NPR and Boston University modeling suggests Iowa’s heat-related deaths are far undercounted, estimating about 93 per year from 2018-2025 versus the CDC’s ~9—while Iowa remains under heat advisories. Public Health & Drugs: Gov. Kim Reynolds and state agencies warn Iowans about kratom and concentrated synthetic 7-OH products, citing confirmed kratom-associated deaths and urging caution. Measles Update: Iowa DHS says measles cases in Grant and Lafayette counties have risen to 102 confirmed, with six probable, as officials urge people to check vaccination status. State Politics & Education: A Common Sense Institute report finds Iowa public school enrollment is down but administrators are up nearly 12% since 2014. Local Roads: A county engineer recommends adjusting speed limits after state law raised default speeds on two-lane roads, citing curve safety concerns. Agriculture & Weather: USDA crop progress shows corn development advancing (dent stage up), and northwest Iowa saw the week’s heaviest rainfall. Des Moines/Metro Watch: Power outages and city disruptions continue to pop up as the school year starts. Sports: Iowa football QB competition remains open as the Hawkeyes prepare for Northern Illinois; high school rankings and 8-player results keep rolling in.

Farm & Water Planning: Iowa will host the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, with hundreds of exhibitors, while northwest residents are being asked to weigh in on a new Little Sioux River Water Trail Plan aimed at recreation, access, safety and habitat. Disaster Relief: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office says more FEMA money is headed to northwest Iowa communities tied to severe weather damage, including flood-related costs and emergency warning systems. State Politics & Cost of Living: Democrat Rob Sand proposes expanding Iowa’s voluntary preschool program to a full day and also outlines affordability moves on caregiving tax credits, utility fee limits and prescription drug costs. Consumer Protection: Iowa and Nebraska are joining a multi-state lawsuit against Amazon alleging secret ad overcharges via hidden surcharges. Public Safety: A fatal Des Moines house fire left one dead and one injured; a Hancock County truck crash killed a driver; and a serious motorcycle crash injured a rider on US-65. Tech & Education: Iowa State’s “Today’s AI” site is now a free public hub tracking new AI tools. Health & Community: Families marked overdose awareness at the Iowa Capitol with a memorial on the west terrace.

Heat & Power Watch: Electric co-ops in Iowa issued a peak energy alert Monday afternoon (about 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.), urging people to set cooling to at least 76 and conserve during the highest-demand hours. Local Schools & Safety: Diagonal Community School District will dismiss early all week because older buildings lack air conditioning, while area schools also posted strong results in U.S. News & World Report’s Iowa high school rankings. Agriculture Update: USDA reports Iowa corn is 94% in the dough stage and 77% rated good to excellent; soybeans are 93% setting pods and also 77% good to excellent as harvest nears. Legal & Public Safety: Iowa AG Brenna Bird says a Jefferson officer’s fatal July shooting was legally justified after the suspect allegedly stabbed the officer; separately, a Mason City man who pistol-whipped a victim got five years of supervised probation. Consumer & Community: Bird joined a multi-state lawsuit against Amazon over alleged ad overcharging; and River Bend Food Bank is kicking off Hunger Action Month in September with local volunteer and “go orange” events. Culture & Education: Sioux City artist Shelby Prindaville was named a 2026-27 Iowa Artist Fellow with a $10,000 award.

NFL & Iowa Sports: Green Bay traded for former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson as Josh Jacobs’ status gets murky, giving the Hawkeye alum a shot at the Packers’ backfield. Veterans Remembrance: East and South Iowa communities marked anniversaries of service members’ sacrifices, including Vietnam and Korean War deaths, with observances running through Sept. 5. Farm & Health: Iowa State confirmed red crown rot in a southeastern field, urging growers to inspect closely and test suspect plants; a new study also ranks Iowa among the least-stressed states about health insurance despite a big jump in plan searches. Politics & Campaign Trail: Two major Iowa events spotlighted stakes in 2026 races, with candidates pushing water, schools, immigration, and a proposed statewide alert system for missing vulnerable adults. Rural Connectivity: The FCC cleared an Innovation Zone at Iowa State University for rural wireless research tied to precision farming. Local Government: Tama and Toledo are weighing merging police departments to cut costs, while Ankeny voters will decide a local option sales tax in a Sept. 8 special election. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data put Fort Dodge among Iowa cities with multiple scam reports in July. Meta Settlement: Iowa’s expected Meta payout is about $136 million, likely split into ten annual payments. Public Safety & Community: A Highway 136 crash near Princeton injured a Monticello woman; Des Moines also saw hundreds ride for cancer screenings, and the Iowa Nepalese Association held a vigil for Nepal flood victims.

UI & Local Costs: UI Health Care parking permit rate hikes starting Nov. 1 will hit North Liberty and Iowa River Landing employees hardest, with some monthly rates jumping from $20 to $29, then $53, and up to $73 by July 2028. Public Safety: An Ames woman accused of driving the wrong way on I-35 and hitting a deputy vehicle is in custody on OWI and child endangerment charges; a 14-year-old was injured. Health Spending Watch: Medicaid provider billings in Iowa City for chemotherapy drugs reached $7,740 in 2024, up 6.2% from 2023. Politics: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jamie Raskin rallied Iowa Democrats at the Polk County Steak Fry, backing Josh Turek and pushing term limits. Weather: Central Iowa is heading into a stretch of 90-degree heat, with heat indices near 102 and humid conditions. Sports: No. 11 Iowa field hockey beat No. 2 North Carolina 3-2 in the ACC Challenge finale. Community & Culture: Orchestra Iowa will bring “Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert” to Cedar Rapids’ Veterans Memorial Stadium in June 2027.

Medicaid Watch: Perry saw Medicaid billings for vision services jump 125.5% in 2024, while West Des Moines logged a 348.8% spike in medical and surgical supplies claims—showing how public health dollars can swing fast by category and community. Iowa Politics: U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson rallied Republicans at her BBQ Bash in Clive, with party leaders warning turnout will decide the midterms; Democrats countered at the Polk County Steak Fry with national lawmakers backing Josh Turek and pushing term limits. Public Safety: A federal fugitive wanted since 2018 was arrested in Ottumwa after Wapello County deputies and the FBI tracked him to rural Iowa. Sports: Iowa high school football kicked off with Week 1 standouts and big early results; Iowa Western opened with a 71-0 shutout of Highland, while Drake and Iowa Western both started men’s soccer 2-0. Community & Culture: The University of Iowa Sailing Club won a one-year lease extension at Lake MacBride, and the African American Museum of Iowa announced a new exhibit opening Sept. 4.