AGP Executive Report

Traffic & Safety: A two-vehicle crash at Eagle Ave and 310th Street in Clear Lake sent one driver to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa; a 1-month-old passenger was unharmed. Racing: Iowa Speedway announced the USAC Silver Crown Series returns with the inaugural Iowa 100 on Aug. 8, right after NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. RAGBRAI & Veterans: A RAGBRAI cycling team honored fallen Iowa National Guardsman Nate Howard by installing a flagpole at his parents’ home in Marshalltown. Data Privacy: Chick-fil-A says a loyalty-program breach tied to its Chick-fil-A One accounts may have exposed customer info in Iowa and nine other states plus D.C.; passwords were reset and customers are urged to monitor accounts. Airport Security: TSA Gold+ would shift screening to private contractors at select airports, with Des Moines listed for a projected January 2027 start. Local Government: Monona swore in a new full-time firefighter/paramedic and recognized volunteer promotions to lieutenant. Environment & Courts: Cerro Gordo County sued Iowa to block a $500 million, 500-megawatt solar project, arguing local zoning approval is required.

RAGBRAI in Iowa: Reinbeck is gearing up for the Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa as thousands roll through on their way to Independence, with street shutdowns, vendor setup, and local business owners expecting a boost. Public Safety: A U.S. Postal truck and a Ford towing a boat crashed on Hwy. 30 in Linn County; the driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and others were not hurt. Iowa Sports (Hawkeyes): Iowa women’s soccer released its 2026 schedule, starting with an Aug. 1 intrasquad scrimmage and opening the regular season Aug. 12 vs. Milwaukee; goalkeeper Braelynn Galt also committed to join the program this fall. Health & Weather: Iowa’s fertility rate is falling but remains above the national average, while a Midwest heat wave could push Iowa heat indexes up to 115 degrees. Local Government: Ottumwa City Council tabled a vote on appointing Michael Lee as city finance director amid budget concerns. Tech/Security: TSA is rolling out a new private screening model, with Tampa, Des Moines, and Charleston among the first airports.

Foster Care Finance: Iowa is creating a new system to invest Social Security Survivor Benefits for foster kids, steering eligible payments into options like 529 plans, I-ABLE accounts, or new “Trump Accounts,” with officials saying it won’t change stipends for foster parents. Local Environment: A western Iowa hog-waste storage plan is being dropped after the developer behind the Monona County site said it failed to notify nearby landowners, following resident concerns about odors and impacts. Workplace/Business: Wells Fargo is cutting more jobs at its West Des Moines campus, with 20 employees slated to leave Sept. 19 and 43 more positions eliminated Aug. 22. Food Safety/Health: Corn growers are pushing for a faster Senate probe into the fertilizer industry after the FTC opened an investigation, arguing record-high prices need answers. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A says a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed some Chick-fil-A One account data in Iowa and nine other states, prompting account logouts and security upgrades. Ag Economy: Ethanol production is rebounding, supported by margins and demand, according to federal and Iowa State University reporting.

Field of Dreams, Iowa-Kansas: Iowa and Kansas are set to meet at the Field of Dreams ballpark in Dyersville on Oct. 10, with first pitch at 1 p.m. Airport leadership: Robert Ciszewski is taking over as director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington as Sara Sandburg prepares to retire, with renovations and new service momentum in the mix. Soybean leadership: The United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as incoming CEO, starting Oct. 1. Public safety sentencing: Cedar Rapids man Kyle Netolicky was sentenced to 10 more years for a high-speed eluding chase, stacking on a prior 20-year term for a total of 30 years. Local government watch: Ottumwa may appoint a new finance director, and the city is also rolling out more summer sewer-related road closures. Data center debate: Palo passed a data center ordinance as Google eyes a build; Linn County is weighing a nuclear-power exception to its data center moratorium, while Dubuque is gathering public input. Iowa sports: Iowa City Liberty pushed Sioux City East to the limit in a state quarterfinal, and the Iowa high school baseball and softball tournaments continue to churn out results across classes. Vehicle thefts: A new study ranks Des Moines as Iowa’s top city for vehicle thefts.

State Government & Public Safety: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Stephen Waymire as Iowa Lottery Administrator, tapping his years leading investigations within the agency and more than 30 years with the Des Moines Police Department. Local Governance: Marengo will hold an Aug. 12 public hearing on a $45.7 million loan agreement for Compass Memorial Healthcare to build new medical office space and renovate hospital facilities. Veterans & Community: Mills County became the 88th Home Base Iowa community for military veterans, joining a statewide effort to connect vets with jobs, housing, and education. Agriculture & Water: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says conservation starts with more cover crop acres, with an enhanced cost-share program open for fall planting. Sports & Community Events: Exira-EHK/Audubon advanced in the Class 1A softball tournament with an 11-1 win over West Monona, while Brooklyn’s Wall that Heals is set to arrive July 28 and run July 30–Aug. 2. Business & Daily Life: Hy-Vee now offers online orders with pickup or delivery in as fast as 30 minutes.

Iowa Politics & National Spotlight: Iowa’s U.S. House District 1 independent candidate Michael Bridgford says both major campaigns are fighting each other while outside money floods the race, arguing for more local funding. Iowa Weather & Safety: A tornado watch covers much of central and eastern Iowa until 10 p.m. Monday, with supercells expected to push southeast; Des Moines-area riders are urged to stay alert during RAGBRAI. Statewide Sports: Iowa’s softball tournament opened with big wins across classes, including Southeast Warren’s 21-8 rout and Van Meter’s 10-2 win over Albia, while baseball quarterfinals were limited by weather. Local Community & Health: Iowa River Wellness opened in Marshalltown to expand mental health access with a team of licensed providers. Agriculture: A new joint study warns Iowa farm net income fell 53% from 2022-2024 as costs stay high and markets stay weak. Business & Growth: Sam’s Club named Steve Schrobilgen its new EVP and COO, a Davenport, Iowa native who started at the company as an hourly worker.

Insurance Fraud Crackdown: A Walcott man, Stanly Blythe, faces 24 charges after an alleged identity-theft scheme that used family members’ names and forged signatures to open policies, with investigators saying it involved at least $36,360 in premiums. Consumer Protection: The Iowa Insurance Division also revoked a Missouri producer’s license and ordered restitution after findings that she targeted retired postal workers with high-commission annuities tied to Thrift Savings Plan liquidations. Public Safety & Health: Iowa’s DNR says Lower Gar Lake has been removed from the impaired waters list, while health officials warn lead exposure still lurks in older homes and urge routine blood lead testing for young kids. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of potent storms and flash-flood risk across parts of the Midwest and East, alongside lingering wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Iowa Events: RAGBRAI Day 3 runs Tuesday from Guthrie Center to Boone, and the Iowa Barn Foundation’s all-state barn tour returns Sept. 19-20 with 108 stops. Sports: Iowa and Kansas will meet in an Oct. 10 exhibition at the Field of Dreams.

Food Safety & Health: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, removing that sample from its July 18 update while the outbreak investigation continues. Local Health Access: Des Moines University will host free back-to-school physicals for K-12 students Wednesday at the Olsen Center (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), with no insurance needed and backpacks for those who get physicals. Weather & Air Quality: Central Iowa faces a Heat Advisory Monday (heat index up to 105 in Ames) and an Air Quality Alert in the eastern half of the state as wildfire smoke worsens through the morning. Public Safety: A Union Pacific train struck a car in Arion, killing one and injuring four others, according to crash reports. Iowa Sports: Iowa State softball adds transfer Maggie Werner, and the Cyclones also announced more 2026 volleyball opponents and schedules. Community & Culture: RAGBRAI continues to draw riders across Iowa, with local stops and events fueling fundraising along the route.

Severe Weather & Air Quality: An air quality alert is active across much of Iowa through Monday morning as wildfire smoke pushes fine particulates into unhealthy levels, with sensitive people urged to limit outdoor time. Storm Watch: Forecasters also warn that severe storms could hit Monday afternoon, with damaging winds and tornado risk possible as a cold front moves through. Heat Safety: Heat advisories are widespread, and Iowa is bracing for more extreme temperatures and heat index values over 100. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its recall of iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including Iowa, tied to a Cyclospora outbreak; consumers should discard the recalled product. Local Government/Infrastructure: Lone Tree reported a water main break at E Linn St. and Riggs St., while Nampa’s council is set to discuss a major $11.13 million sewer trunk amendment tied to potential new housing. Community & Culture: Marengo’s tattoo artist is behind a new mural project, and RAGBRAI kicked off in Onawa with thousands of riders rolling into the state.

University of Iowa Politics: A newly created UI “Center for Intellectual Freedom” is stuck in a behind-the-scenes fight, with an interim director saying the administration isn’t backing the center and detailing disputes over spending, hiring and control. Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including Iowa, tied to cyclospora concerns; officials say consumers should discard the affected products. Weather & Safety: Iowa is bracing for a hot, stormy Monday with heat advisories possible and damaging storms in the mix, plus smoke/haze at times. Local Community: Waterloo Community School District reports big gains in attendance and graduation while cutting chronic absenteeism. Health & Community Impact: A 74-year-old Des Moines-area man with Parkinson’s is taking on a 100,000-step challenge to raise awareness. Crime: Cedar Rapids woman faces charges after an alleged burglary and assault in Tiffin.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of bagged shredded iceberg lettuce in 27 states, including Iowa, after federal investigators linked it to a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak; the company says it’s removing affected product and consumers should discard it immediately. Local Health & Community: Floyd County Medical Center held a grand opening for its new three-story Rural Health Clinic, marking Phase 1 of a multi-phase expansion aimed at keeping care close to home. Public Safety: Waterloo police are investigating an early-morning fatal stabbing at an apartment building on Langley Road; officials say it’s isolated with no active threat. Local Government: Larchwood moved forward with bonding plans for a new community center after a public hearing, with the project expected to cost about $4 million. Iowa Outdoors & Wildlife: The Iowa DNR will host hunter meetings to explain upcoming deer-season changes, including splitting the state into two deer zones. Sports (Prep): The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union softball state tournament is set for July 20-24 in Fort Dodge, with games streaming free online and championship games on Iowa PBS.

Waterloo Community: Crews began demolishing the Grout Museum’s Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, with the site set to become a green space after debris removal; the new Imaginarium Science Gallery is expected to open later this summer. Sports Schedule: Iowa and Vanderbilt will meet in a women’s basketball game Nov. 15 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City. Public Safety/EMS: Ottumwa Fire Chief Sean Canto released a nearly 600-page report with 11 recommendations aimed at improving Wapello County emergency operations, including dispatch changes and a county-wide emergency response plan. Local Government/Data Centers: Jefferson County held a second work session on a proposed data center ordinance, with residents pressing for clearer standards and limits on supervisor discretion. Weather/Air Quality: Wildfire smoke is not yet a major issue in Iowa, but officials warn air quality could worsen over the weekend as a front moves through. Iowa City Infrastructure: Iowa City secured $23.5 million in federal BUILD grant funding to rebuild the Burlington Street bridge, adding separate bike and pedestrian lanes. Community Milestones: Open house plans are set for Beverly Soules’ 100th birthday and for Maurice and Wilma Welsh’s diamond anniversary.

U.S. Senate Watch: President Trump urged Darline Graham to run for the full term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham, reshaping the scramble for the South Carolina seat. Water Safety: Iowa’s DNR issued swimming advisories for 14 state beaches after new tests found elevated E. coli or harmful algal toxins. Local Business & Community: A Newton quilt studio is expanding hands-on classes and workshops at the 3 Dog Design Company Quilt Studio. Flood Help for Farmers: Jasper County farmers were told to report Skunk River flood damages to the FSA as officials track impacts and insurance questions. Public Safety: A Mason City man was arrested after a pedestrian died in a Fareway parking lot crash. State Economy: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits tied to 312 jobs and $62.9M in new investment, plus help for startups and a Cedar Rapids quality-of-life project. Weather & Travel: A heatwave continues through the weekend, and gas prices vary across Iowa by about 30 cents a gallon.

Local Public Safety: Mason City police lifted a shelter-in-place after a gun threat incident early Thursday; officers searched a home but the suspect had fled. Fire & Utilities: A Mason City homeowner’s quick action helped stop an electrical ceiling fire after smoke was spotted from an outside vent. Water Alert: Kalona issued a mandatory boil order after a major water main break; crews repaired it and testing begins tonight. Education & Youth: Iowa Schools told districts to limit undocumented students’ access to college-level CTE tied to Perkins funding, while North Tama’s audit report flagged repeated governance and spending documentation issues. Economy: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in June as the state added about 600 jobs. Community & Culture: Meskwaki Nation marked Proclamation Day; Waverly finished a downtown mural; Con-Quest brings pop culture fans to Waterloo this weekend. Sports & Tickets: Iowa-Iowa State football at Kinnick sold out for Sept. 12. Health & Training: Marshalltown EMS and hospital staff trained for RAGBRAI using a simulation trailer.

Precision Fermentation in Iowa: ADM is partnering with Every to scale animal-free egg proteins via precision fermentation at its Clinton facility, aiming to stabilize supply and help food makers replace eggs. Medicaid Crackdown: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force held its first meeting in Des Moines, with a final report due Oct. 29 as Iowa faces a projected Medicaid funding gap. Local Business & Travel: Southwest will add daily nonstop flights from Des Moines to Nashville starting March 2027, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership is a finalist for National Chamber of the Year. Iowa Environment & Farming: DNR posted new draft water use and air quality permits for public review, while ISU says tar spot pressure is rising as weather turns warmer and wetter. Public Safety & Scams: MidAmerican Energy warns customers about fake customer-service phone numbers promoted in search ads. Sports & Community: Iowa’s Cy-Hawk home opener sold out at Kinnick, and a Clive action park is set to open with new attractions.

Genetic Data Settlement: Iowa is set to receive part of a multistate $23andMe settlement after a 2023 breach exposed genetic info for millions, with recovery limited by bankruptcy funds. Public Safety & Courts: Iowa AG says a deputy U.S. marshal’s fatal shooting in Ottumwa was legally justified, while a federal judge extended USDA access to a Van Buren County dog breeder’s facility as authorities prepare for the long-term care of seized animals. Health & Community Services: Ottumwa Fire Department released a nearly 600-page EMS transition report, and Iowa’s Medicaid fraud elimination task force held its first meeting in Des Moines. Workforce & Training: NICC is launching new electrician pathways at its Peosta campus starting January 2027. Roads & Weather: A three-vehicle crash in southeast Iowa injured five people, including two children. Everyday Life: A study finds Iowa ranks 14th for household air conditioning coverage, but thousands of homes still lack it. Sports & Culture: Fort Madison girls soccer players earned spots on the Des Moines Register Class 2A Elite Team, and Sensory-Friendly Morning returns to the Iowa State Fair Aug. 19.