AGP Executive Report

Hawkeyes Roll: No. 20 Iowa rebounded from its Ohio State loss with a 41-24 win at Washington. Kamari Moulton ran for 208 yards and two touchdowns, while backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski threw three scores. Cyclones Stumble: No. 8 BYU beat Iowa State 24-10, holding the Cyclones to 200 yards as Bear Bachmeier threw for 329 and ran for 109. Campaign Trail: U.S. Senate rivals Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek are sharpening their cases in a closely watched race, with Hinson stressing she’ll oppose President Trump when Iowa’s interests require it. In the governor’s race, Democrat Rob Sand says voters should restore political balance; Republican Zach Lahn is his opponent. Rural Health: Iowa is set to receive more than $209 million in federal rural-health funding. Harvest Delays: Recent rain continues to slow fieldwork, leaving Iowa’s harvest behind its normal pace. Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has sued companies over security cameras and routers, alleging consumer-fraud and data-security risks. Health Care Settlement: University of Iowa Health Care agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a negligence lawsuit involving a missed lung mass and delayed cancer diagnosis.

Consumer Safety: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued Lorex, alleging security flaws in its cameras could expose private video and audio feeds, including from baby monitors. Environmental Watch: The DNR is investigating a manure discharge into Bear Creek in Cherokee County and advises people to avoid drawing water from Bear and Mill creeks while it tests samples. Food Safety: Inspectors cited hundreds of violations statewide, and three food trucks were temporarily shut down; officials note some issues may be corrected during inspections. Rural Health: Iowa is set to receive more than $209 million in federal rural health funding. Politics & Courts: A Red Oak jury acquitted Joey Norris of felony election misconduct in what his attorney called the first prosecution of its kind in Iowa. A national forecaster also shifted three Iowa congressional races toward Democrats. Community Investment: Polk County approved a $250,000, three-year grant for tree distribution and local canopy projects. Sports: No. 6 Iowa field hockey fell 2-1 to top-ranked Northwestern.

Campaigns and Schools: Iowa’s governor candidates split over education savings accounts, with Republican Zach Lahn backing the program as it faces scrutiny over public spending. Senate hopefuls Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek also clashed in a debate over tariffs, taxes and their records. Phone Service: CenturyLink plans to end copper landline service in 20 Iowa communities on Oct. 18, affecting customers from Ames and Fort Dodge to the Des Moines metro. Some customers say the company did not give the notice required by federal law. Steel Deal: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an expansion of Iowa’s MEGA tax-credit program, clearing a path for incentives tied to a proposed $15 billion Lee County steel mill. The project promises 1,750 permanent jobs, but questions remain about its costs and next steps. Farm Pressures: Wet September weather has left Iowa’s harvest well behind normal, with reports of standing water and soybean discoloration. A new study says agriculture supports one in four Iowa jobs and a third of the state’s GDP. Public Oversight: Iowa’s utilities commission rejected Summit Carbon Solutions’ request to speed up pipeline proceedings as landowner protests continue. Separately, the attorney general sued a security-equipment company over alleged China ties, while license-plate reader use drew fresh privacy concerns. Housing: The Iowa Finance Authority awarded more than $760,000 to help keep supportive housing programs running for over 400 households.

Steel Investment: Iowa lawmakers approved up to $1.36 billion in tax incentives for a proposed $15 billion southeast Iowa steel mill expected to create more than 1,700 permanent jobs. The project is drawing questions about taxpayer protections. Des Moines Traffic: Eastbound I-80 near the Southwest Mixmaster will close overnight Oct. 11–12, and NE 29th Street will shut Oct. 14 for bridge work. Election Watch: U.S. Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek clashed over fuel costs, Iran and their voting records. Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand says he’d back higher Medicaid pay for disabled Iowans and end privatization. Agriculture: Wet fields have delayed harvest, while Iowa State experts warn that raw soybeans were left out of U.S.-China tariff relief, threatening sales and prices. Public Safety: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued a security-camera distributor over alleged links to China and risks to Iowans’ private data. High School Sports: The girls’ volleyball postseason brackets are set, with regional play beginning Oct. 19.

Senate Race: Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek clashed over immigration, tariffs and agriculture in their first U.S. Senate debate. Polls show a tight contest, putting Iowa among Democrats’ potential pickup opportunities. Governor’s Race: Rob Sand and Zach Lahn traded attacks over residency and state priorities in their first debate, as the campaign spotlighted education, wages and a proposed steel mill. Housing: The Iowa Finance Authority awarded more than $6.4 million for 42 housing units and support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Des Moines and Dubuque. Harvest: Wet weather has slowed fieldwork, while late-season rain is hurting soybean seed quality in parts of Iowa. The state has temporarily suspended penalties for farm haulers using dyed diesel on roads through 2027. Transportation: The Mississippi River bridge at Lansing is set to open Nov. 6, months ahead of schedule. Ottumwa: A former council member’s “Hail Satan” invocation at a city meeting sparked objections from a local pastor; the city says its policy permits invocations from varied beliefs. Community: Burlington Public Library was selected for a national climate-resilience pilot, one of nine Iowa libraries taking part.

Public Safety: A West Des Moines man faces four attempted-murder charges after allegedly firing at vehicles on I-35, wounding one driver. Court documents say he told police, “I had to kill people today.” Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued ADI Global Distribution, alleging the company hid risks tied to surveillance equipment with Chinese connections. Election Watch: Testimony began in the trial of a former Montgomery County poll worker accused of disrupting ballot counting in 2024. State officials say they still don’t know whether federal election observers will be sent to Iowa this November. Governor’s Race: Rob Sand and Zach Lahn clashed in their first debate over residency, wages, schools and other state priorities. Farming: Wet fields have slowed harvest, though work is picking up in some areas. Gov. Kim Reynolds has waived penalties for farm haulers using dyed diesel on Iowa roads through 2027. Health and Housing: Iowa’s congressional delegation is pressing for more federal support for rural health care, while the Iowa Finance Authority awarded over $6.4 million for housing and services for people facing homelessness in Des Moines and Dubuque.

Steel Plant: Mesabi Metallics is pitching a $15 billion steel complex in Lee County as part of an $18 billion Midwest investment, but questions remain over whether the promised jobs will materialize. Iowa lawmakers approved up to $1.4 billion in tax incentives for the project. Governor’s Race: Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn traded sharp attacks in their first debate, clashing over residency, taxes, education and the state budget. Interstate Shooting: A West Des Moines man faces four attempted-murder charges after shots were fired at vehicles on I-35 south of Des Moines; a woman was wounded and the interstate closed for hours. Harvest and Heating: Wet fields are slowing Iowa’s harvest, while the state has suspended penalties for farm haulers using dyed diesel on roads through February. Northeast Iowa households with seniors, disabilities or utility shutoff notices can now apply early for LIHEAP heating help. Lansing Bridge: The replacement Mississippi River bridge linking Iowa and Wisconsin is set to open Nov. 6, months ahead of schedule. Router Lawsuit: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined other states in suing TP-Link, alleging deceptive claims about router security and manufacturing links.

Iowa Politics & Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a measure changing Iowa’s economic development program, clearing the way for nearly $1.4B in tax incentives tied to a $15B steel mill in southeast Iowa, as lawmakers and residents continue to debate the pace and public input around the deal. Agriculture & Cost Relief: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urged other governors to follow Iowa’s lead in allowing dyed diesel for certain on-road harvest uses after a federal move to suspend penalties, aiming to ease record-high fuel costs for farmers. Public Safety & Infrastructure: West Des Moines city engineers laid out an emergency flood plan for Walnut Creek and the Raccoon River, including pump stations and early coordination as forecasts change. Business & Growth: Sporting Kansas City and partners unveiled a proposal to bring an MLS Next Pro team to Des Moines with a new downtown-area stadium. Sports (Local): Newton’s girls beat Lincoln 97-85 in swimming, while Newton’s boys cross country struggled at a deep invitational; in volleyball, Lynnville-Sully topped Iowa Valley to stay on top of the SICL.

Iowa Politics: Iowa lawmakers have approved a major expansion of tax incentives for the proposed $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel plant, and the state now has 60 days to negotiate an exclusive contract with the company before it can move forward. Governor & Utilities: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed pastor and former state Rep. Jon Dunwell to the Iowa Utilities Commission, filling the seat left by Erik Helland’s resignation. Public Safety: Iowa City police shooting investigators have identified the man killed last month as Allen Lemburg, 41, of Nebraska; the case is being handled by the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and Johnson County. Local Government: Carlisle residents are dealing with a do-not-use-water order, with Indianola offering showers to help people get through the disruption. Community & Culture: Des Moines is taking submissions for its annual Fall Tree Photo Contest, with the winner able to choose where a new tree gets planted. Food & Service: Meals from the Heartland’s Hunger Fight is underway, with volunteers packing up to 2 million meals for children in Iowa and overseas. Sports: Iowa State’s Aiden Flora has been named AP National Player of the Week after a big performance vs. West Virginia, while Iowa’s governor candidates kick off the first debate tonight.

Midterm Politics: Steve Kornacki is breaking down voter trends as Iowans head toward the 2026 midterms, with Democrats eyeing the state as a potential flip target. Agriculture & Weather: The latest USDA crop report says Iowa farmers had just 1.2 days suitable for fieldwork in the Oct. 4 reporting week; corn maturity and soybean leaf drop are behind average, though warmer, sunnier weather is helping fields dry. Public Safety: A woman says an Iowa Colony domestic violence case sat unprocessed for nearly a year after a technical glitch prevented it from reaching prosecutors, raising fresh questions about how submissions are handled. Health & Licensing: An Illinois surgeon accused of sexually assaulting a patient is seeking an Iowa medical license, with a hearing set for Nov. 12. Infrastructure: The Iowa 9/WIS 82 Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing is now expected to open Nov. 6, with a free car ferry ending that day. Local Government: Davenport accepted City Administrator Tim Gleason’s resignation; Nicole Gleason will serve as acting administrator. Utilities: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed former Rep. Jon Dunwell to the Iowa Utilities Commission.

Steel Incentives: Iowa lawmakers approved and Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a nearly $1.4 billion incentive package tied to a proposed $15 billion Essar/Mesabi Metallics steel plant in Lee County, with the Iowa Economic Development Authority saying contracts and payouts hinge on hiring and production benchmarks. Local Public Safety: Independence voters will decide Nov. 3 on a $14.5 million bond to expand the fire station; Waterloo crews responded to a Sunday morning house fire with one person displaced and no injuries. Health & Community: Iowans gathered in Des Moines for a breast cancer awareness event with a 5K and education push. Fire Safety Reminder: Fire Prevention and Safety Week highlights safe handling and disposal of lithium ion batteries—don’t toss damaged packs in household trash. Sports (Iowa): Ohio State beat Iowa 31-14 at Kinnick as Jeremiah Smith set more school records; Iowa dropped to No. 20 in the AP poll. Crime: A Red Oak man charged with felony election misconduct is set for trial Tuesday. Weather/Water: Carlisle’s water crisis continues as residents ration and schools close again after a water main break.

Steel Mill Incentives: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill extending nearly $1.4 billion in state tax incentives for a proposed $15 billion steel mill in southeast Iowa, after a special session vote that passed the Iowa House 75-17 and the Senate 28-19, with Democrats and some Republicans raising concerns about whether the project will actually happen. Iowa Politics & Campaigns: The steel deal is now a flashpoint in the governor’s race, with Zach Lahn attacking Rob Sand in a new ad over alleged water pollution tied to Sand’s family business. Local Community & Education: Iowa Children’s Museum is rolling out free “Cracking the Code” coding activities to Eastern Iowa libraries, and Iowa State Extension launched Cyclone Kitchen, a hands-on community cooking program in Lucas County. Sports (Iowa): Caitlin Clark visited Iowa Children’s Hospital during the Hawkeyes’ Ohio State game as the “Hawkeye Wave” went up at Kinnick. Weather: Central Iowa is set for mostly clear, dry conditions tonight into a sunny, warming week, with only light showers possible later. Public Safety: Cedar Rapids men were charged after allegedly stripping metal from the Wasserbahn property near Williamsburg.

Downtown Violence: Des Moines police are investigating an overnight shooting near 4th Street and Court Avenue that left a 23-year-old man with multiple gunshot injuries; two people were arrested nearby on charges not related to the shooting. Regents Accountability: Iowa’s Board of Regents says it won’t pay $15,000 to a consultant group after calling a “seminar on engaged governance” too shallow and offering to pay $5,000 instead. Industrial Fire: Firefighters responded to a baghouse fire at AG Processing in Sheldon, the latest incident after earlier explosions and fires at the same facility. Road Safety: A head-on crash on Highway 18 in Floyd County sent two drivers to the hospital; the truck caught fire and the case remains under investigation. Water Tragedy: Iowa DNR is investigating Mississippi River boating deaths near Dubuque, where two men were recovered after a boat struck a floating object. Sports (Iowa): Ohio State beat Iowa 31-14 at Kinnick as Jeremiah Smith set multiple receiving records; Iowa also fell to Penn State in volleyball in four sets. Steel Politics: Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel plant in Iowa, while Iowa lawmakers debate and adjust the incentive package tied to the project.

Steel Incentives: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill to extend about $1.36 billion in tax incentives for a proposed Iowa steel mill, after a special session fast-tracked the measure through the House and Senate amid questions from Democrats about whether the project will actually happen. Iowa City Education & History: The University of Iowa’s Anne Frank Initiative is expanding community outreach tied to the Anne Frank tree, with a public presentation set for Oct. 25 at the English Valleys History Center. College Football (Iowa vs. Ohio State): No. 5 Ohio State beat No. 14 Iowa 31-14 at Kinnick, with Julian Sayin throwing for 324 yards and Jeremiah Smith hauling in 11 catches for 206 yards and two TDs. Big 12 Football (Iowa State vs. West Virginia): Iowa State held off West Virginia 45-42 as Aiden Flora scored five total touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 1:57 left. Public Safety: A Ridgeway firefighter, Collin Giddings, died in a three-vehicle crash on US 18/151; in Linn County, a motorcyclist was hospitalized after a construction-zone crash on I-380. Local Jobs: Crescent Hill at Hitchcock Park hosted a hiring event for seasonal workers, aiming to bring on 100 to 150 seasonal staff.

College Football (Iowa-Ohio State): College GameDay is in Iowa City for the first time in 20 years as No. 14 Iowa hosts No. 5 Ohio State at Kinnick on Saturday, with Caitlin Clark serving as guest picker; Iowa is a big home underdog, but the Hawkeyes are coming off a last-play win over Michigan. Local Sports (Prep): Friday’s Iowa high school slate featured big district results, including Griswold’s 38-0 shutout of Ar-We-Va and Atlantic’s 33-7 win over Perry, plus a full roundup of scores across classes. State Policy (Steel incentives): Gov. Kim Reynolds signed MEGA changes to boost tax incentives tied to a proposed $15B Mesabi Metallics steel plant, raising the cap and reshaping how incentives can be structured for a single rural-county project. Business & Industry: Intertape Polymer Group acquired Iowa’s Clysar shrink film maker in Clinton, and Shield AI mapped its X-BAT program across U.S. sites, including production in the Des Moines area. Community & Culture: The Des Moines Children’s Museum must leave Valley West Mall by end of October as it prepares to move to a new West Des Moines location next year.

Steel Plant Incentives: Iowa lawmakers returned to the Statehouse to consider raising the MEGA tax incentive cap for Mesabi Metallics’ proposed $15B Lee County steel complex, after the company signaled it won’t proceed under the current 5% limit; residents at the Capitol questioned whether the project is being rushed and raised concerns about water, energy, and whether eminent domain could be needed. Public Safety & Crime: A Dubuque police lieutenant faces a federal charge for allegedly distributing prescription amphetamine, while Cedar Rapids named Brent Smith as its next fire chief. Environment: The Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill on the Little Maquoketa River near Peosta tied to suspected manure runoff, and officials are advising downstream users to avoid the water. Education & Community: Des Moines schools launched a Spanish-language podcast, and Iowa Workforce Development rolled out a Career Training Physical Expansion grant program to help training partners expand capacity. Sports: College GameDay is in Iowa City for Ohio State vs. Iowa, with the matchup drawing major attention ahead of Saturday.