AGP Executive Report

Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with about $491,654.75 available for Iowans through an online verification process. Local Justice: The Iowa Supreme Court reinstated the law license of a Council Bluffs attorney convicted of marijuana trafficking while serving as a city attorney. Public Safety: Des Moines Public Schools closed several free summer meal sites Wednesday due to weather, listing multiple locations across the city. State Government Tech: Gov. Reynolds reiterated Iowa’s commitment to keeping an Iowa-based workforce for state government IT operations as the state continues its managed-service shift. Agriculture & Health: The National Pork Board urged livestock owners to watch for signs of New World screwworm after detections in the southern U.S. Weather Watch: Storm risks continue across the region, with officials tracking severe conditions and possible flooding. Transportation Recall: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles nationwide, including models sold in Iowa, over a rear suspension defect that could lead to loss of control.

Food Access: The Food Bank of Iowa is returning to Webster City on Tuesday, June 16 at the St. Thomas Parish Center (1000 Des Moines St.), with registration opening at 2:30 p.m. and free pantry hours running 2:45–5:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Community Events: First Congregational UCC is hosting its Brownie Sundae Drive-Thru Friday, 6:30–8 p.m., with freewill donations benefiting local food pantries. Local Government: Fort Dodge is buying a new traffic signal control system for five intersections to cut delays, and it’s also hosting “Night to Unite” on the City Square Thursday, 5–7 p.m., with police/fire vehicles, booths, and free food. County Oversight: Hamilton County supervisors tabled discussion of the Briggs Woods Conference Center while one supervisor is out of town, with legal review continuing. Public Finance: The Iowa State Appeals Board held a public hearing on a Hamilton County Hospital levy budget protest for fiscal year 2026–27. Weather: Forecasters warn of severe storm chances Wednesday into early Thursday, with the biggest risk tied to timing and lingering clouds.

Water & Public Health: Central Iowa Water Works issued a mandatory lawn watering ban for the Des Moines metro after high nitrate levels and rising demand pushed treatment capacity to the limit. State Politics: Iowa Senate Democrats blasted Gov. Kim Reynolds’ lame-duck push to privatize state IT operations, warning it could sever public employees’ retirement ties and repeat past privatization failures. Outdoor Recreation: Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, aiming to boost tourism and the state’s outdoor economy. Local Safety: A semi-truck fire near a Dubuque pet food facility was contained without spreading to the main building, after crews responded quickly to flames near propane. Cedar Rapids Tragedy: A woman died in an early-morning house fire on Fruitland Boulevard SW; a cat and dog also died, and the case remains under investigation. Crime & Courts: A Tama County jail employee was arrested and charged with sexual abuse in connection with alleged misconduct from 2023. Community Services: Linn County shared cooling center locations as extreme heat moves in, and officials urged hydration and limiting time outdoors. Sports & Schools: The Presidential 1776 Award finals in Washington, D.C. included North Mahaska sophomore Cayden Plate, a finalist from Iowa.

Outdoor Recreation Push: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, aiming to grow the nearly $6 billion outdoor economy and coordinate parks, trails, and tourism partners. Water & Health: Central Iowa Water Works issued a Stage 3 lawn watering ban due to elevated nitrates, while Iowa also continues to warn about heat and storm risks. Des Moines Policy: City leaders are weighing rezoning a Park Avenue site at 1011 Park for a shelter serving victims of human trafficking and prostitution. Labor Watch: UnityPoint nurses marched to the state Capitol over the stalled Teamsters union vote, with the National Labor Relations Board still deciding after ballot challenges. Local Spotlight (Fort Dodge): PICA (Main Street Fort Dodge) earned the Main Street Iowa Leadership Award for decades of downtown volunteer beautification. Sports (Iowa): Iowa wrestling added World bronze medalist Jenna Burkert as an assistant coach; Iowa football landed 2027 safety Jonathan Harris. Community & Safety: An Ottumwa woman faces misdemeanor charges after a police officer reportedly shot her dog; and the Iowa Safe Haven program reported another baby boy placed with foster care.

Outdoor Recreation Push: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Office of Outdoor Recreation, aimed at boosting Iowa’s outdoor economy and coordinating public-private partners. Public Safety Resource: A new free, under-two-minute active-shooter survival video—based on U.S. Homeland Security guidance—was released for workplaces and communities. Education & Workforce: Des Moines Public Schools kicked off early “Reimagining Education” construction, while the Iowa Medical Society launched a statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to help clinics and hospitals hire. Health & Cancer Support: Cancer Survivors Day coverage highlights new Clay County support efforts, and Iowa’s National Cancer Survivors Day message focused on long-term help after treatment. Iowa Politics: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his lieutenant governor running mate. Roads & Safety: Iowa DOT is reimagining Highway 18 between Sanborn and Spencer, seeking input on upgrades to reduce crashes. Local Crime: A Burlington man was arrested after police say he stole a car from a hospital parking lot. Weather Watch: Flooding from heavy rain remains possible across parts of Iowa and the Midwest, with alerts in effect.

Politics & Campaigns: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear drew a crowd in Des Moines to back Iowa auditor Rob Sand, arguing Democrats can flip the governor’s seat in 2026 after Sand won the Democratic nomination and will face GOP nominee Zach Lahn. State Policy: Iowa’s new higher default speed limit on many two-lane roads starts July 1, raising 55 mph areas to 60 mph and changing how small speeding violations affect driving records. Public Safety: The Iowa Department of Corrections says it will build three new medium-security prisons and renovate two facilities as a new habitual-offender “point system” is expected to swell the inmate population by nearly 50%. Weather: Rain moves in across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa tonight, followed by a hot, humid stretch with severe storm chances midweek. Local Life: A Des Moines preschool vision screening helped a kindergartner avoid possible surgery, and a Pride Month wellness push in Des Moines highlights LGBTQ+ health disparities through events like rides and a 5K. Crime: Police say a man was hospitalized after a shooting on Des Moines’ south side; a suspect was arrested shortly after. Sports: Iowa high school and local sports roundup includes Fort Dodge softball splitting at the Bakey Classic and St. Edmond softball earning a ranked win in CYO action.

Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters are warning of a major Wednesday night storm setup across the Upper Midwest, with Iowa in the mix for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Public Safety: Iowa State Patrol says an I-80 truck incident involved a passenger without a CDL who drove while the real driver slept—and the driver’s CDL was also suspended. Politics: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is heading to Iowa to campaign with Democratic nominee Rob Sand as the governor’s race heats up against Zach Lahn. Water & Health: The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission approved more PFAS testing funding, and separate reporting highlights how water pollution is still hurting Iowa’s recreation and public health. Corrections: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ new habitual-offender law means the Iowa Department of Corrections expects to build three new prisons. Local Crime: A Ralston homicide suspect was arrested in Council Bluffs, authorities say. Iowa Life: Favorite Creamery in Alton is expanding goat-based gelato and soft cheeses, and the DNR updated its fishing atlas for easier mobile use.

Corrections & Public Safety: Iowa’s Department of Corrections says it will need to build three new prisons after a new habitual-offender law signed last week would more than double mandatory minimums for some repeat felons, pushing the prison population nearly 50% over three years and forcing new medium-security facilities plus renovations. Local Politics: Incumbent Democrat V. Fixmer-Oraiz won Johnson County District 4’s primary, beating Rod Sullivan by 29 points, with a new district-based supervisor election system shaping the race. Housing & Community: Sioux City won $1.7 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to redevelop the former LAMB Theatre into The Web Apartments, adding 54 affordable units. Weather: Severe storms Friday night and early Saturday brought heavy rain across southern Iowa, with reports of funnel clouds and damaging winds, plus localized downpours up to about 2 inches in Des Moines. Health: Hundreds turned out for the Central Iowa Heart Walk, including hands-only CPR practice and survivor stories. Crime & Courts: Des Moines police are investigating a gunfire report in the Prospect Park neighborhood; no injuries were reported. Sports: Gilbert edged Des Moines Christian 1-0 to win the Class 2A boys soccer title.

Immigration & Work Verification: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a sweeping immigration bill requiring public employers to verify citizenship and work eligibility, including tighter E-Verify checks for state workers and stricter licensing rules for Iowa schools. Weather & Storm Damage: Severe storms battered southern Cass County, with reports of roof damage, flooding, hail, and possible tornado activity; statewide forecasts also call for spotty storms Saturday and more rain chances Sunday. Legal Accountability: A federal jury awarded an Iowa man $105,000 after Newton police detained him for DUI when breathalyzer results showed he was sober. Iowa Politics: An Iowa Down Ballot podcast breaks down Zach Lahn’s upset win over Randy Feenstra in the GOP gubernatorial primary and what it means heading into November. Local Safety: A motorcycle crash northeast of Le Mars sent a rider to a Sioux Falls hospital in critical condition. Economy & Jobs: Whirlpool announced another 288 layoffs at its Middle Amana plant, bringing total cuts to 879 since last summer. Sports: Des Moines Hoover won its first-ever boys soccer state title, while Waukee Northwest captured the Class 4A championship.

High School Sports: Des Moines Hoover won its first-ever Iowa boys soccer state title, rallying from 2-0 down to beat Norwalk 4-3 at Mediacom Stadium. State Courts: The Iowa Supreme Court blocked the University of Iowa from redirecting a scholarship fund meant for Black students in physical sciences, sending the case back for guidance on honoring the donor’s intent. Weather & Safety: A Friday storm knocked out power for more than 6,000 MidAmerican Energy customers in Council Bluffs, with outages peaking above that level. Local Economy & Community: My Waterloo Days Parade kicked off Friday with downtown floats and events, with officials expecting about $1 million in annual economic impact. Agriculture Watch: Iowa officials are monitoring a New World screwworm detection in Texas and say the risk to food is not expected, while cattle movement restrictions are in place around the site. Retail & Growth: Pump & Pantry is buying 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores across Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota, with the deal expected to close in July 2026. Transportation: Cedar Rapids will close part of 8th Ave. SE for three days next week for railroad crossing repairs.

Civics in College: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill requiring University of Iowa students to take state-selected American history and government courses starting in 2028, with the Center for Intellectual Freedom designated as the sole provider for those requirements. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns storms across the central U.S. could bring large hail, damaging winds, tornado risk, and localized flash flooding into June 6. Drought Update: Iowa’s dry conditions expanded in late May, with the worst drought area easing, but much of the state still extremely dry and northwest Iowa still struggling. Livestock Health: Iowa agriculture officials say they’re monitoring New World screwworm after a Texas case, stressing there’s no food-safety risk from properly cooked meat. Local Life & Learning: Des Moines Public Schools sent 37 marine biology students to Fiji for ocean study. Road Disruptions: The Mississippi River bridge project in Lansing will shut down the free car ferry and restrict boat traffic June 11–12 for the center-span installation. Family Meals: Iowa’s summer SUN Meals program opens at 530+ sites statewide, with help finding locations via 2-1-1.

WCWS Glory (Sports): Texas shut down Texas Tech in Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series final, winning 4-1 and taking back-to-back titles, with Des Moines native Teagan Kavan striking out three in relief to seal it. Iowa Public Safety (Crash): A train and vehicle collided in West Des Moines Thursday night; one passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and police are still investigating. State Accountability (Auditor): Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand says Madison County’s latest financial reports are so flawed he can’t verify the numbers, raising fraud concerns and pointing to repeated findings. Cybersecurity (FBI): The FBI is investigating a cyberattack on Karl Auto Group that may have exposed customer data, including Social Security numbers and passports. Transportation & Infrastructure (Permits/Planning): Fairfax and Linn County officials are fielding new inquiries about potential data center sites near Morgan Creek, with residents raising traffic and land-use worries. Weather (Storm Watch): Severe storm chances return Friday across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, with hail and damaging winds possible. Community & Health (Trauma Training): UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown hosted a trauma simulation day with medical staff, students, and Iowa National Guard medics to practice teamwork and emergency response. Local Government (Education): Walnut Street School in Des Moines held its final day as it closes under the district’s Reimagining Education plan.

Court Update: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird says a judge rejected more than 100 challenges to Todd Mullis’s 2019 murder conviction, leaving him serving life without parole. Weather & Safety: Severe storms and heavy rain are expected to roll through Iowa late Thursday into the weekend, with a flood watch in effect and flash-flood risk around the Des Moines metro. Drought Watch: Drought is spreading fast—about 75% of Iowa is now in some drought condition, up from 46% last week. Tragedy on the Tracks: Authorities identified the victims in a Poweshiek County train-vs-semi crash: 14-year-old Robert Orton died; his father, 38-year-old Michael Orton, was seriously injured. Tickets for Fans: MLB opened Iowa-only registration for the 2026 Field of Dreams game in Dyersville on Aug. 13 (Twins vs. Phillies). Education Policy: New Iowa standards take effect for 2027–28, including statewide testing expansion to social studies and updated health education requirements. Local Life: Des Moines police are asking for help locating a missing 15-year-old teen believed to be in crisis.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn upset Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra to win the GOP nomination for Iowa governor, while Democrats set up a high-stakes U.S. Senate matchup after Josh Turek won the Democratic primary and Ashley Hinson took the GOP nod. Congress & Ballots: An independent candidate, Michael Bridgford, qualified for the ballot in Iowa’s 1st District, setting up a three-way race this November. Immigration & Food Assistance: Iowa joined federal SNAP restrictions that bar undocumented immigrants and some other groups from benefits, with tighter rules for retroactive eligibility. Public Safety: A semi-truck and train collision near Victor on Highway 21 killed one and injured another; federal officials are also investigating drone incidents at Eastern Iowa Airport. Community & Health: LifeServe warns Iowa is nearing a blood shortage as younger donors lag; Valley Lutheran fired administrator Lucas Tanney amid sexual exploitation charges. Agriculture: Tar spot is now found in every Iowa county, raising concerns for corn silage yields and feed quality. Sports: Norwalk and Ankeny Centennial advanced in boys soccer state semifinals; UNI’s Katy Stephens and Joey Perry qualified for nationals in the heptathlon.

Iowa Politics: Iowa’s GOP governor primary delivered a real upset: businessman Zach Lahn beat Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Rob Sand and fueling talk that Trump’s grip is slipping in the state. U.S. Senate: Ashley Hinson won the GOP Senate nomination, while Democrat Josh Turek won the Democratic nod—both now set for Iowa’s open-seat Senate showdown in November. Congress Watch: In the 2nd District, Joe Mitchell (R) and Lindsay James (D) won their primaries and will face off this fall. Public Safety: Muscatine is still reeling after a domestic-related shooting spree left six dead, including the gunman, and one survivor spoke at a vigil. Courts & Schools: A Cedar Falls principal accused of student sex crimes is headed to court next week. Education & Jobs: Iowa’s new CTE impact report says nearly 70% of high school students participated in 2024-25. Roads: Gov. Reynolds signed a bill raising the speed limit on two-lane state highways from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1. Community: Waterloo is hosting youth baseball camps in June and August with a local health clinic partner.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn won the GOP nomination for governor, edging Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra (37.8% to 37%) and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Rob Sand. U.S. Senate: Democrats chose Josh Turek, while Republicans picked Rep. Ashley Hinson, making the open seat a high-stakes Iowa showdown in November. Local Elections: Black Hawk County Democrats picked Tavis Hall (District 4) and Kamyar Enshayan (District 3), while Bill Dotzler won District 2; Johnson County Democrats chose V Fixmer-Oraiz and Mandi Remington. Legal Fight: A Waterloo crash victim’s estate sued the city and officers, alleging a cover-up after a 2024 motorcycle death. Community & Safety: A West Branch man was identified after a deadly weekend house fire; and Iowa’s primary turnout concerns surfaced as many voters stayed on the sidelines. Agritourism: The Choose Iowa Passport is back, inviting Iowans to tour farms and local food stops statewide.