AGP Executive Report

City Finance: Des Moines officials say they’ve found more than $11 million in potential savings and revenue options, setting up a City Council vote on which departments take cuts. College Football: Three Iowa Hawkeyes landed on ESPN’s Top 100 college players list—Kade Pieper (#40), Trevor Lauck (#54), and Zach Lutmer (#72)—with Iowa set to host Ohio State Oct. 3 in a sold-out opener week. High School Sports: Iowa’s preseason football rankings are out, and volleyball season begins under the lights at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines with multiple metro matchups. Public Safety & Courts: A judge blocked Iowa Libertarian replacements from the ballot, while a West Des Moines teen faces trial after a July 4 party shooting with a $1 million bond. Health & Community: Iowa’s opioid treatment hotline is now available statewide, and Scott County is offering free MMR vaccines as measles concerns rise.

High School Sports: Pella Christian opened the 2026 volleyball season with a tough night, falling to Des Moines Christian in three sets. Community Calendar: Lake Mills is bringing back its Fall Carnival on Sept. 24 at Oakwood Park, with family activities, food trucks, and a 7 p.m. magic show. Outdoor & Hunting: The Iowa DNR says cottontail rabbit season opens Sept. 5 statewide, with a steady population and guidance for hunters to scout overlooked spots. Public Safety & Courts: A Waukee High School football coach was suspended for the first two games after an OWI arrest; an Iowa physician is asking the state Supreme Court to block a Board of Medicine disciplinary decision. Des Moines Watch: The city is preparing for budget cuts tied to a new property-tax revenue cap, with potential impacts like higher fees and slower processes. Environment & Health: The DNR announced a $1 million Derelict Building Grant round to help small towns pay for asbestos cleanup. Religion & Immigration: A second Des Moines-area Roman Catholic priest sued Homeland Security over alleged delays in work authorization. Weather/Space: Iowans may get a look at a partial lunar eclipse Thursday night into Friday, depending on storms.

Iowa Politics: Iowa’s governor and Senate races are heating up as Democrats push back on rising costs and health concerns, with State Auditor Rob Sand pitching a “common sense” message to independents and even some Republicans in Oskaloosa. Healthcare Costs: Sen. Chuck Grassley’s fraud-focused Q&A argues healthcare billing fraud is driving up costs and says his False Claims Act work has recovered billions for taxpayers. Courts & Accountability: A judge ruled the developer behind Des Moines’ 515 Walnut apartment tower must reimburse a bank $33.1 million. Education & Students: Iowa finalized eligibility rules for free and reduced-price meals under federal lunch programs, and Grinnell College says a new federal international-student rule is already causing “serious, irreparable harm.” Community & Events: Downtown Des Moines’ World Food and Music Festival returns Friday, Aug. 28, and Bremer County is offering free radon test kits for eligible rural homes. Public Safety: A 69-year-old woman was injured in a Highway 136 crash west of Wayland. Sports: Iowa State volleyball opens its season with the Cyclone Invite at Hilton Coliseum, and former Cyclone Georges Niang signed with the Golden State Warriors.

Health Care Awards: Gov. Kim Reynolds honored Westview Care Center in Britt with the 2026 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, citing its long-tenured staff and tech like Vision Link for faster call-light response. Politics & Elections: Iowa voters can now request early absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 midterms, with ballots available starting Oct. 14; Sioux City also hosted Republican Christopher Prosch’s Senate kickoff. Consumer Tech & Kids Online: Iowa is set to receive $124.4 million over a decade from Meta’s $17 billion settlement tied to claims Facebook/Instagram harmed children, including new overnight teen-use limits and simplified parental controls. Ag & Energy: Iowa biodiesel leaders warn rumored EPA moves to double small refinery exemptions could slash demand and cost soybean farmers about $1 billion; separate coverage notes Iowa gas prices dipped while diesel rose. Local Governance & Data Centers: Hull residents pressed PathOne Data Centers on trust and impacts at a community meeting, while Ames approved a study committee to examine data-center environmental effects. Public Safety: A Fairfield man faces a burglary charge after police used surveillance to identify the suspect; Sioux Center reported a rear-end crash sending a driver to the hospital. Community & Culture: Iowa City approved a $1.8 million endowment to expand local arts access, and the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival returns to Des Moines Sept. 26–27.

Iowa Politics & Courts: Iowa AG Brenna Bird says she’ll take California (and AG Rob Bonta) to the U.S. Supreme Court to fight a multi-state antitrust case tied to Paramount’s Warner Bros. Discovery deal. Public Health: Iowa’s measles situation keeps expanding, with Clay County urging residents to check MMR status as the state reports 17 cases this year and more exposure locations. Local Government (Des Moines): Des Moines City Council approved a six-month pilot with St. Vincent de Paul for 12 biometric storage lockers so people experiencing homelessness can safely store IDs and prescriptions. Elections (Ballot Access): Libertarians are asking a judge to let their candidates appear on Iowa’s November ballot, including a governor bid and a U.S. House challenge in the 3rd District. Agriculture & Economy: Iowa farmers warn Trump’s plan to expand discounted beef imports could squeeze cattle producers while costs stay high. Sports (High School): South Hardin opened volleyball with a five-set win at Iowa Falls-Alden, and Iowa high school cross country gets underway with multiple season openers Thursday.

Measles Watch: Iowa health officials say the state’s measles outbreak has grown to 17 cases, with new potential exposure locations added as local clinics urge residents to check MMR status. Courts & Public Safety: Iowa City Ped Mall shooting suspects Damarian Jones and Ka’Mari Dozier are set for a joint attempted murder trial on Jan. 26, 2027. Ag & Energy: The Iowa Biodiesel Board warns that reported Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemptions could slash demand and undo recent hiring and investment at Iowa biodiesel plants. Local Food Help: River Bend Food Bank adjusts hours for its NorthPark and SouthPark pantries starting Aug. 31 to meet increased need. Education & Training: Northeast Iowa Community College launches a sterile processing technician pathway certificate, with classes starting October 2026. Politics: Governor candidates Zach Lahn and Rob Sand are both pushing cancer-focused plans as they court voters ahead of November. Roads: Highway 18 detours are coming for Sheldon as Highway 18 closes for railroad track repairs through early September.

Local Roads & Events: Downtown Des Moines road closures begin today ahead of the World Food & Music Festival, with multiple stretches shut down starting 9 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 25) through Thursday (Aug. 27), and ending Monday (Aug. 31) at 6 a.m. Housing Watch: The Des Moines metro housing market stayed “consistent” in July, with 4,486 active listings (+6.5% vs. July 2025) and a median sales price of $320,000. Public Health: Iowa’s measles outbreak grew to 17 confirmed cases as of Aug. 24, with new potential exposure locations listed in Bloomfield and earlier stops in Ottumwa. Politics & Agriculture: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and U.S. Senate candidate Chris Jones faced questions at the Iowa State Fair Soapbox, while a state fair straw poll showed Ashley Hinson leading Josh Turek. Iowa Economy & Energy: West Des Moines construction near two schools is causing first-day traffic slowdowns for a longer Grand Avenue safety project. Community & Safety: Linn County residents pressed Supervisor Sami Scheetz at a town hall over data centers and a proposed power plant. Sports: Iowa’s Cam Buffington says he’s ready for a bigger role with the Hawkeyes as the season opener vs. Northern Illinois sells out.

Beef Trade: Iowa lawmakers are pushing back on President Trump’s proposal to temporarily boost imported beef, arguing it should be driven by market conditions and not “on the backs of our cattlemen,” as the herd remains at a 70-year low. Ag Markets: Iowa ag groups say exports to the Philippines should hold steady even with production constraints, pointing to demand for ground beef and growth in ethanol and livestock feed needs. State Fair: The Iowa State Fair shattered attendance records again, drawing 1,218,834 people over 11 days, including a single-day high of nearly 131,000. Local Government: An Iowa City school board member resigned, citing a “toxic environment” and division during the district’s financial recovery. Public Safety: A Bryant man was taken into custody on six felony child pornography charges, and a Sioux City woman was arrested on felony drug possession charges after an Allendorf-area traffic stop. Community & Infrastructure: Crews completed the final deck pour on the Lansing Mississippi River Bridge, with barriers and roadway work next; Linn County supervisors host a town hall tonight in Cedar Rapids. Health: St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation awarded rural healthcare grants to Eastern Iowa organizations.

Iowa Politics: The Iowa Senate race is tightening fast, with candidates spotlighting the state’s cancer crisis as the open-seat contest between Josh Turek and Ashley Hinson heats up. State Fair Buzz (Des Moines): The Iowa State Fair wrapped up after record-setting crowds, with attendance on track to top the 2024 mark and single-day highs hitting nearly 131,000. Public Health & Food Costs: Older Iowans and other older Americans are being squeezed by rising food prices, with many cutting back on essentials to make ends meet. Local Education: Des Moines Public Library says its summer reading program hit new records, including a surge in registrations and thousands of books handed out. Community & Safety: A BCLUW community is rallying around the Tack family after principal Josh Tack died in a crash, while Des Moines added a doctor to its fair medical response team. Workforce Training: NICC launched a new Sterile Processing Technician program aimed at filling a growing healthcare staffing need. Labor: UAW members voted down a John Deere contract extension, sending talks back to the bargaining table. Weather/Agriculture: Midwest flooding from mid-August storms is threatening corn and soybean yields, while Iowa disease pressure remains relatively low.

Little League World Series: Davenport Northwest beat Bayonne 6-0 to move to 2-0, powered by Anthony Johnson Jr.’s 15 strikeouts and a three-run homer; Iowa next plays Nevada Wednesday at 2 p.m. State Fair & agriculture: Gov. Kim Reynolds says her staff tracked 700 photos in one day at the Iowa State Fair, while Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards honored 33 families and Century/Heritage Farm ceremonies recognized 514 families for long-running stewardship. Public health: Wisconsin DHS reports measles cases tied to an outbreak in Grant, Iowa County and Lafayette County, with Iowa Health officials listing additional exposure locations. Politics & cost pressure: Iowa farmers at the State Fair say Trump-era tariffs and imported beef plans are adding chaos and stress, with some delaying repairs and spending. Community & culture: Iowa City’s Climate Fest returns Sept. 22-26 with free events including EV displays and compost-related programming. Local notes: A Des Moines-area skydiver injured near Knoxville is expected to recover after a hard landing.

Public Safety: Search for a missing boater on the Des Moines River was paused Saturday night due to darkness and will resume Sunday morning. State Politics: Libertarian Jacob Heard accused Republicans of trying to keep Libertarians off the Nov. 3 ballot during a Des Moines Register Soapbox stop. Agriculture & Water: Democrat Chris Jones told fairgoers Iowa needs “systemic change” to fix water and rural problems, criticizing incremental approaches and Trump’s move to suspend tariffs on imported ground beef. Local Schools: Spirit Lake Community Schools is moving toward a November vote after supporters gathered enough signatures to put a nearly $70 million bond referendum on the ballot. Crime & Courts: U.S. Marshals arrested a fugitive in Seattle on outstanding warrants tied to a 2007 child rape conviction; he was booked in Des Moines. Roads & Safety: Iowa State Patrol says speeding violations are down, but speeds are up, urging drivers to follow posted limits. Community: Waterloo’s Broadway Cleaners owner says she’s preparing to retire after more than 50 years. Sports: Iowa high school football Week 0 delivered early action, including Iowa Valley’s 67-14 win over Springville.

Iowa State Fair: Day 9 attendance hit a new record with 114,256 people through the gates Friday, pushing the fair toward an all-time total as the final weekend lines up with mild weather. Grandstand Spotlight: Rapper BigXthaPlug (Xavier Landum) was arrested in Texas on drug and firearm-related charges less than 24 hours before his scheduled Iowa State Fair performance; fair officials say they’ve been told he will still take the stage. Local Government: An Iowa City school board work session over finances and governance turned tense, with board member Jayne Finch planning to resign amid disputes over transparency and budget pressure. Public Health: Iowa HHS confirmed a measles case in Ottumwa and flagged a Pizza Ranch exposure site; officials urge anyone there to watch for symptoms and contact providers before visiting. Community & Culture: The Iowa Children’s Museum in Coralville received an $18,100 Johnson County grant to expand hands-on cultural programming for families. Business/Jobs: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits tied to new manufacturing investment in Clinton and Waverly, supporting dozens of jobs. Weather/Travel: A calmer weekend is expected across the Quad Cities region after storms earlier in the week. Safety: Fort Madison firefighters say a detached garage fire damaged three nearby properties but crews stopped it from spreading into homes.

Iowa State Fair & Politics: Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson pushed back on President Trump’s move to suspend tariffs on imported ground beef, saying it could undercut Iowa ranchers as the herd remains at a 70-year low. Public Safety: A Fayette County crash involving a semi hauling pigs and a pickup sent three juveniles to the hospital; in Clear Lake, police found a driver hiding in a creek after an I-35 stolen-vehicle incident. Health & Community: Iowa’s measles situation continues to expand, with officials adding potential exposure locations; separately, a University of Iowa team says it found a cheaper way to calibrate magnetometers. Sports: Iowa State guard Killyan Toure had successful shoulder surgery and is expected back in January; Rocky Men’s Soccer stunned No. 1 Grand View 2-1, and Holy Trinity volleyball is ranked third in Class 1A. Agriculture & Local Life: Beattie’s Melon Patch won the State Fair “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” contest with its watermelon-in-a-cup. Scams & Crime: Van Buren County warned residents about a phone scam impersonating the sheriff’s office demanding payment.

Iowa State Fair Food: The Porky Parm Gnocchi from Destination Grille won the 2026 Iowa State Fair People’s Choice Best New Food, taking 44.9% of votes; the fair also announced Best New Drinks, including a tie for alcohol drinks and a separate alcohol-free winner. Local Public Health: Dubuque County officials say there are no confirmed measles cases locally, but they’re urging people to check MMR vaccination status as cases rise in nearby Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. School Disruption: Jefferson Middle School in Dubuque delayed its first day after a fire; classes now start Aug. 31, with one wing closed while repairs and inspections wrap up. City Updates: Coggon lifted its city-wide boil advisory after water test results came back negative; Independence installed downtown signs reminding riders to walk bikes and scooters on sidewalks. Sports & Community: Davenport’s Cooper Thissen helped Iowa win at the Little League World Series with a no-hitter; Sheldon held a ribbon-cutting for new apartments, and Larchwood received a $1 million CAT grant for a new community center.

Iowa State Fair Politics: U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche drew attention for grilling meat at the Iowa State Fair, insisting his stop wasn’t about the midterms. Ag & Food: Pro Farmer crop tour scouts project Iowa corn yields below last year, and a debate over the “Save Our Bacon Act” is heating up around how Prop 12 would affect animal housing rules. Local Life: An Iowa family moved a century-old farmhouse four miles to build their dream home, while Spirit Lake schools advanced a $69.9 million facilities plan toward a November referendum. Public Safety & Policy: TSA Gold+ is set to launch at Des Moines International Airport as airport security shifts toward public-private partnerships, and West Burlington is weighing an ordinance to rein in e-scooter misuse. Community & Culture: A Vietnam-era helicopter dubbed “The Flying Memorial” is drawing crowds in central Iowa, and the Little Turkey and Turkey River cleanups removed more than 11 tons of trash.

Ethanol & Trade: USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told Iowa audiences the U.S. is on track for record ethanol exports, with the Philippines singled out as a key buyer as E20 use expands there. Politics & Elections: The Cook Political Report moved Iowa’s open-seat Senate race and Texas’ contest to toss-ups, pointing to backlash to President Trump and economic strain hitting agriculture. Local Arts: Iowa City approved an endowment for the arts, setting up nearly $2M in funding to help local cultural groups. Public Safety: A fatal Cedar Rapids shooting is under investigation; in Waterloo, a woman died after a house fire, and the cause is still unknown. Environment: Residents in western Iowa pressed federal officials over contamination from a Cold War missile site, where cleanup planning could take years. Economy & Jobs: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in July, while the state’s July jobs report showed a net job loss after months of growth. Community Notes: Dubuque students can ride free public transit again, and Blank Children’s Hospital received a Caitlin Clark Foundation book vending machine.