AGP Executive Report

Stuart Shooting: A woman was found dead and an Iowa State Patrol trooper was injured after a shooting in Stuart; DCI says the trooper encountered an armed man and was shot, and the suspect was taken into custody. Measles Alert: Iowa’s outbreak continues to spread, with health officials reporting 36 confirmed cases in southwestern Wisconsin tied to Iowa/Lafayette County links, and many cases among unvaccinated children. Local Public Safety: Iowa City police chief Dustin Liston is pushing for a permanent pedmall patrol after April gunfire left multiple victims hurt, arguing more dedicated presence could cut violent crime. County Budget Fight: Johnson County taxpayers are questioning a proposed $94 million jail bond, with residents asking about costs, interest rates, and whether inmate trends truly justify the project. Agriculture & Water: Iowa is expanding the Cattle and Conservation working lands program into Des Moines watershed counties, offering $1.5 million over five years to convert unproductive acres to pasture and reduce runoff. Sports & Community: Davenport Northwest Little League is set for its Little League World Series opener in Williamsport, and Luka Garza held a youth basketball camp at Upper Iowa University. Iowa State Fair Notes: Fair police shared tips for finding lost children, and Budweiser brought its Field of Dreams-themed limited beer to Iowa.

Verdict in Linn County: Jury finds Kaleek Lewis guilty on seven counts, including first-degree murder, in the Sept. 2025 shooting death of Dedric Arnold; sentencing is set for Oct. 16. I-80 fatal crash: A Cedar Rapids man died after a one-vehicle crash near mile marker 218; officials suspect a medical emergency. State Fair politics: Rep. Ashley Hinson used the Des Moines Register Soapbox to attack Josh Turek over missed votes and issues tied to immigration, taxes, and transgender students. Defense push in Iowa: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth campaigned with Zach Nunn at the Iowa State Fair, backing a $1.5T Pentagon budget request. Health alert: Iowa health officials report 11 new measles cases, as the outbreak expands beyond the state. Water quality & farms: Iowa’s Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program expands into 22 Greater Des Moines watershed counties with $1.5M over five years. Local government: Cedar Falls holds a parks master plan open house; Sheldon City Council discusses city manager profile and road projects.

Measles Watch: Iowa health officials confirmed 11 new measles cases, bringing the 2026 total to 12, and say person-to-person spread is likely; exposure locations and times were released, including stops in Clive and West Des Moines. Public Safety: Mark Lee Jackson, accused in the shooting of a Muscatine police officer, was arrested in Muscatine after days on the run; the officer is recovering and is reported stable. State Fair Politics & Veterans: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Rep. Zach Nunn at the Iowa State Fair to honor Iowa soldiers killed in Syria and to push a major defense-spending push, while the U.S. Senate race heated up with Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek trading attacks over voting and rural issues. Local Growth: Windsor Heights is exploring a shared-use trail along a planned-abandoned rail corridor near 73rd Street, and West Des Moines is partnering with Casey’s on a new RecPlex ice rink. Community & Health: Hy-Vee announced a back-to-school food drive to support local pantries, and Iowa DNR/ISU Extension launched a Chronic Wasting Disease Ambassadors program in Decorah. Sports & Culture: Luka Garza returned to Iowa for a basketball camp at Upper Iowa University, and the Iowa State Fair’s butter cow sculptor Sarah Pratt marked 20 years.

Iowa Health Alert: Iowa HHS says a southern Iowa measles outbreak has grown to 12 confirmed cases, with signs of person-to-person spread; officials released a list of places visited while contagious and urge anyone exposed to call ahead before seeking care. State Fair Spotlight: The 2026 Governor’s Charity Steer Show set a record, raising $572,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, pushing the event’s total past $6.5 million. Local Government: Dubuque County supervisors debated rural speed limits, leaning to keep eligible roads at 55 mph over safety concerns as new state laws took effect. Public Safety & Courts: Dubuque County jail population jumped from 132 to 181 inmates after July 1 changes to court/bond rules; in Black Hawk County, a man who fled after a guilty verdict is back in custody facing new charges. Agriculture & Economy: USDA reports 78% of Iowa corn and soybeans are rated good to excellent; meanwhile, Tyson closures are raising fresh concerns for Iowa’s beef supply chain. Housing & Planning: Lyon County is partnering with the University of Iowa on projects including a countywide housing needs assessment, while Waterloo is weighing a short moratorium on data centers. Business: Flexsteel reported fiscal Q4 earnings, and HNI announced a 35-cent quarterly dividend.

DNC Calendar Clash: The DNC approved the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, putting South Carolina first and leaving Iowa out of the early voting window—an outcome Iowa Democrats say repeats 2024’s “chaos.” Rural Health Pressure: States are looking for federal help to offset Medicaid cuts hitting rural hospitals, but some facilities warn the money won’t fully cover the losses. Iowa State Fair Buzz: Lainey Wilson drew a record 17,360 fans to the Grandstand, and Belle Werner of Tama County was crowned 2026 Iowa State Fair queen. Public Safety: A couple faces child endangerment charges after a 13-year-old girl was found severely malnourished following her escape from their home. Weather Watch: Skies clear Monday, but storms are expected Tuesday with severe potential and heavy rain possible. Sports & Iowa Pride: Kyle Larson won the Knoxville Nationals after a rain-delay scramble, and Iowa State volleyball continues its defensive focus as it builds for the season.

UI Health Care Parking Fight: University of Iowa Health Care is raising parking permit prices for many of its nearly 20,000 employees, with some increases reported as high as 240%, prompting a petition with thousands of signatures urging management to cut rates. Iowa State Fair Politics: At the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox, candidates including U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn and Ashley Hinson and Sen. Chuck Grassley met fairgoers, while gubernatorial hopefuls Rob Sand and Zach Lahn laid out priorities. Tariff Brinkmanship: Sen. Chuck Grassley weighed in on Trump’s tariff threats against Canada, calling it a “wake-up call” as negotiators race to avoid new duties. State Fair Highlights: The Iowa State Fair rolled out a bid for the world’s largest pizza party and a green tomato pie competition honoring a longtime judge. Local Courts: A North Polk school board member accused of assaulting a 14-year-old at a Winterset track meet was acquitted, with the case dismissed and not refiled. Nonprofit Finance Watch: IRS Form 990 rankings show Muscatine’s Center for Social Action led its city in government-grant share of revenue in 2024.

Iowa Politics at the State Fair: Democrat Ryan Peterman used the Des Moines Register Soapbox to argue Iowa’s election-law changes on early voting and voter ID make voting less accessible, while he criticized GOP Sec. of State Paul Pate for sharing voter registration data with the U.S. Department of Justice. Hawkeye Football: At Kids Day in Kinnick, Iowa QB Jeremy Hecklinski stood out in the quarterback battle, throwing five TDs in a scrimmage; coach Kirk Ferentz said not to overreact to one practice and will evaluate over fall camp. Local Public Safety: Coggon issued a precautionary boil order after a power outage tied to tower maintenance. Weather Watch: Forecast calls for a drier stretch after patchy showers, with storm chances expanding again Tuesday. Sports Beyond Iowa: Kyle Larson raced from Richmond to Knoxville after rain delays, aiming for the Knoxville Nationals A-main. Pipeline Legal Fight: A lawsuit alleges Summit Carbon Solutions didn’t pay a pipeline equipment supplier $6.6 million, raising fresh concerns for landowners. State Fair Spotlight: Belle Werner of Tama County was crowned 2026 Iowa State Fair Queen.

Iowa Politics: The Democratic National Committee approved a 2028 presidential early voting calendar that kicks off with South Carolina and Nevada, pushing Iowa and New Hampshire out of their usual top spots—prompting Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart to blast the move. Iowa Public Safety: Muscatine police say a wanted man, Mark Lee Jackson, is still at large after an officer was shot during a chase; authorities warn the public not to approach him. Iowa Elections: At the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox, Democratic governor candidate Rob Sand urged civility and “love our neighbors,” while state treasurer candidate John Norwood pitched using the office to invest Iowa’s money and address IPERS management concerns. Iowa Football: At Kinnick’s Kids Day, Jeremy Hecklinski separated himself in the QB competition with a standout passing performance, while Kirk Ferentz said the decision is still coming. Community & Education: NIACC will hold an Instant Enrollment Day Aug. 19 to help students finish enrollment in one visit. Local Life: Ames teen Nathan Schade won the Iowa State Fair best mullet title, beating nearly 100 competitors. Food Assistance: Hy-Vee is running a back-to-school community food drive through Aug. 23, with donations benefiting local pantries. Tech for Drivers: Waterloo police launched a digital tool to speed up minor crash info sharing without waiting for an officer.

Iowa Courts & Consumer Protection: The 8th Circuit upheld Iowa’s ban on residential contractors “double-dipping” as public adjusters, backing the state’s effort to stop storm-damage scams that leave homeowners stuck between insurers and repair crews. Local Government & Housing: ISU Extension is digging into Ottumwa’s housing data, where vacancy looks high on paper but may hide unsafe, outdated, or unaffordable homes—an issue for attracting developers. Public Safety & Tech Oversight: Flock is tightening license-plate camera rules after misuse reports nationwide, requiring case numbers and adding review flags; Dubuque already uses case numbers and audit tools. Sports (Iowa pride): Caitlin Clark returned after a first-half injury scare and poured in 29 points as the Fever beat the Wings 98-87. Des Moines Community: Blank Park Zoo welcomed twin cotton-top tamarins, its second such birth this year. Iowa Football: Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes continue quarterback competition as Iowa heads toward its Sept. 5 opener. Statewide Events: Registration is open for the Oct. 7 Iowa Healthiest State Walk, with free 30-minute walks across the state.

Daylight Saving Time Fight: President Trump is pushing the Senate to make Daylight Saving Time permanent under the Sunshine Protection Act, with a vote still not scheduled. Public Health: Iowa’s cyclospora outbreak keeps climbing—DHHS reports 28 more cases, bringing the total to 300 statewide in 2026. Politics & Health Care: Christina Bohannan tells an Iowa City cancer roundtable that Medicaid cuts would hurt rural care, as she campaigns for Iowa’s 1st District seat. Housing: Polk County approved extra funding for Urban Dreams’ affordable housing project in Des Moines after bids came in higher. Courts & Safety: A Sheldon woman already in custody faces a felony charge after allegedly assaulting the county sheriff in jail. Agriculture & Training: Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab launches Combine University, a hands-on harvest tech program in Boone later this month. Community & Money: The Iowa State Treasurer announced a “Money Match” initiative to speed up returning unclaimed property to owners. Sports: Davenport’s Little League team beat Whitefish Bay 7-6 in extra innings to reach the Little League World Series.

Field of Dreams: Kyle Schwarber launched two homers into the corn as the Phillies beat the Twins 7-1 in Dyersville, with 26 Hall of Famers emerging for the pregame ceremony at the newly built ballpark. Local courts & public safety: A former South Bend teacher, William Cramer, is set for sentencing next month after a guilty plea in an Iowa child-grooming case. Health & licensing: Iowa regulators suspended a nursing home administrator’s license for undisclosed reasons tied to alleged mishandling of facility funds and documentation. Crime & justice: The retrial of Kaysean A. Rice in the Burlington bar killing case began in Keokuk after an earlier mistrial. Community updates: Des Moines police say a missing endangered man, Jadon Ryan, has been located. Weather/incident: Burlington firefighters say occupants escaped safely after a house fire left the home uninhabitable, with the cause still under investigation. Sports (NASCAR): Ross Chastain’s seventh-place finish at Iowa boosted his playoff hopes, moving him to 18th with three races left.

Field of Dreams (Dyersville): MLB’s Phillies vs. Twins game is back in Iowa tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Netflix as the exclusive broadcaster. Religious Freedom Lawsuit (Iowa Capitol): The Satanic Temple is suing Iowa in federal court, saying it was denied Capitol holiday event requests while other religious displays were allowed. Public Safety Search (Winnebago County): A dementia patient from Leland was found safe after a multi-agency search across Iowa and Minnesota, aided heavily by Facebook sharing. Courts & Crime (Sioux City): Opening arguments began in a 40-year-old Sioux City cold-case murder trial involving Thomas Popp, charged in the 1983 killing of Terri McCauley. Environment & Cleanup (Offutt missile site): The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting in Missouri Valley to update the public on contamination work at a former missile site. Health Watch (Measles): Wisconsin DHS says confirmed measles cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties have jumped to 15, with more probable cases. Local Governance (Salix data center): Salix postponed a council meeting on a possible data-center moratorium after death and terroristic threats.

Field of Dreams, MLB in Iowa: The Phillies and Twins meet again in Dyersville as Kyle Schwarber heads to the cornfield for Thursday’s game, with the park now a permanent landmark and MLB’s legacy expanding beyond baseball. NATO/Defense in Des Moines: U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker told Iowans the U.S. needs faster, “good enough” munitions and more testing freedom, pointing to what he saw in Ukraine. Medicaid work rules hit Iowans with disabilities: A new federal requirement to re-check Medicaid eligibility based on work, volunteering, or school is raising alarms that people with disabilities will be forced to choose between benefits and careers. Local storm damage and power outages: Severe storms knocked out power for tens of thousands in eastern Iowa and hit communities like New London with downed lines, trees, and major cleanup. Wapello County jail expansion: Supervisors moved forward with a roughly $45 million bond plan to expand the jail, with a vote set for Aug. 25. Iowa State Fair fun with a purpose: Blank Park Zoo is letting fairgoers name a baby giraffe, voting daily with corn kernels. Sports on the home front: Northern Iowa opened with a 4-0 shutout, while Iowa football continues to draw preseason attention on major watch lists.

Local Safety: A 26-year-old Missouri woman, Emily Turner, died after an ATV crash Saturday at Bluff Creek OHV Park southwest of Oskaloosa; investigators say she lost control and was thrown. State Health & Fraud Watch: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force held its second meeting, setting work groups aimed at cutting waste, abuse, and fraud in the Medicaid program. Iowa Roads: The Iowa DOT is moving ahead with a reduced-conflict intersection on U.S. 63 north of Waterloo, with design starting now and construction planned for spring 2028. Education & Community: Spirit Lake school leaders discussed major facility changes that could lead to a November bond vote, including possible elementary, high school, and indoor athletics upgrades. Agriculture: Iowa’s Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools program is now permanent, letting districts apply for $200,000 in funding to buy Iowa-grown food. Business & Jobs: Lopez Foods finished a $45 million expansion in Cherokee, adding a new fully-cooked sausage line and expected new jobs as production ramps up. Weather & Travel: Storm chances could affect the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, with rain and wind the main concerns.

Public Safety: A fatal Highway 20 crash early Saturday killed a Dubuque man and sent two Iowa City residents to the hospital, as the Iowa State Patrol continues investigating. Health: Measles has been confirmed in Iowa County and Lafayette County, with officials warning more cases could surface after Wisconsin exposures. Local Government & Tech: Iowa officials can sign up for free training on building backup plans for technology outages, led by ISU’s cybersecurity team. Iowa Politics: Gov. candidate Rob Sand is pushing back on the two-party system, arguing for term limits, age limits, and tougher consequences for stealing from taxpayers. Housing: A Lee County study says the county may need 500 new homes by 2035, with task forces expected to turn findings into incentives. Iowa State Fair: Rod Stewart canceled his Iowa State Fair concert for medical reasons, with ticket refunds available. Business/Ag Tech: ISU researchers will spotlight AI tools for pest and weed ID at the Farm Progress Show. Sports: The Iowa Cubs’ Jordan Nwogu hit his first Triple-A homer at Field of Dreams as Iowa beat St. Paul 6-3.

State Fair & Business: Ambassador Jamieson Greer is set to tour Titan Tires and then join Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and Rep. Zach Nunn at the Iowa State Fair to meet vendors and producers. Economic Development: Buc-ee’s is pushing for its first Iowa travel center in Urbandale, seeking a zoning change for a 20-acre site near I-80/I-35; the company says it would bring at least 200 full-time jobs. Agriculture & Health: Iowa State University pathologist Daren Mueller says corn disease patterns are shifting, with tar spot and southern rust now driving fungicide decisions as cooler nights approach. Water Quality: Experts say recent heavy rains likely won’t spike nitrate levels in central Iowa drinking-water rivers unless prolonged wet weather hits northwest Iowa. Public Safety: Highway 92 west of Oskaloosa is closed due to a heavy law enforcement presence. Legal/Justice: The State Public Defender’s Office is seeking two part-time paralegals for a Wrongful Convictions Unit project funded through a federal grant. Elections: Poll workers are being recruited across Iowa ahead of the November general election, with rural precincts facing the biggest staffing gaps.