AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Tech: An Iowa State agronomy leader says AI is already reshaping crop breeding and research, with new tools aimed at Midwest farmers. Weather: Sunny, drier conditions are bringing summer heat back across Iowa this week, with highs running above normal. Public Health & Food Safety: A decade-long USGS study finds pesticide pollution in Midwest and Great Plains rivers is getting worse, with multiple chemicals detected at levels that can harm aquatic life. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expanded freshwater mussel habitat protections, designating thousands of river miles across 17 states, including Iowa. Politics & Health Care: Iowa’s labor and delivery squeeze continues as a third hospital in the state plans to end services this year, citing provider coverage challenges. Iowa Economy & Growth: New population data shows Iowa’s growth is concentrated in metro areas, while many rural counties keep losing residents. Sports & Culture: Caitlin Clark’s physical-play debate and safety concerns keep driving national attention, while MLB’s Home Run Derby heads to Philadelphia. Community: A Rural Passport Program is encouraging visitors to support small businesses in Western Iowa through Labor Day.

U.S. Senate shakeup: Sen. Lindsey Graham died Saturday at 71, sending shockwaves through Washington and scrambling GOP plans for the Senate agenda and Iowa’s political landscape. Local politics: Iowa lawmakers and local leaders reacted quickly to the news, while national coverage highlighted how age and health concerns are reshaping Senate power. Iowa tech & contracting: Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn criticized Gov. Kim Reynolds’ long-term computer services deal with Amazon and Cognizant, arguing for more Iowa-based work and raising concerns about outsourcing. Agriculture spotlight: Farm Progress Show in Boone is gearing up for new features, including an “Agronomy Zone” aimed at letting input suppliers demonstrate seed, crop protection, fertility and biologicals. Food industry: USDA’s “Product of USA” label keeps expanding, with new meat and poultry companies adding to the program. Water infrastructure: Essex is moving into the next phase of a major water system upgrade, including a delayed water tower replacement. Community business: Western Iowa’s summer passport program is driving visitors to small towns through participating stops and prizes.

Road Repair Plans: Le Mars moved forward on a Business Highway 75 South patching project after years of surface breakups, with a public hearing set for July 21, bids Aug. 13, and an estimated $421,850 cost paid via TIF or Road Use Tax funds. RAGBRAI Prep: Cedar Valley bike shops say calls are surging as riders scramble for last-minute tuneups and parts ahead of RAGBRAI, with some shops offering mobile repair support along the route. Ag Politics: Iowa Rep. Josh Turek, campaigning for the U.S. Senate, warned farmers face a “second farm crisis,” pushing Congress to break up ag monopolies, expand right-to-repair, and roll back tariffs. Local Outreach: ISU Extension and Outreach is launching a short, anonymous survey in northwest Iowa to learn what residents need and how to improve access to programs. Education & Training: Northwest Iowa Community College reports record participation in its Sioux Center Regional Center Summer Career Camps, with 144 registrations across 25 schools. Community Events: Eldon will host its first annual block party this weekend with a veteran-owned band at Rock Island Park.

Iowa Politics: Iowa Republicans rallied behind Gov. Kim Reynolds’ conservative legacy as GOP nominee Zach Lahn pledged to keep Iowa “growing” at the Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, framing his campaign as building on Branstad and Reynolds’ tax cuts and school choice. Statehouse Watch: A Polk County judge heard arguments in President Trump’s lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer, with Trump claiming a pre-election Iowa poll was fraudulent even though the paper argues election polling isn’t covered by Iowa consumer fraud law. Ag & Economy: Iowa State University Extension is surveying northwest Iowa residents to improve outreach on agriculture, youth, health, nutrition and leadership, while a separate ISU Fruit and Vegetable Field Day is set for July 29 in Ames. Business & Community: Newton Rail Park marked a milestone with IEDA site certification, and Iowa’s rural communities keep pushing local projects—from a new Eldon block party featuring a veteran-owned band to a Jamestown CLAAS FARMPOINT grand opening.

Iowa Politics: President Trump endorsed Republican Zach Lahn for Iowa governor, framing him as the next heir to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ conservative legacy as Republicans rally for the Nov. 3 race. Courts & Elections: A Polk County judge heard arguments on whether Trump can keep alive a lawsuit claiming an Iowa Poll was fraudulent, with the Des Moines Register and pollster arguing it’s protected speech and not covered by consumer-fraud law. Energy Costs: MidAmerican Energy asked the Iowa Utilities Commission to adjust its natural gas delivery rates, saying it would keep typical bills relatively low while updating infrastructure. Local Development: Newton Rail Park won Iowa Economic Development Authority site certification, a move meant to speed up projects by clearing key reviews. Public Safety: Keokuk County leaders questioned sheriff coverage after staffing gaps left some cities without municipal police. Agriculture & Food: Egg producers agreed to a settlement tied to price-fixing claims, while Iowa farmers and families continue to grapple with deadly grain bin accidents. Sports: Congress pressed the WNBA over Caitlin Clark’s treatment, and the league’s officiating is again under scrutiny.

College Sports Leadership: Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard announced he’ll retire June 30, 2027, setting up a national search for his successor. WNBA & Caitlin Clark: House Republicans pressed the WNBA for answers on officiating and physical play after incidents involving Clark, with Congress setting a July 24 deadline. Iowa Politics: Trump endorsed GOP gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn in Iowa’s governor race, as he prepares to face Democrat Rob Sand. Food Assistance in Rural Iowa: Iowa’s SNAP rolls are dropping fastest in older, rural counties under new federal work rules, hitting places like Butler and Ida hardest. Reproductive Care Access: Iowa City’s Planned Parenthood clinic is set to close by July 31, leaving eastern Iowa with fewer options after a new law restricts medication abortions to in-person visits. Egg Price-Fixing: DOJ proposed settlements in an egg case alleging coordinated manipulation of egg price benchmarks. Right to Repair: A John Deere settlement is fueling new push for right-to-repair rules that could affect Iowa small businesses and farmers. Local Education & Training: NIACC opened a Franklin County Career Center offering a two-year pathway for students to earn college credentials while still in high school.

WNBA Accountability: 11 House Republicans, including Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn, sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding action after repeated physical incidents involving Caitlin Clark; Congress wants answers by July 24. State Government & Local Finance: A State Appeal Board upheld Hamilton Hospital’s FY 2027 property tax levy, while critics traded barbs with State Treasurer Roby Smith over budgeting. Iowa Economy & Health Costs: A new report says Iowa saw a 16.6% jump in personal bankruptcies (7th-highest nationally), and ACA Marketplace premiums are projected to rise again in 2027, with Iowa included among states facing double-digit hikes. Housing & Public Policy: A housing bill is set to become law, but its final path depends on what happens next. Business & Community: DART CEO Erin Hockman was profiled; and TPI Composites emerged from Chapter 11 with plans to expand wind blade manufacturing and field services.

America 250 Kickoff: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Iowa’s signature fall event, “America’s Harvest Festival,” set for Oct. 24 on the State Capitol grounds, with agriculture-focused programming, reenactments, music, and Iowa-made vendors. State Budget Watch: A new study says Iowa’s $1.2 billion deficit is shrinking and lawmakers may have up to four years to balance budgets if spending growth stays in check. Data Center Debate: Sioux County supervisors discussed a proposed data center at the former Bison Renewable Energy site after passing a one-year moratorium to draft rules; Cedar Rapids also approved a smaller new data center permit. Consumer Protection: Iowa AG Brenna Bird joined a multistate push urging tougher FTC rules to stop robocall scams using legitimate phone numbers. Local Flood Fallout: Newton residents shared ongoing flood damage and the role of pumps after heavy rains; residents also filled council chambers demanding better flooding responses. Health & Money: Wells Fargo plans 20 more layoffs in West Des Moines; UnityPoint Health is ending jobs in billing/payment as work shifts to a third party. Iowa Events & Community: Muscatine businesses are reopening after downtown evacuations; Moville honored a historical society leader; Ruthven’s Bully Bullhead Weekend returns July 10-12.

Consumer Protection & Finance: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate coalition to secure a $45 million settlement with Block over Cash App practices that allegedly misled users about safety and failed to protect victims from fraud. Health Care Costs: New analysis of ACA Marketplace filings says premiums are likely to jump again in 2027, with insurers proposing a median 14% increase as enhanced subsidies expire and costs keep rising—rates are due to state regulators by July 15. Iowa & Midwest Business: North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation says Mason City is positioning for new growth after surveying what potential workers want. Agriculture & Prices: Even after tariff cuts on some farm equipment, experts warn equipment costs may still rise, leaving ag retailers with limited room to absorb higher prices. Sports & Iowa Ties: Iowa’s Field of Dreams hosted the Northwoods League Home Run Challenge, where Kyle Panganiban won with 11 homers. Weather: Thunderstorms continue overnight across Iowa, with spotty rain and a watch for more storms into tomorrow.

Robocall Crackdown: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined a coalition urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t buy legitimate phone numbers to reach Iowans with illegal robocalls and texts. Local School Oversight: Iowa City Community School District is taking applications for a new financial oversight committee meant to boost transparency and rebuild public trust. Healthcare Workforce: UnityPoint Health confirmed layoffs tied to revenue-cycle outsourcing, affecting less than 1% of its workforce, including some IT and billing roles. Affordable Housing: Iowa Finance Authority awarded tax credits and HOME funds to redevelop Fort Madison’s former Lincoln Elementary School into senior affordable rentals. Iowa Business Recognition: Ascentra Credit Union earned a spot on Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Credit Unions 2026 list. Community & Youth Mental Health: Healthy Cass County plans a July 13 meeting to highlight Hope Squad peer suicide-prevention efforts across local schools.

US Courts: A federal judge tossed Trump Media’s $3.8 billion defamation suit against The Washington Post, saying the company couldn’t show “actual malice.” US Immigration: A new appeals court ruling further weakens Trump’s mandatory detention policy, requiring bond hearings within 90 days. Iowa Agriculture & Economy: Iowa lost about 17% of USDA staff in 2025, hitting farmer-facing NRCS and Farm Service Agency offices. Local Government & Health: Hamilton County residents are reacting to a state appeal board decision in the Van Diest Medical Center tax levy fight, arguing the levy wasn’t clearly needed and lacked a transparent formula. Iowa Infrastructure: Sen. Chuck Grassley announced $71M for bridge and road safety projects across nine counties. Iowa Business & Labor: John Deere proposed a two-year UAW contract extension through 2029, keeping current terms while workers weigh the offer. Iowa Water & Growth: At least eight Iowa counties now have data-center moratoriums, including Linn County’s 18-month pause, as residents press for transparency on water and power use.

Maine Senate Fallout: Calls for Graham Platner to quit are growing after a Politico sexual-assault allegation; Platner denies it, but Democrats worry the race is now unwinnable and must plan a replacement under Maine law. Food Access & Politics: In Iowa and beyond, SNAP work requirements are squeezing food banks as enrollment drops and Democrats target Medicaid cuts ahead of midterms. Consumer Protection: Iowa regulators issued an urgent warning to food vendors after extortion scams tied to fake event “vendor spots” in the Dubuque area. Ag & Courts: A federal judge ordered USDA to restore $127M in farmland-access grants to farm groups, saying the cancellations likely broke the law. Iowa Economy Watch: MidAmerican Energy asked the Iowa Utilities Commission to raise natural gas delivery rates, projecting about a 5% bump for typical residential bills. Housing Grants: Rural communities can apply for two Iowa housing grants through Aug. 26 to fund readiness planning and new housing projects. Local Business: Pizza Ranch is rolling out new NCR Voyix restaurant technology across its system.

Midterms & Iowa Senate: New polling keeps Iowa’s open U.S. Senate race tight, with Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek trading narrow leads in different surveys as both campaigns lean hard on farm and rural pressure points. Healthcare in the spotlight: A Reuters report highlights how rural Iowans are rethinking party loyalty as clinic closures and Medicaid worries heat up ahead of November. Ag & community events: The Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference returns Aug. 6 in Ankeny, with sessions on markets, soil and water, credit, and farm policy. Local growth & housing: Malvern celebrated the first home sold through the “Revitalize Southwest Iowa” initiative, part of a broader push to build more housing in the region. Public services: Cedar Rapids’ new Busse Branch library is set to open Sept. 19, with a grand opening and a bigger space for books and programs. Business & fraud watch: BBB warns of a fake “Infinity Auctions” vehicle site using a phony Rapid City address. Tech & jobs beyond Iowa: New Mexico approved $3.06M for Project Jupiter data-center hires, a reminder of how workforce funding is tied to big infrastructure builds. Sports & schools: Iowa State finalized T.J. Otzelberger’s 2026-27 staff, while Iowa wrestling season tickets go on sale July 8.

Justice & Community Agency: Speakers at George Floyd Square argued that the real test after Floyd’s murder is whether Black communities gain agency, resources, and authority to prevent crises—not just promises of police reform. Iowa Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek hit an Ankeny farm tour pushing federal right-to-repair and tariff relief, saying dealer-only repair rules are draining rural families. Statehouse Watch: Iowa school districts have agreed to exclude undocumented students from some federally funded career and technical education programs, records show, as the Trump administration narrows Plyler v. Doe protections. Local Government: Des Moines launched a public budget feedback tool to tackle a projected $12 million general fund shortfall, with proposed cuts due later this summer. Economy Signals: The Iowa Leading Indicators Index rose in May, but employment measures still point to a cautious outlook. Business & Growth: Upper Iowa University announced four new fall 2026 programs aimed at high-demand careers, while Vernon Research Group will acquire Horizon Group assets. Health & Food Costs: Hy-Vee rolled out a GLP-1 wellness program with free early signup, as rising electric bills and grid-cost debates continue.

AI & Health Policy: Utah’s new AI chatbot prescription refill program is sparking a national fight over whether non-doctors should be allowed to prescribe, and what safety and veto rules should apply. Iowa Politics: New polling shows Iowa’s open-seat U.S. Senate race is tight, with Rob Sand and Josh Turek trading leads in separate surveys. Fertilizer Costs for Iowa Farmers: Federal action to pause certain phosphate import duties is expected to cut prices and save producers billions, while USDA also backs more domestic fertilizer production. Local Governance & Risk Planning: Webster City’s council is set to review hazard mitigation updates and student-designed projects, aiming for FEMA eligibility and practical improvements. Agriculture Conservation: Prairie strips are gaining attention as a way to restore habitat and improve farm economics on low-return acres. Business Outlook: The Iowa Business Council projects a generally positive next-six-month outlook, with workforce hiring still the biggest challenge. Sports: East Marshall’s softball team ends a scoreless streak with a late win over No. 14 Newton, and Iowa baseball will play in a major 2027 college series in Texas.

Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: The U.S. Justice Department and 17 states reached agreements with Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged collusion that “artificially inflated” egg prices; the deal totals $3.3 million and 53 million eggs for donation, with no admissions of wrongdoing. Healthcare Policy: New Iowa rules that limit insurer influence on referrals took effect July 1, joining other state moves like Florida’s tighter pharmacy benefit manager restrictions—while Congress still hasn’t passed major PBM reform. Iowa Politics Scrutiny: A Senate bid by Rep. Ashley Hinson is drawing fresh attention after reporting highlighted her claimed “working-class mom” messaging alongside a reported high net worth and luxury housing. University of Iowa & Iowa State Honors: UI named more than 7,000 students to the spring dean’s list and 1,450-plus to the president’s list; Iowa State also released its spring dean’s list. Local Business & Jobs: BankIowa added an ag business banker, and Edible Garden AG is advancing a $75 million Webster City upgrade. Flood Impact in Des Moines: Nearly 400 residents were displaced from Parkside East Apartments after severe flooding, with cleanup and re-housing underway.