AGP Executive Report

Crime & Courts: Des Moines police filed charges in two May bank robberies, accusing Vincent Charles Chia of 2nd-degree burglary at Affinity Credit Union and Troy Allen Kifer of 2nd-degree burglary in the downtown U.S. Bank robbery. Legal Pressure on Schools: Grinnell College faces a class-action privacy lawsuit alleging its website “secretly sells, shares and tracks” user data. Health Care: Even after insurer promises to change prior approval, patients still report delays getting needed care. Local Housing Moves: Sheldon’s City Council will vote on the final sale of a long-open Trilogy Addition lot, setting up new housing plans. Business & Growth: Hills Bank agreed to buy part of the former ACT campus in Iowa City for $20.7 million, aiming to consolidate operations. State Politics: Iowa’s new property tax law is set to take effect July 1, 2027, with major changes including a homestead exemption and caps on local revenue growth. Weather: Cooler spring days with rain chances later this week after severe storms.

Local Health Leadership: Cass Health named Jonathan Moe as its next CEO, starting Sept. 21, as the rural hospital looks to build on years of operational gains. Community Calendar: Webster City’s Chamber kicks off Third Thursday Coffee at Black Hills Energy (8–9:30 a.m.), while the deadline for the Community-Wide Garage Sales is noon today. Local Governance: Van Diest Medical Center trustees meet Tuesday at 6 p.m., and Fort Dodge City Council hired FEH Design for $1.1M library upgrades. Public Safety & Services: Le Mars Fire-Rescue posted its April activity report and is moving ahead with a fire chief search; South Sioux City is also pushing a FEMA-funded storm safe room at Scenic Park. Statewide Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a property tax revenue cap law, projecting $4.2B in relief over six years. Energy & Business: NextEra plans to acquire Dominion in a major utility merger tied to rising AI-driven power demand.

IEDA Incentives: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits tied to nearly $400M in manufacturing investment, including a major Sub-Zero expansion in Cedar Rapids that’s expected to add 312 jobs. Local Projects: Lyon County is partnering with the University of Iowa to help residents tackle community projects, while the county also approved $15,000 for Larchwood’s community center push. Trade & Agriculture: China agreed to buy at least $17B a year in U.S. farm products through 2028, a potential boost for Iowa producers still feeling export disruption. Tech & Trust: An Iowa man sued Nintendo and Pokémon over being denied “Pokémon Professor” status, arguing anti-trust violations. Community & Health: Blank Park Zoo performed a rare post-mortem MRI on a tiger to advance big-cat research, and Cedar Rapids’ Spokes of Hope bike ride is set for June 6 to support cancer patients.

Louisiana GOP Shake-Up: Sen. Bill Cassidy lost his Louisiana Republican Senate primary Saturday, finishing third and missing even a runoff—another sign of how hard it is to survive politically without President Trump’s backing. Iowa Politics & Local Races: In Benton County’s District 2 race, three Republicans are lining up to challenge the incumbent ahead of the June 2 primary. Energy & Farm Relief: A push for year-round E15 is gaining momentum in Washington, with Iowa farmers and consumers watching closely as the House moves forward and the Senate path remains uncertain. Sports Spotlight: Iowa Central punched its ticket to the NJCAA World Series with a weekend sweep, while the JUCO World Series field is now set. Community Notes: Marshalltown Little League Park got a major boost from American Aluminum Seating, and National EMS Week is prompting renewed attention on local emergency responders.

Politics: Louisiana’s GOP primary delivered a blunt message to Sen. Bill Cassidy—he finished third and is out, setting up a June 27 runoff between Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming. Science & Health: University of Iowa researchers report tiny genetic “switches” tied to language ability, suggesting small DNA regions can have outsized effects on how humans develop speech. Environment & Food: A new report says nearly 20% of Americans rely on drinking water with nitrate levels above safety thresholds, spotlighting how fertilizer and farm runoff keep showing up in public health debates. Iowa Watch: Cedar Rapids launched “Carry In, Carry Out” to cut park and trail litter, asking visitors to pack out what they bring. Business & Labor: In Davenport, Arconic union workers reached a tentative contract agreement after negotiations as the old deal neared expiration. Local Life: Bridgewater firefighters are raising about $28,000 for a UTV grass/brush fire unit as call volume keeps climbing.

E15 Push: The U.S. House passed a bill to allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 gasoline, sending it to the Senate for a final vote—an Iowa-relevant move that supporters say could boost corn demand and lower fuel prices, while critics warn it could worsen environmental harm and raise engine-safety questions. Local Cleanliness: Cedar Rapids launched “Carry In, Carry Out,” asking park and trail visitors to pack out what they bring in, with trash cans only in some high-use spots. Politics: In Louisiana’s GOP primary runoff, Sen. Bill Cassidy was ousted by Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow, with State Treasurer John Fleming also advancing to a June 27 runoff. Iowa Economy: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits for manufacturing expansions, including Cambrex in Charles City, tied to hundreds of jobs and major new investment. Sports: Iowa baseball swept Purdue at Principal Park, powering a late-season surge into the Big Ten Tournament.

Hemp Food Fight: A nonprofit says it paid private labs $9,379 to test whole hemp as food—highlighting that USDA’s FoodData Central still has no nutrition entry for the whole plant, even though seeds are listed. Defense Homecoming: The USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk after a 326-day deployment, wrapping the longest carrier run since Vietnam; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the crew. Iowa Health Pressure: MercyOne plans to close its southside Des Moines clinic next month, blaming staffing shortages, costs, and pending Medicaid reimbursement cuts. Local Safety & Services: Iowa DNR updated its interactive fishing atlas for easier mobile use, and the state reminded residents not to burn common household trash or other “Never Burn” items. Politics Watch: In Louisiana’s GOP Senate primary, Bill Cassidy faces a Trump-backed challenge in a high-stakes test of the incumbent’s survival. Everyday Life: A bill to raise Iowa’s default speed limit from 55 to 60 mph is headed to Gov. Kim Reynolds.

AI Moratorium: Henry County moved fast, placing a moratorium on new AI data centers, data mines, and battery storage facilities through Dec. 31. Ethanol/E15 Politics: The House passed a farm bill plus a standalone push for year-round E15, but Senate leaders—including Sen. Grassley—signal the ethanol win may have to ride inside a bigger package, not travel alone. Local Elections: Johnson County’s supervisor district system is reshaping the June 2 primary, with multiple contested nominations across districts. Courts & Public Safety: In Hull, one of three burglary defendants took a plea deal and was sentenced to five years. Transportation: Iowa DOT held a public meeting on Merrill’s rail crossing elimination study, with multiple concepts still on the table. Health & Food: A new report says natural disasters are costing U.S. farms $5.1 billion a year, while an organic ice cream recall in 17 states includes Iowa. Money for Travel: Fort Dodge Regional Airport won a $1 million federal grant for terminal upgrades.

Iowa Politics: The final U.S. Senate Democratic primary debate is set as Zach Wahls and Josh Turek try to sell themselves as the best bet to beat Ashley Hinson, with Wahls leaning on his rural-and-labor pitch and Turek hammering affordability and corruption while sparring over reproductive rights. Resort Watch: Honey Creek Resort is getting a new shot in the arm—Embergrove Hospitality and Maxim Golf Solutions are taking over operations, aiming to stop calling it a “hidden gem” and start marketing it hard after a contentious prior run. Education & Credit: S&P put some Iowa school district bond issues on CreditWatch with negative implications tied to the state’s property tax reform bill, raising questions for districts relying on certain sales-tax-backed debt. Agriculture: Cargill and CTIC are expanding a farmer-led soil health program across the Midwest, adding more workshops and field days. Sports & Facilities: Iowa Athletics bought the NCAA Houston Elite Eight court for Carver-Hawkeye Arena and will replace the flooring starting May 18. Business Climate: A new NFIB survey says Iowa small-business optimism is stuck below average as inflation and gas prices squeeze sales.

Iowa Primary Countdown: Absentee voting is underway for the June 2 GOP and Democratic primaries, with in-person absentee at the Allamakee County Courthouse Auditor’s Office running May 13–June 1 and a May 18 deadline to request a mailed ballot. Democratic Senate Showdown: In the final pre-primary debate, Zach Wahls and Josh Turek clashed sharply over reproductive healthcare and whether they can work across party lines, with both pitching themselves as the stronger general-election option against Ashley Hinson. Local Government & Schools: The Iowa City School Board met in closed session amid a financial crisis and refused to say whether Superintendent Matt Degner will stay next year. Community Wins: Tama County’s “Grow A Row” returns for 2026 to boost fresh produce donations, and Iowa Central is moving ahead with a new Center for Sports Performance after hiring a builder for the project. Sports & Culture: The Field of Dreams ballpark project got $13 million in new funding, while Code Red’s “Shhhe Is Speaking” fundraiser hits the Capitol Theater Saturday.

Carbon Pipeline Shake-Up: Summit Carbon Solutions says it has streamlined its Iowa footprint, cutting more than 400 landowners and about 200 miles by removing route segments across multiple counties—prompting fresh local reaction from critics who say delays and lack of CO2 outlets forced the change. White House Project: Trump’s aboveground White House ballroom is now rising despite a federal halt tied to legal and funding fights, with crews building visible first-floor structure elements. E15 Push: The U.S. House passed year-round E15 sales, a narrow 218-203 win that Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra calls a bipartisan step toward ending annual waiver uncertainty—now headed to the Senate. Field of Dreams Expansion: Dyersville leaders landed a major $10 million gift from Iowa families and business leaders, plus $3 million from the state, to build a year-round ballpark and youth facilities. Local Governance: Glenwood approved extensions for its downtown revitalization work, while Clarinda set FY27 pay increases for city staff and police.

OpenAI Conflict Fight: A court filing says OpenAI chief Sam Altman has over $2 billion tied up in companies that did business with OpenAI, as Elon Musk’s lawsuit and state AG scrutiny press on. Iowa Politics & Campaigns: Iowa’s June primary is heating up, with Dave Dawson seeking the 4th District nod and Democrats debating healthcare and immigration in the 2nd District. Biofuels Push: The U.S. House cleared year-round E-15, a win Iowa lawmakers say could help farmers and cut pump prices—now it heads to the Senate. Carbon Pipeline Shakeup: Summit Carbon Solutions is trimming 200 miles and removing eight Iowa counties, shifting the destination to Wyoming after landowner backlash. Local Governance: Waterloo is moving ahead on CourtWorks, aiming to turn youth sports into a major economic boost, while Cedar Falls city business continues through routine council approvals. Community & Culture: Reader-nominated “Everyday Heroes” and local awards highlight the week’s feel-good momentum.

Water From Thin Air: A University of Iowa-led crystalline material uses sunlight to pull moisture from extremely dry air, turning it into drinkable water—an advance aimed at water-stressed regions. Iowa Politics & Voting: Early in-person voting is underway for Iowa’s June 2 primary, with clear deadlines for absentee requests through county auditors. OpenAI Fallout: Court filings say OpenAI chief Sam Altman has more than $2 billion tied up in companies that did business with OpenAI, as lawmakers and state attorneys general press for conflict-of-interest scrutiny. Local Growth & Housing: Des Moines-area nonprofit Oakridge is moving ahead with a $15 million affordable apartment project, while Mount Vernon residents are still struggling to find places to live. Energy & Costs: An Iowa farmer says input prices—not corn and soybean prices—are squeezing profitability. Pipeline Update: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s shrinking its proposed Iowa pipeline footprint, cutting miles and the number of landowners affected. Community Life: Big Grove For Good’s Neighborhood Micro-Grant program has topped $36,000, funding dozens of local projects.

AI Chip Deal Watch: SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung is set to meet Bill Gates and Satya Nadella this week at Microsoft’s CEO summit in Redmond, signaling deeper ties as Microsoft pushes AI infrastructure beyond Nvidia. Local Health Access: River Hills Community Health Center will close its Centerville clinic by July 31, citing ongoing financial strain on rural care. Education Pressure: A new report says K-12 enrollment is still sliding nationwide, squeezing district budgets tied to student counts. School Tech Debate: Iowa City schools paused a facilities plan amid a financial crisis, while another story renews the fight over whether 1:1 Chromebooks are helping or distracting. Business & Community: Oelwein approved $762K to replace airport taxiway “taxilanes” after asphalt/concrete deterioration. Sports/Entertainment: Luke Bryan announced a new album, “Signs,” due Sept. 18. Public Safety & Courts: A Cedar Rapids jury convicted a man in a 2023 DoorDash driver killing, with prosecutors citing 3D crime-scene tech.

OpenAI Conflict Fight: Sam Altman defended his personal investments in companies that do business with OpenAI, telling lawmakers he’s “always been recused” as the OpenAI trial and investor-IPO scrutiny intensify. Healthcare Deal Watch: Sanford Health announced it will acquire Minnesota’s North Memorial Health, aiming to expand Twin Cities specialty, virtual, and behavioral care. Inflation at the Pump: New federal data shows U.S. consumer prices rising 3.8% year over year, with gasoline costs tied to the jump. Iowa Policy & Local Life: Iowa’s legislature saw multiple bills stall, while Oelwein participants finished LEAD leadership training and a Centerville man faces charges for allegedly running an unlicensed “hospital” and practicing dietetics without a license. Sports & Community: Bettendorf hosts a major North American and Caribbean men’s handball championship this week, and the Putnam Museum is set for an exclusive couture preview tied to Nolan Miller and Mark Zunino.

Animal Abuse Crackdown: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed “Ember’s Law,” making animal torture in Iowa a felony for the first offense, with penalties up to five years in prison and fines over $10,000—after the Animal Rescue League of Iowa highlighted the case of a puppy named Ember. City Hall & Taxes: In Marshalltown, the city council voted down next steps for a proposed 3% gas and electric franchise fee, sending the process to legal review and raising the odds the issue lands on a 2027 ballot. Public Health: Black Hawk County is handing out free Narcan kits this week, with short training required and no appointment needed. Local Growth: Palo’s planning commission recommended new regulations for a Google data center, with key differences from a Linn County proposal. Community & Education: Ames’ Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is set to open in phases—multipurpose rooms May 18, swimming June 1. Politics: Three Democrats are running for the Johnson County supervisor District 2 seat in the June 2 primary, while the Republican incumbent is unopposed.