AGP Executive Report

Attorney General Fight: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with only Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joining Democrats—setting up a new DOJ era after weeks of GOP tension. Iowa Politics & Governance: Iowa’s lawmakers and officials keep pushing on major state priorities, from health care leadership moves at Avera to ongoing local policy debates. Agribusiness & Jobs: A new state-inspected poultry processing facility in eastern Iowa expands options for farmers who previously had to travel out of state, while hemp processing in Rock Valley shows another crop alternative gaining traction. Science & Iowa Research: Iowa State researchers say tiny cell “antenna” structures may help explain how temperature steers turtle sex. Housing Watch: Cedar Rapids-area homes are selling fast—four days on market in June—highlighting how affordability is pulling buyers in. Sports: Former Iowa Hawkeye George Kittle earned another NFL Top 100 nod, and Iowa Speedway NASCAR betting has Denny Hamlin leading the favorites.

Local Military: The Iowa National Guard is bringing the 185th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion back to Fairfield, with a ribbon-cutting at the Fairfield Armory and a welcome to the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Small Business Spotlight: Sen. Joni Ernst named Audubon’s Present Company her Small Business of the Week, praising decades of downtown service and community support. Agriculture & Land: Iowa farmers are seeing farmland values hit record highs, even as the pace of increases cools—good for balance sheets, but tougher for new buyers and renters. Farm Policy Fight: The Senate Farm Bill stalled again in the Ag Committee, and the Prop 12 battle continues as pork groups push for changes tied to animal housing rules. Retirement System: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as the new CEO of IPERS, aiming to stabilize leadership after recent departures tied to misconduct investigations. Health & Safety: Iowa nursing home inspections are now meeting federal standards on schedule again, according to the state auditor, after years of delay. Emergency Planning: An online workshop will share 3D-printed storm shelter designs meant to better handle high-wind events. Water Monitoring: Federal funding will expand Iowa groundwater and drought monitoring stations across more southwestern counties. Shopping Relief: Iowa’s two-day sales tax holiday is underway, with strict limits on what qualifies.

Workforce Planning: Cass/Atlantic Development Corp. is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Economic Development Authority on a Laborshed employment study for Atlantic, using confidential online surveys to map where workers commute from and what they need. Local Housing: Lee County will host three public presentations Aug. 10 (Keokuk, Fort Madison, Donnellson) on findings from its recently completed Housing Study, with follow-up action committees to turn recommendations into projects. School Finance Scrutiny: A CPA review of sharing agreements between northwest Iowa districts (Ruthven-Ayrshire and Graettinger-Terril) found delayed payments and incorrect calculations dating to mid-2022, with one district overpaid and the other owing about $134,000—no fraud alleged. Public Health & Safety: The CDC confirmed Erica Schwartz as CDC director, restoring Senate sign-off on vaccine recommendations that affect coverage nationwide. Environment Funding: Dubuque won a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant to plan cleanup and reuse for targeted contaminated properties. Iowa Business & Growth: Four Iowa manufacturers are set to expand with more than $62 million in investments and 300+ jobs, backed by Iowa Economic Development Authority incentives. Aviation: Ankeny Regional Airport received $2.5 million to extend its primary runway to 6,000 feet, aiming to attract larger corporate aircraft. Retail Savings: Iowa’s annual two-day sales tax holiday runs today and tomorrow, with exemptions for qualifying clothing and shoes.

Housing & Community Growth: Atlantic is moving ahead with an $84 million plan that adds 142 affordable housing units plus a 300-child childcare center and a major YMCA expansion, aiming to bring more families back to western Iowa. Permitting & Infrastructure: Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Permitting Council signed an MOU to streamline federal-state reviews by opting into FAST-41 and aligning timelines for environmental permitting. Agriculture & Farm Costs: Iowa State Extension is hosting fertilizer and finance workshops across the state in August to help producers and lenders manage nutrient decisions amid high fertilizer prices. USDA “Farmers First” Listening Tour: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced nationwide listening sessions, including a stop at Dakotafest in Mitchell, focused on data modernization, payment flexibility, and crop insurance options. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has now reached 15 states, with Iowa among those added as investigators continue to trace the source. Local Government: Johnson County residents voiced concerns about a proposed $94.5 million jail bond, including cost, size, and whether it could expand ICE detentions. Iowa Politics: Iowa’s governor race is drawing fresh attention to term limits, with Rob Sand pushing limits for lawmakers and Zach Lahn signaling support for some limits but not for governor. Data Centers Debate: A bipartisan coalition is forming to promote data center development while promising accountability and community engagement, even as Iowa communities continue to question impacts.

Public Health: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators link the lettuce to Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell, with more than 10,000 lab-confirmed cases reported nationwide. Local Government & Economy: Woodbury County is suing the town of Salix over the annexation of a 900-acre site being considered for a data center after Google evaluated the land; the county alleges improper notice and annexation steps, while residents and officials debate environmental impacts versus jobs. Politics: Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst and other Senate panel Republicans voted to advance a contempt-of-Congress citation against Dr. Anthony Fauci after he invoked the Fifth Amendment during COVID-related questioning. Agriculture: Iowa State University Extension is rolling out fertilizer and finance workshops across the state in August to help producers manage nutrient decisions amid high costs. Business & Community: First Interstate Bank’s partnership with FHLB Des Moines’ Member Impact Fund is sending $160,000 to Missouri nonprofits, including $12,000 for Albany’s Rigney Theater restoration.

Data Center Fight: Iowa Auditor Rob Sand says the state should end data-center tax breaks and require firms to track water and energy use, cover utility-rate impacts, use Iowa union workers, and face stronger consumer protections. Rural Development Debate: A proposed 18-hole golf course near Morse in Johnson County is drawing questions about land use and how it fits the small community’s values. Downtown Redevelopment: Waterloo’s historic James Black building is set to become a Hyatt Place hotel in a $57M project, with plans aimed at boosting nearby restaurants and shops. Baseball Tourism: Dyersville’s Field of Dreams is gearing up for major- and minor-league games next week, with leaders expecting a big regional economic lift. Public Health: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Iowa among the latest additions. Local Safety: Des Moines police are searching for two suspects after an early-morning burglary and crash. Workforce Training: U.S. Education and Labor leaders visited Cedar Rapids to highlight Iowa’s Workforce Pell Grant model for fast job training. Housing Help: Sioux City is planning Iowa’s first homeless court program to connect people to services while resolving low-level legal issues.

Housing & Homelessness: The Iowa Finance Authority named finalists for three statewide housing innovation competitions, with live pitches Sept. 9-10 in Des Moines and up to $200,000 available to pilot ideas aimed at preventing homelessness, expanding rentals, and boosting homeownership. Healthcare Leadership: Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr added Trevor Toft as CFO, and he’s also serving as acting CEO as the hospital fully separates from MercyOne’s administration. Aviation & Local Funding: The Mount Ayr Airport Commission says it needs additional money to finish the airport office renovation inside the hanger, aiming to have it ready for a Sept. 12 “Fly In Breakfast.” Workforce Training: Iowa’s Workforce Pell Grant program is moving forward, including Iowa Central’s first-in-the-U.S. Workforce Pell EMT approval. Public Safety at Airports: TSA workers are pushing back on the Trump administration’s TSA Gold+ plan that would expand privatized checkpoint screening at Des Moines and two other airports. Food & Farming: Iowa Pork Producers Association plans to give away 1,776 pork chops at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 16 as part of its America 250 celebration. Agribusiness: ADM raised its 2026 outlook after a big earnings jump tied to stronger biofuel margins and higher crush volumes.

Workforce Training Boost: Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge became the first school in the U.S. to get federal approval for the new Workforce Pell program, letting eligible students use Pell grants for its 14-week EMT course—aimed at getting more people into in-demand public safety jobs faster. Local Business Hit by Construction: In Iowa City, pavement repairs near East Market Street and North Van Buren Street have cut sales at John’s Grocery by about 20% to 25% as drivers struggle to find parking during the busy summer stretch. Public Safety Funding Vote: Urbandale voters will decide this fall on a $25 million bond to build a new police station, with officials saying the current facility no longer fits the department’s needs. Health & Regulation: A judge temporarily shut down a rural, unlicensed care facility in Centerville, calling it a danger to the public. Community Life: Fayette County fair organizers highlight how 4-H static exhibits and one-on-one judging help youth build skills beyond the ribbon. Back-to-School Savings: Iowa’s tax-free weekend runs Aug. 7-8, with sales tax waived on qualifying clothing and footwear under $100.

Iowa Education: The Iowa Department of Education recognized 74 schools for strong FAFSA completion efforts in 2025-26, including Don Bosco High School hitting a 96% completion rate. Rural Health: A new rural cancer accreditation category from the American College of Surgeons aims to help small hospitals expand access to high-quality cancer care. State & Local Finance: Dubuque faces a potential $220M taxable value hit under Iowa’s new property tax law, with city leaders still waiting on answers before budgeting. Health Care Admin: Molina Healthcare of Nebraska is pausing its planned Sept. 1 DME Navigator rollout, saying a new timeline will follow; the pause also affects Iowa and Wisconsin plans. Public Safety: Waterloo police identified Henry Greer as the victim of a fatal early-Sunday parking lot shooting and are asking for nearby surveillance footage. Agriculture & Costs: A study says diesel costs added about $1.4B to farmers’ planting expenses in 2025-26, with Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota seeing the biggest jumps. Community & Culture: The Field of Dreams returns Aug. 13 with the Twins hosting the Phillies in Dyersville, and a new cafe opened inside the Cedar Rapids downtown public library.

Data Center Fight in Fort Madison: Lee County issued a cease-and-desist tied to an AI data center plan, and the developer says it may shift the project to Wisconsin, while county leaders moved meetings to handle legal guidance on future development. Nursing Home Oversight: Iowa’s nursing home inspections now meet federal standards for the first time in years, after staffing and funding changes helped inspections move closer to the required schedule. Public Health & Safety: A federal appeals court cleared the way for Iowa to enforce its vape registry law, a move supporters say targets youth vaping while shop owners warn many locations could close. Local Infrastructure: Johnston is getting $500,000 toward Highway 141 safety upgrades, with major interchange work planned to start in 2028. Community & Business: A new cat cafe opened in Linn County, and Cedar Rapids’ farmers market cancellation pushed customers toward local businesses that rely on the event. Agriculture & Energy: USDA invested $4M in Iowa fertilizer production facilities, while wheat futures rose on Black Sea export fears and Midwest weather worries. Politics: Jack Smith was invited to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September.

Rural Health Watch: A Michigan rural hospital that converted to the federal Rural Emergency Hospital model closed anyway, raising fresh alarms about whether the “lifeline” can keep small communities covered. Iowa Economy & Energy: Iowa businesses, unions and economic groups launched a bipartisan push for “responsible development” of data centers, aiming to address local concerns like power costs, water use and noise. Ag & Industry: USDA Rural Development is investing nearly $4 million in Iowa fertilizer production facilities, while the Renewable Fuel Standard’s higher biodiesel volumes are helping plants restart and boosting demand across farm supply chains. Consumer & Public Safety: Iowa’s back-to-school sales tax holiday is Aug. 7-8, and the Clinton County sheriff’s office warns of AI-fueled celebrity-flirt scams that can drain credit cards fast. Health Tech: A new U.S. trial finds silver diamine fluoride can stop tooth decay in many baby teeth without drilling or anesthesia, including kids in Iowa. Politics: Iowa’s governor’s race heats up as Auditor Rob Sand touts a centrist pitch in a new TV ad.

Health Care Closures: River Hills Community Health Center’s Centerville and Richland Dental Clinic are set to close July 31, with Teamsters alleging the shutdown was tied to union negotiations; Iowa WARN notices listed affected staff and River Hills’ board roster appears to have changed after the closure date. Iowa Politics & Agriculture: Democratic ag secretary candidate Chris Jones unveiled a $10 million FAIR plan to boost locally grown school meals, arguing Iowa imports nearly all its food and that better nutrition could help address the state’s high cancer rate. Public Safety: Waterloo police report one man dead after an early Sunday shooting in a parking lot on W. Mullan Ave.; investigators are asking for nearby surveillance footage. Local Governance: Mitchell officials will discuss whether to fold the Mitchell Police Department into Davison County’s proposed regional law enforcement complex. Sports: Iowa men’s basketball guard Tavion Banks posted a farewell message, signaling he won’t return after a fifth-year eligibility ruling. Business/Industry: Iowa’s Cedar Crossing Casino is slated to open ahead of schedule, while other regional economic updates continue to roll in.

Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Federal authorities warn that hackers—suspected to be linked to Iran—have targeted internet-connected controls at water and wastewater systems in multiple states, including Minnesota, causing pressure loss and flooding. Iowa Health Policy: A tight Iowa governor’s race is putting Medicaid privatization back in the spotlight, with critics calling it a disaster and supporters defending managed-care oversight. Local Iowa Politics: Sen. Joni Ernst is pushing federal contracting conflict-of-interest rules to move faster, demanding a clear timeline for safeguards on taxpayer-funded deals. Business & Growth in Iowa: Iowa’s Venture School and other startup programs are being highlighted as key support for founders during the “validation” and “acceleration” stages. Community & Crime: A Sioux Falls homicide suspect was arrested in Iowa after a high-speed chase, underscoring cross-state law enforcement coordination. Culture & Community: Waterloo’s Iowa Irish Fest brought a big boost to downtown businesses as crowds returned after a rainy start.

Data Centers vs. Homes: Reports say some Americans are being pressured to leave their properties so data centers and power lines can be built, including cases involving possible eminent domain. Cybersecurity & Water: The FBI warns of cyberattacks on US water systems, with Iran blamed as a key suspect, and experts say many states could be affected given the common equipment used. Postville’s Future Unclear: A look at Postville, Iowa’s kosher meat economy and how a fire at the Agri Star complex has left the community’s livelihood in limbo. Food Insecurity in Focus: Iowa’s Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank kicks off its “Give Where You Live” campaign with more than $20,000 in challenge matching funds, while national reporting highlights how SNAP cuts are hitting Black Americans hardest. Local Government Watch: State auditor Rob Sand released findings on O’Brien County’s use of coronavirus recovery funds, including repeated issues from the prior year. Iowa City Farmers Market: The market will end its $5 token program this fall due to long-term financial risks. Public Health Update: A major trial finds silver diamine fluoride can stop cavities in young children without drilling.

Attorney General Fight: President Trump says he’ll revive his “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and keep acting AG Todd Blanche in place if GOP senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis don’t back the nomination, with a Senate Judiciary committee meeting set for Tuesday. Public Health & Local Impact: LifeServe Blood Center is urging Iowans to donate as summer dips approach and hospitals could be hit fast by major incidents. AI and Aging: A Johns Hopkins-led study finds a major disconnect between older adults’ needs (affordability, accessibility, easy interfaces) and how AI health tools are being built and marketed. Iowa Politics: Sen. Joni Ernst is again attacking Dr. Anthony Fauci’s COVID-era decisions, including claims about research using aborted fetal tissue. Iowa Community & Safety: Polk County granted the YMCA of Greater Des Moines another year to repay a $6.5 million loan, citing ongoing financial strain. Education & Choice: Thirty-one states have opted into the federal Education Freedom Scholarship Program ahead of the 2027 deadline. Scams Watch: Fort Dodge reported one scam case for the week ending July 25, while Newton logged one in June.

Medicaid Fraud Fight: Two former Iowa Medicaid fraud enforcement leaders called Gov. Kim Reynolds’ new Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force “political theater,” arguing the state should fully fund the existing Medicaid Fraud Control Unit instead of creating a new group. Iowa Politics & Campaign Scrutiny: A report alleges U.S. Sen. candidate Ashley Hinson accepted contributions tied to people named in the Jeffrey Epstein files, while another investigation targets GOP gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn’s “homespun” image amid questions about where he spends most of his time. Affordability Roundtable: Rep. Josh Turek held an affordability event in Ankeny, arguing high costs are driven by Washington and criticizing Hinson’s record. USMCA Dairy Stakes: A Compeer Financial economist said the USMCA review process matters a lot for U.S. dairy, praising the deal but urging improvements. Postville Fire Fallout: Agri Star says it plans to rebuild after a fire damaged much of its kosher meat plant, with leaders warning recovery could take time and affect jobs. Local Government Costs: Sioux City approved stormwater program updates, including a one-time fee adjustment that raises the average monthly rate. Business & Community: Rip’s Bar & Grill is taking over Jerseys Pub & Grub in Cedar Rapids, and a North Iowa thrift store is opening at a new location.