AGP Executive Report

Iowa Politics: A Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau report highlights rare public splits among Iowa GOP members of Congress and President Trump, including Rep. Ashley Hinson’s Iran-war vote record and co-sponsorship work by Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks tied to war powers and beef import/tariff fights. Midterm Watch: Post–Labor Day polling shows Democrats holding an 8.6-point generic lead and Trump approval hitting a record low, with Iowa among battleground states where GOP Senate candidates trail. U.S. Senate Race: A VoteVets spending push is credited with boosting Josh Turek in Iowa’s Democratic primary-to-general pipeline, with more money planned to pressure Ashley Hinson over her Iran-war stance. Economy & Cost of Living: Coverage also points to affordability pressure and shifting voter blame as Republicans brace for Senate losses. Community & Culture: More than 200 people joined Sioux City’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Morningside, while AsianFest returned to NewBo for its 12th year. Sports: Iowa opens Big Ten play at Michigan, with local fans and betting chatter focused on a tight defensive matchup.

Housing & Local Economy: Zillow data shows Winnebago County’s typical home value rose 7.4% to $159,076 in August 2026, while Decatur County jumped 13.5% to $171,045—another sign Iowa’s housing market is still moving fast. Local Government: Coralville is suing University of Iowa Health Care and the Board of Regents, saying UIHC broke promises tied to an “Ortho Institute” project and left the city on the hook for millions in ramp and financing costs. Iowa Health & Cancer: A new report highlights rising cancer rates in Iowa, with rural families struggling to find care as local cancer centers face growing demand. Midterm Politics: National reporting says Democrats are cutting into Republicans’ voter registration advantages in competitive states like Iowa, as Trump’s approval sinks and GOP candidates brace for a tougher November. Energy & Agriculture: Iowa’s diesel-price squeeze remains a political flashpoint, with lawmakers and farm groups pushing for relief as global supply pressures keep fuel costs high. Education: UNI and Drake are using NSSE survey results to reshape student engagement efforts, including custom reporting by college and school.

Iran War & Gas Prices: Ashley Hinson is urging Congress to return to Washington and push an “immediate and successful” end to the Iran war, tying it to record diesel costs and calling for steps like pausing diesel exports and suspending gas taxes. Iowa Politics: Ernst was honored at an Iowa GOP dinner, while Iowa Republicans weigh a special session to pass tax incentives for a potential southeast Iowa steel plant. Local Government: Benton County supervisors reviewed options for juvenile detention and approved an Atkins-area campground plan near the city of Atkins. Water Infrastructure: Minburn is set to upgrade aging water systems after receiving a $2 million USDA grant and a $600,000 loan. Courts & Public Safety: Iowa County District Court saw new charges including a barred driver and an OWI case involving reckless driving and assault allegations. Community & Health: Cedar Valley United Way’s “Over the Edge” fundraiser raised support for health, education and financial stability, and Hinson highlighted cancer detection and rural treatment proposals. Travel/Infrastructure: Sioux City’s I-29 southbound on-ramp closure is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, for bridge deck work. Business & Innovation: An ISU-linked company, SoyLei Innovations, faces a lawsuit from former partners alleging unfair competition and theft. Sports & Culture: Ames Silversmithing spotlighted a long-running family business, and a rare bat night hike at Hannibal’s Sodalis Nature Preserve drew attention to endangered Indiana bats.

Farm Bill: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the 2026 farm bill on a 12-11 party-line vote, moving key priorities like year-round E15, mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and measures aimed at high input costs, while Democrats pushed back on a SNAP cost-sharing provision that got a one-year delay. Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court revived an expanded immigration database used to check voter citizenship status, a move critics say could wrongly knock eligible voters off the rolls. US-China Summit: Trump and Xi met in Washington for their second summit, extending a trade truce as expectations for big breakthroughs stayed modest amid tariff and AI tensions. Iowa Courts/Politics: An Iowa judge dismissed Trump’s poll lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer, rejecting claims tied to the 2024 Iowa results. Iowa Economy/Ag: Diesel prices remain a flashpoint for Iowa farmers and lawmakers, with renewed calls to block diesel exports as harvest delays and high fuel costs squeeze operations. Education & Jobs: Drake University and UNI highlighted how they use NSSE student engagement data to drive campus changes, while Iowa’s disability employment awards deadline was extended to Oct. 8. Local Business: Mason City named finalists for Boss of the Year and Business of the Year ahead of its Oct. 8 annual meeting.

White House Press Fight: A federal judge tossed out President Trump’s lawsuit over a 2024 Iowa poll and ordered the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico after Trump’s “fake news” ban—reporters were back later Thursday. Iowa Courts & Politics: The Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer also won dismissal “with prejudice,” reinforcing that polling is protected speech. Medicaid Fraud: Iowa’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit reported 37 convictions and $3.9 million recovered, urging more use of the False Claims Act and tighter coordination. Local Business & Growth: Chase opened its first Cedar Rapids branch, and Fort Dodge took control of the Sports Pavilion to turn it into a sports-and-entertainment hub. UI & Education: The University of Iowa dedicated its renovated Dance Building, and UI launched a new scholarship portal for students. Agriculture & Health: Iowa farmers are watching soybean fields after red crown rot was diagnosed; Iowa also opened applications for a new Doctor of Medical Science program at Des Moines University. Community & Safety: Iowa City launched its Community Survey, and a Cedar Rapids shooting witness said a man fired toward her home before officers opened fire.

Diesel Export Fight: Iowa and other states are pushing back as lawmakers debate a possible 90-day diesel export ban after record-high prices squeeze farmers and truckers, with Sen. Chuck Grassley urging an embargo to drive costs down. Midterm Politics: As the Iran war fuels inflation and gas spikes, Republicans in battlegrounds—including Iowa—are increasingly calling for an end to the conflict, while Trump’s approval sinks ahead of Election Day. Courtroom Clash: An Iowa judge dismissed Trump’s lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over the 2024 Iowa poll, saying political polling is protected speech. Press Freedom: In Washington, CNN, MS NOW and Politico still faced delays after a judge ordered Trump to restore White House access. Food & Local Economy: Sioux Honey broke ground on a $130 million Sioux City expansion to boost production capacity by 50%, and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank asked Winneshiek County for $25,000 to help expand its Waterloo facility. Health Costs: A new report highlights how even healthcare workers are skipping insurance as premiums climb.

Diesel Relief Push: Iowa farmers are urging Congress to act as diesel climbs to about $6.28 a gallon in Iowa, with some reporting extra fuel costs of $1,000 a day during harvest. Midterm Spending Watch: Republicans are pouring nearly $900 million into ads in the final weeks, including Iowa among key Senate battlegrounds, as leaders argue they can still hold the chamber. Courtroom Win for Press: An Iowa judge dismissed President Trump’s lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over the 2024 Iowa Poll, citing First Amendment protections. Union Contract Update: After a four-day strike, Allina Health doctors reached a tentative agreement on their first union contract, pending a vote. Local Government: Lisbon City Council approved downtown reinvestment grants, including using one to cover sewer-line renovation fallout. Community & Culture: “Waitress” is set for Oct. 8 at the North Iowa Community Auditorium, and Grinnell’s Stewart Gallery opens a Meskwaki Nation portrait exhibition Oct. 1. Public Safety: Federal and state investigators broke up an alleged meth trafficking ring in central Iowa, charging 14 people.

Iran War & Iowa Politics: Vulnerable GOP candidates, including Iowa Sen. Ashley Hinson, are publicly calling for an immediate end to the Iran war as diesel prices and campaign pressure mount, signaling a rare split from Trump on foreign policy. Energy Costs: Trump backed an idea to ban diesel exports to lower soaring fuel prices, while Iowa lawmakers and allies continue pushing for relief tied to the global diesel crunch. Local Governance & Growth: Ames approved a downtown “Sip and Stroll” social district ordinance, and the city opened its Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, a $27 million project aimed at boosting community recreation. Business & Jobs: Indian Hills Community College won federal TRIO grants to serve about 1,500 southeast Iowa residents and students, and an IowaWORKS job fair in West Burlington connected dozens of seekers with local employers. Tech & Data Centers: Des Moines County supervisors heard public input on an AI/data center ordinance, with residents divided over cooling, water impacts, and electricity use. Federal/Legal: A judge who previously sided with CNN is again set to hear a challenge to Trump’s White House press-credential ban affecting CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. International: NATO chief Mark Rutte praised the U.S.-Greenland security deal as “fantastic news,” underscoring Arctic stakes.

Housing & local planning: Ames City Council advanced a 97-unit Ontario Street development, created a downtown social district, and set up a committee to study data centers, while residents pressed for traffic and neighborhood-fit answers. Addiction recovery funding: Polk County approved $1 million in opioid settlement money for Community & Family Resources to expand the Grays Woods Recovery Center, adding 74 beds and more treatment options. Iowa City historical archives: A judge ordered the State Historical Society’s Iowa City research center and archives to stay open, overturning a state closure order. Utility & energy costs: Iowa’s consumer advocate and clean-energy groups urged regulators to block Alliant’s proposed northeast Iowa gas plants unless the company proves they’re necessary and cost-effective. Diesel export debate: Iowa politics kept circling record diesel prices as lawmakers and allies pushed for limits or pauses on U.S. diesel exports, while critics warned it could backfire on consumers. Education & growth: UI’s Tippie College of Business is starting a $60 million expansion to handle enrollment growth, and a new UI study raises concerns that periodical cicadas may be nearing extinction in the Iowa City area. Elections & politics: National coverage highlighted Republicans trying to distance themselves from Trump amid midterm anxiety, with Iowa’s races tied to voter anger over prices and the Iran war. Business & community: A Davenport wellness collective announced a new downtown healing hub, and Ernst highlighted North Lumber & Home Center as Iowa’s Small Business of the Week.

Agriculture & Innovation: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and AG Brenna Bird toured Cornbelt Dairy in Marcus, highlighting a robotic milking upgrade funded through the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program that’s boosted production nearly 10%. Public Health & Safety: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey joined a 20-state push warning that Chinese-sourced ingredients tied to compounded GLP-1 drugs pose a national security risk to the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. STEM Education: Iowa STEM Summit adds a student poster walk for high school research and projects, with proposals due Oct. 1. Energy & Courts: A Johnson County judge ordered the State Historical Society of Iowa to reopen its Iowa City research center after a closure fight. Local Government: Waterloo City Council tabled a plan to create a city manager role, delaying a decision 30 days amid concerns about shifting authority. Iowa Politics: Iowa Republicans are ramping up calls to suspend the gas tax and limit diesel exports as prices hit record highs ahead of November. Community & Culture: Cedar Rapids indie band L&J returns after 15-plus years, and Iowa City hosts Bob the Drag Queen’s “Now Clap!” stand-up stop Sept. 27.

Diesel prices and the Iran war: Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley urged President Trump to halt diesel exports after Iowa diesel hit about $6.57 a gallon, arguing the fuel spike is crushing farmers and the broader supply chain. Campaign fallout: In Iowa’s tight Senate race, Rep. Ashley Hinson called for an immediate end to the Iran war and backed steps like pausing diesel exports and suspending the gas tax—while Democrats and Republicans trade accusations over who supported the conflict. Harvest hit by weather: Heavy rains left Iowa fields saturated, cutting harvest progress and suitable fieldwork days; flash flooding also damaged trails and a bridge at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. Local public safety: Council Bluffs launched a voluntary criminal trespass program so businesses can pre-register authorized people and speed up after-hours responses. Education and research: UI researchers say parents can help early learners by using gestures alongside words, and an interactive ag-injury dashboard aims to help Midwestern communities target farm safety risks. Housing and community: Jewell won a $675,000 state grant for a new pool, and Iowa City’s Scrabble club marked 25 years.

Diesel and farm anger: Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley is urging President Trump to impose a 1970s-style embargo on diesel exports to help family farmers and truckers as fuel costs hit record highs, with Iowa diesel still about $6.31 a gallon. U.S. Senate race (Iowa): Libertarian nominee Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn, a former professor and prosecutor, is campaigning for Iowa’s open seat and criticizes the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Iowa politics and messaging: A confidential GOP super PAC memo says Republicans are still worried about the Iowa Senate race for Rep. Ashley Hinson, citing undecided voters and the need to cut through crowded ballot competition. Local governance: Iowa City Human Rights Commissioners say former commissioners endorsed a Johnson County jail bond without representing the current commission, and they’re inviting public comment before the Sept. 22 discussion. Iowa economy & housing: Zillow reports multiple county home-value gains, including Marshall County up 3.5% to $196,589 and Clayton County up 21% to $302,217. Ag research & jobs: Iowa State President David Cook highlights value-added agriculture and digital precision ag as priorities. Sports: Iowa remains ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25 as Ole Miss jumps to No. 4.

State Historical Society Fight: A Johnson County judge ruled Iowa City’s State Historical Society must keep a research center in the Centennial Building, blocking the state’s plan to close the site and move archives to Des Moines. Flooding Watch: Cedar Rapids and Marion crews are responding after heavy rain and flash flooding, with some parks and trails closed in Marion and crews monitoring creeks, streets, and sewer lines in Cedar Rapids. Diesel Shock Hits Iowa: U.S. diesel prices topped $6.50 a gallon as the Iran war tightens global fuel supplies, raising costs for farmers and trucking and fueling calls from Sen. Chuck Grassley for a diesel export embargo. Midterm Politics & Cost of Living: A new NBC News poll shows Trump’s approval slipping and more voters blaming him for economic harm, with the Iran war and high fuel prices driving concern in places like Iowa. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reported multiple Iowa county home-value gains in August, including Calhoun (+10.1%), Winneshiek (+2.9%), and Iowa County (+3.9%). Local Business Notes: Cedar Rapids business updates include new hires and openings, such as a new Mission Athletics facility.

Midterms Mood: A new NBC News poll finds 43% of voters say their congressional vote is meant to oppose President Trump—the highest “opposition” signal NBC has measured in decades—while 55% say Trump’s policies have hurt the economy and 57% link the Iran war to reduced support for candidates. Iowa Cost Pressure: In Iowa, diesel is hitting record highs (about $6.06 a gallon statewide), and Sen. Chuck Grassley is urging a diesel export embargo as fuel costs squeeze farm income; Sen. John Kennedy also ties inflation to the Iran war and predicts the conflict ends within six months. Health Care Bills: A KFF-backed report highlights how even health care workers are skipping insurance as premiums climb, with one Iowa-area family medicine practice saying they’re paying out of pocket instead. State Policy Watch: Iowa’s vape registry enforcement is moving forward after an injunction was lifted, with a first statewide vapor products directory expected Oct. 15. Local Government: Monroe County supervisors approved bridge work, a VPN for recorder/treasurer, and a courthouse USPS mailbox move. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Scott County’s typical home value rose to $252,728 in August 2026 (+4.4% year over year).

Flood Watch: Heavy rains are prompting a National Weather Service flood watch for Fayette and Clayton counties, with up to 6 inches possible and creeks/streams at risk of rising. Iowa Politics: In Des Moines, the Faith and Freedom Coalition drew more than 1,200 people as GOP leaders pushed turnout for November, with Sen. John Kennedy tying inflation to the U.S.-Iran war and promising an end within six months. Gas, Diesel, and Midterms: Sen. Chuck Grassley urged Trump to take emergency action on diesel prices, citing $6-plus fuel costs hurting farmers as Iowa’s Senate race tightens. Media Clash: Trump said he’s banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, while the outlets vow legal action over access and First Amendment concerns. Local Governance: A judge ruled Iowa City’s State Historical Society research center must stay open, reversing a state plan to close the Iowa City facility. Housing Data: Zillow reports Dubuque County’s typical home value rose to $279,721 in August, up 3.7% year over year. Sports: Iowa routed Northern Iowa 55-0, with backups starring as the Hawkeyes set up Big Ten play.

White House Press Access Fight: Trump says he’ll ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House briefings, and reporters report their passes were seized after being denied access—First Amendment experts warn it could be unconstitutional. Midterms Watch: With about 45 days left, Republicans face mounting warning signs as voter anger over prices and Iran war fallout grows, and control of Congress looks less certain. County Cybersecurity: Monroe County supervisors approved cybersecurity services with Iowa State and now require security awareness training for all county employees who use county computers, with participation tracked and reported. Local Water Project: Corydon’s drinking-water upgrade cleared for environmental review via a categorical exclusion, with planned main replacements, hydrants, service connections and testing under the state revolving fund loan program. Flood Risk: A flood watch is in effect for parts of Iowa and nearby states, with 2 to 4 inches of rain possible through today. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reports mixed August trends—Buena Vista down 0.3% to $188,912, while Boone rose 2% to $233,752 and Cass climbed 3.1% to $164,839.