AGP Executive Report

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.

Flood Recovery & Housing: Nearly 400 residents are displaced after severe flooding submerged parts of Parkside East Apartments in Des Moines, with first-floor damage worst and many expected to wait weeks to return. Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sues Temu under the state’s consumer fraud law, alleging deceptive products and data harvesting tied to foreign interests. Local Business & Community Growth: Baxter’s former laundromat is set to become Bun Bun Bakery after a $100,000 Community Catalyst grant, while Colfax opened a new 24-hour gym in its downtown district. Education & Youth: Iowa students won awards in the 27th Annual CBI Poster Contest, and an Iowa State study argues AI writing tools don’t replace the hard thinking students must do. Scams & Public Safety: Iowa’s “Stop the Scammers Tour” drew 1,400 attendees and helped generate reports that are now under investigation. Agriculture & Trade: Iowa farmers and corn groups push to defend USMCA renewal as exports underpin rural jobs and prices. Politics & National Debate: A new wave of GOP messaging targets “democratic socialists,” while Iowa’s immigration-related detention cases continue to draw federal lawsuits.

Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued Temu, alleging the marketplace violates the state’s consumer fraud law by misrepresenting products and pricing and “harvesting” Iowans’ data. Public Safety & Health: Iowa’s Stop the Scammers Tour drew 1,400 people statewide; officials say 19 reports became active fraud investigations, with more than $77.9 million in losses reported since Jan. 1. Local Business Growth: North English’s Main Street Pub and Grub is set to expand with a $100,000 catalyst grant, aiming to double capacity. Education & Youth: PCM math standout Axel Kane is competing for a shot at the National Math Stars program, which can provide mentoring and up to $100,000 in support. Iowa Politics & Water: An Iowa Falls organizer challenged gubernatorial candidates Zach Lahn and Rob Sand to compete in a Paddle Cross race on the Iowa River. Community Events: Coralville’s 4thFest Parade rolled through the city as part of the U.S. 250th birthday celebrations.

Planned Parenthood in Iowa: The Iowa City clinic will close July 31, leaving just one brick-and-mortar Planned Parenthood location in the state (Des Moines) while virtual care continues statewide. Flooding in central Iowa: Fourmile Creek surged after heavy rain, flooding east Des Moines and forcing evacuations, including at a Des Moines hospice center; a flood watch remains in effect. Iowa budget squeeze: Iowa’s deficit is projected at about $1.2 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, driven largely by recent tax cuts, though analysts point to reserves as a short-term cushion. USDA staffing strain for farmers: A report says Iowa lost USDA staff in 2025, with some counties seeing no FSA staff at points in early 2026, slowing access to crop insurance and farm loans. Egg price-fixing fallout: DOJ and state AGs secured a nationwide settlement tied to egg producers manipulating pricing; Iowa is among states connected to the broader agreement. Local public safety funding: Readlyn will receive $300,000 in federal help to build a new emergency services facility for volunteer firefighters.

Flooding & Public Safety: Fourmile Creek surged after heavy rain, forcing evacuations in east Des Moines, including UnityPoint’s Taylor Hospice House on E. Douglas Ave; drone footage showed roads and neighborhoods under water as the creek hit major flood levels. Health Care & Community Impact: The hospice evacuation highlighted how fast flooding can disrupt care, with road and bridge closures reported around the affected area. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: Iowa’s AG Brenna Bird and a multistate coalition secured a settlement tied to unlawful egg price manipulation, including $3.3 million and tens of millions of eggs for consumers and food banks. Politics & Health Care: Iowa’s Medicaid fraud task force is forming as lawmakers debate health funding and coverage cuts ahead of the midterms. Statewide Weather Watch: Flood watches and warnings continued across parts of Iowa through the weekend as more rain threatened additional flooding. Local Business: Sheldon’s downtown renovation added apartments and an Airbnb, while Derby’s Derby Donuts owners announced a new candy shop venture.

Medicaid Crackdown: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Iowa Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force, chaired by AG Brenna Bird, as the state moves to target fraud, waste, and abuse in the cash-strapped program. Consumer Protection: Iowa AG Brenna Bird is suing Temu under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, adding to a broader push against online marketplaces and deceptive practices. Food Policy Fight: A federal judge blocked Iowa’s SNAP restrictions on soda and candy, dealing a blow to the state’s effort to police what low-income families buy. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: Egg producers are set to pay $3.3 million (and donate millions of eggs) after DOJ and federal/state complaints tied them to coordinated price manipulation. Flood Watch: Heavy rain has extended flood watches and warnings across parts of Iowa and nearby states, with rivers expected to crest and minor to moderate flooding possible. Local Infrastructure: Green Mountain is moving ahead on a $3.7 million sewer project to replace private septic tanks with a village-wide system. Water Quality Debate: Central Iowa Water Works defended its nitrate-reduction work and investment pace amid public questions.

Medicaid Fallout in Iowa: One Big Beautiful Bill turns 1, and Iowa disability advocates say looming work requirements and reduced federal funding could squeeze access to care starting in 2027. Consumer Protection: Iowa AG Brenna Bird sues Temu under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, alleging the app harvests data and misleads shoppers on quality and pricing. Local Water Update: Central Iowa Water Works lifts its residential lawn watering ban and shifts to voluntary conservation, while commercial and government users stay under tighter limits. Iowa Politics & Campaigns: UNI wrestling’s Doug Schwab says it’s “been way too long” for the UNI-Iowa dual to return, and Rob Sand touts a nonpartisan approach during a Council Bluffs stop. Council Bluffs Data Centers: City Council votes down a data center moratorium, despite residents raising power and water concerns. Rural Listening Project 250: Rural Iowans press lawmakers on cost of living, shrinking local economies, and healthcare access. FTC Brand-Safety Settlement: The FTC settles with Havas, ending the last “Big Six” ad-agency case over coordinated brand-safety rules that limited where political ads could run. Road Safety: Iowa DOT begins updating about 1,800 speed limit signs as new rural limits take effect July 1.

Iowa Politics & Accountability: Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand’s Democratic bid for governor is gaining traction as Republicans’ oversight curbs backfire, with Sand pitching tighter accountability and limits on officials’ behavior. Public Health & Access: A GOP Medicaid ban on Planned Parenthood is set to expire, meaning states decide whether patients can again get routine care at clinics that remain open. Consumer Protection & Food Prices: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and other AGs reached a multistate settlement with egg producers accused of price-fixing; Iowa’s share includes about $90,000 and millions of donated eggs for food banks. New Iowa Laws: New rules taking effect include stricter online porn age verification for sites with mostly pornographic content and other statewide changes tied to courts and public safety. Local Business & Community: Arconic announced a $175 million Davenport Works expansion, and Iowa State University offers co-parenting and Master Gardener training programs. Weather & Safety: Extreme heat continues across the Midwest, with cooling centers opening and outdoor plans canceled.

Abortion & Minor Health Rules: New Iowa laws take effect today, tightening access to abortion-inducing medication by requiring in-person prescriptions and also limiting minors’ ability to consent to certain STI-related care, including the HPV vaccine. Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued Temu under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, alleging deceptive pricing and sign-up practices, substandard goods, and improper data harvesting. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: DOJ and state attorneys general reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged collusion, with Iowa’s share tied to Versova-linked operations near Sioux Center and payments plus egg donations to food banks. Road Safety: Iowa is raising speed limits on some state highways to 60 mph starting in July, but the DOT warns not all roads are ready and says safety upgrades may be needed. Local Housing Finance: The Iowa Finance Authority awarded tax credits and HOME funds to convert Fort Madison’s former Lincoln Elementary into 30 senior affordable rentals. Public Safety & Scams: Bird also urged Iowans to be cautious with storm-repair scammers after recent severe weather.

Egg price-fixing settlement: Iowa will get about $89,931 from a multistate deal where three major egg producers will pay $3.3 million and donate 50+ million eggs after a DOJ-led investigation found unlawful coordination that drove up prices. Abortion access: A new Iowa law taking effect July 1 requires medication abortion pills to be prescribed and dispensed in person, ending mail access after telehealth. Local roads: The Lee County Board of Supervisors voted to keep many secondary roads at 55 mph while it studies how a new state default speed limit could apply. Healthcare fraud: MercyOne Genesis will pay $4.6 million over alleged heart pump overuse and overbilling. Public safety: Clear Lake police cited a fireworks stand employee for selling to a minor during a compliance check. Sports/college: Former Nebraska center Rienk Mast agreed to a post-draft deal with the Indiana Pacers. Education/health policy: Iowa’s new “emeritus” physician license starts July 1, aimed at keeping older doctors teaching and supervising residents.

Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: The DOJ and 17 states reached settlements with major egg producers Cal-Maine Foods, Versova and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged collusion to manipulate the Urner Barry egg price benchmark, with $3.3 million in penalties and 53 million eggs headed to food banks nationwide; Iowa’s share is $89,931. Iowa Law Changes July 1: New rules take effect statewide, including tighter access to abortion-inducing medication via in-person prescriptions, permanent citizenship/work verification steps for state licensing and employment, and other measures tied to speed limits and emergency powers. Local Government & Utilities: Albia approved sewer and landfill rate increases plus pay raises, while Sheldon’s council will consider updates tied to emergency services financing and city staffing. Workforce & Education: ETS announced it will acquire ACT, aiming to expand education and career pathways beyond standardized testing. Iowa Business & Economy: Iowa small businesses are being urged to chase federal defense contracts as military spending ramps up. Agriculture & Costs: Iowa Corn Growers praised a temporary suspension of phosphate countervailing duties, a move meant to ease fertilizer costs. Community Safety & Heat: Sioux County opened cooling shelters at public libraries as dangerous heat and humidity continue.

Iowa Workforce & Jobs: Iowa Workforce Development is taking applications for AMP’D Iowa, a new advanced manufacturing training grant that can reimburse up to 80% of employer training costs (up to $4,000 per employee, $250,000 per employer) starting today. Local Schools: Iowa City Community School District named Amy Kortemeyer as interim superintendent starting July 1, with a one-year contract after Matt Degner stepped down. Iowa Law & Roads: Webster County will raise the default speed limit on paved roads from 55 to 60 mph on July 1, with posted limits still controlling. Health & Courts: UI Health Care agreed to pay $312,500 to an Iowa City couple over a “botched” 2021 eye surgery, avoiding a July trial. Community Development: Charles City is accepting applications for Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants, offering up to $100,000 (with dollar-for-dollar matching) for downtown building upgrades. National Policy Watch: Arkansas is moving ahead with a SNAP ban on candy and soda despite a recent court ruling.

Airport Expansion: Sioux County Regional Airport is nearing completion on a nearly $2 million expansion to add hangar space and handle rising aircraft demand. Higher Education Leadership: The University of Iowa named spring dean’s and president’s list students, while Iowa City hired Amy Kortemeyer as interim superintendent starting July 1. STEM Growth: The University of Dubuque won Higher Learning Commission approval for a four-year engineering program launching in fall 2027. Rural Health Funding: UnityPoint Health-Grinnell received a Healthy Hometowns grant to buy an MRI and reduce patient travel. Iowa Environment Watch: Iowa Insight is expanding statewide air and water monitoring to help explain Iowa’s high cancer rates. Local Business: Biaggi’s closed its Cedar Rapids location after 25 years. Community & Nonprofits: One year after OneTable QC’s discussions on federal budget cuts, Quad Cities nonprofits are reporting progress through collaboration and advocacy. Agriculture & Climate Policy: USDA’s finalized regenerative feedstock rule lets farmers quantify carbon intensity for certain practices tied to biofuels.