AGP Executive Report

Iowa U.S. Senate: Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek in a basketball video, urging Iowans to back his bid to flip retiring Sen. Joni Ernst’s seat; the race is widely viewed as a near dead heat against GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson, with independents likely deciding. Judiciary: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Melissa Larson as district associate judge in Judicial District 5A, filling a vacancy created by Judge Virginia Cobb’s retirement. Education & mental health: The Iowa Department of Education awarded $2.35 million to 10 districts for therapeutic classroom grants aimed at supporting students with emotional or behavioral needs. Public safety: U.S. Marshals’ “Operation Heatwave” in central Iowa led to 61 arrests and cleared 97 felony warrants tied to violent offenders and gang members. Health policy: A University of Iowa study found businesses perform better in states that legalize medical marijuana, linking legalization to a “cool image” that attracts productive talent. Legal system & courts: A Clear Lake man accused in a July 4 gun-point incident entered a not guilty plea; trial is set for September. Animal welfare: A southeast Iowa dog breeder faces 31 counts of animal neglect after authorities seized 31 animals in Farmington.

Midterms & GOP Enthusiasm: New polling discussed on Kyle Kulinski’s show suggests Republican voters are losing confidence in the economy, with some lifelong GOP supporters considering staying home or even voting Democratic. School Choice & Costs: School choice programs are expanding and drawing more money, but families face waiting lists and critics warn public education gets drained as eligibility broadens. SNAP Court Fight: Gov. Kim Reynolds says she hopes the federal government appeals a judge’s ruling that blocks Iowa and other states from restricting “unhealthy” SNAP purchases. Ballot Access: A Polk County judge upheld the state’s decision to keep Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Nicholas Gluba and running mate Jules Cutler off the November ballot, with Gluba weighing a state Supreme Court appeal. Public Safety & Courts: A Huxley man was convicted under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for intentionally hitting two Canada geese with his truck. Local Government Watch: Newton school construction is in limbo after a contractor dispute, raising concerns for the 2026-27 school year start. Iowa Policy & Everyday Life: Iowa’s sales tax holiday is set for Aug. 7-8, exempting clothing and footwear under $100. Health & Politics: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand met cancer survivors and advocates, focusing on pediatric cancer funding and making radon testing more accessible.

Iowa Ballot Fight: A judge ruled the Libertarian Gluba-Cutler ticket can’t be on Iowa’s 2026 ballot, setting up likely appeals to the Iowa Supreme Court. Public Safety & Courts: A Mason City man took a plea deal over allegedly trying to burn down his family home; in another case, an Ottumwa man was arrested on grooming/enticing-a-minor charges after an online sting. State Government & Elections: Senate Democrats announced a $40 million “Win The Senate” ground operation in battleground states including Iowa as midterms approach. Federal Policy Push: Iowa AG Brenna Bird joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Iowa Communities: Central Iowa Water Works lifted outdoor watering restrictions after nitrate levels eased; a new report also says 12.4% of Iowans were food insecure in 2024. Local Governance: Polk County’s Lincoln High football coach Tom Alessio Jr. resigned after a county workplace misconduct investigation. Environment & Agriculture: USDA funding will support wetland mitigation banking projects, with Iowa among prioritized states.

Property Taxes: Bremer County approved 2026 homestead exemptions under SF 2472, shifting from a state-funded credit to an exemption that cuts taxable value (10% of taxable value, $5,500–$20,000, inflation-adjusted after 2026). Pensions & Courts: Iowa AG Brenna Bird leads a 13-state fight to keep pension oversight with state regulators, backing state-regulated plans against calls for more federal control. Water & Agriculture: KCCI reports a decade after a nitrate runoff lawsuit, Des Moines Water Works and rural stakeholders are now collaborating on water quality efforts. Coal Ash Lawsuit: Environmental groups sue DNR and Alliant Energy over Ottumwa-area coal ash permits, arguing toxic metals should be stopped sooner under newer federal rules. Labor & Health Care: Bernie Sanders urges UnityPoint to recognize nurses’ union vote as the NLRB reviews UnityPoint’s objections. Local Ballot Power: Newton residents are collecting signatures to put proposed utility franchise fees to a voter election instead of a city council majority vote. Kids’ Safety/Health Policy: Iowa advocates push the federal NEST Act for newborn essentials kits and postpartum resources, aiming to reach rural families. Construction Dispute: Newton school officials say a subcontractor stopped work on Aurora Heights Elementary’s composite wall panels amid disputes. Midterms/Politics: Iowa Democrats face renewed scrutiny after the DNC moved South Carolina to lead the 2028 presidential primary calendar.

Kids Online Safety: Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand unveiled a plan to protect children online, including banning social media accounts for kids under 16, requiring app-store age verification and parental consent for 16-17, and adding limits like no “infinite scroll,” stricter privacy defaults, and bans on selling kids’ data. State Politics & Elections: Iowa AG Brenna Bird says she’s in a tough re-election fight and highlights her office’s court battles, including election integrity cases involving non-citizens. Public Accountability: Iowa City schools say a financial review found no fraud, but blamed incorrect records and software training gaps for delayed audits and incomplete statements. Local Government & Courts: Polk County is facing scrutiny after a columnist criticized its lack of detail in the firing of a high-paid administrator; separately, a Cedar Rapids woman was charged with harassment of State Rep. Taylor Collins over Facebook threats. Environment & Energy: Environmental groups sued Iowa regulators and Alliant Energy over permits they say allow continued coal ash pollution tied to an Iowa power plant and landfill. National Politics: The DNC’s rules panel chose South Carolina to lead the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, sidelining Nevada and keeping Iowa out of the early spotlight.

Equal Pay Ruling: Iowa State University has been ordered to pay former professor Silvia Cianzio nearly $2.8M after a jury found willful underpayment dating back to 2009. Public Safety & Local Government: Tama Police Chief Jason Bina announced his resignation, citing health, after more than a decade leading the department. County Jail Vote: Johnson County supervisors advanced a plan for a new jail and sheriff’s office, setting up a $94.5M bond referendum for voters on Nov. 3. Reproductive Health Access: Iowa City residents are bracing for the closure of the Planned Parenthood clinic there, raising questions about what services will look like after July 31. Elections & Voting Access: Supporters rallied in Des Moines to protect the Postal Service and vote-by-mail ahead of the midterms. Water Quality: Central Iowa Water Works shut down its nitrate removal plant after 193 days, underscoring ongoing pressure on Iowa’s water systems. Health Alerts: Iowa health officials say cyclosporiasis cases may be linked to a national outbreak. Politics & Messaging: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz told Iowans the state is pivotal for whether Republicans keep control of Congress in 2027. Media & Community Journalism: Nelson Media Company rebranded the Nora Springs Rockford Register as The River Register and plans expanded coverage into Mason City. Sports-Adjacent Enforcement: A Gazette report says Hawkeye football ejections and citations at Kinnick have surged since alcohol sales began.

Greene County Public Safety: A driver died after a chase that ended in a ditch; the driver allegedly stabbed a Jefferson police officer in the face, and the officer fired, with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation handling the shooting probe. Local Elections: Hastings will hold a Sept. 1 special election for an at-large City Council seat; nomination papers are due Aug. 7, with absentee voting starting Aug. 12. County Governance: Jasper County voters will decide whether township trustees and clerks stay elected or shift to appointments by the Board of Supervisors, after recruitment problems. Iowa Politics & Campaigns: Iowa’s Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Dave Muhlbauer defended Rob Sand’s marijuana legalization plan amid criticism, while national GOP messaging leaned on “enthusiasm” and “scary” voter-turnout warnings. Education Policy: Ankeny-area teachers settled a lawsuit over a student drag show for $150,000, with additional attorneys’ fees. Democratic Presidential Calendar: Democrats selected South Carolina to lead the 2028 nominating schedule, leaving Iowa out early—prompting Iowa Democrats and candidates Josh Turek and Tom Harkin to argue Iowa should go first. State Government: Gov. Kim Reynolds says key agency leaders are staying through her term and announced a new Iowa Lottery security administrator. Agriculture & Community: North English dedicated the Smoky Row Trail after a “railroad tycoon” land gift, and Tom Vilsack highlighted a global hunger push through the World Food Prize Foundation. Health & Consumer: Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics resumed after a one-year ban expired, and Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup was recalled in Iowa over can pull-tab issues.

Iowa Election Security: Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa’s voter system is “safe, secure” after New Jersey’s voter-roll software error added thousands of noncitizens; Iowa requires photo ID and Secretary of State Paul Pate says the NJ glitch doesn’t affect Iowa, while Reynolds hints Congress should act. U.S. House Power Play: House Speaker Mike Johnson tells Iowans they’re “the tip of the spear” in the 2026 fight for GOP control, touting at least $11M from a pro-Republican super PAC for Iowa candidates. Democrats vs. DNC Calendar: Rob Sand tells the DNC on 2028 caucuses Iowa will follow state law even if it conflicts with national plans after Iowa was left out of early states; the DNC instead picked South Carolina to go first. Campaign Accountability: Iowa Senate nominee Josh Turek faces criticism for missing votes tied to citizenship and residency rules for public assistance and voter verification. Water & Public Health: KCCI reports Central Iowa Water Works shut off its nitrate removal facility after 193 days of operation this year; separate reporting flags Iowa cyclosporiasis cases possibly tied to a national outbreak. State Government Personnel: Reynolds says key agency leaders will stay through her term and appoints Stephen Waymire as Iowa Lottery administrator. Education & Courts: University of Iowa settles with longtime cellist professor Anthony Arnone for $161,781, including salary/benefits through 2025-26 tied to a voluntary retirement deal.

Democratic 2028 primary calendar: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee picked South Carolina to lead off the 2028 presidential nominating schedule, a major break that keeps Iowa out of the early lineup and shifts influence toward more racially diverse states. Iowa politics: Iowa Democrats’ chair Rita Hart criticized the move, while Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Josh Turek and former Sen. Tom Harkin argued Iowa should still go first under state law. Health care policy: Medicaid reimbursements for routine care at Planned Parenthood clinics have resumed nationwide after a one-year ban expired, though states still control whether clinics can bill Medicaid. Iowa courts & jobs: An Iowa State University professor won a pay-equity verdict after years of underpayment compared with male colleagues. Local governance: Hampton-Dumont School Board will weigh fuel bids, a Head Start food agreement, and updates to its technology handbook. Community & schools: West Sioux School District discussed stadium and baseball lighting upgrades and set a special election tied to its physical plant and equipment levy. Public safety & services: A federal judge was accused of defying the Supreme Court in a case involving Temporary Protected Status protections. Iowa economy & agriculture: A report highlights Iowa nonprofits heavily reliant on government grants, led by Dyersville Events Inc. Health & consumer: Amy’s Kitchen recalled certain soup lots due to pull-tab issues, including distribution in Iowa.

Democratic Primary Calendar Fight: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee picked South Carolina to lead off the 2028 presidential nominating schedule, with Nevada next and Iowa left out of the early voting window again—prompting sharp criticism from Iowa Democrats and renewed debate over “first in the nation” status. Airport Security Overhaul: TSA Gold+ is expanding, and three airports have opted in—Tampa, Charleston, and Des Moines—allowing private contractors to run security screening, drawing union warnings about safety and job losses. Iowa Courts & Elections: A federal grand jury indicted two Southeast Iowa men in a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme, while Iowa Democrats say the party will revisit the fate of 2028 caucuses after midterms. Energy & Environment: Cerro Gordo County sued to block a large solar project approved by the Iowa Utilities Commission, and Iowa DNR cleared Alliant’s Bobcat Energy Center from air-quality impacts. Local Governance: Wayne County is set to join Home Base Iowa to help transitioning service members, and Le Mars named Justin Daale its full-time police chief. Agriculture & Community: Iowa Corn released 2026 board election results, and NICC celebrated 72 HSED graduates.

Democratic Presidential Calendar: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to keep South Carolina first in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating lineup, with Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan and possibly two additional states next, likely pushing Iowa out of the early window again. The fight was framed as a proxy battle between Black and Latino voting blocs, and the full DNC is expected to finalize the plan in August. Iowa Election Administration: Iowa officials say the state wasn’t affected by a New Jersey voter-roll glitch tied to identity software, while Iowa Democrats warn they could face national sanctions if they try to schedule caucuses as the lead-off event. Immigration & Work in Iowa: Haitians in Iowa on Temporary Protected Status face uncertainty as protections are set to expire, with potential job and legal-status fallout for employers and workers. Federal Law Enforcement: A Redfield man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for meth and gun charges. Agriculture & Environment: USDA is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, prioritizing states including Iowa.

Jack Smith Referral: Rep. Jim Jordan says special counsel Jack Smith may have misled Congress in closed testimony about the Trump probe, and he’s referred Smith to DOJ for possible prosecution; Smith’s team denies wrongdoing. Iowa Local Government: Tama County supervisors handled roads work, approved an amended 28E deal for the juvenile detention center, and signed off on multiple contracts and permits. Tama City Council approved the resignation of Police Chief Jason Bina, citing health, and also discussed police staffing and utility items. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Black Hawk County is moving to relocate its outdated road department facility, partnering with Waterloo to evaluate land and hire design services. Local Elections: Reinbeck voters will decide in the Nov. 3 general election on a $4M fire station bond after prior ballot setbacks. State Politics: Iowa’s unemployment stayed at 3.2% in June, with the state adding about 600 jobs. Campaign Trail: Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Dave Muhlbauer defended Rob Sand’s marijuana legalization plan during a visit to a youth addiction treatment facility, drawing concerns about youth exposure. National Policy Watch: Trump’s “ratepayer protection” push would require AI data centers to help pay for power buildout, aiming to prevent higher electricity bills for households.

Airport Security Privatization: TSA Gold+ is rolling out at Des Moines International (projected January 2027), with Charleston (February 2027) and Tampa (May 2027) next, shifting screening work to private contractors while TSA keeps oversight—prompting pushback from the AFGE. Iowa Elections & Voter Data: Democratic Secretary of State candidate Ryan Peterman is demanding answers after Iowa shared voter registration data with the Trump administration, filing FOIA requests aimed at what was sent and how it’s used. Local Government & Taxes: Altoona is pausing its residential tax abatement program under a new state law limiting how new construction values are added to tax digests. Energy & Land Use: Cerro Gordo County sued Iowa to block a proposed $500 million, 500-megawatt solar project, arguing it must get local zoning approval; separately, Iowa environmental groups sued the DNR over coal ash landfill discharge permits at Ottumwa. Campaign Politics: Republicans are pressing the Jack Smith case toward prosecution after Jim Jordan’s criminal referral, while national polling shows Democrats leading the generic ballot heading into 2026. Statewide Public Safety: Iowa DOT says its voter-roll “glitch” comparison to New Jersey is misplaced, after NJ’s software error added noncitizens to voter rolls.

Airport Security Privatization: Tampa, Des Moines, and Charleston are among the first airports to opt into TSA’s “Gold+” private screening model, a move unions say could weaken public oversight while airports argue it’s the best way to avoid future checkpoint chaos. Iowa Election Records Fight: Iowa’s GOP secretary of state, Paul Pate, is under fire from Democrat Ryan Peterman over compliance with a Trump-era order for voter registration data, with Peterman pushing for public records and pointing to court rulings against the federal demand. Campaign Finance & Personal Scrutiny: GOP lieutenant governor candidate Derek Wulf faced questions from a conservative group about multiple court cases tied to his farm finances, saying he’s refinancing after legal trouble. Meta Whistleblower Retaliation: Sen. Chuck Grassley is pressing Meta over alleged retaliation against whistleblowers raising child-safety concerns and claims the company surveilled a complainant. DOJ Referral Escalates: Rep. Jim Jordan formally asks the Justice Department to prosecute Jack Smith over alleged false statements to Congress. Government Efficiency Package: The House passed bipartisan bills aimed at streamlining federal operations and boosting transparency. Local Governance: Johnson County is weighing stricter data center rules, including water and cooling requirements, while Waverly approved workforce housing tax credit support and bridge-related funding.

Immigration & Courts: A Trump-appointed judge tossed the administration’s lawsuit targeting Minnesota’s sanctuary policies, ruling states can’t be forced to help federal ICE enforcement. Iowa Hunger & Food Security: Tom Vilsack urged Iowans to fight hunger locally, pointing to food insecurity rates and a World Food Prize push to pack 600,000 meals in Des Moines this October. Defense & Jobs: The U.S. Army broke ground at Iowa’s Army Ammunition Plant on a Future Artillery Complex to modernize 155mm production. Public Health: Iowa is watching the expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taylor Farms, with officials and experts tracking cases and how the parasite spreads. State Politics & Elections: National parties are pouring money into Iowa governor and Senate races, while GOP and Democrats trade jabs as midterms approach. Local Government: Estherville officials discussed rules for e-bikes and e-scooters on public property, weighing enforcement challenges for youth. Agriculture Policy: Iowa lawmakers face renewed scrutiny over pesticide use as an investigation highlights paraquat’s link to Parkinson’s risk.

Iowa Elections & Money: National governors groups are pouring cash into Iowa’s governor race—Democratic Governors Association backed Rob Sand with $2.5M and the Republican Governors Association’s PAC put more than $5M into Zach Lahn—while new fundraising reports also show Iowa AG Brenna Bird and challenger Nate Willems each pulling in about $1.95M, with $1.5M from their national party allies. State Government: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Stephen Waymire as the new Iowa Lottery administrator, a longtime Des Moines police leader now moving into lottery investigations leadership. Public Health: Cyclospora cases in Iowa nearly doubled year over year, with 112 confirmed so far and about half tied to international travel. Local Governance (Data Centers): Dubuque held a public input session to shape a future data center ordinance, with residents focused on water use, grid strain, zoning, and accountability; the county has a 12-month construction moratorium. Public Safety & Labor: Yankton County sheriff’s deputies voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 120. Health Care Costs: Iowa’s ACA marketplace insurers filed proposed premium hikes for 2027, with some increases reaching double digits. Agriculture & Trade: The United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as incoming CEO starting Oct. 1.