AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Fraud Prevention: Iowa’s “Stop the Scammers Tour” wrapped up after 20 free events statewide, with 1,400 attendees and 19 real-time scam reports now under investigation. Health Watch: U.S. tuberculosis cases hit a multi-decade high, a reminder that TB remains a serious, underacknowledged risk—especially for immigrant communities and people in congregate settings. Local Politics & Community Care: Sen. Chuck Grassley visited Sioux Center Health, hearing concerns about rural doctor shortages and funding while highlighting the Rural Emergency Hospital program. Culture & Community History: Iowa groups are marking America’s 250th by preserving underrepresented stories, including LGBTQIA+ archives at the Des Moines Pride Center. Immigration & Human Stories: Four people were detained by ICE in Iowa after a major funding increase, with advocates raising fears for detainees’ futures. Arts & Downtown Life: Iowa City’s expanded Downtown District improvement district kicks off for a new 10-year push supporting arts and economic development. Sports & Local Pride: Iowa City landed on CNN’s “best towns to visit” list for 2026, spotlighting its literary culture and downtown energy.

Education & Family Support: Iowa State University Extension is offering “Co-Parenting for Resilience,” a court-approved online program for divorced parents, with the next session July 29. Community Grants: The Community Foundation for Western Iowa awarded 38 Community Impact Grants totaling $67,500 across Pottawattamie County, including support for libraries, crisis assistance, housing navigation, and arts/culture projects. Local Schools & Community Input: Webster City is kicking off SPARK brainstorming sessions July 7-8 with an architectural team to shape a future high school facility proposal, with a public vote planned for September. Arts & America 250: The Figge Art Museum will open two Midwest-focused exhibits July 5—“Connie and Michael Roberts: Portrait of America” and “Corn Zone”—tying local creativity to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Immigration & Belonging: Iowa immigration groups cautiously celebrated the Supreme Court’s rejection of Trump’s birthright citizenship challenge, saying it keeps the 14th Amendment’s promise intact. Health & Prevention: Youth and Shelter Services launched the “Before it Becomes More” opioid prevention campaign, expanding education and community outreach. Summer Events: Ames is rolling out America 250 weekend festivities, including an America 250 Big Bash at the Ames History Museum and free family-friendly programming.

Education & Health at the Forefront: Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand held a Shenandoah town hall, pitching respect for teachers and education funding alongside healthcare proposals as he gears up to face Zach Lahn. Public Safety & Community Impact: Des Moines reported 12 homicides in the first half of 2026—already more than the city saw in all of 2025—while police say the overall crime rate remains low but violence is driven by bad decisions and domestic abuse. Youth Prevention: YSS launched its “Before it Becomes More” campaign to combat Iowa’s opioid epidemic, rolling out a community toolkit aimed at early prevention for families and local leaders. Healthcare Workforce: Iowa begins issuing new “emeritus” medical licenses for qualifying doctors, designed to keep experienced physicians mentoring residents amid ongoing physician shortages. Culture & Learning: The Figge Art Museum opens two America 250-timed exhibitions exploring Midwestern identity—one through portraiture and one through the agricultural landscape. Local Life & Events: Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School program delivered bike safety education and helmets to hundreds of northeast Iowa students.

Winter Wonder: A Lake Superior “sea smoke” scene turns bitter cold into a surreal, Japan-like spectacle of ice crystals and steam. Community & Heritage: Classic Tractors of NE IA traces how antique-tractor rides and restorations grew into a local culture hub. Healthcare & Aging: A new Iowa “emeritus” physician license starts today, aiming to keep late-career doctors teaching and supervising residents. America 250 in Iowa: The Historic Hills Scenic Byway Bale Trail kicks off July 1 with free, family-friendly patriotic bale sculptures across five counties. Local Arts & Learning: Grants help the Sturdevant House museum in Waverly move toward urgent electrical upgrades and a long-awaited public restroom. Education Wins: Iowa State names spring Dean’s and President’s List students, highlighting academic achievement across the region. Public Safety: Johnson County shares fireworks rules for July 3-4, with permit requirements for unincorporated areas. Sports & Pride: “Land of the Free” brings a patriotic musical to Shenandoah ahead of July 4 fireworks.

Supreme Court & Civil Rights: Analysts say this term’s big theme has been civil rights wins, even as the court upheld state bans on transgender women in school sports—meaning Iowa and many other states’ rules are likely to stand. Local Schools: Albia approved a new K-12 reading curriculum and staffing changes, while Wayne’s district OK’d new contracts and set 2026–27 meal prices. Iowa Politics & Community Tone: Civility advocates are pushing ways to restore “Iowa Nice” as campaigns heat up. Farm & Food Policy: A sweeping House bill would overhaul the H-2A farm labor program, aiming to expand legal guestworker access for livestock and dairy. Culture & Access: A Golden-based author won a Braille innovation prize for Flip-pics, a tactile way to understand complex images. Iowa Lifestyles & Events: Shell Rock’s 4th of July celebration runs July 1–5, and Iowa STEM launched STEM BEST® 250 to spur student service projects for America’s 250th. Sports Spotlight: Burton’s Amya Nickerson qualifies for AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines. Business Watch: Whirlpool’s Iowa plant continues cutting jobs despite tariff hopes.

Education Leadership: Iowa City Community School District named Amy Kortemeyer as interim superintendent starting July 1, with a one-year contract approved after a messy financial history came to light. Local Governance: Bremer County supervisors discussed opioid settlement funding, rural speed limit changes, roadside vegetation management, and new open-meetings requirements. Books & Learning Rights: A new report says book bans are increasingly coordinated and institutional, targeting titles tied to race, gender, and LGBTQIA+ identities. Community Grants: Downtown Charles City is accepting applications for Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants offering up to $100,000 for building improvements, with local deadlines in August. Culture & Heritage: The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids acquired a replica of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, celebrating Czech history with a reception and music. Family & Health Policy: Iowa’s July 1 law changes include new abortion pill restrictions, plus other healthcare and criminal justice updates. STEM & Workforce: SkillsUSA recognized an Iowa student from State Center at the national conference, and Rivermont Collegiate is running a free math acceleration camp using AI-based personalized learning.

Education & Community: Iowa City hired Amy Kortemeyer as interim superintendent starting July 1, aiming to stabilize leadership and address a messy financial situation; meanwhile, Iowa State and the University of Iowa released spring dean’s list and president’s list honors, spotlighting thousands of high-achieving students. Local Culture & Heritage: Cedar Rapids’ Freedom Festival kept the momentum going at Ellis Park with a cardboard boat competition, while the Luxembourg Heritage Society of Northwest Iowa placed flags on graves of early Luxembourg settlers near Alton. Public Life & Policy: Iowa’s new statewide rules for identifying and serving talented and gifted students take shape for 2027, and Sioux County towns like Hull are weighing e-scooter and e-bike safety with education-first approaches. Sports & Spotlight: Cedar Rapids Marathon organizers say the inaugural race drew big crowds and are already planning for 2027. Legal & National Impact: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Monsanto in a Roundup liability fight, a decision closely watched in agricultural states.

Labor & Health Care: River Hills Community Health Center employees and Teamsters rallied in Centerville over a planned clinic closure, alleging the timing lines up with unionizing efforts and that the shutdown could violate labor law. Pride & Community: Iowa State students shared what Pride Month means to them, while Valley Junction’s third annual Pride festival brought music, drag, and a pet parade to Des Moines’ metro. Local Arts & Family Fun: Wilder Memorial Museum in Strawberry Point is hosting a free Bluegrass concert July 21, and Garwin Freedom Days runs July 3–5 with parades, antiques, and town celebrations. Education & Care: Fort Dodge opened Sprouts Early Education & Development School, aiming to meet a major child-care need for kids under 5. Policy & Culture: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked thousands of Roundup lawsuits, a reminder of how national decisions ripple into Iowa’s farm and health conversations. Civic Planning: Sioux County supervisors plan an informational discussion on data center development after a moratorium.

Louisiana Politics: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, backed by President Trump, won the GOP Senate nomination after defeating state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff—another sign of how much Trump’s endorsement still reshapes Republican primaries. Iowa Education & Community: Iowa City Community School District named Amy Kortemeyer interim superintendent starting July 1, as the district transitions after Matt Degner’s resignation. Health Policy in Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed about 200 bills, with major changes set to take effect July 1, including new rules affecting abortion access and medical ethics. Culture & Celebration: Towns across Iowa are ramping up for America250, with local events like Coralville’s 4thFest and other July 3–4 plans bringing music, fireworks, and family activities. Sports & Local Life: West Sioux School District approved staffing and fee changes, while Iowa City-area friends keep honoring Ben Ryan through an annual 120-mile Ragnar relay.

Iowa City Schools: The Iowa City Community School District named Amy Kortemeyer interim superintendent starting July 1, as it also moves to tighten K-5 device rules under a new state law limiting screen time to 60 minutes a day. Community Sports & Pride: UNI’s athletics posted a strong national showing in the LEARFIELD Director’s Cup, while Clear Lake landed a $50,000 T-Mobile grant to build the world’s largest Buddy Holly guitar. Arts & Music: Amana’s Performing Arts Center hosts Confluence, a donation-based jazz concert, and Iowa’s music scene keeps expanding with events tied to Make Music Day and the Hinterland Music Festival. Local Culture & Faith: A school board debate over “released time” religious instruction is sparking fresh controversy, and a faith column reflects on trust and belief. Sports Culture: The 2026 NHL draft is complete, with draft grades highlighting standout team-building moments.

School Tech Policy: Iowa City schools are revisiting K-5 device rules after the Iowa “Make America Healthy Again” law pushes limits on daily screen time, with teachers and families calling for less distraction and more balanced learning. Education Accountability: A Cedar Rapids charter school founder is suing Empowering Excellence Charter School, alleging leaked, unverified theft claims and loss of access to school systems ahead of a June 29 board action. Arts & Music: Clear Lake won a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to build a 31-foot Buddy Holly guitar landmark, while Amana hosts Confluence, a jazz concert by donation. Community Savings: The Iowa State Fair rolls out early ticket and ride-game discounts for Aug. 13–23. Local Sports Pride: Northern Iowa athletics hit a 10-year high in national standings, finishing 105th in the LEARFIELD Director’s Cup. Culture & Community Events: A patriotic rosary gathering is set for July 4 at Osceola County Freedom Rock Park in Ashton.

Rural Health & Community Care: U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and others toured Iowa hospitals to highlight how the Rural Health Transformation Program is modernizing care for “tweener” rural facilities. Workforce Development: Eastern Iowa Workforce Area launches July 1, merging two regions into a 22-county system with IowaWORKS centers in Davenport, West Burlington, Ottumwa and Marshalltown. Local Pride & Community Building: Marshalltown’s Pride in the Park is back for a third year, now shorter and July-timed to draw visitors and reduce scheduling conflicts. Energy & Local Impacts: Henry County supervisors held an evening discussion on data center and bitcoin mining growth, focusing on electricity strain and siting rules. Water Quality Education: Somers Public Library hosts “Water Quality 101” on Tuesday, tackling nitrates and regenerative farming solutions. Arts & Music in Iowa: Cedar Rapids debuted Make Music Day, connecting dozens of artists across venues and genres for a citywide celebration. Education & Youth Programs: Fort Dodge’s new Sprouts preschool opens with Cargill support, while Newton libraries roll out summer STEM and reading events. Sports Notes: Fort Dodge swept Marshalltown in a doubleheader, and Penn State swimming hired associate head coach Mike Smiechowski.

Iowa Politics & Civic Life: A bipartisan group of former and current officeholders is pushing for more civility in Iowa campaigns, arguing “Iowa Nice” has slipped as social media and political violence escalate. Democracy Calendar: National Democrats are weighing a $270,000 fine—and possible delegate penalties—for states that break the 2028 presidential schedule, putting Iowa’s caucus timing back in the spotlight. LGBTQ+ Community: Fairfield Pride kicks off with film, drag, and family events this weekend, including a Sunday picnic featuring State Rep. Aime Wichtendahl. Arts & Culture: Grinnell’s Muslim chef documentary “Kamal’s” will screen at the Des Moines Art Festival, spotlighting food, family, and rural racial tension. Health & Giving: Iowa Donor Network manager Madeline Knoff earns national recognition as a rising leader in organ donation and transplantation. Local Agriculture & Conservation: Iowa LICA opened a new facility at its Marshall County demonstration farm to expand hands-on soil and water education.

Sports & Pride: Lock Haven’s Jasmine McCulley, a Central Mountain grad, earned a spot on Team USA for the 2026 World Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championship in Paris this August. Education Spotlight: Marshalltown’s Ann Jackson won the 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year award (junior division), highlighting Iowa’s classroom impact. Arts Across Iowa: The Quad Cities launches the Culture Bright Summer Series (Aug. 16–23) with music, art, storytelling, and accessibility—an extension of Alternating Currents into an 11-day arts season. Community Remembrance: The Wall That Heals arrives at BGM High School in Brooklyn July 30–Aug. 2, with a free 24/7 memorial replica and mobile education center. Local Culture Calendar: Webster City’s weekend lineup includes “Little Mermaid Jr.” at the community theatre, plus museum hours, a Depot Museum open house, and the 20th annual car show in Kamrar. Family Savings: Iowa’s ISave 529 cuts its only fee again starting July 1, dropping from 0.17% to 0.16%.

Civic Life: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is starting the process to fill five seats on the Winneshiek County extension council, with nominations and a November general-election ballot; council members help hire staff, manage the budget, and shape local research-and-education programming. Youth & Leadership: Decorah High School senior Ava Hanson was selected for the 80th Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State at Drake University in Des Moines, a hands-on program focused on local government, leadership, and citizenship. Community Improvements: AARP’s Community Challenge awarded grants to eastern Iowa towns, including Cedar Rapids for an accessory dwelling unit initiative, Cedar Rapids Horizons for a pickleball court, and Marshalltown’s Arts + Culture Alliance for an accessible downtown pocket plaza. Local Culture & Tourism: Clear Lake won a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant for a 31-foot Buddy Holly tribute guitar at the Surf District, with a check presentation set for Friday at the Surf Ballroom. Health & Philanthropy: UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center received a $1M gift to create an adolescent and young adult cancer program. Education & Records: Iowa State agreed to share financial records tied to its 2025 Ireland football trip after settling a lawsuit with the Iowa Freedom of Information Council.

College Access & Affordability: Cornell College is testing “price-first” admissions, sending nonbinding financial aid estimates before students apply, and says the approach helped drive about one-fifth of its fall 2026 class to commit. Local Education & Community: Clarke University celebrated Cody Leon’s 2026 graduation, while Oelwein’s American Boys State sent five seniors to Camp Dodge for a hands-on civics week. Public Health & Prevention: A Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties meeting in Fort Dodge shared new statewide cancer data and resources, and a Webster City event will teach residents how to recognize and prevent human trafficking. Health Watch: Lyme disease risk is expanding beyond its old hotspots, with tick-bite visits rising in recent CDC-linked data. Iowa Economy & Jobs: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved funding for manufacturers and community projects, including expansions in Independence and Newton plus tourism and youth sports upgrades. Policy & Coverage: Medicaid work requirements are rolling out in more states, with Iowa’s enforcement set for December 1. Culture & Sports: The 2026 NBA Draft wrapped with AJ Dybantsa going No. 1 and Iowa guard Darryn Peterson taken No. 2 by Utah.