AGP Executive Report

Education & Civics: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill requiring Iowa public-university students to take American history and American government courses starting in 2028, with the Center for Intellectual Freedom designated as the sole unit offering them. Higher Ed Equity: The Iowa Supreme Court blocked a University of Iowa plan to shift a race-based scholarship, saying the original restriction is likely barred but the proposed workaround doesn’t match the donor’s intent. Food Security: Iowa’s SUN Meals program is running at 530+ sites statewide, offering free summer meals and snacks for kids 18 and under, with help lines and a USDA site finder for families. Public Health: Johnson County Public Health is joining a statewide effort to cut cancer disparities, expanding prevention, screening awareness, radon testing/mitigation, and rural access via telehealth tablets. Community Outdoors: Seasons Center’s free Reel Fun for the Whole Family fishing event in Spencer (June 14) offers casting contests, catch-and-release fishing, and free rod-and-reel combos for kids. Local Sports Culture: The 2026 all-News-Telegraph track team highlights standout athletes from area schools, celebrating sprint, distance, hurdles, and field performers.

Higher Ed Policy: Iowa’s new requirement for incoming college students to take “comprehensive” American history and American government courses is set to start in fall 2028, with civics centers choosing course options at Iowa State and UNI and the University of Iowa’s Center for Intellectual Freedom holding the role at the flagship. Local Pride & Belonging: The Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce launched its “Pride in Place” community survey to shape a regional culture statement around respect, inclusion, and connection. Health & Family: A JAMA study finds that swapping sedentary time for light activity and daily steps is linked to lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Community & Faith: Le Mars United Way approved nearly $183,000 for 27 local programs, while Diocese of Des Moines “Sacred Heart” parishes plan celebrations tied to the U.S. consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Arts & Community Life: Walnut Street School in Des Moines held its final day as it closes under the district’s Reimagining Education plan.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn’s upset win for the Iowa GOP governor nomination set up a high-stakes November matchup with Rob Sand, after Lahn narrowly edged Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra in a tight primary. Education & Youth: New Iowa education standards for 2027–28 expand statewide testing to include social studies and beef up health education requirements, including emotional well-being and safety skills. Health & Environment: The University of Iowa launched INSIGHT, a statewide research push to connect environmental exposures to health problems like cancer and maternal-newborn outcomes. Community & Culture: Silos & Smokestacks marked its 30th anniversary as it helps celebrate America’s 250th, spotlighting northeast Iowa’s agricultural and industrial heritage. Local Life: Waterloo Schools’ superintendent Dr. Jared Smith earned national recognition as a top U.S. district leader. Food & Family: Iowa’s private school tuition has surged since the voucher/ESA program began, with critics pointing to tuition hikes outpacing inflation.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn upset Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra in the GOP governor primary, while Democrats locked in a Senate matchup as Josh Turek beat Zach Wahls—setting up a high-stakes November. Immigration & Food Access: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill aligning Iowa with federal SNAP restrictions that bar many undocumented immigrants (and some others) from benefits. Education & Community: Oelwein Public Library hosted a hands-on animal program with Dr. Michael Bechtel, and Ames Public Library is running a free LGBTQ+ film-and-discussion series this summer. Health & Family Services: Ames-area pregnancy support continues through Obria Medical Clinic and Martha’s House of Hope after Planned Parenthood closed. Local Culture & Business: Big Grove Brewery became Iowa’s top producer by volume, and a new Iowa craft-boba spot, 1+1 Restaurant & Tea, keeps building community around Hong Kong-style flavors. Public Safety: A train crash derailed after hitting a truck near a rural crossing east of Des Moines.

Iowa Education & Community Impact: UNI graduate Ryle McFarland, 20, was identified as one of the victims in Monday’s Muscatine shooting, a tragedy that also claimed students and school employees and prompted a community vigil. Career Pathways: Iowa’s new Secondary Career and Technical Education Impact Report says nearly 70% of high school students participated in CTE in 2024-25, with more than 107,000 students involved and about 37,000 completing concentrator coursework. School Planning: Des Moines Public Schools is seeking public feedback on its five-year “Reimagining Education” plan, aiming for interest-based programs, “signature schools,” and renovations or closures to improve enrollment and learning experiences. Local Learning Through Play: Dordt University received a REAP Education grant to expand a prairie-themed board game, “Perennial,” bringing tallgrass prairie lessons to Iowa classrooms and libraries. Sports & Youth Culture: Upper Iowa men’s soccer named Jeancy Matumona-Bau head coach, and the Orlando Pirates announced a June 6 “Youth Night” with a junior dance camp and halftime performance. Health & Daily Habits: A new study links long sitting during pregnancy with higher risks of adverse outcomes like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Politics With Iowa Stakes: Tuesday’s primaries included a major Iowa GOP upset—Trump-backed Randy Feenstra lost the governor nomination to Zach Lahn—setting up November matchups for Senate and governor.

Iowa Politics: Iowa’s June 2 primaries reshuffled the state’s political map, with Zach Lahn upsetting Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra to win the GOP nomination for governor, setting up a November matchup against Democrat Rob Sand. U.S. Senate Race: Democrats chose Josh Turek over Zach Wahls, while Republicans nominated Ashley Hinson—meaning Iowa’s open Senate seat will be a high-stakes fall showdown. Local Elections (Northwest Iowa): In Osceola County, voters picked nominees for November, while Jasper County’s GOP supervisor primary went to Thad Nearmyer and Brandon Talsma. Local Elections (Eastern Iowa): Black Hawk County Democrats kept momentum with Tavis Hall winning District 4 and Kamyar Enshayan defeating incumbent Linda Laylin in District 3. Community & Culture: Fort Dodge Senior High’s renovation cleared a key zoning step, including plans for a new weight room and a theater workshop for set building. Civic Life: A fundraiser is underway to replace deteriorating siding at Clutier’s historic Z.C.B.J. Hall, a long-standing Czech community landmark.

Iowa Primary Day: Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday, with the GOP governor race hanging on a 35% threshold—Gov. Kim Reynolds says “it’s going to be close” and that if no one clears it, the nominee goes to the June 13 state convention. Local Education & Community: Sioux City’s school board vacancy has three applicants—Paul Rhodes, Dr. Amy DeGroot-Hammer, and Jebediah Hibbs—after resignations left the board short. Health & Caregiving: Winona Health is hosting community events and honoring Dr. Wayne Kelly, retiring after 43 years, with an open house June 7 at the Robinson Healing Garden. STEM-to-Workforce: Coe College received FAA authorization for an accelerated Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot pathway, potentially cutting required flight hours by 500. Outdoor & Learning: Dickinson County Nature Center’s Kenue Coffee Hour (June 4) spotlights the Little Sioux Water Trail, a 134-mile canoe route from Spencer to Smithland. Agriculture Policy: Iowa’s first-ever Iowa Farm Act is signed, with state ag leaders calling it a bipartisan boost for rural communities and disease preparedness.

Election Day in Iowa: Polls open 7 a.m. and close 8 p.m. Tuesday as Iowans choose nominees for governor, U.S. Senate, and other statewide races, with the GOP and Democrats both trying to make gains in a high-stakes primary season. Local civic life: Fort Dodge City Council’s priorities session points to big needs ahead, including replacing the North Third Street bridge and planning for a new Law Enforcement Center. Community arts & learning: The Webster County Genealogical Society is being asked to move out of its Fort Dodge Public Library space by Nov. 21 as the library renovation ramps up and access rules tighten. Sports & hometown pride: Keokuk’s Kendra Boatman signs with Cornell College, continuing a standout basketball career. LGBTQ+ policy watch: Wisconsin is improving protections and safety for LGBTQ+ residents even as other states roll back rights. Public safety: A Pomeroy man was convicted of sexual abuse of a child, and a Pocahontas man died in a major Nebraska crash. Culture beyond Iowa: Kyle Larson won a dirt race at Davenport Speedway and plans to donate his winnings to the Busch family’s Bundle of Joy charity.

Education & Career Pathways: Iowa’s Department of Education rolled out a revamped Approved Industry-Recognized Credentials list for 2026-27, now organized into a clearer three-tier system so students and families can match credentials to high-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers. Community & Youth: Iowa Valley mourned the death of sophomore Grady Williams; the district postponed Monday events and offered grief support through the week. Public Safety: Iowa law enforcement is stepping up Move Over enforcement June 8-12, with fines and possible license suspension for drivers who don’t slow or change lanes for vehicles with flashing lights. Local Leadership Change: Iowa County Sheriff Rob Rotter will resign Tuesday to become a U.S. marshal, with Chief Deputy Todd Sauerbrei stepping in as acting sheriff. Culture & Community Events: Orange City’s free OnStage Orange City summer concert series returns Wednesdays at Windmill Park, starting June 3. Politics on the Ballot: With Iowa’s June 2 primary underway, the U.S. Senate race and multiple House contests are drawing heavy attention, including contested primaries in the 4th district and Senate seat.

Courts & Community: Former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms; the district accepted his resignation after his license was revoked, and attorneys say he’s expected to be deported to Guyana. Health & Resilience: Jordan Jones, now a junior at Iowa State, shared his stroke recovery story after an undiagnosed AVM left him with lasting paralysis and vision loss—an Iowa reminder of how quickly life can change and how long healing takes. Local Culture & Learning: Oelwein Public Library kicks off its “Plant a Seed, Read” summer reading program with free events for all ages, including live-animal visits and a Colonial-era dance night for the U.S. 250th anniversary. Queer Nightlife: Studio 13, Iowa City’s LGBTQIA+ nightclub, is expanding with a new Ames venue planned this summer. Politics Ahead of Tuesday: Iowa primaries are set to open, with voters watching tight GOP and Senate races as campaigns make last-minute pushes.

Primary Election Guide: Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday for closed primaries, with polls open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and a 35% threshold to avoid runoffs—Democrats are betting Iowa’s competitive governor and Senate races can help them claw back power. Cedar Rapids Campaign Clash: Hecklers disrupted Ashley Hinson’s get-out-the-vote rally as she pushed a ban on insider trading and prediction-market use by members of Congress and staff. Statewide Civic Push: Local organizers in multiple counties are urging turnout, stressing that every vote matters in crowded primaries. Water Safety: The Iowa DNR is reminding boaters and anglers to watch for debris, wear life jackets, use required safety gear, and be mindful of elevated E. coli levels. Community Reading: Independent bookstores are teaming up for a statewide Bookshop Quest-style push to get readers exploring local shops. Arts & Culture on the Move: Iowa PBS is set to feature Highway 60 on Road Trip Iowa, adding another route to the state’s culture map. Education & Accountability: Former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in federal prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegal firearm possession, with deportation to Guyana expected after his sentence. Health & Giving: The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent blood donor call as summer demand approaches.

Local Sports: Benton Community junior Halle Sobaski shot even par rounds of 72 and 147 total to finish third at the Class 3A girls state golf tournament in Cedar Falls. Community & Faith: Hospers Presbyterian Church in America is bringing back its 13th annual Summer Seminars, themed “Recovering the Supernatural Christian Faith,” with Dr. Brian Janssen speaking. Iowa Politics: In the GOP governor primary, Zach Lahn and Adam Steen are crisscrossing the state urging turnout ahead of the June 2 vote, while the race’s tight dynamics keep attention on who can mobilize voters. Education & Immigration: Former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and firearm charges, with deportation expected after his term. Arts & Media: Iowa PBS’s Road Trip Iowa heads to Highway 60, premiering June 8, spotlighting stops from Sibley to Le Mars. Local Governance: Plymouth County’s Board of Supervisors election has one contested race—Craig A. Anderson vs. Randy Kroksh in District 4—while other seats are unopposed. Food & Family: Fort Madison Community School District is running free summer meals for kids June 1–July 30 at multiple park and school sites.

Politics & Power: President Trump threw his weight behind Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra in the GOP governor race, while rival Zach Lahn kept campaigning in Marshalltown ahead of the June 2 primary. Immigration & Education: The former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in federal prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms, with deportation expected afterward. Local Planning & Community Life: Marshalltown’s new comprehensive plan, “Reimagine Marshalltown,” is set to be finalized in July after a public process focused on housing, transportation, parks, and downtown vibrancy. Libraries & Literacy: Urbandale and West Des Moines librarians are pushing summer reading to fight the “summer slide,” pointing to Iowa’s improved 4th-grade literacy gains. Arts, Sports & Small-Town Culture: Kendall Young Library is rolling out adult summer programs, while Le Mars gears up for Ice Cream Days with new events and parade plans. Education Careers: UI commencement speaker Uriel Campos-Padilla is returning to Marshalltown to teach first grade at Rogers Elementary. Sports Spotlight: Bishop Garrigan’s Gabriella Buscher finished fifth at Class 1A state golf, and BCLUW’s girls wrapped up the season with an eighth-place finish.

Iowa Primary Watch: President Trump threw his weight behind Rep. Randy Feenstra in the GOP governor race, a late boost that reshuffles the final sprint for voters heading to Tuesday’s primary. Local Elections: In Page County, absentee ballot demand is up as the supervisors board expands, with voters reminded they can choose ballot styles and vote across districts. U.S. Senate Spotlight: In the Republican Senate primary for Joni Ernst’s open seat, Ashley Hinson and Jim Carlin are both leaning on pocketbook themes like grocery prices and farm input costs. Immigration & Schools: Former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms, with deportation likely after his term. Community & Care: Iowa is restarting summer meal support for families through the federal Sun Bucks/EBT-style option, aiming to keep kids fed during the school break. Arts & Lifestyle: A local teacher in Davenport was named “QC Teacher of the Week,” spotlighting classroom care and student support. Sports & School Spirit: Coe College’s football preview highlights a strong Division III program culture as the Kohawks chase another winning season.

Affordability Crisis: A new national report finds 45.5% of U.S. households in 2024 couldn’t “make ends meet,” with the share of households struggling still above 40% in most years since 2014—an issue Iowa families feel in food, health care, and housing. Motorcycle Safety: Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Gary Peters designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, pushing rider education as motorcycle deaths hit record highs. Community & Housing: Habitat for Humanity and John Deere are teaming up for a statewide, first-ever coordinated build effort with 1,200 volunteers helping assemble and raise homes across Iowa. Summer Meals: The Northeast Iowa Food Bank is expanding summer feeding to 16 sites across six counties so kids don’t lose access to meals when school ends. Boating Safety: The Iowa DNR is urging caution as Memorial Day weekend brought 200+ waterway calls, with reminders on life jackets, alcohol, and avoiding hazards. Arts & Culture: Ballet Des Moines’ Cinderella drew families to the Civic Center, supported by a library partnership that brings ballet to hundreds of patrons. Local Sports: Mount Ayr’s Jaylee Shaffer leads the Iowa Girls State Golf field after a 2-under 70, while BCLUW’s girls are in the hunt after day one.

Mobile Health & Care Access: Broadlawns Medical Center is rolling out Iowa’s first mobile memory and wellness clinic in Polk County, bringing memory evaluations and blood testing to neighborhoods and community centers to help catch dementia earlier—especially for racial and ethnic minority residents who face higher risk and less access. Community Wellness Tech: Great River Health debuts “Metabolic Mindset,” a four-week, tech-enabled wellness program using continuous glucose monitoring plus weekly coaching to help adults connect food, movement, stress, sleep, and glucose patterns. Public Safety on the Water: Iowa DNR and Water Patrol officers report heavy Memorial Day weekend boating activity and urge summer lake and river visitors to slow down, wear life jackets, file float plans, and stay alert for swimmers, debris, and hazards. Local Culture & Arts: The Des Moines Arts Festival returns June 26–28 with 190+ artists, free interactive art, music, and performances—plus a sweepstakes prize pack. Education & Equity: Stop AAPI Hate is launching Stop AAPI Hate Action to boost Asian American and Pacific Islander voter registration and turnout ahead of midterms. Iowa Sports Spotlight: Iowa’s Children’s Museum and Coralville’s Hyatt Regency won iTIP tourism awards, while Iowa high school track fans are voting on the state’s best all-time women’s track & field athlete.