AGP Executive Report

High School Sports: Des Moines Hoover won its first-ever Iowa boys soccer state title, rallying from 2-0 down to beat Norwalk 4-3 at Mediacom Stadium. State Courts: The Iowa Supreme Court blocked the University of Iowa from redirecting a scholarship fund meant for Black students in physical sciences, sending the case back for guidance on honoring the donor’s intent. Weather & Safety: A Friday storm knocked out power for more than 6,000 MidAmerican Energy customers in Council Bluffs, with outages peaking above that level. Local Economy & Community: My Waterloo Days Parade kicked off Friday with downtown floats and events, with officials expecting about $1 million in annual economic impact. Agriculture Watch: Iowa officials are monitoring a New World screwworm detection in Texas and say the risk to food is not expected, while cattle movement restrictions are in place around the site. Retail & Growth: Pump & Pantry is buying 21 Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores across Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota, with the deal expected to close in July 2026. Transportation: Cedar Rapids will close part of 8th Ave. SE for three days next week for railroad crossing repairs.

Civics in College: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill requiring University of Iowa students to take state-selected American history and government courses starting in 2028, with the Center for Intellectual Freedom designated as the sole provider for those requirements. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns storms across the central U.S. could bring large hail, damaging winds, tornado risk, and localized flash flooding into June 6. Drought Update: Iowa’s dry conditions expanded in late May, with the worst drought area easing, but much of the state still extremely dry and northwest Iowa still struggling. Livestock Health: Iowa agriculture officials say they’re monitoring New World screwworm after a Texas case, stressing there’s no food-safety risk from properly cooked meat. Local Life & Learning: Des Moines Public Schools sent 37 marine biology students to Fiji for ocean study. Road Disruptions: The Mississippi River bridge project in Lansing will shut down the free car ferry and restrict boat traffic June 11–12 for the center-span installation. Family Meals: Iowa’s summer SUN Meals program opens at 530+ sites statewide, with help finding locations via 2-1-1.

WCWS Glory (Sports): Texas shut down Texas Tech in Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series final, winning 4-1 and taking back-to-back titles, with Des Moines native Teagan Kavan striking out three in relief to seal it. Iowa Public Safety (Crash): A train and vehicle collided in West Des Moines Thursday night; one passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and police are still investigating. State Accountability (Auditor): Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand says Madison County’s latest financial reports are so flawed he can’t verify the numbers, raising fraud concerns and pointing to repeated findings. Cybersecurity (FBI): The FBI is investigating a cyberattack on Karl Auto Group that may have exposed customer data, including Social Security numbers and passports. Transportation & Infrastructure (Permits/Planning): Fairfax and Linn County officials are fielding new inquiries about potential data center sites near Morgan Creek, with residents raising traffic and land-use worries. Weather (Storm Watch): Severe storm chances return Friday across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, with hail and damaging winds possible. Community & Health (Trauma Training): UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown hosted a trauma simulation day with medical staff, students, and Iowa National Guard medics to practice teamwork and emergency response. Local Government (Education): Walnut Street School in Des Moines held its final day as it closes under the district’s Reimagining Education plan.

Court Update: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird says a judge rejected more than 100 challenges to Todd Mullis’s 2019 murder conviction, leaving him serving life without parole. Weather & Safety: Severe storms and heavy rain are expected to roll through Iowa late Thursday into the weekend, with a flood watch in effect and flash-flood risk around the Des Moines metro. Drought Watch: Drought is spreading fast—about 75% of Iowa is now in some drought condition, up from 46% last week. Tragedy on the Tracks: Authorities identified the victims in a Poweshiek County train-vs-semi crash: 14-year-old Robert Orton died; his father, 38-year-old Michael Orton, was seriously injured. Tickets for Fans: MLB opened Iowa-only registration for the 2026 Field of Dreams game in Dyersville on Aug. 13 (Twins vs. Phillies). Education Policy: New Iowa standards take effect for 2027–28, including statewide testing expansion to social studies and updated health education requirements. Local Life: Des Moines police are asking for help locating a missing 15-year-old teen believed to be in crisis.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn upset Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra to win the GOP nomination for Iowa governor, while Democrats set up a high-stakes U.S. Senate matchup after Josh Turek won the Democratic primary and Ashley Hinson took the GOP nod. Congress & Ballots: An independent candidate, Michael Bridgford, qualified for the ballot in Iowa’s 1st District, setting up a three-way race this November. Immigration & Food Assistance: Iowa joined federal SNAP restrictions that bar undocumented immigrants and some other groups from benefits, with tighter rules for retroactive eligibility. Public Safety: A semi-truck and train collision near Victor on Highway 21 killed one and injured another; federal officials are also investigating drone incidents at Eastern Iowa Airport. Community & Health: LifeServe warns Iowa is nearing a blood shortage as younger donors lag; Valley Lutheran fired administrator Lucas Tanney amid sexual exploitation charges. Agriculture: Tar spot is now found in every Iowa county, raising concerns for corn silage yields and feed quality. Sports: Norwalk and Ankeny Centennial advanced in boys soccer state semifinals; UNI’s Katy Stephens and Joey Perry qualified for nationals in the heptathlon.

Iowa Politics: Iowa’s GOP governor primary delivered a real upset: businessman Zach Lahn beat Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Rob Sand and fueling talk that Trump’s grip is slipping in the state. U.S. Senate: Ashley Hinson won the GOP Senate nomination, while Democrat Josh Turek won the Democratic nod—both now set for Iowa’s open-seat Senate showdown in November. Congress Watch: In the 2nd District, Joe Mitchell (R) and Lindsay James (D) won their primaries and will face off this fall. Public Safety: Muscatine is still reeling after a domestic-related shooting spree left six dead, including the gunman, and one survivor spoke at a vigil. Courts & Schools: A Cedar Falls principal accused of student sex crimes is headed to court next week. Education & Jobs: Iowa’s new CTE impact report says nearly 70% of high school students participated in 2024-25. Roads: Gov. Reynolds signed a bill raising the speed limit on two-lane state highways from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1. Community: Waterloo is hosting youth baseball camps in June and August with a local health clinic partner.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn won the GOP nomination for governor, edging Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra (37.8% to 37%) and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Rob Sand. U.S. Senate: Democrats chose Josh Turek, while Republicans picked Rep. Ashley Hinson, making the open seat a high-stakes Iowa showdown in November. Local Elections: Black Hawk County Democrats picked Tavis Hall (District 4) and Kamyar Enshayan (District 3), while Bill Dotzler won District 2; Johnson County Democrats chose V Fixmer-Oraiz and Mandi Remington. Legal Fight: A Waterloo crash victim’s estate sued the city and officers, alleging a cover-up after a 2024 motorcycle death. Community & Safety: A West Branch man was identified after a deadly weekend house fire; and Iowa’s primary turnout concerns surfaced as many voters stayed on the sidelines. Agritourism: The Choose Iowa Passport is back, inviting Iowans to tour farms and local food stops statewide.

Primary Election Day: Iowa voters headed to the polls Tuesday for closed primaries, with major attention on the U.S. Senate race and the GOP governor contest as polls opened at 7 a.m. and ran until 8 p.m. Ag & Water Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act and related ag bills, including $25 million for nitrate-treatment upgrades at Central Iowa Water Works. Wildlife Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee across parts of Iowa and other states. Local Business: BankIowa plans a new branch in the Amana Colonies, opening in September. Public Safety: Authorities reported a Spencer man facing multiple charges after a disturbance led to an arrest early Friday. Sports: Verona’s Aaron Yarbro qualified for state in the 3,200 and helped win relays as Verona sent eight individuals and three relays to state; Iowa women’s basketball added Vanderbilt to its 2026-27 schedule. Weather/Agriculture: State climatologist Justin Glisan said May was stormy but dry, while planting progress stayed strong heading into June.

Muscatine Tragedy: Police say a suspected gunman killed six relatives in Muscatine across two homes and a business, then died by suicide during an encounter with officers; investigators are still working multiple crime scenes and have not released victim names. College Hoops: Iowa State sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic, the nation’s top 3-point threat, committed to Kentucky after withdrawing from the NBA draft, giving Mark Pope a major transfer-portal boost. Local Health: Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington will host “Survivorship 101,” a nine-week cancer support program starting July 9. Community & Courts: A Pomeroy man, Jason Michael Peed, was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child and faces sentencing July 31. Civic Planning: Palo City Council advanced a data center ordinance tied to a proposed Google project, with residents pushing for more water and impact details. Sports: Iowa Park softball reached program history with a state championship-game appearance, while Ames swept Marshalltown in baseball.

Iowa Primary Day: Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, with voters choosing nominees for governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, and state races; U.S. Senate spotlight: Iowa’s open seat has a tight Democratic matchup between Zach Wahls and Josh Turek, while Republicans include Ashley Hinson and Jim Carlin; Local law enforcement staffing: Williamsburg Police Chief Jason Mochal asked for permission to hire more officers after Sheriff Rob Rotter’s move to become a U.S. marshal, leaving the department short for 24/7 coverage; Public safety crackdown: Iowa law enforcement will step up Move Over enforcement June 8-12, with $210 fines and possible license suspension for violations; Health care access: Iowa Primary Care Association will hold two rural co-location and school-based care sessions June 4 in Osceola ahead of upcoming HHS funding; Agriculture decisions: Farmers weigh whether to replant after wet/dry conditions and soil crusting, with agronomists urging careful consultation before tearing up fields; Weather watch: Forecasters are monitoring parts of Iowa for possible flash drought risk tied to a heat surge later this weekend.

Iowa Politics: With Iowa primaries set for Tuesday, Gray Media reports two late GOP endorsements could shape the governor race: President Donald Trump backing Rep. Randy Feenstra, and Turning Point Action backing businessman Zach Lahn. Election Day Logistics: In Marshall County, Auditor/Recorder Nan Benson says polls close at 8 p.m., but anyone already in line by then can still vote; results will be compiled from 11 polling sites at the election center. Sports (Iowa): Iowa women’s wrestling coach Clarissa Chun earned a contract extension through 2031 after national success, and Iowa State added Cash Wilcke to its women’s wrestling staff. Des Moines & Public Safety: Police are investigating after a pedestrian was seriously hurt in a Cedar Rapids crash, and Waterloo police report an 18-year-old hospitalized after a shooting. Community & Weather: Cedar Falls opened its aquatic center for summer, while forecasts call for a low chance of scattered storms tonight and a warmer, drier stretch into Monday.

Missing Child Alert: Shelby County authorities are searching for 8-year-old Dane Coffman, last seen Saturday evening with 51-year-old Garry McBreen; they may be traveling in a silver 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe (QBX 559) or silver 2009 Dodge Journey (QTC 660), and Colorado investigators warn the pair could be headed toward California. Public Safety: A Dubuque County home on Cedar Ridge Court was destroyed in an early-morning fire; occupants escaped and the cause is under investigation. Local Government: Iowa County Sheriff Robert Rotter announced he’ll resign Tuesday, with chief deputy Todd Sauerbrei sworn in as acting sheriff. Politics (Iowa Primary): Iowans head to the polls Tuesday for closed primaries, with national attention on the open U.S. Senate seat and competitive governor and congressional races. Sports (Iowa Ties): Justin Verlander is set to make a rehab start for Triple-A Toledo Tuesday in Iowa, and Iowa State basketball transfer Milan Momcilovic remains a major storyline for the Cyclones’ offseason. Weather: Rain and storms linger into Sunday, with another shower chance overnight and a drier stretch expected soon.

Iowa GOP Primary Turnout Focus: With Tuesday’s June 2 governor primary looming, Zach Lahn and Adam Steen are urging Republicans to show up, warning turnout could be unusually low and that every vote matters. Federal Sentencing in Iowa Schools Case: Ian Roberts, the former head of Des Moines Public Schools, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and firearm charges, with deportation expected after his term. Local Politics in Plymouth County: In the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors race, Don Kass and John Meis are unopposed, while Craig Anderson faces Randy Kroksh in District 4. Iowa PBS Road Trip Iowa: Iowa PBS will feature Highway 60 in a new “Road Trip Iowa” episode premiering June 8, highlighting stops from Sibley to Le Mars. Community & Sports: WinnMed Hospice Memorial Ride is set for June 14 in Decorah, and Iowa high school postseason coverage continues across girls golf and boys soccer.

Iowa Politics: President Trump endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra for Iowa governor ahead of the June 2 primary, while the GOP field tightens and Democrats weigh which U.S. Senate candidate gives them the best shot to flip the seat. U.S. Senate Race: Iowa Democrats are split between Josh Turek and Zach Wahls as the primary nears, with both sides arguing who can win in November. Local Government: Palo City will hold a public hearing on a Google data center ordinance near the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant, deferring water rules to the Iowa DNR after Linn County’s earlier plan fell apart. Public Safety/Crime: Former Des Moines-area school leader Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in an immigration and gun-related case. Community & Outdoors: Guttenberg’s Turtle Crossing Season is underway along the Mississippi, with Wild Turtle Week starting June 8. Sports: St. Edmond softball jumped to 5-0 with a 12-4 win over Humboldt, and Fort Dodge baseball split a doubleheader with Waukee. Weather: Scattered showers may return this weekend, with lighter rain chances across much of Iowa.

Sentencing Watch: Former McCausland city clerk Sheila Bosworth was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for theft, misconduct and forgery tied to more than $63,000 in improper spending. Immigration & Courts: Ian Roberts, the former head of Des Moines Public Schools, was sentenced to 2 years after pleading guilty to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing firearms; he’s expected to be deported to Guyana. Local Governance: Sheldon City Manager Sam Kooiker resigned, effective Aug. 3, and the council appointed the city clerk and public works director to share the role until a replacement is found. Elections Preview: Iowa’s Secretary of State Paul Pate says election security is “more secure than ever” ahead of the June 2 primary, with state and federal teams monitoring. Environment & Health: Iowa DNR flagged fewer beaches for E. coli or algae risks this week, but swimmers are still urged to check updates before heading out. Community & Culture: Mason City opened the Prairie Rock Trails Bike Park and festival, featuring pro riders, clinics, and new trail access.

Congressional Politics: Republicans are lining up for Iowa’s open 2nd District seat, with former state lawmaker Joe Mitchell and Sen. Charlie McClintock pitching different conservative paths to challenge Ashley Hinson. Federal Courts & Public Safety: A Fort Dodge man, Matthew Groat, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for trafficking meth and cocaine, including sales to people cooperating with law enforcement. Local Government: The Tama County Board of Supervisors approved DOT preconstruction updates, a HomeBase Iowa application, and multiple alcohol/liquor permits, along with $221,895 in claims. Health & Community: Power of Produce returns to the Toledo Farmers Market, bringing produce vouchers for kids and PoP PLUS support for adults 65+. Iowa Politics (National): Iowa Democrats urged the DNC to restore “first-in-the-nation” caucus status for 2028. Statehouse/Guard: Gov. Reynolds extended a fuel-transport access proclamation and announced about 120 Iowa National Guard soldiers will deploy to Washington, D.C., for America250 preparations. Sports: Iowa high school postseason action continues, including a lighting-suspended Marshalltown girls soccer match and Fort Dodge’s girls soccer win advancing to regionals.