Iowa State Fair Politics: U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche made a high-profile stop at the Iowa Pork Producers tent, insisting his visit wasn’t about the midterms while also signaling DOJ will keep pushing for voter registration data and highlighting work on Medicaid fraud and fertilizer monopoly concerns with Iowa AG Brenna Bird. Iowa Elections: The Cook Political Report moved Iowa’s U.S. Senate race to a toss-up, with Democrat Josh Turek gaining ground on Republican Ashley Hinson, while the governor’s race is now described as leaning Democratic for Rob Sand over Zach Lahn. Ballot Access Fight: Libertarian Nick Gluba says he’s confident he’ll get on Iowa’s ballot after a court fight over whether the Secretary of State accepted his filings, with a hearing set for Aug. 21. Local Government: Salix council voted down a proposed data center moratorium after a meeting delayed by social-media death threats, while West Burlington is weighing an enforceable ordinance for electric scooter rules. Agriculture & Trade: USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told Iowa audiences the Philippines is a key growth market for U.S. ethanol exports as shipments hit record levels. School Policy: South Tama school board discussed tightening chronic absenteeism steps, including possible referrals to the county attorney after repeated nonattendance. Public Safety: Cedar Rapids police are investigating a body found after a shooting, and Iowa City authorities charged two residents with animal torture after 32 dogs were seized.