AGP Executive Report

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.

Iowa Governor Race: Democratic Gov. candidate Rob Sand says his campaign shattered Iowa fundraising records, pulling in $9.38M from May 27–July 14 and reporting $17.95M cash on hand as of July 14, with 33,500+ donations statewide. Iowa Statehouse: Mark Divitt launched his bid for Iowa House District 91, framing the race around accountability for energy and data-center impacts on land and pollution. Appointments & Administration: Gov. Kim Reynolds named Stephen Waymire as Iowa Lottery administrator, and also appointed Ryan Kehm as a District Court judge for Judicial District 2B. Local Government & Veterans: Mills County became the 88th Home Base Iowa community for veterans, a designation tied to housing, jobs, and education incentives. Public Safety & Courts: A former Glenwood police officer repaid the city $23,934 to settle Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training costs after leaving early. Food Assistance: Iowa school districts are reminding families to apply for free and reduced-price lunches for 2026–27, including SNAP-based eligibility. National Voting Watch: A Brennan Center report warns mass voter challenges could surge in 2026 midterms, potentially undermining confidence and participation.

Iowa Politics & Elections: Sen. Mark Kelly is set to headline the 2026 Iowa Democratic Wing Ding in Clear Lake on Aug. 13, with other statewide candidates also confirmed, keeping Iowa’s high-dollar Democratic fundraising in focus. Federal Voting Rights Fight: Voting rights groups are asking a federal appeals court to block Florida, Ohio, Iowa and Indiana from using the expanded SAVE voter-screening database, arguing it can force eligible voters to prove citizenship. Judicial Appointments: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Ryan Kehm as a District Judge in Judicial District 2B, filling a vacancy created by John Haney’s retirement. Water & Local Governance: Central Iowa Water Works eased lawn-watering restrictions, moving customers from Stage III to Stage II while still requiring about a 50% cut and even/odd scheduling. Iowa Courts & Public Safety: A priest in Des Moines is suing the federal government over alleged delays affecting his work authorization, while a West Des Moines murder case defendant filed a motion to dismiss. Ag Economy: Iowa corn leaders warned of rising bankruptcies after meetings in Washington, renewing pressure on E-15 year-round and broader farm relief. National Security: The Pentagon identified two U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan during Iranian attacks, underscoring the war’s expanding human toll.

Airport & Tech: Des Moines International is “exploring” TSA Gold+—a new option that could bring more advanced screening tech and more private-sector involvement as the airport’s 2027 terminal expansion nears. Public Safety & Housing: A reminder that lead hazards still lurk in older Iowa homes, with advocates pushing routine blood lead testing for kids. County Governance: Page County supervisors may change how jail “room and board” fees are collected, including bundling medical costs and using an outside collections firm. Local Ballot Fight: Mills County residents are circulating petitions to force a vote on expanding the Board of Supervisors from three to five members. Health & Policy: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig urges the U.S. Senate to move year-round E15 gasoline legislation, arguing it could cut costs for consumers and help farmers. State Politics: Cook Political Report founder Charlie Cook says Iowa’s governor’s race favors Democrats’ Rob Sand, but the open U.S. Senate seat is less likely to flip than some expect. Food Safety: The FDA says a cyclospora-positive lettuce sample tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, though the recall and traceback work continue. National Security: The Pentagon identified two U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan amid Iran-linked attacks, underscoring the widening risk to American forces across the region.

Iowa Politics & Congress: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson told Iowans the state is “at tip of spear” in the 2026 midterms, framing the fight as a battle over the future of the constitutional republic and warning against “avowed communists” in Democratic Socialists’ ranks. Elections & Money: A new fundraising roundup says Democratic Senate contenders are out-raising Republicans, with Iowa and other competitive states in the mix as Democrats push to flip the House and Senate. Law & Courts: The Gazette reports a Center for Intellectual Freedom lecture by former Rep. Greg Ganske was marketed as a “big crowd” but ended up limited to a small class enrollment under university policy. Public Safety: An Iowa man was charged after traveling to Kansas City with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material. Health & Food Safety: Walmart pulled certain Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce products in 27 states amid cyclospora concerns, following similar action by Taco Bell. Local Government: Ames mayor John Haila and council member Tim Gartin were profiled in fireside chats, highlighting local leadership and community roots. Agriculture & Environment: A report flags Iowa’s cancer-causing water and fertilizer runoff as a potential political liability for Republicans heading into November.

Iowa Water & Politics: A new Politico report says Iowa’s long-running water crisis—murky, algae-choked lakes tied to fertilizer runoff—could become a political reckoning for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms, with Democratic secretary of agriculture nominee Chris Jones pointing to his years monitoring rivers and streams. State Government & Tech Contracts: Iowa PBS reports GOP gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn says he’d steer more state IT work to Iowa companies, criticizing Gov. Kim Reynolds’ recent computer services deal with Amazon and Cognizant. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora, now listing Iowa among the affected states even as federal advisories cover only a smaller set of states. Mental Health Access: Missouri’s 988 lifeline is seeing rising demand, with Iowa noted as having a slightly lower in-state answer rate than Missouri. Local Governance (Iowa): Iowa City’s and Cedar Rapids’ business notes plus a Waterloo school update highlight ongoing community-level policy and performance work. Ag Economy: An ISU-led report says Iowa farm income fell 53% from 2022 to 2024, with experts warning pressure may continue through 2027. Higher Ed & Innovation: UNL and Iowa State are partnering with dozens across Nebraska and Iowa on a major NSF-funded rural bioeconomy initiative.

UI Governance Fight: Emails and a report say the University of Iowa’s new Center for Intellectual Freedom is being blocked by university leadership, with the interim director alleging no real support and a tug-of-war over spending, hiring, and messaging. Local Government & Housing: Waterloo Community School District highlights attendance and graduation gains while cutting $23M, and Altoona weighs whether to end a property tax abatement program. Election Security & Voting Rights: Fact-checkers scrutinize Trump’s claims about election vulnerabilities and noncitizens on voter rolls, while Iowa politics coverage spotlights Speaker Mike Johnson’s midterm warning to Iowans. Immigration Enforcement: Two fatal ICE-related killings in recent days fuel renewed protests over militarized deportation tactics. Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded its cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall to 27 states including Iowa, even as federal advisories cover fewer states. Iowa Data Centers: Salix residents protest a proposed data center and push for a moratorium vote; nearby cities also debate rules and tax impacts. National Security: The U.S. reports two more service members killed in the Iran war, underscoring risks from air and missile conflict. Community Events: Terrace Hill’s Victorian Dinner tickets go on sale, with proceeds supporting the Terrace Hill Partnership.

Iowa Politics & Elections: Iowa’s U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson told Christian conservatives in Des Moines that November is a “spiritual battle,” framing the midterms as a fight against socialism and for “one nation under God.” U.S. Voting Security: CBS News fact-checks President Trump’s election-security claims, including new allegations about China accessing U.S. voter data and exaggerated assertions about dead and noncitizen voting. Noncitizens on Voter Rolls: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin repeated the administration’s claim that 250,000 noncitizens are registered to vote, while CBS reports the estimate likely overstates the number due to reliance on commercial databases. Courts & Rights: A Hawaii Supreme Court justice sharply rebuked the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing it has weakened constitutional protections. Local Government: Marshalltown leaders approved a four-month pause on data center development to finalize rules after earlier attempts to slow the process failed. Public Safety: Cedar Rapids police launched an internal review after a protester was taken down during an arrest outside an ICE office. Community & Governance: Palo City Council advanced a zoning ordinance that would create a data-center district, setting the stage for how a potential Google project could move forward.

Election Fight in Iowa: House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Iowa Christian conservatives Republicans face an “all-out” spiritual battle in November, tying midterm stakes to claims about socialism/communism and urging turnout. Public Safety & EMS: Ottumwa Fire Chief Sean Canto released a nearly 600-page emergency operations report for Wapello County, pushing changes to dispatch, training, countywide planning, and better data sharing between first responders and hospitals. Local Government & Data Centers: Jefferson County kept working on a proposed data center ordinance after residents packed a second work session, while Iowa Colony officials in Texas discussed a resolution opposing data centers over water and electricity impacts. Voting Claims Under Scrutiny: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin kept promoting Trump’s claim that 250,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in four states, but election experts questioned the methodology and false-positive risk. Iowa Courts & Crime: A Hudson man, Jacob Hamilton, was sentenced to 10 years for the 2024 shooting death of Zachary Drinovsky. Food Safety: Federal officials linked a major cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sold to Taco Bell, with Iowa mentioned in the broader case count coverage. Agriculture Economy: Iowa agriculture groups released a report saying the downturn is now in its third year, with costs outpacing revenues and net farm income down sharply.

U.S. Senate Shuffle in Iowa’s Orbit: President Trump urged Darline Graham Nordone to run for a full term to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, with a special primary set for Aug. 11 and filing July 21–28. Flood Recovery: Jasper County farmers were told to report Skunk River flood damages to the Iowa Farm Service Agency, while officials tracked impacts and discussed insurance questions. Public Safety & Courts: A Fort Dodge man, Tyler Mattingly, got 13 years for meth dealing; a Sioux City man pleaded guilty in federal court to a meth conspiracy; and a Lakota man is credited with pulling two teen brothers from a burning car after a train crash. Election Integrity Push: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged states to crack down on noncitizen voting and strengthen voting systems ahead of the midterms. Iowa Health Costs: Iowa insurers are proposing 2027 ACA premium hikes as enhanced federal tax credits phase down. Local Government Watch: Altoona imposed a lawn-watering ban during emergency water plant repairs, and Le Mars schools reviewed a new disruptive-students policy required by Iowa law.

CTE Access Fight: Iowa’s Department of Education is telling districts and community colleges to bar undocumented students from college-level CTE classes tied to Perkins funding, after federal guidance was changed and a judge blocked it in some states. Federal Courts & DOJ Clash: Senate Judiciary records allege Jack Smith’s team bypassed DOJ filter protocols to access private texts from 44 members of Congress, reigniting separation-of-powers fights. Election Security Debate: Trump’s primetime claims about China “compromising” voter rolls are being met with pushback and fact-checking, while declassified documents name Iowa among states flagged. U.S. Senate Watch: Chuck Grassley opened day 2 of Todd Blanche’s AG confirmation hearings as the nomination remains tangled in DOJ “weaponization” accusations. Iowa Local Government: Wapello County is weighing a jail expansion referendum after a study lays out two costly options to address overcrowding. Community & Civic Life: Gladbrook’s Legion Auxiliary sent a junior to Iowa Girls State at Drake University, and the Meskwaki Nation marked Proclamation Day with events across its settlement. Public Safety: An Iowa man is credited with pulling two teens from a burning car after a train crash.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown in Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force met for the first time in Des Moines, with AG Brenna Bird leading. Officials say Iowa has about $2.4M in Medicaid payments tied to fraud or abuse (2022 data) and are building a public tip website as the state faces a projected $90M Medicaid budget shortfall. DOJ Antitrust Oversight: A DOJ settlement with Live Nation heads to a federal judge under the Tunney Act, with the public comment deadline set for Sept. 4. Iowa Economy Watch: Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.2% in June; employers added 600 jobs overall. Water Quality Policy: Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig expanded the streamside buffer pilot to all 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines Watershed to cut nutrient runoff. Public Safety & Courts: A Burlington man was convicted for assaulting police officers after threatening “suicide by cop” with a butcher knife. Education Scheduling: Southwest Iowa officials are weighing a switch to a four-day school week, citing staffing shortages and logistics. Defense Industry: The U.S. Army broke ground on a major new artillery ammunition complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant near Middletown, targeting fall 2029.

AG & Consumer Protection: Iowa’s Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force held its first meeting in Des Moines, led by AG Brenna Bird, after Gov. Kim Reynolds created the 11-member panel by executive order to target waste, fraud, and abuse and deliver a statewide strategy to the governor within 120 days. Public Safety & Courts: Iowa AG says a June Ottumwa shooting involving a deputy U.S. marshal was legally justified after Zurek emerged running with a combat knife; the report follows a joint operation to take him into custody. Animal Welfare: A Fort Madison shelter took in 32 dogs after USDA access was granted to a Van Buren County breeder facility; officials say many animals were underweight, flea-covered, and lacked vaccination documentation. Local Government: Asbury advanced an ordinance to regulate UTVs on city streets, setting age, speed, and operating-hour limits. Health & Fraud Prevention: Davis and Nunn introduced the STOP Senior Fraud Act to let financial institutions delay or refuse suspicious transactions and notify trusted contacts. Environment & Research: Iowa DNR and ISU deployed buoys to study oxygen and temperature in central Iowa reservoirs, with guidance for lake users to avoid disturbing equipment.