AGP Executive Report

College Football Buzz: Iowa still hasn’t named a Week 1 starting QB for its opener vs. Northern Illinois, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski in a true “OR” competition and both expected to play. Local Food & Community: Des Moines-area butcher shops are leaning into farm-to-table connections, spotlighting how COVID-era cooking habits boosted demand for local meat. Arts & Live Entertainment: Des Moines Community Playhouse is gearing up for “Come From Away,” a Tony-winning musical rooted in compassion after 9/11. Faith & Tech: Mainline Christian leaders are debating what happens to spiritual formation if AI starts handling parts of prayer and study. Ag & Data: USDA is launching a pilot to modernize crop data collection using satellite imagery and new tools after farmer criticism over accuracy and staffing cuts. Health & Care: A new perinatal care push aims to support Iowa mothers dealing with mental health challenges. Sports (Prep/Youth): Area runners competed in hot, humid conditions at the Newman Invitational, with Iowa Falls-Alden boys taking the team title.

Transgender Student Rights: The U.S. Justice Department sued a Kansas City, Kansas school system over policies that limit when schools disclose students’ transgender status to parents, arguing it violates federal privacy rules. Public Health: Iowa officials are warning about rising kratom deaths and poison-control calls, as Gov. Kim Reynolds pushes for a total ban amid concerns about synthetic, opioid-like products. Health & Safety: Measles is spreading in Iowa-area counties, with public health teams stressing that vaccination is the only defense as the virus can linger in the air and spread before symptoms show. Community & Culture: UNI’s new Humanities Hub kicks off with a free lecture on how humanities degrees translate into real careers, bringing in a national humanities leader. Local Arts: Vesterheim’s free Second Saturday celebrates immigrant stories and U.S. history with international food, crafts, and live Nordic music. Education & Growth: Western Iowa Tech marks 60 years with yearlong events celebrating thousands of students and credentials across western Iowa. Mental Health: NAMIWalks Iowa returns Sept. 26 in Johnston to fund local mental health programs and support. Food & Lifestyle: Frank’s Hot Chicken Smash Burgers is heating up Iowa City with customizable spice levels and smash-burger favorites. Sports: Drake is ranked No. 1 in Iowa by Time’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges list.

Local Arts Calendar: Eastern Iowa museums are gearing up for September, including a new Sept. 4 opening at the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, plus rotating exhibits at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Community & Culture: Cedar Rapids’ long-running Trap-Neuter-Return effort is getting renewed attention as advocates push for the right to care for outdoor cats. Education & Civic Life: The National Civics Bee is coming back to Eastern Iowa in spring 2027, with applications opening Sept. 7 for grades 6–8. Public Health & Care: Families gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for an Overdose Awareness Day memorial, calling for less stigma and more support for addiction treatment. School Leadership: West Elementary principal Robin Foster received UNI’s 2026 Educational Leadership Legacy Award. Tech & Agriculture: John Deere is rolling out an AI assistant that lets farmers ask questions about their own field and machine data for practical recommendations.

Community Grants & Health Access: Goodwill of the Heartland is rolling out Healthcare Career Connections, a free three-week program with job shadows and career navigation starting Oct. 19 in Davenport, then expanding to Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. Local Culture & Live Music: Le Mars’ Olson Cultural Event Center hosts The Bash Live on Sept. 19 with Dane Louis, Diamond Avenue, and Not Quite Brothers—volunteer-run and built to bring free concerts to the community. Education & Public Health: The Iowa Court of Appeals will hear a Dordt University COVID vaccine exemption case in Spirit Lake on Sept. 15, tied to a nursing student’s religious-discrimination claim. Safety & Daily Life: A Quad Cities coalition launches “Ride Safe ‘n Smart” to curb sidewalk and trail injuries from e-bikes and e-scooters, with billboards and safety messaging across local cities and health partners. Politics & Rights: An Iowa man faces a terrorism threat charge after allegedly calling a school board member over a vote blocking a transgender teacher hire. Food & Summer Living: A simple tomato sandwich gets its moment—ripe garden tomatoes, toasted bread, and mayo, no overthinking.

IndyCar Spotlight: Pato O’Ward pulled off a rare Milwaukee Mile sweep, winning both races after rain delayed the first event—an Iowa-relevant win for fans of motorsports and big weekend energy. Iowa Politics & Campaign Trail: Iowa’s Senate race stays front and center as Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek trade crowds and messages at major fundraisers, with national Democrats urging Iowans to back Turek and Republicans pushing turnout. Tech, Labor & Local Jobs: Meta’s data-center robot pilots in Altoona (and beyond) raise fears of “deskilling,” as machines take repetitive maintenance and leave lower-paid, procedural work behind. Higher Ed & Equity: Black studies programs face cuts and closures nationwide, with Iowa’s own University of Iowa named among institutions trimming or phasing out offerings. Community & Learning: Northeast Iowa Community College plans Hall of Fame and Fundraiser events in Calmar and Peosta to support scholarships and student access. Sports Culture: The WNBA’s big moment heads to the Women’s Basketball World Cup, with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese expected to collaborate as the league pauses at home.

Education & Community Input: Dubuque residents weighed in on the Dubuque Community School District’s nearly $18 million cuts plan, with three consolidation scenarios on the table, including possible closures of Jefferson Middle School after 2027-28. Local Culture & Food: DeKalb’s Corn Fest kicked off with dozens of vendors, tractors, and a Biofuels Mobile Education Center stop explaining ethanol’s role in Iowa’s corn economy. Public Health & Community Care: Mason City’s North Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition is hosting Overdose Remembrance Day at Central Park, with naloxone training, resources, a community meal, and a remembrance walk for people lost to fentanyl. Arts & Learning Spotlight: Cedar Rapids’ Grant Wood Elementary earned a national “Exceptional School” nod for third-grade literacy gains that beat what student demographics would predict. Civic Life & Elections: Iowa Democrats rallied at the Polk County Steak Fry as U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jamie Raskin urged support for Josh Turek and term limits, framing the stakes as a check on Trump-era power. Media & Free Speech: Trump renewed his push to report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC after she described his endorsement record as mixed. Business Notes: Cedar Rapids/Iowa City updates included new hires and a major $50,000 financial inclusion grant through the Iowa Credit Union Foundation.

End-of-Life Debate: An Iowa Catholic Conference leader argues religious beliefs should shape end-of-life policy, while a reader pushes back—saying people deserve medical aid in dying that reflects their own wishes. Education & Community: Iowa City’s Police Department is teaming up with a religious communities group for a Winter Clothing Drive, and the African American Museum of Iowa is preparing a new exhibit on Black resilience and community from 1964–1999. Local Government & Planning: Dubuque’s City Council wrapped goal-setting sessions, updating its 2041 vision and setting arts, culture, parks, and recreation priorities alongside safety and infrastructure. School News: Union Community School District finished phase one of facility upgrades using SAVE bonding funds, and multiple districts announced new teacher hires for the 2026–27 school year. Sports as Culture: West Des Moines Valley hosted an outdoor high school volleyball showcase, and Iowa’s Butler pulled off a dramatic comeback win over Iowa Central.

Education & Transparency: Iowa auditor candidate Taylor Wettach says private school Education Savings Account budgets should be more transparent, arguing the public is funding tuition while families pay first—while she points to ongoing disputes over access to ESA data. Community & Belonging: The African American Museum of Iowa is set to open a new exhibit, “Right Where We Belong,” tracing Black resilience and community in Iowa from 1964 to 1999. Local Government & Quality of Life: Dubuque’s council wrapped goal-setting sessions, updating its 2041 vision and prioritizing public safety, stormwater, and expanded arts and culture. Volunteerism & Care: Iowa City Police and a religious communities group are teaming up for a Winter Clothing Drive, with extra language skills needed for volunteers. Sports & Culture: The Clinton Half Marathon returns Sept. 13 with a full weekend of events, including a downtown street fest and kids’ run. Arts & Learning: Luther College will announce the inaugural Hamlet Peterson Distinguished Professorship recipient in exercise science on Sept. 3. Food & Pop Culture: A Des Moines TikTok trend spotlights a “mystery meat” label at Hy-Vee, turning grocery-store confusion into viral entertainment.

End-of-Life Planning: SDSU Extension is hosting a free Sept. 1 webinar on “Organize This!” to help Iowans and other communities prepare for caregiving and legal decisions, with a Sept. 1 Zoom session and local volunteer recruitment. Mental Health Access: Des Moines University Clinic added its first psychology intern, expanding adult therapy and new psychotherapy groups while training future Iowa clinicians. Adoption & Foster Care: Iowans for Adoption is gearing up for the Sept. 17 “From Hope to Home” gala in Ames to recruit foster/adoptive families and fund adoption support. Local Education Leadership: Keokuk’s interim superintendent Todd Liechty begins a new school-year role after decades in Iowa schools, while North Polk students get a Friday off after the first week. Community Safety Planning: Sioux County supervisors voted against $1 million insurance for the Festival of Speed, effectively shutting down plans near Boyden. Politics & Campaigns: Rob Sand is pitching a less partisan Iowa governor’s race, courting independents and Republicans in county-by-county town halls. Sports & Culture: The Hooters origin movie is in the works, and NASCAR’s regular season finale at Daytona (Coke Zero Sugar 400) is set for Saturday night on NBC.

Education Spotlight: Hudson High School in Iowa earned a national nod in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best High Schools rankings, placing No. 19 in Iowa and No. 1 among nearby conference schools, with a 98% graduation rate and strong AP participation. Civic Learning: Iowa’s new high school civics test requirement for the Class of 2027 is rolling out, with students needing at least 12 correct answers on a U.S. citizenship-style exam to earn a diploma. Public Health: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak is climbing, with 98 reported cases tied largely to low-vaccination communities, including many children. Community & Culture: Iowa City is recruiting volunteers for its Winter Clothing Drive, asking for multilingual help and shift coverage to restock and distribute winter gear. Local Economy & Growth: DataVizion is expanding in Iowa and planning a new Des Moines metro office as it grows its team and client base. Food & Fun: A movie about Hooters’ Iowa-to-Florida origin story is in the works, with casting underway.

Community Spotlight: In Sheldon, a local letter argues the Sheldon Chamber and SCDC are more than event planners—pointing to housing growth, new business investment, site-ready land, and programs like Revive & Thrive that offer 0% financing for property upgrades. Education & Youth: Iowa State’s Cyclone Support expands how students find help, while central Iowa districts welcome new superintendents focused on safety, renovations, and more hands-on learning. Public Health: The FDA escalated its cyclospora lettuce warning to the highest risk level and added Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas to the outbreak map that already includes Iowa. Local Governance: Marshalltown residents packed a meeting to question potential data center development, and Wapello County voters will decide on a $45M jail expansion this November. Culture & Arts: Orchestra Iowa returns to Brucemore after a five-year hiatus, and a Q&A spotlights folklorist Kiran Singh Sirah on storytelling as bridge-building. Sports & Community: Penn State’s “We Give Blood” drive joins a Big Ten competition for a $1M grant, and the World Food & Music Festival returns to Downtown Des Moines Aug. 28–30.

Local Schools & Community: Fairfield voters will decide in November on a $24.85M bond to expand and remodel the middle school, including fine arts, CTE, library, commons, kitchen, and gym space. Arts & Culture: Atlantic Park in Elk Horn is seeking a $20,000 Iowa Arts and Culture Council grant for a Sunnyside Park mural, with design quotes ranging from about $18,000 to $25,000. Faith & Campus Traditions: KU Hillel is reuniting Jay Lewis and Rabbi Neal Schuster as honorary co-chairs for Rock Chalk Shabbat, a long-running tradition bringing Jewish Jayhawks together. Public Health: Doctors are urging vaccinations as measles cases rise heading into the school year. Sports & Community Life: Registration is open for Burlington’s Great River Bridge Race (Sept. 19), with timed 5K/10K and a bridge walk supporting local parks. Education & Access: Dordt University is launching a one-year pilot giving campuswide access to premium AI tools through BoodleBox. Food & Hospitality: The Iowa Restaurant Association named winners for its 2026 Celebrating Excellence Awards, set for Oct. 19 at Prairie Meadows.

Local Arts & Community: Downtown Burlington’s new Aldo Leopold Legacy Mural is taking shape in real time, with local artist Afsheen “Shane” Mayahi painting the conservationist’s legacy on Jefferson Street. Campus Life & Privacy: Iowa State students are reacting to the spread of Flock automated license-plate cameras around campus, raising concerns about surveillance even as police say the system isn’t built for facial recognition. Education & Access: Iowa’s Department of Education finalized rules for free and reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, spelling out eligibility pathways for families. Public Safety & Accountability: A Solon former vocal music teacher faces sexual abuse charges tied to alleged misconduct with students, according to court documents. Money & Inclusion: Veridian Credit Union launched “Money Moves,” a free program offering coaching and incentives to help members build savings, improve credit, and reduce debt. Food & Culture: The World Food and Music Festival returns to Downtown Des Moines Friday through Sunday, with new vendors and performances plus free parking and bike valet options. Sports & Local Pride: Dominick Nelson is returning to Utah Valley for a fifth college season after his Iowa State run, while Waverly-Shell Rock opened cross country with its Early Bird Invite.

Meta settlement: Delaware and other states reached a landmark $17B deal with Meta over teen social media addiction, with child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram and guaranteed payments to states like Nevada. Public safety tech debate: In Le Mars, officials are weighing the controversy around Flock license-plate cameras as other Iowa cities have ended or let contracts expire. Health & caregiving: Westview Care Center in Britt won the 2026 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, while Iowa regulators charged four nurses over alleged patient-risk conduct. Iowa agriculture & water: The free nitrogen soil sampling project is expanding to 26 Iowa counties to help farmers fine-tune fertilizer and protect waterways. Culture & community: Iowa City approved a $1.8M endowment to support local arts groups, and Ankeny hosts a Dolly Parton-themed “Race for Reading” 5K. Local politics & health: Iowa Senate candidates Josh Turek and Ashley Hinson are outlining cancer plans as advocates push for prevention, treatment, and research.

Iowa Politics: A new Suffolk University poll tightens Iowa’s midterm races, with Democrat Rob Sand leading GOP Zach Lahn for governor and GOP Sen. Ashley Hinson holding a narrow edge over Democrat Josh Turek. National Politics: Tuesday’s South Carolina Senate runoff put Trump’s stamp on Darline Graham’s win, while Oklahoma’s governor primary runoff also went to a Trump-backed candidate. Culture & Community: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library keeps expanding in Iowa, mailing free books to kids through age 5. Education & Tech: OpenAI is partnering with Kamehameha Schools to expand educator access to ChatGPT with training and oversight. Sports & Society: A report spotlights how youth travel sports widen the opportunity gap, pushing families out of participation. Iowa Lifestyle: Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in July, with job shifts and retirements shaping the numbers. Animal Welfare: Three men were convicted in northern Illinois for animal cruelty tied to steer-tailing rodeo events.

Local Schools & Community: Cedar Rapids Community School District released its 2026–2031 strategic plan, aiming for “academic advantage,” stronger extracurriculars, a “culture of connection,” and long-term sustainability. Civic Life: Iowa City School Board will discuss filling a vacant director seat after a resignation. Education & Inclusion: Prairie Summit YMCA is set to open in Cedar Rapids with a student-run coffee shop and a student-led transition program. Outdoor & Family Fun: Iowa’s Labor Day weekend guide spotlights state parks and boating safety tips. Agriculture & Water Quality: Iowa expanded its free nitrogen soil sampling project to all 22 Greater Des Moines watershed counties plus four Middle Cedar counties, pairing results with the N-Fact tool. Arts & Culture: Iowa Children’s Museum funding boosts cultural collaborations in Johnson County. Community Support: Iowa Credit Union Foundation awarded $50,000 in financial inclusion grants to organizations statewide. Sports: Maquoketa Speedway hosted the Hawkeye 100, where Bobby Pierce set a record by winning for the second straight year.