AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled certain jalapeño products and prepared foods after a Mexico pepper supplier was linked to a salmonella outbreak; items sold in Iowa and other states carry “Best By/Best Before” dates in early-to-mid August, with no illnesses reported yet. Iowa Politics & Labor: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand says Iowa’s minimum wage should rise from $7.25 to $12, pitching a phased approach at an IME business roundtable in Des Moines. Health Workforce Policy: State Sen. Merv Riepe backed Nebraska’s LB1212, creating a licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians to address shortages. Energy & Infrastructure: West Virginia AG McCuskey leads a coalition urging courts to keep Enbridge’s Line 5 operating, warning a shutdown could raise prices nationwide. Severe Weather & Power: A new derecho hit the Midwest a day after the 2020 Iowa anniversary, knocking out power for tens of thousands in the Quad Cities and beyond. Public Safety Tech: Flock license plate reader cameras are expanding across communities, but critics raise privacy concerns. Local Food for Schools: Iowa’s Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program is now open for applications, offering $200,000 in funding with a 1:1 match for districts buying Iowa-grown food. Agriculture Outlook: USDA projects record 2026 U.S. soybean production despite a small yield dip. Transportation: Iowa DOT is moving ahead with a reduced-conflict intersection on U.S. 63 north of Waterloo, targeting spring 2028 construction. Community & Business: Marion’s Uptown Getdown live music series returns, and a new breakfast spot opened in Mount Vernon after a five-year gap.

Defense & Aerospace: The U.S. Army tapped Collins Aerospace for up to $472M to modernize and sustain the CH-47 Chinook fleet, with work planned in Huntsville and Cedar Rapids. Downtown Development: Des Moines’ $148M 515 Walnut Tower is moving toward spring 2027 completion after the top floor was installed and the crane dismantling begins this week. Education & Construction: Somerset Academy plans a $19M charter school in Ankeny for up to 1,150 students, including restoring the historic one-room Nagle Schoolhouse. Ag Tech & Research: Iowa State will spotlight AI tools at the Farm Progress Show, including an updated Pest ID system tuned for Midwest pests and weeds. Dairy Forage: A new push in dairy forage production highlights short-stature corn as a potential alternative as brown midrib options tighten. Energy & Grid: An ISU expert says Iowa’s grid could expand sharply by 2046 as data centers grow, raising household bill questions. Data Centers & Local Control: Residents packed an Ida Grove meeting to question PathOne’s data center plans, focusing on water, power, and weather impacts; Salix is also weighing a data center moratorium. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Iowa cities with reported scams clustered around Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, with online purchase scams the most common. Food & Community: Iowa Pork Producers will hand out 1,776 pork chops at the State Fair as part of a 250th anniversary “Pork Chop Salute.”

Workforce & Education: Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is lining up its Cedar Valley Career Inspire event Sept. 19 at the Waterloo Convention Center, pairing students with volunteers and businesses for hands-on career exploration across 40+ industries. Local Development: Dyersville is expanding the “Field of Dreams” site with a permanent ballpark, a restaurant, and a youth sports complex under construction. Healthcare Leadership: Dale Maxwell, former Presbyterian Healthcare Services CEO, is named interim CEO of Risant Health, stepping in after Jaewon Ryu’s departure. Water & Agriculture: Iowa experts say recent heavy rains are unlikely to spike nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers soon, but prolonged wet stretches could change that. Manufacturing & Trade: Ambassador Jamieson Greer will tour Titan Tires and then hit Iowa State Fair vendor stops, highlighting jobs and reshoring themes. Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show Iowa regular prices averaging about $3.80 statewide for the week ending Aug. 1, with county-by-county lows ranging from $3.59 (Lyon) to $3.69 (Des Moines County). Public Safety & Fraud: Iowa AG Brenna Bird and Meta are teaming up to fight social media scams, as BBB Scam Tracker data continues to show high online-purchase fraud nationwide. Recycling Policy: The Iowa DNR is building a better recycling reporting and data collection system to track diversion goals and grant support. Business Growth: Urbandale took a first step toward a Buc-ee’s by approving a comprehensive plan amendment that could lead to a first Iowa location.

Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Suspected Iranian hackers targeted U.S. water utilities, highlighting how many small systems remain easy marks and renewing calls for stronger, mandatory protections. Local Housing & Services: A Des Moines-area nonprofit closed on two former extended-stay hotels to create nearly 200 units of permanent supportive housing, with construction/renovation planned to start this fall. Food & Agriculture Markets: Iowa’s Honor Harvest pilot launches weekly food boxes for eligible rural veterans, sourcing from Iowa producers to improve diet-related health while building demand for local farms. Trade & Consumer Safety: The Senate unanimously passed a Grassley-Hassan bill aimed at intercepting counterfeit imports by improving information sharing among CBP, rights holders, e-commerce and carriers. Energy & Infrastructure Tech: ORNL researchers used AI to predict river temperatures, supporting hydropower and water-cooled power planning. Data Centers in Iowa: Dubuque County shelved a full data center ban in favor of an ordinance, while Ames-area debate continues over water, power, noise and sustainability impacts. Public Health Recall: USDA reported a large listeria-related recall of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef shipped to food service locations including Iowa. Rural Development: The U.S. Senate confirmed Glen Smith as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, emphasizing broadband and quality-of-life infrastructure.

Data Centers vs. Nuclear Zoning: Linn County supervisors voted not to move forward with changes that would have allowed large data centers near nuclear facilities, after residents raised concerns about water, grid capacity, environmental impacts, and long-term planning. Local Governance: Salix City Council is set to decide this week whether to impose a moratorium on a proposed data center at the town’s edge, as Woodbury County challenges the annexation process in court. Energy & Infrastructure: Ames is moving ahead with a new natural-gas power plant, awarding a $70.1M contract for generators tied to a 2029 target, while also planning a separate solid waste recycling facility. Renewable Fuels: Iowa’s Agriculture Department announced over $2M in cost-share grants for 38 E15 and biodiesel projects, including retail pump upgrades for Noteboom Oil and Brew Oil. Food Safety: Taylor Farms is again in the spotlight after a jalapeno recall tied to possible salmonella contamination, following earlier lettuce-linked cyclospora scrutiny. Healthcare Policy: Rep. Ashley Hinson unveiled a Health Insurance Transparency bill aimed at forcing insurers to disclose denials, prior authorization delays, and appeal outcomes. Parks & Recreation Funding: Des Moines and ICON Water Trails received $2M in federal funding for boating access and trail improvements at Birdland and Prospect parks. Agriculture Watch: USDA crop conditions show Iowa corn at 65.25 on the Pro Farmer index, down slightly from last week. Cybersecurity: A report warns Iran-linked hackers have targeted municipal water systems in at least a dozen states, highlighting gaps in protection. Local Business Development: Mitchell approved plans for seven business suites that are already fully rented before construction begins.

Food Safety: USDA/FSIS recalled 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef (Midamar, Bea’s Best, Kirsch) shipped to foodservice in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan after possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Energy & Industry: Snowfox Discovery says it secured access to 10,000+ acres of natural hydrogen exploration leases in Audubon County, aiming for a late-2027/2028 drilling campaign and citing nearby ammonia/fertilizer infrastructure. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Iowa DOT plans westbound I-80 closures for patching in Polk and Dallas counties (Aug. 9-10, weather permitting). Workforce & Public Finance: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as the next IPERS CEO, effective Aug. 24, 2026. Agriculture & Water Quality: USGS research finds nutrient pollution in many streams/rivers rose from 2000-2020, with much coming from nutrients stored in soil and groundwater that can take years to flush out. Tribal Gaming Oversight: A vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is stalling enforcement and management approvals for tribal casinos, including Harrah’s plans tied to the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Transportation & Logistics: Chicago Rockford airport is nearing record cargo volumes, boosted by new freighter routes and additional international links. Community & Health Funding: HOMEBANK/FHLB Des Moines awarded $322,000 in grants for a Kirksville cancer center and Knox County senior housing.

Tariff fallout for Iowa manufacturers and households: A new Midwest study says Trump-era tariffs cost the average Hoosier household $2,600 and also hit manufacturing jobs hard; researchers say similar impacts spread across Iowa and other manufacturing-and-ag states, with lawmakers urged to expand unemployment help and workforce transition funding. Rural health and housing: A $15 million federal grant will fund a five-year radon “Combat Cancer” push in rural Iowa, including testing, mitigation training, and support for counties with limited licensed specialists. USDA food safety: City Foods, Inc. recalled about 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat corned beef and pastrami due to possible Listeria contamination; products shipped to foodservice locations including Iowa, and consumers are told not to eat them. Rural development leadership: The Senate confirmed Iowan Glen Smith as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, with a focus on rural connectivity and value-added investment. Tribal gaming oversight snag: A vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is stalling some tribal casino management deals and enforcement. College sports policy: A college sports spending-guardrails bill failed to reach a Senate vote and is set for September. Energy and grid pressure: Utilities are pitching data centers as a way to spread grid costs, even as critics warn about rising electricity demand. Local industry spotlight: Poweshiek County fair projects are headed to the Iowa State Fair, including science/engineering and ag/natural resources entries.

Hospital consolidation and health-care costs: A new AP report spotlights how merged hospital systems can charge far more for the same procedures when competition is thin, driving up bills for insurers and patients. Food safety in Iowa and beyond: USDA/FSIS issued a Class I recall for about 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef products potentially contaminated with listeria, with distribution including Iowa; separate recalls also hit jalapeño products tied to salmonella concerns. Organic waste push: The Iowa DNR is finalizing an organic waste management plan aimed at cutting landfill-bound food waste, with strategies spanning composting, anaerobic digestion, and farm practices. Local food business support: Johnson County Poor Farm’s new shared-use commercial kitchen is taking applications for farmers, food trucks, and instructors, funded through ARPA dollars. Energy and utilities: Crews repaired a natural gas leak in downtown What Cheer after overnight work, following concrete damage to a line connection. Workforce pipeline: UNI’s metal casting center is recruiting workers and reaching out to K-12 students to build interest in manufacturing careers. Tribal gaming oversight: An AP story says the National Indian Gaming Commission can’t fully enforce rules or approve deals because it lacks a chairperson.

Food Safety: Albertsons recalled four ready-to-eat jalapeño products tied to a Taylor Farms ingredient recall over possible Salmonella, with items sold at Jewel-Osco in Iowa and other states plus Albertsons/Randalls/Tom Thumb in parts of the South and Midwest; shoppers should not eat and can return for a refund. Construction & Trades: Marshalltown will host the Oct. 1 Iowa Regional SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500, bringing masons together for a timed 26-foot wall build open to the public. Retail & Cost Pressure: Major chains including Albertsons, Walmart, Kroger and others rolled out price cuts across groceries, medicine and energy-related items, with Albertsons touting a “New Lower Price” program. Energy & Fuels: The national gas average slipped to $4.06 as crude prices eased; meanwhile, biodiesel explainer coverage highlights what it is and why DIY experiments can be risky. Weather & Water: Forecasters warn of storms moving out Sunday evening, then a hot stretch ahead; separate coverage explains harmful algal blooms at lakes and how to spot and avoid them. Local Industry & Innovation: ICON crews wrapped testing at Principal Point ahead of spring 2027 opening, and Iowa’s ICON water trails project is moving toward public access.

Renewable Energy & Courts: A U.S. court ruling criticized delays by the Department of Defense that effectively paused more than 100 onshore wind projects across 25 states, clearing the way for stalled clean-energy development. Biofuels & Fuel Infrastructure: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced $2M+ in cost-share grants for 38 E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects, aimed at expanding lower-cost renewable fuel access for drivers and boosting demand for Iowa corn and soy. Agriculture Policy: The Senate farm bill remains stuck after Democrats rejected a proposal tied to food aid, leaving pork and other farm groups pushing for changes as the clock runs toward the election. Water & Farm Resilience: Federal funding will expand Iowa groundwater and hydrologic monitoring into more counties, strengthening drought and flood data for farmers and communities. Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to imported iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, including Iowa, with thousands of illnesses reported nationwide. Public Safety: Alliant Energy said a gas leak in What Cheer is “scene safe” after repairs began following damage to a gas-line connection. Local Industry & Growth: Switzer-CARTY Transportation Services agreed to acquire Owatonna Bus Company, marking its first cross-border U.S. expansion. Iowa Workforce & Retirement: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as the new CEO of IPERS, filling a leadership vacancy.

USDA Rural Development: Iowa Ag Sec. Mike Naig congratulated Glen Smith of Atlantic after the U.S. Senate confirmed him as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, a win Naig framed as support for rural Iowa’s ag economy. Renewable Fuels Investment: Naig also announced RFIP cost-share grants totaling more than $2 million for 38 E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects across 24 Iowa counties, aimed at expanding access to lower-cost, cleaner fuel. Pensions & Jobs: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as the new CEO of IPERS, effective Aug. 24, bringing decades of retirement-system leadership. Manufacturing Outlook: Iowa manufacturers shared how they’re adapting to economic shifts in a Made in Iowa: Manufacturing Forecast discussion, with attention on uneven growth and sectors tied to electrification and data centers. Food Safety: FDA/CDC updates flagged a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños, with cases reported in multiple Midwest states (Iowa not listed yet, but surrounded by affected areas). Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee stalled a Farm Bill push over SNAP cost-sharing rules tied to error rates, leaving farmers and rural groups disappointed. Local Industry Spotlight: Iowa Restaurant Association named its 2026 “Women to Watch” class, including Des Moines-area leaders across restaurants, hotels, brewing, and suppliers.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Iowa now included; Michigan reported 12,485 cases and two deaths as officials keep tracing the source. Farm Policy: A Senate Agriculture Committee farm bill markup stalled over SNAP cost-sharing rules, delaying action that Iowa producers have been watching closely. Biofuels: Sen. Chuck Grassley welcomed Senate language that would allow year-round, nationwide E15 sales, a long-running push for higher-ethanol blends. School Nutrition: Iowa finalized eligibility policy for free and reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, clarifying income and SNAP-based pathways. Local Infrastructure: Benton County approved condemning a small property parcel for a bridge replacement, while Iowa DOT outlined an Aug. 10 start for pavement work on another bridge project. Data & Health Tech: Unlimited Technology Systems notified 3.8 million people of a data breach involving personal, medical, and insurance information. Community & Workforce: Tama Public Library earned state accreditation through 2029, and South Tama received a DOE award for therapeutic classrooms.

Public Safety & Infrastructure: Johnson County approved a $94.5M jail bond referendum for the Nov. 3 ballot, funding a new sheriff’s office and jail facility. Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis linked to Taco Bell and recalled Taylor Farms lettuce hit 6,358 cases as the CDC expanded the investigation to additional states, while salmonella coverage also points to outbreaks tied to eggs and jalapeño peppers. Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee rejected a five-year farm bill after a SNAP cost-sharing fight, with Democrats demanding a longer delay and Republicans citing fraud-fighting reforms. Water & Weather: Iowa’s drought picture worsened in late July, with drought watches expanding across northwestern and southwestern regions. Local Business & Manufacturing: Windings acquired North Iowa’s Machine Tool Engineering to bring CNC machining in-house and reduce supply-chain risk. Community & Schools: Waterloo United High School’s new cafeteria is taking shape ahead of a fall 2028 opening. Energy & Industry: Iowa’s DNR published draft air quality permits for public comment, including Cargill and Platinum Crush projects. Sports & Events: NASCAR is set to return to Iowa Speedway on July 2-4, 2027, after repaving the track.

Defense Procurement: A new Congressional Budget Office estimate puts the U.S. Navy’s 15 Trump-class nuclear battleships at about $275 billion through FY2056, with higher annual surface combatant funding driven by a larger 35,000-ton design. Food Safety: The CDC expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce to 15 states and 6,358 cases, including Iowa, with most growth reflecting reporting lag rather than new exposures. Energy & Industry Policy: Iowa’s data-center debate keeps heating up as Democratic candidate Rob Sand calls to end state tax breaks and require transparent tracking of water and power use, plus “pay their own way” protections for utility-rate impacts. Public Health & Courts: A judge ordered an Appanoose County clinic to close for operating without a medical license, with investigators alleging serious patient harm and illegal earnings. Water Quality: Linn County is funding IIHR–Hydroscience and Engineering’s real-time water monitoring network with $100,000 to protect Iowa’s drinking and recreation water. Local Business & Jobs: Waterloo’s historic James Black building is set for a $57 million Hyatt Place redevelopment, aiming to boost downtown foot traffic and support nearby restaurants.

Data Centers & Local Control: Iowa’s data-center fight keeps heating up, with Lee County supervisors seeking expert legal advice to craft ordinances, while residents and officials across the state debate water, power, and community impacts. Energy & Grid Buildout: We Energies is breaking ground on Wisconsin solar, wind, and battery storage projects, and the Iowa Utilities Commission adopted new rules for large-scale transmission, including limits tied to noise, electric fields, and guy-wire placement. Workforce Training: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced nationwide listening sessions at major ag events, and Iowa Central Community College is highlighted for being first in the U.S. approved for the Workforce Pell EMT program. Ag Policy & Farm Bill: Sen. Chuck Grassley says the Senate Agriculture Committee will begin Farm Bill review soon, with E15 and rural development among the moving parts. Food & Consumer Protection: New York AG Letitia James announced a multistate egg price-fixing settlement delivering millions of eggs to food banks, and a lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has now reached 15 states. Economy Watch: Iowa leading indicators dipped in June, with diesel use and stock gains offsetting other softer signals. Business Moves: NFI Interactive Logistics is closing its Cedar Rapids facility, impacting 49 employees.

Workforce & Education: The U.S. Department of Education approved the nation’s first Workforce Pell Grant program, letting eligible Iowa Central Community College students use Pell dollars for its 14-week EMT program—an 8-to-15-week, faster credential pathway aimed at high-demand jobs. Ag Risk & Weather: Iowa’s drought picture is worsening again in parts of western Iowa, with precipitation deficits and crop demand pulling soil moisture down; meanwhile, the latest crop progress report says western crops could use extra moisture heading into August. Farm Policy & Insurance: A Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance program has key deadlines—Aug. 11 for enrollment and Sept. 30 for many states including Iowa—plus a free webinar for producers and agents. Data Centers & Local Governance: Wright County created an energy/utility/data center policy workgroup, while other Iowa communities keep debating ordinances and legal guardrails as construction and safety concerns grow. Energy & Grid Rules: The Iowa Utilities Commission set new transmission standards tied to landowner impacts, including limits around guy wires, noise, and electric field strength. Community & Business: Iowa City businesses are feeling the pinch from downtown road repairs, and Urbandale’s food pantry is closing temporarily to expand parking and safety access.