AGP Executive Report

Iowa Politics: A major upset reshaped the Iowa governor’s race: Republican newcomer Zach Lahn narrowly beat Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra in the GOP primary, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Rob Sand. Public Safety: Des Moines police are asking for help locating missing 15-year-old William, last seen on the city’s far south side. State Law & Roads: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill raising the speed limit on Iowa’s two-lane state highways from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1, with a limited first-tickets grace that won’t affect driving records or insurance rates. Health & Environment: The University of Iowa launched a statewide research initiative to track environmental exposures tied to cancer and maternal/newborn and neurodevelopment outcomes. Animal Health Alert: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, prompting quarantines and expanded sterile-fly releases. Community & Culture: Marion Public Library won an NEA Big Read grant for “The Big Marion Read,” running this fall with discussions and workshops. Weather: Strong storm chances return, with heavy rain possible today and Friday night.

Livestock Alert: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, the first in the U.S. in decades—prompting containment and eradication steps and raising fears for Iowa’s cattle supply and beef prices. Iowa Politics: In the GOP governor primary, Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra conceded to Zach Lahn, a rare setback for the president’s Iowa influence; on the Democratic side, Paralympian Josh Turek won the Senate primary, setting up a Turek vs. Ashley Hinson matchup in November. Food Assistance: Iowa joined federal SNAP restrictions, blocking undocumented immigrants and some others from benefits, while tightening retroactive eligibility for Medicaid-covered groups. Local Government: Marshall County supervisors chose EMC for workers’ comp coverage for FY27, ending a decade-long run with IMWCA. Sports & Schools: Norwalk and Ankeny Centennial advanced in Iowa boys soccer state semifinals; UNI’s Zach Lutmer landed on the Lott IMPACT watch list; Valley Lutheran fired administrator Lucas Tanney effective immediately amid sexual exploitation and grooming allegations.

Iowa Politics: Iowa’s U.S. Senate race is set for November after Democrats chose Josh Turek and Republicans chose Ashley Hinson, following Sen. Joni Ernst’s retirement announcement. GOP Power Shift: In the Iowa governor GOP primary, Trump’s endorsement didn’t carry the day—Zach Lahn upset Randy Feenstra, a sign endorsements may be losing their automatic pull. Education & Civil Rights: The Trump administration is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students, while critics say the move flips the purpose of civil rights enforcement. Local Public Safety: Iowa’s new speed limit law raises the limit on two-lane state highways from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1. Community & Health: United Way of North Central Iowa is collecting kids’ athletic shoes through its “Kicks for Kids” drive to help children start school ready to learn. Sports (Iowa): Iowa women’s basketball is adding marquee nonconference games, including a home-and-home with UConn and a Vanderbilt matchup in Sioux City. Weather: Thursday brings showers and rounds of storms; warm, humid conditions linger into the weekend.

Iowa Politics: Zach Lahn stunned Republicans by winning the GOP nomination for governor, edging Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra (37.8% to 37%), and will face Democrat Rob Sand in November. U.S. Senate: Iowa Democrats chose Josh Turek to challenge GOP nominee Ashley Hinson; Turek defeated Zach Wahls, setting up a high-stakes matchup for Ernst’s open seat. Congress: Christina Bohannan won the Democratic nod for Iowa’s 1st District, while Miller-Meeks is set for a third straight rematch in November; in the 2nd District, Joe Mitchell won the GOP primary. Local Government: Johnson County supervisor races advanced as newcomers won District 3 and Erceg advanced in District 1 under a new district-based election law. Statehouse: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed final 2026 bills, including measures on medical licensure, workforce training, wildlife rules, and expedited business filings. Community & Culture: Clutier’s historic Z.C.B.J. Hall launched a drive to replace deteriorating siding; World Elder Abuse Day highlighted local resources. Sports: Iowa’s women will play Vanderbilt in Sioux City this season, and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White say they’ve moved past a sideline spat after a team meeting.

Iowa Primary Day: Voters head to the polls in a busy June 2 election cycle, with Iowa races drawing national attention as Democrats try to make inroads in a rural state and Republicans work to hold key seats. Muscatine Tragedy: Police say a domestic dispute led to a mass shooting in Muscatine that killed six relatives, including the suspect, who died by suicide as officers confronted him. Ag & Water: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Iowa Farm Act and an agriculture/natural resources funding bill that includes “Farm to Faucet” water quality money, aiming to cut nutrient runoff and boost monitoring and conservation. Weather Watch: Forecasters flag a warm stretch with a better chance for storms Thursday night into Friday, including a low-end severe risk. Sports & Schools: Iowa Park’s softball standouts earned UIL All-State Tournament Team honors, while the Iowa Hawkeyes announced a women’s basketball game in Sioux City. Community Spotlight: The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is taking nominations for its “Iowan of the Day” awards, due July 1.

Mass Violence in Muscatine: A 52-year-old Muscatine man, identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, killed six relatives across multiple locations Monday before taking his own life during a police encounter. Police said the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute and that there is no ongoing threat to the public as investigators process the scenes. Legal Accountability: A Pomeroy man, Jason Michael Peed, was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child and two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree; sentencing is set for July 31. Iowa Politics Ahead of Tuesday: Iowa Democrats will settle a competitive U.S. Senate primary Tuesday between Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, with national attention and heavy GOP defense of Sen. Joni Ernst’s seat. Broadband Upgrade: The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) announced a new dedicated 100G route to Chicago to boost capacity and reliability for public-sector cloud services. Sports—Local Impact: Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State’s top 3-point shooter, committed to Kentucky, a major transfer shakeup for Iowa State fans.

Rural Health Funding Prep: The Iowa Primary Care Association will host two technical assistance sessions in Osceola on June 4 to help organizations prepare for upcoming Iowa HHS rural coordinated-care funding, including Communities of Care co-location and a school-based initiative. Iowa Politics—U.S. Senate: With Joni Ernst stepping aside, Tuesday’s June 2 primary features Republicans Ashley Hinson vs. Jim Carlin and Democrats Josh Turek vs. Zach Wahls, as the race draws national attention. Gov. Reynolds Bill Deadline: Gov. Kim Reynolds is signing agriculture bills Monday and crime-related bills Tuesday, with dozens of other measures still awaiting action before the June 2 deadline. Public Safety: Ames police are asking for help identifying suspects in a May 16 assault near Chamberlain Street. Retail Expansion: Kwik Trip says it’s eyeing Nebraska for future convenience stores. Education & Workforce: Iowa’s Department of Education released a new three-tier format for approved industry-recognized credentials for 2026-27. Local Sports: Mount Pleasant’s boys soccer season ended after a 6-0 substate loss to Cedar Rapids Xavier; North Fayette Valley advanced with a 3-1 win over Postville.

Iowa Politics: With the Iowa governor primary days away, President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra, while Turning Point Action backed business owner Zach Lahn—two late signals that could reshape the GOP field. Iowa Sports: Iowa wrestling coach Clarissa Chun landed a contract extension through 2031. Des Moines Basketball: Iowa men’s basketball will return to the Casey’s Center in Des Moines on Nov. 15 to face Creighton. Caitlin Clark/WNBA: Portland Fire beat Indiana Fever 100-84 as Megan Gustafson scored 22; fake social posts about Stephanie White being fired were quickly debunked. Local Safety & Health: A pedestrian was seriously hurt in a Cedar Rapids crash; an endangered Iowa child reported missing was later found in Omaha. Weather: A small chance of showers Monday, then mostly dry conditions. Renewable Fuels: Iowa lawmakers highlighted progress toward year-round E15 after Renewable Fuels Month.

Iowa Primaries: Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday, June 2, in closed primaries that could shape Democrats’ comeback hopes, with attention on the open U.S. Senate seat and competitive House races. Missing Child: Authorities in Shelby County are searching for 8-year-old Dane Coffman, last seen with 51-year-old Garry McBreen; investigators say they may be traveling through Colorado toward California in a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe or a 2009 Dodge Journey. Agriculture: USDA’s first corn and soybean condition ratings of 2026 are set to roll out after early crop progress numbers, giving farmers and traders another read on crop health. Local Government: Madison County Auditor Michele Brant sues two supervisors over an office reorganization, alleging illegal action and retaliation. Public Safety/Health: The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent blood donor call as summer demand approaches.

Local Health Fundraiser: WinnMed Hospice Memorial Ride is set for Sunday, June 14, starting at WinnMed in Decorah with a donation breakfast, poker run, and a silent auction at Pivo Brewery in Calmar; proceeds will support updates to the hospice patient room. Iowa Education & Safety Debate: Iowa City Community School District leaders and residents are clashing over a $14 million pledge to the Coralville competition pool, with supporters saying it’s a key water-safety lifeline for swimmers who can’t access private lessons. State Politics & Media: Iowa PBS will spotlight Highway 60 on Season 3 of Road Trip Iowa, premiering June 8, as national attention turns to how politicians use TikTok. Courts & Immigration: Ian Roberts, the former head of Des Moines Public Schools, was sentenced to two years in prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and related offenses, with deportation expected after his term. Sports (Iowa): Pella Christian edged ND-WB 1-0 on a penalty kick in a Class 1A substate final, sending the Eagles to state.

Iowa Politics: Former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in federal prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally possessing a firearm, with deportation to Guyana expected after he serves his time. Gubernatorial Race: Republican Zach Lahn made a final pre-primary stop in Marshalltown, touting fundraising and polling, as President Trump endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra for Iowa governor ahead of Tuesday’s vote. U.S. Senate Primary: Iowa Democrats are split on whether Josh Turek or Zach Wahls gives them the best shot to flip the seat, with voters weighing electability and momentum. Local Government/Environment: Palo City will hold a public hearing on a Google data center ordinance near Duane Arnold, deferring water rules to the Iowa DNR after Linn County’s earlier plan fell apart. Education & Accountability: Cedar Rapids’ Empowering Excellence Academy is under investigation after board minutes cited missing receipts and fraudulent Amazon charges tied to identity theft. Sports (Iowa): East High’s Kiya James heads to UCLA for softball; Marshalltown’s girls soccer advanced past Des Moines North in a shootout. Weather: Weekend forecasts across the region point to spotty showers, with rain chances most likely Saturday morning.

Iowa Politics: Two Republicans are battling for Iowa House District 37, with Chase Spencer pitching a “new perspective” on public schools and property tax reform, and Jason Sandholdt leaning on decades in law enforcement and an “accountability” message. U.S. Senate Campaign: In Cedar Rapids, hecklers disrupted U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s rally as she pushed a ban on insider trading and prediction-market betting by members of Congress. Food Assistance: Iowa is restarting summer meal help for families under the federal Sun Bucks plan, offering up to $120 per child over three months. Public Health & Outdoors: The Iowa DNR flagged three state beaches for E. coli or algae risks this week, and reminded anglers and families that Free Fishing Weekend runs June 5-7. Agriculture & Costs: Farmers in Iowa and beyond are urging the FTC to investigate fertilizer market behavior as prices stay high. Local Service: A Clay County 911 dispatcher was honored after helping deliver a baby on Highway 18. Sports: Iowa women’s wrestling coach Clarissa Chun won a contract extension through 2031 after national success.

Iowa Politics: Iowa Democrats are pushing the DNC to restore “first-in-the-nation” caucus status for 2028, arguing the state’s races are competitive and the party should wait until after the 2026 elections before locking in the calendar. U.S. Senate Campaign: Democratic candidate Zach Wahls will stop in Keokuk Saturday to make his “Iowans Over Insiders” pitch ahead of the June 2 primary, targeting rising costs and Washington influence. Local Public Safety: Two adults were arrested and two juveniles detained after a reported firearm incident at West Sioux High School in Hawarden during postseason events. Sports (High School): Marshalltown’s girls soccer match vs. Des Moines North was suspended due to lighting and resumes Friday; Mount Ayr’s Jaylee Shaffer leads after day one of Iowa girls state golf. College Basketball: Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft and will return to college for his senior season. Community & Veterans: DAV is hosting a free veterans information seminar in Coralville June 4, and Marshall County voters are urged to drop off mailed ballots in person to meet the Tuesday deadline.

Iowa Politics: Iowa Democrats say they’ll “work in good faith” with the DNC on the 2028 presidential primary calendar, but won’t rule out a rogue first-in-the-nation caucus if they’re squeezed out. Healthcare & Elections: In Iowa’s 1st District House race, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and challenger Christina Bohannan clash over a GOP reconciliation package and its impact on Medicaid and ACA subsidies. Weather & Water: Drought is creeping back—about 43% of Iowa is now in some drought category, with abnormally dry conditions returning across parts of the north and west. Public Safety: A Sioux City man faces felony firearms charges after police say he fled from West Sioux High School and dropped a satchel with a loaded handgun. Tech & Daily Life: T-Mobile fiber customers reported an outage that left many unable to get online, with support channels largely silent for hours. Agriculture: Farm groups are cautiously optimistic about a reported China commitment to buy $17B more in U.S. ag products annually, while noting past tariff-market losses. Sports: Big Ten released Nebraska volleyball’s 2026 schedule; Iowa’s drought and politics weren’t the only things heating up—college and local sports coverage continues to roll.

Sports Betting Regulation: Ohio AG Dave Yost and 40 other state attorneys general urged the CFTC to recognize states’ authority over sports-related prediction markets, arguing platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are “gambling” that should follow state consumer protections. Iowa Politics: Iowa Democrats are pushing the DNC to restore Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucus spot for 2028, pitching fixes to the 2020 process and new options like mail-in preference cards. Local Crime & Safety: Des Moines police warned about downtown groups of teens and young adults “looking for trouble,” including reports of street racing, fights, and shots. Courts: A jury is set to decide the fate of Jacob Hamilton in the Black Hawk County murder trial, where prosecutors say he shot and the defense argues self-defense. College Hoops: Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to college, with Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and Arizona among the top suitors. Community & Events: The Principal Charity Classic is set for June 10-14 at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, with PGA Tour Champions and Iowa’s Zach Johnson among the headline names.

Pediatric cancer funding: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2480 into law, adding a 5-cent tax on nicotine vapes and other nicotine products, with the first $3 million going to pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa and another $3 million each year after. Rural economy & energy: Iowa’s biodiesel industry is rebounding after a winter slowdown, with production jumping after a Renewable Fuels Standard update; Iowa remains the nation’s leader with eight plants operating. Disaster readiness: A national study ranks Iowa 12th overall for disaster preparedness, strong on police and fire coverage but weaker on physicians per capita. Broadband push: Mediacom is rolling out 5-gig internet in parts of Iowa, including Des Moines and Ankeny, aiming to expand access statewide. Iowa politics on the move: Two national political figures are set to appear in Iowa soon, underscoring how much attention the state’s upcoming races are drawing.