AGP Executive Report

Midterm Push: President Donald Trump reinstated his canceled Iowa campaign stop and is now expected to rally in the state Sunday, two days before Election Day. Iowa’s U.S. Senate race between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek is tightening. Water and Health: Water quality and cancer rates are weighing on voters, while a poll found support for raising sales taxes to protect water quality. Education: Gov. Kim Reynolds opened applications for groups seeking to offer scholarships through a new federal tax-credit program, which could bring up to $528 million for Iowa K-12 scholarships. On the Field: Iowa hosts No. 25 Wisconsin on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in the teams’ 100th meeting; Iowa State volleyball swept West Virginia.

Election Countdown: President Donald Trump has reinstated his Sunday rally in Dubuque, two days before Election Day, after canceling it. Iowa’s Senate race is tight, with farm costs, healthcare and water quality among the issues drawing voters’ attention. Education: Gov. Kim Reynolds has opened applications for organizations seeking to offer scholarships through a new federal tax-credit program, which could bring up to $528 million for Iowa students. Ames Investigation: A man charged with first-degree murder in his wife’s death shot himself during a traffic stop Friday and was taken to a Des Moines-area hospital for treatment. College Football: Iowa hosts Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium Saturday, while Iowa State welcomes No. 24 Oklahoma State for a Halloween night game in Ames.

Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump canceled his planned Iowa rally and will address voters by phone instead. The Republican National Committee said virtual events will reach more voters, as Iowa’s Senate and governor’s races tighten ahead of Tuesday’s election. Iowa Elections: Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek are vying for the Senate seat, while Republican Zach Lahn faces Democrat Rob Sand in the governor’s race. Voters will also choose a state auditor and decide whether tax increases should require a supermajority. Business: Cambrex has broken ground on a $120 million expansion of its Charles City facility, adding pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity; completion is expected in 2028. Hawkeyes: Iowa hosts No. 25 Wisconsin on Saturday in the 100th meeting between the teams, but the Hawkeyes will be without injured running back Kamari Moulton.

Election Countdown: President Donald Trump canceled planned weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas, switching to tele-rallies as Republicans face tight races. Pottawattamie County has already surpassed its total absentee ballots from 2022, while Iowa officials say voting safeguards are in place and federal monitors will be present. Water and Taxes: Water quality is emerging as a central issue in the race for Iowa agriculture secretary, with challenger Chris Jones calling the contest a referendum on progress and incumbent Mike Naig defending his record. Voters will also decide Amendment 1, which would require a two-thirds legislative vote to raise income taxes; supporters say it protects taxpayers, while opponents warn it could constrain public services. Des Moines Development: City staff will recommend moving ahead with a $24 million office project at 401 Robert D. Ray Drive, rather than a proposed performing arts center. The plan includes $3.95 million in tax incentives and goes before the council Nov. 2. Harvest: Iowa soybean harvest was 78% complete as of Oct. 25, behind the five-year average, while corn harvest stood at 47%; 73% of the corn crop was rated good to excellent.

Election Countdown: With Iowa’s Nov. 3 vote five days away, state officials say election procedures are secure, and early voting turnout is up. Governor candidates Rob Sand and Zach Lahn clashed over Medicaid and mental health in their final debate; the Hinson-Turek Senate race has also sharpened, with Turek’s campaign drawing backlash over an anti-trans ad. Water Quality: A poll found 69% of Iowa voters support raising the sales tax by three-eighths of a percentage point to fund conservation and water programs, a fund voters approved in 2010 but that remains unfunded. Energy: The Department of Energy pledged Alliant Energy $5.1 billion in loans for natural-gas generation and storage projects in Iowa and Wisconsin; officials say the investment could lower customer costs. Health Care: Iowa Medicaid work requirements are set to begin Dec. 1, while more than 87,000 Iowans face Medicare plan cancellations. On the Field: Iowa hosts No. 25 Wisconsin on Saturday, seeking a rebound after a last-second loss to Minnesota.

Election Watch: With Iowa’s Nov. 3 vote days away, Secretary of State Paul Pate says ballots are protected by voter ID, paper records and audits. Federal Justice Department monitors will also visit polling places, focusing on accessibility and provisional ballots. The governor’s race and contests for U.S. Senate and the 3rd Congressional District are drawing close attention. Energy and Water: Alliant Energy is set to receive a $5.1 billion federal loan for power projects aimed at improving reliability and lowering costs in Iowa and Wisconsin. In Linn County, supervisors approved Google funding for an independent water study, with the county controlling its scope and results. Health Care: More than 87,000 Iowans face Medicare plan cancellations, raising concerns about coverage as health care costs feature in campaign debates. Student Achievement: Montezuma and Grinnell FFA teams earned top-five national honors at the National FFA Convention.

Iowa Elections: Rob Sand and Zach Lahn made their final gubernatorial debate pitches Tuesday, clashing over education, property taxes, water quality, cancer and Medicaid. Early voting is also running ahead of expectations, with more than 265,000 Iowans casting ballots in the first 11 days. Health Care: Iowa’s Medicaid fraud task force recommends expanding its prosecution unit to 24 positions, while more than 87,000 Iowans face Medicare plan cancellations. Des Moines Metro Business: Ankeny’s Iowa Fastener plans a $10 million to $12 million investment in an 82,000-square-foot warehouse, with construction expected to begin this fall. Education and Recreation: University of Iowa officials plan to end the Iowa Flyers Swim Club next year, prompting families to explore forming a nonprofit to keep the program going. Public Safety: An explosion and fire at Cedar Rapids’ Quaker Oats plant left employees safe, according to reports.

Election 2026: More than 265,000 Iowans cast ballots in the first 11 days of early voting, and Pottawattamie County reports absentee voting is up more than 12% from 2022. Election Day is Nov. 3. Medicaid Oversight: A state task force recommends expanding Iowa’s nine-person Medicaid fraud unit to 24 and adding civil fraud prosecutors, investigators and analysts to oversee the $8.7 billion program. Schools: Six Iowa districts will share $300,000 in grants to expand programs that prepare students for college, careers and other paths after graduation. Des Moines Traffic: Starting Nov. 1, overnight closures will affect eastbound I-80 and several ramps at the Northeast Mixmaster; one I-235 ramp closure is set to last through Dec. 9. Storm Lake Tragedy: Buena Vista University freshman and women’s wrestler Kaylee Nachtigal died in a crash south of Storm Lake; two other students were injured.

Midterm Countdown: With Election Day a week away, Iowa’s Senate race between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek is drawing national attention. Cost of living and cancer care are key issues in the governor’s race, and more than 265,000 Iowans cast ballots in the first 11 days of early voting. Public Safety: A 13-year-old was critically injured in a Des Moines mini-bike crash. Police also cited staffing limits after a shooting on Court Avenue. Industry: An explosion and fire at Cedar Rapids’ Quaker Oats plant left employees safe; investigators are looking into the cause. Agriculture: Iowa’s cattle and conservation program received a $10 million USDA investment to help farmers shift vulnerable cropland to pasture and hay, with the goal of improving soil and water quality. State Government: Iowa National Guard leader Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn plans to retire Jan. 16.

Iowa Senate Race: Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek are emphasizing bipartisan appeals in a contest that could help decide control of the Senate. More than 265,000 Iowans cast ballots in the first 11 days of early voting. Cost & Farms: Iowa gas prices rose 5.5 cents, while 47% of the corn crop was harvested by Oct. 25—20 points behind the five-year average. Cedar Rapids: Investigators are examining the explosion and fire at the Quaker Oats plant; no injuries were reported. Roads: Westbound I-80 ramps at Jordan Creek Parkway will close Friday night for pavement work, with detours in place. On the Field: Iowa hosts No. 25 Wisconsin on Saturday for the teams’ 100th meeting, after the Hawkeyes’ 13-10 loss to Minnesota.

Iowa Senate Race: Democrat Josh Turek’s closing ads target high fuel costs and Iowa’s rising cancer rates as he challenges Republican Ashley Hinson for retiring Sen. Joni Ernst’s seat. The race could help decide control of the Senate. Election Watch: A UNI political science professor says three of Iowa’s four U.S. House races are competitive—an unusually high number for the state. Hawkeyes and Cyclones: Iowa fell 13-10 to Minnesota on a last-second field goal, while Iowa State was routed 39-3 at Arizona. Cedar Rapids: An explosion and fire at the Quaker Oats plant caused no reported injuries; investigators are looking into the cause. Des Moines Diocese: Bishop William Joensen apologized for taking part in a White House prayer meeting after the administration publicized images of the gathering near the election.

Senate Race: Democrat Josh Turek says Trump has handled the border better than Joe Biden and backs cooperation on housing and taxes, while making affordable health care and clean water campaign priorities. Hawkeyes: Iowa fell to Minnesota 13-10 on a last-second field goal, ending its five-game winning streak in Minneapolis; the loss exposed ongoing offensive struggles. Cyclones: Iowa State was routed 39-3 by No. 25 Arizona, which clinched bowl eligibility. Public Safety: An explosion and fire at Cedar Rapids’ Quaker Oats plant caused no reported injuries. Water Quality: New criticism of Iowa’s factory-farm permitting comes amid mounting concern over pollution and the state’s water crisis. Women’s Sports: Iowa soccer beat USC 3-1 on Senior Day, while Hawkeye field hockey defeated Penn State 1-0.

Cedar Rapids Incident: An explosion and fire at the Quaker Oats plant sent smoke over the city and prompted evacuations; no injuries were reported. Iowa Football: Minnesota edged the Hawkeyes 13-10 on a last-second field goal, while Iowa State fell 39-3 at Arizona. Midterm Watch: Iowa’s Senate race remains tight, with Josh Turek leading Ashley Hinson by two points in a recent Cook Political Report update. Economic pressure on farmers and working families is a key backdrop as candidates make their case. Small-Business Tech: Eastern Iowa entrepreneur Blaze Smith is building point-of-sale software for local shops, restaurants and other small businesses, helping them track sales and inventory.

Hawkeyes: No. 15 Iowa lost 13-10 to Minnesota on a field goal as time expired, surrendering the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. Iowa was held to 90 rushing yards and committed four turnovers; running back Kamari Moulton left with an injury. Cedar Rapids: Firefighters responded to a blaze at the Quaker Oats plant Saturday afternoon. No injuries were immediately reported, and the cause is under investigation. Midterm Campaigns: Trump rallied Republicans in Sioux City as Iowa’s closely watched Senate and governor races draw attention. Farmers’ economic pressures, including weak prices and rising costs, are part of the campaign backdrop. Women and Girls: Iowa groups received $400,000 in grants for programs supporting childcare, housing, education and employment, including several organizations in Des Moines.

Midterm Politics: Trump rallied Republicans in Sioux City for Ashley Hinson, whose Senate race with Democrat Josh Turek remains tight; Turek recently outraised her and led by two points in a Cook Report. Farm & Water: Iowa farmers are weighing grain-storage choices amid weak prices, while water quality remains a concern in debates over fertilizer rules and a proposed dairy plant. Emergency Services: Fayette County residents questioned the cost of a proposed EMS levy, while providers warned that volunteer crews are aging and hard to replace. Education & Universities: Iowa’s education department awarded nearly $600,000 to 24 districts for career credentials; UNI President Mark Nook plans to retire in 2027. College Football: Iowa visits Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale rivalry, while Iowa State faces Arizona on the road.

Midterm Push: President Donald Trump rallied Republicans in Sioux City, backing Sen. Ashley Hinson and urging turnout as she faces Democrat Josh Turek in a tight Senate race. The visit highlighted a balancing act for Hinson as Iowa farmers contend with tariffs and higher fuel costs. Election Oversight: Iowa auditor candidates Chris Cournoyer and Taylor Wettach clashed over whether state law has weakened the office’s investigative powers. In Woodbury County, public tests found voting machines passed checks ahead of Nov. 3; the county will use 73 ballot styles. Iowa Ballot: A debate over Amendment 1 centers on whether making income-tax increases harder to approve would protect taxpayers or limit the state’s ability to respond to future needs. Housing: Linn County’s winter shelter won’t open this year as Cedar Rapids prepares to open The Commons on 16th, a 65-unit housing project with support services for people experiencing homelessness. Schools: Iowa awarded nearly $600,000 to 24 districts to help students earn industry-recognized credentials.