AGP Executive Report

COVID Update: CDC modeling now puts COVID growth or likely growth in all 50 states, while emergency department visits stay very low—so spread is rising, but severe illness doesn’t appear to be spiking. Public Health: Childhood vaccination rates keep sliding and exemptions keep climbing, including across the Midwest, raising measles risk. Iowa Healthcare & STEM: Des Moines University is bringing real human anatomy to K-12 students through its Anatomy Ambassadors Program, and Iowa hospitals have launched an online portal to help students explore healthcare careers. AI Data Centers: A national debate over AI power and data center siting is spilling into Iowa, with Dubuque considering a six-month data center pause after resident opposition. Cancer Policy: Rep. Ashley Hinson is proposing a federal tobacco-tax plan to fund cancer research, and Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn is pushing to redirect funding toward pediatric cancer research. Education & Immigration: Iowans are also seeing pressure on international students as visa policies tighten, and Iowa launches an online portal to guide students into health careers.

Healthcare Workforce: Iowa Hospital Association launched an Iowa Health Education Portal to help students explore healthcare careers and find training programs statewide, starting with nursing and radiologic technology. Cancer & State Policy: Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn says Iowa should redirect university funding toward pediatric cancer research, arguing some degree programs don’t lead to good jobs. Public Health Watch: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak jumped to 36 confirmed cases, with health officials tracing local transmission and working with Iowa-area partners. AI Infrastructure & Local Control: Dubuque leaders are considering a six-month data center pause after a survey found 76% of residents oppose the facilities, citing power, water, and environmental concerns. Tech in Iowa Labs: Cardio Diagnostics began in-house processing at a new Iowa City CLIA-certified high-complexity lab to run its multi-omics cardiovascular tests end-to-end. Agriculture Spotlight: Iowa’s Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award went to Ernie and Paula Barnes for decades of livestock leadership and support for the Iowa State Fair.

MAHA in Iowa politics: A new GOP gubernatorial test centers on Zach Lahn’s MAHA pitch, with fair-season retail politics as the backdrop for whether anti-monopoly, pesticide-and-health messaging can move voters in the 2026 midterms. Fire safety costs: Dozens of cities and counties are suing fire truck makers over soaring prices and long delivery delays, arguing the market is suppressing competition. School tech rules: New Hampshire is forming a screen-time task force after a phone ban, while Iowa coverage highlights how Ottumwa’s earlier phone limits coincided with better grades and behavior. Local tech governance: Indianola is pausing its automated license plate reader program amid privacy concerns, with a state policy review expected in 2027. Iowa environment & health: Iowa DNR and ISU Extension are training “CWD Ambassadors” to spread science-based chronic wasting disease guidance; UI Health Care named David Lee to lead its Organ Transplant Center; and UI Health Care again topped a “most humanizing” brand ranking. Energy storage safety: UL Research Institutes appointed battery scientist Chao-Yang Wang to lead an electrochemical safety institute. Food safety: A Walmart soup kit recall expands after potential Listeria risk.

Privacy & Public Safety: Indianola police are suspending automated license plate reader cameras, deactivating 8 units and disabling outside access while the city waits for likely Iowa legislative action in 2027. Local Tech Policy: Marengo residents pushed back on a proposed e-bike and e-scooter ordinance, with safety and education both on the table as the city moves toward additional readings and public hearings. Health & Research in Iowa: UI Health Care named David Lee as the new director of its Organ Transplant Center, succeeding Alan Reed at year’s end, while UI Health Care also earned a top “most humanizing” brand ranking for a third straight year. Community + University Projects: Lyon County is partnering with the University of Iowa on housing, trails, stormwater engineering, and a countywide Housing Needs Assessment, with thousands of student service hours planned. Data Centers Debate: Sioux County Rep. Skyler Wheeler says data center benefits are possible, but questions remain as PathOne’s proposal sits under a moratorium. Public Health Watch: Wisconsin’s measles count rose to 15 confirmed with 6 probable, as officials trace exposures and urge MMR vaccination. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in nearly 30 states after a potential Listeria risk. STEM & Learning: A Q&A highlights a public health student focused on using research to address injustices, and a forum in Cedar Rapids tackles “the data center divide” with Iowa experts.

Education Policy: The Trump administration is giving states more flexibility with federal education dollars, including Iowa, through “Returning Education to the States” waivers that let states consolidate funding streams and loosen certain local requirements. Iowa Politics & Schools: A new report highlights Iowa’s “honesty gap” in reading standards—state tests that only align up to “below basic” on NAEP—while Iowa leaders have stayed unusually quiet. STEM & Poultry Tech: Merck Animal Health is promoting updated swine vaccination options for evolving herd health needs, including strategies aimed at keeping herds Myco-negative. Agriculture & Research: Iowa cancer researchers are focusing on white blood cell maturation and resiliency as a potential path to better outcomes. Health & Community: “Stomping Out Childhood Cancer” returns Aug. 22 at the Mason City fairgrounds with auctions, food, and family support for local cancer-affected households. Local Water: Paullina is exploring a possible water system upgrade, with engineers weighing options like a new well to address manganese levels. AI in Agriculture: A podcast segment spotlights Orbem’s MRI-and-AI approach to looking inside hatching eggs without cutting them open. Science & Conservation: UW–Madison researchers helped identify a new endangered baobab species in Madagascar, reshaping conservation priorities. Food Safety: FDA/CDC scrutiny continues around cyclospora-linked produce, including Taylor Farms investigations tied to recalls.

Iowa Water Planning: Paullina is weighing a possible upgrade to its water system, with engineers saying the most likely next step is a preliminary engineering report and a funding application to the Iowa DNR revolving fund, potentially including a new well to address manganese levels. Local Tech & Privacy: Waukee police won’t renew its contract with Flock Safety, pausing the automated license plate reader program until Iowa’s legal framework is clearer after nationwide privacy and data-retention concerns. STEM in Iowa Communities: Iowa State University Extension shared practical guidance for gardeners on harvesting vegetables at peak maturity, emphasizing timing for better flavor and continued plant productivity. Health & Policy Watch: A new report highlights Iowa’s cancer challenge as candidates ramp up midterm messaging around rising rates, with debate over how much industrial agriculture contributes and what solutions should look like. Building Materials Trend: A national look at mass timber points to growing momentum for low-carbon construction options as incentives and programs expand. Education Leadership: Summit Cove Elementary in Iowa is getting an interim principal, with longtime educator Shelly Martinez stepping in for the 2026-27 school year.

Privacy & Policing: Waukee, Iowa, says it won’t renew its contract with Flock Safety after privacy and data-retention concerns, pausing automated license plate reader use until Iowa’s 2027 legislative session clarifies the rules. Disability Services Leadership: One Vision in Clear Lake names Dr. James Williams as its new CEO, effective Sept. 27, bringing decades of experience from Iowa Workforce Development and The Arc of King County. Public Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora investigations continue after the Taylor Farms-linked outbreak, with multiple clusters still lacking a named food source and guidance—raising pressure on federal and state response. Local Research & Agriculture: Iowa State’s Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm will mark 50 years with an open house Sept. 10, highlighting decades of producer-focused field work. STEM in Iowa: A new Iowa State University cyber resiliency initiative aims to help towns, counties, and schools strengthen defenses against technology outages.

Disability Services Leadership: One Vision in Clear Lake named Dr. James Williams as its new CEO, effective Sept. 27, bringing decades of disability and vocational rehab experience to the org’s 55-year mission. Public Health & Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak remains messy: federal investigators are running six separate inquiries, with only the Taylor Farms cluster tied to a named source so far, while other clusters still lack recalls or clear guidance. Cancer Research: Iowa researchers are spotlighting white blood cells as a path to new cancer treatments, including work on how leukemia cells block maturation and how immune cells function internally. Agriculture Research: Iowa State’s Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm will mark 50 years with an open house Sept. 10, featuring field tours and “hot topics” from ISU and partners. Tech & Privacy in Iowa Policing: Waukee police won’t renew its Flock license-plate camera contract, citing privacy and data-retention concerns while urging statewide standards. Space/Science in Iowa: Iowa researchers studying disease in space are highlighted, tying local STEM work to broader health goals.

Public Safety Tech: Waukee, Iowa won’t renew its contract with Flock Safety after privacy and data-retention concerns and reports of misuse; Dubuque already requires case numbers and uses audit tools. Food Safety: FDA and CDC began on-site inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexico facility tied to a multistate cyclospora outbreak affecting 17 states, including Iowa, with nearly 10,000 reported illnesses. Cancer Research: Iowa State University and Des Moines University researchers are zeroing in on white blood cells—how they mature and function—to support potential new cancer treatments. Local STEM Training: Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab launches Combine University (Aug. 24-26 in Boone) to teach combine setup, yield monitors, sensors, grain loss, and data accuracy. Biotech & Regulation: South Korean biotech safety reviewers visited U.S. labs and gene-editing firms, including Iowa’s Bayer/Corteva partners, to compare safety and oversight frameworks. Health & Community: Iowa cancer advocates push candidates to commit to cancer-fighting efforts as Iowa’s cancer rates rise. Agriculture & Industry: Waterloo’s telecom utility board approved May/June claims, including vendors tied to infrastructure and data-center support.

Public Safety & Surveillance: Columbia, Missouri leaders laid out 10 downtown safety steps after criticism from University of Missouri System President Mun Choi, including a Flock camera installation aimed at reducing violence. Food Safety & Outbreaks: U.S. FDA and CDC began onsite inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexico facility tied to the cyclospora outbreak, with Iowa among 17 affected states and cases nearing 10,000. Health Policy: Wisconsin reported a growing measles outbreak (15 confirmed, likely more) while a Trump executive order pushes changes to federal childhood vaccine guidance, prompting state review. Rural Tech & Education: Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab launches Combine University (Aug. 24–26 in Boone) to train operators on harvest tech, yield monitors, and grain loss. Local Healthcare: Manning Regional Healthcare Center broke ground on a permanent in-house MRI suite, replacing a mobile MRI schedule. Community & STEM Access: Monroe Public Library added the Iowa Adventure Pass, letting cardholders visit Central Iowa attractions for free. Agriculture & Careers: Iowa Dairy Princess contest crowned Hannah Hagen and named Mae Wedemeier alternate, spotlighting dairy careers and outreach. Civic Planning: Iowa Falls City Council set an Aug. 17 agenda including downtown event closures, sidewalk work, and industrial property tax exemption changes. Science & History: Sioux City plans a Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District archaeological dig (Sept. 24–Oct. 2) seeking artifacts from 1916-era construction.

WNBA & Local Culture: Caitlin Clark’s Nike Caitlin 1 signature shoe is already driving buzz after practice sightings, with a global release set for Oct. 1, 2026. Iowa Business Climate: An Iowa Economy podcast roundup says merger and acquisition activity is picking up, especially in value-driven deals tied to areas like AI infrastructure, power, and healthcare. Public Health: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak linked to Iowa County is growing fast, with 15 confirmed and six probable cases reported, and officials stressing low MMR vaccination rates. Wildlife & Courts: An Iowa man faces 124 charges in Alabama over alleged capture and sale of protected species, including the flattened musk turtle found only in Alabama. Agriculture Research: Iowa State’s Northeast Research Farm marks 50 years with an open house Sept. 10, and a Sept. 10 fall field day at the Southeast Research Farm will highlight cropping systems, nitrate loss, cover crops, and miscanthus. Farm Support: Practical Farmers of Iowa is opening a 2026 cover crop cost-share application offering $15/acre plus agronomic help. Tech & Privacy: A growing backlash to Flock license-plate cameras is prompting audits, contract cancellations, and policy changes as communities question oversight. STEM Education: Iowa’s STEM Teacher Externships place teachers in real-world industry settings, including a Keokuk first-grade teacher’s externship with local partners. Defense Tech: Trump orders the Pentagon to redesign a new aircraft carrier to swap electromagnetic launch tech back to steam catapults.

AI Governance Watch: A new look at “AI constitutions” argues labs’ internal value documents are becoming a key battleground for how models behave, from OpenAI’s Model Spec to Anthropic’s Claude Constitution. Public Health: Wisconsin health officials are investigating a measles outbreak tied to Iowa County, with 15 confirmed cases and more probable cases likely; most patients are unvaccinated. Iowa STEM & Education: Northwest Iowa Community College is adding transferable agriculture courses at its Sheldon campus this fall, and a local teen, Avalee Coalter, earned a NASA Space Camp scholarship after impressing with science and writing. Space Science: Researchers report the first detection of corundum on Mars using rover-mounted laser tools, finding an unexpected mineral in rocks that should not contain it. Tech & Privacy: California’s new data-broker “Delete Act” enforcement highlights how Iowa-based brokers may face tougher privacy rules. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Sioux County residents heard plans for a proposed data center, as the county’s temporary moratorium and zoning work continue. Health Care Leadership: UI Health Care names David Lee director of its Organ Transplant Center, succeeding Alan Reed.

Retirement Reality Check: Zoe Financial’s 2026 study finds many “best places to retire” lists miss the mark—cities like Sioux Falls, Fargo, Casper, Pittsburgh and Des Moines are losing residents 60+, while smaller towns are gaining. Food Safety & Trade: Back-to-back Taylor Farms outbreaks tied to Mexican produce (salmonella from jalapenos; cyclosporiasis from iceberg lettuce) spotlight weak FDA oversight as imports rise and inspections fall. Defense Tech in Iowa: Collins Aerospace won up to a $472M U.S. Army contract to modernize CH-47 Chinook avionics, with work in Cedar Rapids. Health Policy: A new report highlights how Medicaid work limits can block career growth for people with disabilities. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Johnson County is holding public sessions on a proposed new jail and sheriff’s office. STEM/Research: FNIH’s Paul-Gallin Trailblazer Prize goes to Michael Pacold for work that could open new treatment paths for neurodegenerative disease. Energy & Climate: Iowa’s electric grid resilience is in focus as heat strains reliability and affordability.

Cybersecurity for local governments: Iowa State University is expanding its cyber resiliency initiative statewide, using FEMA-backed funding so cities, counties, and schools can get help with readiness, contingency planning, and incident management exercises. Data centers meet public scrutiny: Sioux County residents pressed PathOne Data Centers for details on a proposed “edge” data center near Hull, with questions about scale, power, and what the county will (and won’t) approve. Privacy fight over license plate readers: Iowa communities are reacting to Flock cameras amid national backlash, including vandalism and renewed concerns about surveillance and how data is used. Water infrastructure upgrade: USDA approved $20.18M for Red Oak to replace its aging wastewater treatment system, plus upgrades to lift stations and collection lines to cut infiltration/inflow. Workforce training for manufacturers: Iowa Valley Community College District won a $5M SBA grant to deliver free training and technical help for small manufacturers, including robotics, automation, industrial software, and welding. Health + research push: The 10th annual Breakthrough T1D Bike Ride is underway, raising money for type 1 diabetes research with a 100-mile route through Minnesota and Iowa. Weather + safety: A derecho swept parts of the Midwest, bringing tornado spin-ups and damaging straight-line winds, with Iowa in the storm path.

Construction Update: The 515 Walnut Tower in downtown Des Moines is moving toward spring 2027 completion, with the top floor already in place and crews shifting to roof work as the tower crane begins to come down. Defense Tech: The U.S. Army awarded Collins Aerospace up to $472M for engineering services to modernize and sustain the CH-47 Chinook fleet, with work in Huntsville and Cedar Rapids. Cyber Resilience for Iowa: ISU’s Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach is offering free training for Iowa city, county, and school leaders to practice what to do when technology fails. AI in Agriculture: ISU will highlight AI tools at the Farm Progress Show, including an updated Pest ID web app that uses photo-based machine learning for Midwest pest and weed identification. Power & Data Centers: An Iowa State power-systems professor says data centers could push the regional grid from 123 gigawatts to 185 gigawatts by 2046, raising questions about what that means for electric bills. Health & Livestock Surveillance: ISU research finds mammary glands in multiple livestock species could be biologically suitable for H5N1, underscoring the need for broader monitoring. Local Tech Governance: Ida County is weighing early plans for a 10–25 MW data center proposal and what a strong ordinance should require. Water Quality: Iowa hydrologist Larry Weber warns nitrate levels are rising sharply and links the trend to ongoing research into cancer risk.

Water & Health: Iowa researchers warn nitrate levels could rise after heavy rain depending on how much soaks in northwest Iowa, with drinking-water impacts for 600,000 central residents; the state is also expanding nitrate monitoring with new hydrostations to improve near-real-time soil and groundwater tracking. Food Safety: A multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce continues, with Iowa farmers seeing sales shifts as health officials urge thorough washing. STEM in Iowa: Iowa State researchers are studying spaceflight muscle loss to find biomarkers that could guide treatments for neuromuscular disease on Earth. Tech & Policy: An ITIF report says nearly 100 state AI chatbot bills push adult ID checks that fragment compliance without reliably protecting kids. Environment & Fisheries: The Iowa DNR reports rising gizzard shad in the Iowa Great Lakes and is monitoring how the new fish may reshape local food webs. Agriculture: Beck’s marks 90 years in seeds and urges growers to scout for expanding red crown rot, which can cause major soybean yield losses. Internet Infrastructure: HighSpeedInternet.com ranks Iowa’s neighbors among the fastest states for download speeds in 2026. Local Governance/Infrastructure: Terrace Hill Sanitary District moves toward a $3.1M lagoon upgrade to meet updated wastewater rules. Jobs & Funding: A rural funding gap report argues rural governments are under-resourced, calling for more flexible local investment.