AGP Executive Report

Water Quality & Conservation: Central Iowa Water Works issued a Stage 2 water alert, asking homeowners and businesses to voluntarily cut outdoor watering by 50% starting immediately, citing continued high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers plus elevated nitrates in its infiltration gallery—an issue that last summer triggered Iowa’s first-ever lawn watering ban. Local Recycling & Waste Costs: Ottumwa/Wapello Recycling Center staff told city leaders the facility is underused and could help keep more materials out of landfills, potentially reducing future landfill expansion costs as Ottumwa weighs its sanitation contract renewal. Chemicals & Public Health: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with other states—including Iowa—considering similar limits. Wildlife & Habitat: Coralville Lake Visitor Center reopened after nearly four years of repairs, but the renovation still leaves long-term plans for the Devonian Fossil Gorge interpretation—despite more than 1 million annual visitors. Ag & Climate Risk: Iowa’s crop report notes warmer, drier conditions ahead after a rough severe-weather stretch, with corn planting near 94% and soybeans near 90%.

Water Quality & Conservation: Central Iowa Water Works issued a Stage 2 alert, asking customers to voluntarily cut outdoor watering by 50% immediately as high nitrate levels persist in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers and in its infiltration gallery. Local Water Monitoring: Volunteers are needed for the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory’s CLAMP program in northwest Iowa, helping track lake nutrients and conditions across Dickinson County lakes. Public Health & Chemicals: Vermont became the first state to ban the toxic herbicide paraquat, and Iowa lawmakers are among those considering similar limits. Wildlife & Habitat: Iowa marked the anniversary of a rare pallid sturgeon discovery in the Des Moines River, highlighting the species’ long life and slow maturity. Agriculture Watch: USDA’s Iowa crop report says corn planting is at 94% and soybeans at 90% after a weather break, with warmer, drier conditions expected into late May. Policy & Energy: The Senate is weighing how to move year-round E15, while Iowa and other corn states push for the change.

Public Safety & Climate Resilience: SmartAsset ranked four Iowa cities in its 2026 “America’s Safest Midsize Cities” list, with Ames taking the No. 4 spot nationwide by scoring low on violent crime, traffic fatalities, and natural-disaster risk. Farm Progress After Weather: USDA reported Iowa farmers gained ground after storms eased, with corn planted at 94% and soybeans at 90%, while topsoil moisture remains mostly “adequate” after a wetter-than-normal week. Water Scarcity Research: University of Iowa researchers developed a UV-activated crystal lattice that can capture water molecules from the air, aiming to help address future water shortages. Data Centers vs. Water & Health: Madison County approved a 12-month pause on new data center projects while zoning rules are reviewed, after residents raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, and cancer risks; similar worries surfaced in Clinton. Wildlife Harm: A harbor seal shot in Washington’s Hood Canal died after months of rehabilitation, with the projectile headed to NOAA enforcement. Livestock Disease Watch: Nebraska cattle producers were urged to stay alert after tick-borne Theileria was detected, raising spillover concerns for neighboring states including Iowa.

Iowa Politics: Two Republicans are set to battle in the June 2 primary for House District 51—incumbent Brett Barker vs. newcomer Shane Heintz—after both answered questions on property tax relief and government spending. Water From the Air: University of Iowa researchers say they’ve developed a crystal lattice that could capture water molecules from the atmosphere, aiming to scale up and eventually release the captured water. Data Center Backlash: Madison County approved a 12-month pause on new data center projects while zoning rules get rewritten, as residents raised alarms about water quality and health impacts. Wildlife Tragedy: A harbor seal shot in Washington’s Hood Canal—rescued after months of rehab—has died, with investigators sending a projectile to federal wildlife enforcement. Health Funding: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a 5-cent vape tax to support up to $3 million a year in pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Local Jobs/Training: A truck driver training program is turning beginners into licensed professionals in about 10 weeks, built around fast job placement.

National Spotlight: Cedar Falls grad Daniel Umemezie was named the first Iowan National Youth Poet Laureate, using poetry to push civic change. Weather Watch: NOAA says El Niño is building and could last into winter 2026–27—expect milder odds, not a guarantee, for Iowa winters. Iowa Politics: Two Democrats are seeking the IA-1 nomination—Christina Bohannan and Travis Terrell—while Republicans line up behind Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Farm & Climate Policy: The USDA is considering moving a massive corn seed bank from Illinois to Ames, raising worries about protecting long-stored samples. Water & Health: Iowa’s GOP governor race keeps circling back to water quality and cancer concerns, with new attention on lawn watering limits tied to nitrates. Community & Outdoors: Cedar Rapids kicks off its 2026 Downtown Farmers Market schedule this weekend, and the Meskwaki Nation continues to highlight sovereignty and health, housing, and education on its own terms.

Gubernatorial race: Adam Steen made a final-pre-primary stop in Marshalltown, pitching himself as the GOP’s best shot at beating Rob Sand and leaning on his state-government experience. Local openings: Saylorville Marina’s new floating restaurant, the Soggy Frog, opened with lake views and live music—already packed for Memorial Day. Outdoors & habitat: The Iowa DNR is hosting a free forestry field day May 28 near Fayette, with hands-on sessions and grant info for private landowners. Jobs vs. impacts: In Janesville, educators, unions, and construction workers argue proposed data centers could mean long-term work and apprenticeships, even as debate continues over environmental effects. Science & water: Iowa State researchers say certain fungi could help turn barren Martian soil into something plants can grow in. Wildlife: A rare white bison calf was born at Neal Smith NWR, and Big Oaks’ refuge future is still in limbo as a management agreement decision is pending. Policy: The U.S. House cleared year-round E15, a win for biofuels and Iowa lawmakers, though the Senate path remains uncertain.

E15 Win for Iowa: The U.S. House cleared year-round E15, a big political lift for Iowa’s ethanol push—though the Senate still looks like a tough road. Clean Water Funding: Iowa is set to receive $46 million to replace lead pipes, adding momentum to the state’s long-running drinking-water fixes. Air-to-Water Breakthrough: University of Iowa researchers say they’ve developed a crystal lattice that can capture water from the atmosphere—if it scales and proves safe. Hempcrete Comes to Iowa: Renewabuild Great Plains plans to start making hempcrete blocks in Rock Valley, aiming to bring a new insulation option to builders. Local Housing Pressure: A West Des Moines alternative high school campus, Walnut Creek, is closing after a controversial board vote—another reminder that education decisions ripple fast. Big Picture: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers is suing proxy firm ISS over alleged covert DEI/ESG-driven behavior, signaling more state-level fights over corporate governance.

2028 Power Play: JD Vance landed in Des Moines to help a GOP congressman, but the crowd made it clear they’re really watching for the next president—Vance is using Iowa’s early-voting spotlight to build momentum for 2028. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery issued a voluntary ice cream recall in 17 states, including Iowa, after concerns about possible metal fragments. Public Health & Water: Iowa is set to receive $46M from the EPA to find and replace lead pipes feeding homes. Wildlife Watch: Turkey vulture numbers are booming in Iowa, fueled by more roadkill and safer conditions after pesticide bans. Farm Support: Soy Checkoff launched a Soy Farmer Support Hub to help with near-term field and operation challenges. Local Life: West Des Moines’ Walnut Creek Campus is closing for good, with services absorbed into Valley High School. Community Calendar: Ames and other metro events keep rolling into late May, with farmers markets and summer programming kicking off.

Lead Pipe Money Hits Iowa: Iowa is set to receive $46 million from the EPA to find and replace lead pipes and service lines—aimed at cutting kids’ exposure to a powerful neurotoxin. Local Education Shake-Up: West Des Moines is closing the Walnut Creek Campus after a controversial school board vote, with services shifting to Valley High. Wildlife & Health Watch: Iowa’s turkey vultures are booming, helped by more roads and “roadkill cafes,” while a reminder of pet dumping shows up in Massachusetts with a rescued 60-pound alligator snapping turtle. Water & Community: Coralville’s visitor center reopened after nearly four years, but permanent exhibits still lack funding—plus Osceola Water Works is pushing rain barrels. Ag Support Milestone: Farm Rescue hit 1,300th family case across 11 states, stepping in when ranchers and farmers get hit by life events.

Workplace Accountability: An EMT is suing UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown Hospital, alleging sexual harassment and assault by a shift leader and retaliation by a supervisor, with the case filed in federal court. Wildlife & Public Safety: Massachusetts officials rescued a 60-pound alligator snapping turtle found in a pond after it was reportedly abandoned—an urgent reminder of the risks of keeping wild pets. Community Programs: Osceola Public Library kicks off its summer reading push with a June calendar of activities, including STEM options and age-based logs. Water Conservation: Osceola Water Works is encouraging rain barrels as a simple way to capture roof runoff, cut stormwater strain, and save on utility costs. Local Health Services: Stewart Memorial Hospital celebrated expanded behavioral health space in Lake City, adding therapy offices and family-focused treatment rooms. Drinking Water Funding: Iowa is set to receive $46 million from the EPA to find and replace lead pipes feeding homes.

Lead Pipe Push: Iowa is set to receive $46 million from the EPA to find and replace lead pipes feeding homes—an effort lawmakers say will protect kids from a serious neurotoxin. Local Water Action: The funding follows a broader push to modernize aging water systems across the state. Rural Health & Access: In Iowa, Spring City Pharmacy in Colfax is spotlighting how small-town pharmacies can’t survive without help—while Rob Sand calls for tougher rules on pharmacy benefit managers. Mental Health Capacity: Council Bluffs is preparing to open a new 96-bed behavioral health hospital in mid-June, aiming to close a statewide inpatient gap. Community Spaces: Coralville’s Lake Visitor Center is back open after nearly four years—though the renovation didn’t include money for permanent exhibits. Data Center Debate: O’Brien County has paused new data center construction through Dec. 31, 2026, joining other counties weighing electricity, water, and noise impacts.

Budget Shock at Simpson College: Simpson College says it’s cutting multiple sports and staff positions immediately, including eliminating the men’s and women’s swim and dive teams, the shooting sports team, and a speech and debate coach, as it tries to close a roughly $7 million structural deficit. Local Power vs. Data Centers: O’Brien County supervisors have paused new data-center construction through Dec. 31, 2026, citing concerns over electricity, water use, and noise—while Dubuque County is weighing a data-center moratorium after heavy public turnout. Superfund Cleanup Moves On: Quincy approved $76,000 to keep cleaning its long-running Superfund landfill site, continuing decades of monitoring and containment. PFAS Watch: Quincy’s work comes as more communities push testing for “forever chemicals,” including a new push to test Quincy’s site. Iowa Politics Ahead of June 2: Marshall County’s GOP supervisor primary is down to four candidates, with the June 2 winners joining an uncontested Democrat on the ballot. Health Care Capacity: A new 96-bed behavioral health hospital is set to open mid-June in Council Bluffs.

Solar Push in Iowa City: A free “Solar Power Hour” runs 5:30–6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 at Big Grove Iowa City Taproom, with local partners walking people through rooftop/ground solar, grid connections, and the Grow Solar East Central Iowa group-buy option. Carbon Pipeline Pressure: The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is urging the Iowa Utilities Commission to set a hearing schedule for Summit Carbon Solutions’ permit request—arguing Iowa ethanol plants could lose millions daily if the process drags on. Water Quality Funding: Wings2Water awarded $30,000 in 2026 grants, including a new wetland project near Morgan Creek and expanded nitrate testing through Nitrate Watch. Local Water Protection in Court: Three groups sued after EPA removed seven Iowa water segments from the impaired-waters list, saying nitrate contamination decisions were made too early. Data Center Pause: O’Brien County supervisors pressed pause on new data center construction through Dec. 31, 2026, citing electricity, water use, and noise concerns.

Iowa Water Safety: The EPA announced $46.1 million for Iowa to identify and replace lead service lines, helping communities plan removals and cut exposure to a neurotoxin—especially for kids. Local Government Watch: Sheldon City Council tabled action on TIF changes after state-level uncertainty, while also moving ahead on rezoning and other items. Workforce Impacts: More layoffs are hitting West Des Moines—UnityPoint plans 14 cuts and Wells Fargo says 29 more jobs will go at its Jordan Creek campus. Wildlife & Weather: After Sunday storms, an injured eaglet was rescued in Moville when its nest tree fell. Recycling Push: A bipartisan House recycling bill (H.R. 2145) cleared committee to expand rural recycling access and improve recycling data. Elsewhere in the Midwest: Minnesota’s drought eased after timely rains, with some areas topping 2+ inches.

Health & Community: Des Moines University’s marketing team just won AMA Iowa’s 2026 “Marketing Department of the Year,” while Sioux Center schools kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with therapist meet-and-greets and uplifting activities for students. Local Government & Utilities: Fort Madison set public hearings for June 1 on a franchise fee hike for electricity and natural gas—doubling from 1.5% to 3% to support the 2026-27 budget. Housing Push: Congress passed the House’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aiming to speed up new homebuilding after stripping out the most controversial rental-home requirement. Weather & Wildlife: North-central Iowa saw four EF-1 tornadoes Sunday night, and MassWildlife rescued a non-native alligator snapping turtle in Essex County. Iowa Environment & Health Equity: Polk County’s new cancer coalition formed after reports showed screening drops from 2016-2023. Energy & Climate Tech: Constellation is taking a minority stake in Pine Creek RNG plants, expanding renewable natural gas output tied to decarbonization.

Wildlife Watch: Southern Minnesota is seeing more black bear sightings, and Minnesota DNR says many are resident bears moving as “mom kicks the bears out” in spring—while Iowa DNR warns northeast Iowa could see continued seasonal visitors as nearby populations grow. Clean Water Funding: The EPA is sending Minnesota $57M to replace lead service lines, and Iowa is also getting PFAS money—$9.457M for small and disadvantaged communities to tackle forever-chemical contamination in drinking water. Nursing Home Accountability: In Red Oak, an Iowa nursing home is facing fines over allegations that staff didn’t respond when a resident called 911 while struggling to breathe, with oxygen levels reported in the high 60s to low 70s. Pollinator Stress: Bee season is starting 17 days early, tied to warmer conditions, raising concerns for hives and pollination timing.