AGP Executive Report

Local Arts & Community: Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation mailed its 500,000th Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library book to a child, marking a big literacy milestone since 2018. Live Music & Family Fun: Waverly’s summer concert series keeps rolling July 9 at Kohlmann Park with Phil and Rick, followed by the Greater Waverly Municipal Band—plus Christmas-in-July vibes, free inflatables, and popcorn. Public Art: Whiterock Conservancy opens “Markers and Deep Roots,” a site-specific ceramic sculpture installation by Sue and Jim Heemstra running July 1 through Sept. 30. Sports Spotlight: The John Deere Classic drew big crowds in Silvis, with fans praising the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to see players up close. Iowa Sports News: Former Iowa State head coach Jim Walden, known for major upsets, has died at 88. Theater Anniversary: First City Players marks the 60th anniversary of “Fish Pirate’s Daughter” with four shows at the Ted Ferry Civic Center. College Sports: Iowa State names more than 11,200 students to its spring 2026 dean’s list.

Sports Betting Watch: Bill Miller argues Iowa’s “prediction markets” are rebranded gambling that’s siphoned about $1B in potential state tax revenue since 2025, raising fresh questions about regulation and revenue. Local Water Planning: Central Iowa Water Works pushes back on criticism, saying long-running nitrate and infrastructure work is already underway and totals about $1.2B in planned investments. Independence Day & Community Events: Iowa towns are gearing up for America’s 250th with concerts, parades, and fireworks—plus local celebrations like Fort Dodge’s “Rockin’ The Park” on July 10. Music & Arts: KALEO announces UK/Europe dates for its “Way Down We Go” tour; locally, Traer pastor Jim Coppoc’s “Soldier for a Son” earns a Josie Music Award nomination. Youth & Hobbies: The Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program crowns Sporting Clays champions, with Pella Christian Eagles and Ankeny Centennial taking top varsity honors. Sports Notes: ECS girls coach Dwayne Donnell named national girls basketball coach of the year; Caitlin Clark voted an All-Star starter for the third straight time.

Iowa City Downtown District: The expanded Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District kicks off July 1, aiming to boost downtown economic development and arts support for the next decade. Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics: University of Iowa professor Luke Tierney is among core laureates honored with a $1 million “Nobel Prize for statistics” for The R Project. NIL & taxes in college sports: Rep. Randy Feenstra says many athletes aren’t ready for the financial reality of NIL, especially tax deductions and what’s actually taxable. Supreme Court on trans athletes: Gov. Kim Reynolds praises the ruling allowing states to set eligibility for girls’ and women’s sports based on biological sex. Digital advertising crackdown: Iowa AG Brenna Bird celebrates a win targeting the “Big Six” ad agencies over alleged competition and free-speech suppression. Local sports & community: Ankeny Centennial’s Jordyn Kennedy nears Iowa’s career home run record; Winneshiek County Fair royalty competition begins Monday in Decorah; and Cedar Rapids marks one year of Iowa’s hands-free driving law with citations and warnings. Music & arts: Spirit of Harmony Chorus performs July 10 at Okoboji Summer Theatre, and Iowa’s Figge Art Museum readies summer exhibitions tied to America’s 250th. Weather & safety: A tornado touched down in eastern Woodbury County, and extreme heat advisories continue into the evening.

Community Spotlight: Elk Mound’s Victor Noller is named Leader-Telegram Senior Male Prep Athlete of the Year after standout seasons in baseball and basketball. Local Landmarks: Starbuck’s Drive-In in Nevada is reeling after a June 30 fire gutted the 70-year hometown spot, with officials citing electrical overload as a factor and residents sharing tributes. Food & Fairness: Iowa egg producers tied to an alleged egg price scheme have agreed to donate eggs and money as part of a multistate AG settlement tied to overcharging claims. Music & Tickets: Beabadoobee announces her album Pylon (Sept. 18) and kicks off her Powerlines Tour; tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Arts & America 250: “Good Morning America” is rolling out “America the Beautiful” across all 50 states ahead of the 250th anniversary, with Iowa-area viewers getting more reasons to celebrate. Sports Culture: Waterloo’s Bosnian community packed RiverLoop Amphitheatre for the U.S. vs. Bosnia watch party, turning the match into a heritage moment. Heat Watch: Extreme Midwest heat continues to disrupt outdoor plans, with cooling centers opening across the region.

Severe Weather Watch: The NWS flags an enhanced risk for North Iowa tonight, with damaging winds up to 80 mph, large hail (1–2 inches), and a possible tornado or two, especially in the far north. Arts & Identity: The Figge Art Museum debuts two July 5 summer exhibitions—Connie and Michael Roberts: Portrait of America and Corn Zone—tying Iowa’s Midwest lens to the nation’s 250th story. Community Food Access: Marion Public Library launches a community food pantry with grant support, while Produce in the Park expands payment options like SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks. Local Recovery Funding: Rock Valley is set to receive over $25 million from FEMA for flood buyouts and repairs, with additional Siouxland disaster recovery money for nearby communities. Hobby Spotlight: Iowa City’s Aerohawks will end its 35-year RC airshow tradition July 12 as a city expansion project takes over the long-time flying site. Youth & Health: YSS rolls out “Before it Becomes More” to boost early opioid prevention across Iowa. Sports & Summer Events: Atlantic’s baseball substate matchup is set for July 10, and Iowa’s Independence Day calendar keeps filling in with local fireworks and music.

NBA & Pop Culture: LeBron James is leaving the Lakers for the first time since 2018, with Warriors, Heat and Cavaliers among the teams reportedly in the mix—fans are already flooding social media with reactions. Local Sports (Creighton): Creighton’s reshaped Players Era Festival slate includes a big matchup vs. Iowa in Des Moines, plus a home-and-home wrestling renewal with UNI kicking off Dec. 11 in the UNI-Dome. College Track Spotlight: Creighton volleyball transfer Trinity Shadd-Ceres made school history by qualifying for outdoor nationals with a long jump at an NCAA regional. Iowa Arts & Community: Webster City’s America 250-themed Market Nights brings live music, food, and a historical reenactment, while the Historic Hills Scenic Byway Bale Trail opens July 1 with patriotic bale sculptures running through October. Sports for the Whole State: Iowa City and UNI wrestling fans get a fresh rivalry boost, and Webster City’s Lynx baseball team grabbed a conference sweep. Health & Hearing: Quad-Cities residents are delaying hearing care, with local reporting pointing to how noise exposure can affect hearing long before retirement.

Community Leadership: Heather Grobe will lead the Dixon Family YMCA as its new executive director, bringing 19 years of Y experience and a lifelong connection to the town. Sports & Local Rivalry: Iowa and UNI wrestling are set for a two-year home-and-home dual series starting Dec. 11, 2026, with the UNI-Dome “Dual in the Dome” streamed on Flowrestling. Independence Day Fun: Shell Rock’s 4th of July celebration runs July 1-5 with kids activities, live music, and a movie night under the stars. Music in the Park: Mollie B and the Busta Band return to Clarksville for a free July 12 concert at Reading Park. Arts & Reading: The Steve Brown Art Center podcast welcomes author Betty Brandt Passick on July 13, spotlighting her Depression-era historical fiction. Accessibility Innovation: Golden author Ann Cunningham’s “Flip-pics” earns a Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for layered tactile image learning. Big Picture (National): The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender girls playing girls’ sports, a ruling that could keep similar Iowa-area policies in place.

School Leadership: Iowa City Community School District names Amy Kortemeyer as interim superintendent starting July 1, stepping in for Matt Degner. Community Arts & Culture: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids adds a replica of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, with a June 28 reception featuring local music. Family Fun & Learning: Legacy Learning’s “Coffee and Create” drops in Thursdays this summer, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Sports Spotlight: Northwoods League All-Star rosters include Cedar Falls native Colin Coonradt, and the Rochester Honkers keep rolling with a win over Waterloo. Heat & Safety: Cooling centers open as a dangerous Midwest heat wave cancels or delays outdoor plans, including an Altoona Salvation Army cooling site. Local Entertainment Buzz: Iowa City braces for huge crowds this weekend with Savannah Bananas at Kinnick and multiple downtown events. Public Safety: Iowa Utilities Commission launches a pipeline safety investigation into Black Hills Energy’s compliance statewide.

Iowa Arts & Culture: Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 76th season July 11 with a free “Symphonic Blast” at Crapo Park, featuring patriotic favorites, film music, and a fireworks finale for America’s 250th. Local Dining: Cedar Rapids’ Biaggi’s closes permanently after 25 years, with gift cards still usable at remaining locations in Davenport. Community Events: Cedar Rapids Marathon returns next year after a strong inaugural run that drew thousands downtown and already has organizers planning upgrades for April. Public Life: Iowa’s new “social districts” law lets cities set temporary areas where people can buy and carry alcohol on public streets and sidewalks during approved hours. Sports Spotlight: Waverly-Shell Rock softball wins the Don Bosco Invite title, shutting out Denver 8-0, while Central Lee’s Lady Hawks fall in the Rick Doran Classic. Sports Media: iHeartMedia budget cuts end longtime WMT morning host Doug Wagner’s run, part of broader layoffs hitting Iowa radio talent. Weather Watch: A dangerous heat dome brings triple-digit conditions across Iowa, with cooling centers and heat relief guidance in the spotlight.

America 250 Celebrations: Ames and nearby towns are rolling into a full July 4 weekend with parades, concerts, fireworks, and family events—starting with Ames’ July 3 “Big Bash” at the History Museum and a July 4 downtown parade, plus fireworks at Jack Trice Stadium. Local Distilling & Entertainment: T12 Distillery is opening in West Des Moines, leasing space in Valley Junction while the founder still plans a longer-term distillery in Bondurant’s Grain District. Community Arts & Music: The Karl L. King Municipal Band marks America’s 250th with a July 5 concert in Fort Dodge, pairing classic marches with American composer favorites. Library Programming: Kendall Young Library keeps Tuesdays busy with a Teen Lounge, kids’ “Wild Things,” and weekly afternoon movies. Local Spotlight (Arts/Community): Ames tattoo shop Heroic Ink is highlighted for its long-running Main Street presence and community-first approach. Sports Spotlight: Durant catcher Bailey Kraklio earns Spotlight Athlete of the Week for leadership and grit. Remembering Jodi Huisentruit: Mason City marks 31 years since the disappearance of news anchor Jodi Huisentruit, with renewed calls for answers. Summer Safety: Fireworks safety reminders include Iowa-specific legal hours and where fireworks can be used. Youth & Outdoors: A 4-H summer adventure trip took dozens of youth to the Amana Colonies, Boone, and Ames for tours, racing, and activities.

Local Arts & Community: Hampton Municipal Band is kicking off its 105th season, pairing longtime players like Donna Dorsey (60+ years) with newcomers such as Iowa Falls trumpeter Casey Michelson. Music & Live Events: Decorah’s Lawn Chair Night drew a crowd for old-time duo Ironstill, part of the chamber’s free Thursday summer series. Sports (Iowa): Iowa high school softball postseason starts July 6; Humboldt is in Class 3A Region 6 and opens July 9 vs. Estherville Lincoln Central. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for northeast Iowa through Tuesday, with heat indexes topping 100°F. Policy/Entertainment Zones: A new Iowa law taking effect July 1 lets cities set temporary “social districts” where patrons can buy alcohol and carry/drink it outside in designated areas. Radio/Media: iHeartMedia layoffs are hitting Quad Cities talent, with local hosts and staff losing jobs as stations shift to more national programming.

Cedar Falls Festival: Sturgis Falls kicked off its 50th anniversary weekend with the annual downtown parade, featuring floats, classic cars, marching bands, and the Budweiser Clydesdales—an event that grew from 1976 Bicentennial roots into a full slate of 27 happenings. Des Moines Arts: The Des Moines Arts Festival kept the spotlight on creativity in every form, from music made with wooden “hand pan” style boxes to oil painting and impromptu performances, with artists praising the city’s supportive arts scene. Mass MoCA Skyspace: Artist James Turrell brought his light-and-space magic to Mass MoCA with his biggest Skyspace yet, continuing his decades-long fascination with how light and cloud movement shape what we see. Sports & Culture in Iowa City: A 12U Iowa City Trojans team earned a spot at Ripken Nationals in Cooperstown, chasing a once-in-a-lifetime title. WNBA Iowa Connection: Caitlin Clark sat out Indiana Fever’s win over the Sparks due to a back injury, while teammates and fans kept the spotlight on her status. Community Sports: Morningside broke ground on a new business school home in Sioux City, aiming for a January 2028 move. Health & Safety: North Iowa braces for dangerous heat starting Sunday, with extreme heat warnings and triple-digit heat index forecasts.

School Tech Policy: Iowa City Community Schools is revisiting its K-5 device rules after the Iowa “Make America Healthy Again” law pushes limits on daily screen time, with teachers and families calling for less distraction and more balanced learning. Music in the Park: Waverly’s Kohlmann Park hosts a free Stars & Stripes concert with jazz and patriotic big band sounds, plus family-friendly treats. Local Jazz Night: Confluence brings melodic jazz to Amana Performing Arts Center on July 17, with admission by donation. Community Music Drive: Sheldon Civic Music Association kicks off its membership push for its 2026-27 concert lineup at Bethel Reformed Church. Freedom Day Events: Corydon’s Prairie Trails Museum marks July 4 with “Spirits of ’76,” a first-person Revolution program. Sports & Community Pride: East Buchanan’s Buccaneers celebrate Senior Night and pull off a dramatic doubleheader sweep over Midland. Heat Alert: Iowa braces for dangerous heat next week, with advisories and an extreme heat watch in effect. Charter School Lawsuit: A Cedar Rapids charter school founder sues her former school over alleged theft claims and board actions. Heartwarming Reunion: An Iowa dog named Hennessy is set to reunite with her family after a West Virginia crash killed her owner.

Arts & Community Calendar: Webster City Community Theatre brings Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” to the stage with performances today and Sunday, plus tickets available online. Music & Heritage: New Castle’s Scottish Rite Cathedral organist Michael R. Kearney headlines “From Bach to America 250” on July 8, mixing classical and Americana for the America 250 tribute. Local Pride: Marshalltown’s Pride in the Park is gearing up for its third annual run, with founder Taylor Bear keeping the event shorter this year to beat the heat and reduce conflicts with other Pride events. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Cedar Rapids’ new Sub-Zero manufacturing facility is officially opening, with a major hiring push coming this summer—an economic story with big community buzz. Civic Life: LifeServe Blood Center is urging Iowa donors to book appointments ahead of the Fourth of July to prevent local blood shortages during the holiday rush.

Iowa High School Sports: Atlantic’s softball team finished the Hawkeye Ten season 20-0, capping conference play with 21-0 and 20-0 wins over Red Oak, and now turns to postseason regionals. Tournament Brackets: The Iowa Class 3A Region 5 softball bracket sets Atlantic’s first-round game for July 9 (7 p.m.) at home, with the regional championship slated for July 14 at the highest remaining seed’s field. Baseball Postseason: Iowa’s 2026 baseball district assignments are out, including North Fayette Valley’s opener July 3 and South Winneshiek’s district path after a first-round bye. Local Arts & Community: The Des Moines Arts Festival kicks off downtown today, and a new documentary, “Kamal’s,” about a Muslim chef and Grinnell mayoral candidate, is set to screen at the festival. Sports Spotlight: Cooper DeJean, the Eagles Super Bowl champ and former Hawkeye, visited a West Des Moines youth football camp at Dowling Catholic. Weird Iowa Mystery: Iowans are still talking about the “World Hum,” with reports logged in Des Moines, Davenport, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids.

Team USA Spotlight: Lock Haven native Jasmine McCulley, 20, earned a spot on Team USA for the 2026 World Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championship in Paris (Aug. 5-9) after placing second at U.S. Trials. Local Arts & Culture: The Quad Cities launches the Culture Bright Summer Series (Aug. 16-23), an expanded arts-and-accessibility run built right after Alternating Currents, with events across major regional institutions. Music on the Road: Country star Ella Langley adds 21 sold-out “Dandelion Tour” dates, including major stops like Red Rocks and the Greek Theatre. Community Events: Cancer Support Community Iowa/NW Illinois hosts Gilda’s Club “Stay-Cation” in Davenport (July 11, 10 a.m.-noon) with brunch, ukulele lessons, therapy dogs, and character visits. Sports & Community Pride: Reinbeck is gearing up for RAGBRAI Day 5 (July 23) with student-made welcome signs and route-town planning. Iowa Sports Policy: A new Iowa law lets eighth graders play more high school sports, and districts are now working through how to apply it case by case. Local Spotlight: Roy R. Behrens presents a slide talk on Everett Longley Warner at the Benton County Historical Society in Vinton (June 29, 6:30 p.m.). Fair Season: Tama County Fair Queen candidates were announced, with crowning set for July 14 in Gladbrook.