AGP Executive Report

Iowa State Sports Policy: Iowa State University will start selling alcohol at Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum this fall, joining a growing list of schools that already allow it at games. Fair Food in Butter: The Iowa State Fair’s iconic Pepsi Clock is getting recreated in butter for 2026, with “Meet Me at the Pepsi Clock” celebrating Fair Spirit and America250. Local Sports Momentum: North Scott softball keeps rolling, going 4-2 overall and taking wins over Class 5A schools at the Jack North Tournament. Music & Touring: Ella Langley adds more Dandelion Tour dates, including a stop in Iowa, as tickets go on sale for the expanded fall run. Tech & Kids Online: Sen. Chuck Grassley’s Senate Judiciary Committee is eyeing a July 28 hearing with major tech leaders focused on child safety and AI. Community & Culture: Honey Creek Resort is set to reopen July 2 under Embergrove Hospitality Group, with Fourth of July programming kicking off the return. Sports Betting Rules Watch: A Pew analysis finds more than half of states restrict betting on elections, as election markets keep expanding.

Local Journalism: Davenport’s KWQC TV6 morning anchor Dustin Nolan says his viral goodbye was “twisted,” insisting he didn’t quit “on-air” and that he’s stepping away from the news industry after calling for less “sanitized news.” Community Events: Webster City’s Community Theatre is staging Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” while Clarion Public Library hosts the new play “Coop” and Stanhope’s “Night in the Park” returns Wednesday with music, food, and family activities. Sports & Nostalgia: The Iowa Cubs keep ballpark tradition alive with a hand-operated scoreboard run by longtime volunteer Ben Fridley. Disability Nonprofit: Nishna Productions is planning two summer fundraisers to support services for people with disabilities across southwest Iowa. Public Safety/Policy: A federal judge struck down SNAP food restrictions in Nebraska and four other states, blocking limits on items like soda and candy. Iowa Athletics Watch: Iowa State is moving to allow alcohol sales at sporting events starting this fall.

WNBA Rivalry: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese traded words again during Fever vs. Dream, with Clark scoring 26 and Reese posting 21 points and 11 rebounds in the latest chapter of their fast-growing rivalry. Des Moines Arts Festival: The Des Moines Art Festival is expected to generate millions for the local economy, with 195 artists from 35 states, live music, and major street closures already underway. Iowa Music Spotlight: The “Iowa Rocks Talent” Contest is now accepting applications for young Iowa musicians (21 and under), with video submissions due by July 31 and a prize tied to recording time at an Iowa studio. Iowa State Sports Business: Iowa State will start selling beer at Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum beginning in 2026, citing rising costs and shifting college athletics revenue realities. Draft & Pro Basketball Buzz: NBA Draft coverage is heating up—mock talk and prospect debates are swirling around the class, while Pistons draft-fit chatter points to players who can boost spacing and ball-handling. Tech & Safety: Premier Communications warned customers about a scam text pushing a fake “unusual activity” account link with a 48-hour deadline. Road Plans: The Iowa Transportation Commission approved a Highway 75 improvement project near Sioux Center, with construction targeted for 2028 and added safety upgrades. Tour News: Country star Ella Langley announced new Dandelion Tour dates, including an Oct. 10 stop in Lubbock.

Local Pride & Community: Fort Dodge’s Pride Festival returns Saturday on Central Avenue, spotlighting LGBTQ+ inclusion and local LGBTQ-owned businesses. Arts & Live Music: Cedar Rapids launched its first Make Music Day with free performances citywide, while Waverly’s Kohlmann Park hosts a free concert June 25. Entertainment & Media: Davenport’s KWQC-TV6 anchor Dustin Nolan quit on live TV, saying “facts matter” and criticizing “sanitized news.” Sports & Youth Culture: Iowa’s new rule lets 8th graders play high school sports in all activities, and Webster City bounced back with a big win over Clarion. Iowa Sports Recap: Iowa State’s 2025-26 season ends with a run to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals and Sweet 16. Local Makers: Farmers’ market jewelry makers get the spotlight, including Link’d Jewelry and LK’s Custom Creations. Health Tech Watch: AI “ambient intelligence” is moving into clinics, turning visits into auto-written notes and orders.

Local Sports & Community Pride: NICC’s esports program just landed a $1,250 NJCAA Foundation grant for new, college-owned jerseys ahead of its September season. Community Celebrations: Iowa City’s Pride Parade and Festival drew big crowds with dozens of entries, 100+ vendors, and messages of inclusion across downtown. Juneteenth in the Quad Cities: Downtown Davenport hosted its Juneteenth festival along Second Street, with music, food, and education as the event moved locations. Arts & Film: The Bentonville Film Festival wrapped with “If I Go Will They Miss Me” winning Best Narrative, plus other top awards including “Jane Elliott Against The World.” Entertainment & Media: A Davenport TV anchor quit on-air, choking up as he left journalism and criticized his station’s approach to news. Tech & Entertainment Access: ALLO Fiber was named DIRECTV’s 2025 ISP Dealer of the Year after helping migrate customers and push streaming-focused service. Sports on the Move: The Iowa Hawkeyes shared Father’s Day messages across teams’ social feeds.

WNBA & Culture: Angel Reese kept the spotlight on Juneteenth, singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Caitlin Clark’s home and speaking out after Fever fans booed her—while Clark and Reese also traded words during Fever–Dream. Local Sports Spotlight: Des Moines Lincoln’s Mohamed Darboh, brother of former NFL receiver Amara Darboh, made his college commitment official to the University of Northern Iowa. Iowa High School Sports: Ankeny Centennial won the Fort Dodge Invitational softball title, with Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Williamsburg also placing high. Arts & Books: Lucy Grealy’s “Autobiography of a Face” gets a powerful review, focusing on how her hospital years shaped a visceral patient narrative. Community & Animals: An Ottumwa man is walking 150 miles with shelter dogs to help Heartland Humane Society find homes for more than 120 dogs. Music Event: The Yogev Shetrit Trio brings Andalusian-jazz to Davenport’s Redstone Room on June 21. Food & Local Pride: Winterset’s The Bakery Unlimited is back in the national spotlight, ranking No. 3 on USA TODAY’s 10Best donut list. Sports TV: Phillies–Mets coverage details include NBC/Peacock and streaming options for Iowa fans following the series.

Girls Soccer Honors: KMA Sports wrapped up the 2026 KMA Sports All-State Girls Soccer Teams, listing 15 standouts per class on offense and defense. Jazz Night in Davenport: The Yogev Shetrit Trio brings an Andalusian-jazz feel to the Redstone Room in Davenport on June 21. Iowa Food Spotlight: The Bakery Unlimited in Winterset is back on the national radar, ranking No. 3 on USA TODAY’s 10Best donut list. Local Business Call for Support: Downtown Davenport’s The Phoenix is asking the community to dine in as it faces tough challenges, with live piano Saturdays and a limited cash discount. Destination Iowa Boost: Gov. Kim Reynolds cut the ribbon on Clear Lake’s Surf District, a new creative placemaking win tied to the Surf Ballroom. Economic Development: Iowa’s Economic Development Authority approved expansions in Independence and Newton, targeting 65 jobs and $51.5M in new investment. N’West Iowa Recovery: FEMA approved $7M+ for N’West Iowa disaster-recovery projects, including road and infrastructure repairs. Sports on TV: Here’s how to watch Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream on ABC/ESPN+ (June 20).

Juneteenth in Iowa City: South District Market drew hundreds for music, food, dancing, and education-focused programming, with organizers emphasizing space for stories often left out of classrooms. Arts & community theater: Clarion Public Library hosts Mary Swander’s one-act play “Coop” at 1 p.m. Friday, bringing WWI/WWII conscientious objector history to the stage. Live music in Fort Dodge: Karl L. King Municipal Band’s Father’s Day concert runs Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Oleson Park, with free ice cream social beforehand. Local culture boost in Clear Lake: Gov. Kim Reynolds attended a ribbon cutting after Clear Lake received a $4.37M Destination Iowa grant to expand the Surf District, Surf Ballroom/Museum, and the Surf Music Experience Center. Iowa high school sports change: The Iowa Board of Education approved rules letting 8th graders compete in all high school sports starting this school year (with local school decisions). Sports spotlight: North Polk’s Blythe Knight and Woodward-Granger’s Clayton Noah were named Des Moines Register Athletes of the Week.

Local Arts & Culture: “The Music Man” lands at the Buddy Holly Hall in Clear Lake this weekend (June 19-21), bringing the classic River City con to Iowa’s stage. Live Music: Marion’s Lowe Park hosts “That Arena Rock Show” on Saturday as part of Music Under the Moon, with School of Rock opening and free family-friendly activities. Juneteenth: The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids holds a free Juneteenth Festival Saturday (noon-6) with music, vendors, and kids’ activities, while celebrations are also planned across the state. Community Arts: Des Moines Heritage Trust released an updated list of seven endangered historic buildings, including several from the 1800s, to spark preservation conversations. Arts Education & Hobbies: Sheldon Civic Music Association kicks off its 47th season membership drive for its concert series at Bethel Reformed Church. Sports & Talent: Fort Madison thrower Brylie Lorence transfers to UTEP, and Iowa’s IHSAA girls track Athlete of the Year poll is open through June 26. Iowa Business/Jobs (community impact): IEDA approved tax credits for expansions in Independence and Newton, plus CAT grants for Le Mars park upgrades including new pickleball courts.

Press & First Amendment: Youngstown Press Club speaker David Marburger pushed back on legal threats reshaping news, arguing attacks on free speech and media credibility are escalating. Fashion & Design: SOM has revived Halston’s iconic 1979 office chair design as “SOM79,” bringing a modernist fashion-era staple back into the spotlight. Music (Tickets): Polyphia announced UK/Europe winter tour dates with tickets going on sale at 10am; Black Veil Brides followed with its Vindicatour run for early 2027, also launching ticket sales today. Local Arts: Figge Art Museum is offering free admission all July, plus free drop-in art programs and talks tied to its current exhibitions. Community Creativity: Bettendorf opened SunShine Arts Studio, a hands-on art space for kids and adults with open studio, camps, and a black-light Splatter Paint Room. Sports & School Policy: Iowa’s Board of Education approved emergency rules letting eighth graders play high school sports starting Aug. 1, with local schools still deciding which sports to offer.

College Sports: The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the Protect College Sports Act toward a full vote, pushing back on SEC and Big Ten opposition as lobbying ramps up. Iowa Education: The Iowa State Board of Education approved emergency rules letting eighth graders play in any high school sport starting Aug. 1, with local schools deciding which sports to offer and added guidance for physicals. Arts & Community: Cedar Falls held its first-ever night market downtown, drawing crowds with local vendors, food, games, and live entertainment. Public Art: Windborn Group and Quad City Arts selected 19-year-old artist Madeline Dieters for a new public mural in downtown Aledo, unveiling planned for July 3. Sports & Local Events: Iowa DNR is moving toward rules to ban trail cameras in state game management areas, while Iowa’s Scholastic Clay Target Program wrapped up a major state meet in Cedar Falls. Entertainment: Daughtry announced “20 Years Unplugged” tour stops, including Oct. 16 at The Vine Showroom in Waterloo.

Caitlin Clark Nike push: Nike finally dropped the first look at Clark’s signature “Caitlin 1” shoe and matching apparel, with sales set for Oct. 1 and a possible first wear as soon as the Fever’s next game—fans are asking the obvious question: what took so long? WNBA growth: The league is expanding to a 50-game schedule next season, the biggest jump in its history, as it adds new teams and more TV/streaming partners. Local sports spotlight: West Marshall’s Aubree Greenwood threw a three-hit shutout over Saydel, while Otter Valley’s Sophie Parker earned Softball Player of the Year honors for her two-way impact. Iowa City arts & community: Riverside Theatre’s free “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs in the park, and Iowa City Pride plus Juneteenth events fill the weekend calendar. Music for young Iowans: The Iowa Rock & Roll Music Association opened entries for the 2026 Iowa Rocks Talent Contest, with virtual submissions due July 31. Weather watch: Confirmed tornado reports hit parts of Iowa and Illinois during Wednesday’s storms, with damage and cleanup underway. Business opening: Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is set to open in Davenport with a ribbon cutting, deals, and giveaways.

Local Arts & Culture: The Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery is spotlighting state fairs as “Growing American Craft,” with Iowa’s long-running fair tradition part of a bigger look at how agriculture and creativity mix. Theater & Live Music: “The Music Man” wraps the Broadway at the Buddy Holly Hall series June 19–21, bringing River City’s classic con-and-heart story to Iowa audiences. Sports Spotlight: Caitlin Clark keeps stacking WNBA milestones, and fans got their first look at her “Caitlin 1” Nike shoe. Community & Family Fun: Cuba City Power Pull Weekend returns June 19–20 with tractor and truck pulling plus family-friendly noise and horsepower. Sports & Local Schools: Central Lee approved moving into the Southeast Conference for varsity (2028–29) and middle school (2027–28). Iowa Entertainment Notes: Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam stopped in Iowa City with his tour supporting “Hen’s Teeth,” a darker companion to his 2024 release.

Arts & Awards: “The Z: Planning for the Industry’s Next Generation” won a national Azbee Award of Excellence for its regular print column, adding to Meetings Today’s recent FOLIO: Eddies win. Local Art Exhibits: West Shore Community College is hosting Jamey Barnard’s “Go, Color. Go!” through Sept. 18 at the Manierre Dawson Gallery. Community Arts & Music: Burlington Civic Music Association honors Barb “Babs” McRoberts for 20 years of service; SE Iowa Symphony Orchestra offers a free chamber concert in Burlington June 19. Theater & Events: Legacy Theater launches a capital campaign for a building addition; Lehigh River Days returns with familiar favorites like log rolling and mud volleyball. Family-Friendly Fun: Newton YMCA debuts a Youth Center for ages 6–13, and Bloomfield Public Library teens host a Renaissance Faire June 20. Sports Spotlight (Iowa ties): Marshalltown wrestlers Nick Wise and Ignacio Macias qualify for Fargo Nationals; Caitlin Clark powers the Fever in a win over Toronto. Education & Governance: Keokuk school board faces a superintendent resignation petition targeting Kathy Dinger.

Juneteenth in Des Moines: A guide to local events for the holiday includes an evening screening of Black Iowa history films and a Juneteenth Jubilee at the State Historical Building, with music, awards, and a silent auction. Clay County Fair music: Cole Swindell headlines the grandstand stage on Sept. 12 in Spencer, with Ashley Cooke and Shawn Mayer also on the bill; tickets go on sale June 19. Savanna Museum live music: Carol Montag performs June 26 at 7:30 p.m. for Music at the Museum. Iowa sports business: The University of Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena is moving toward a major renovation plan that includes adding air conditioning, with design work approved and a $50M–$70M price range. Iowa hockey coaching shakeup: Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks opens an external search for the next coach after Greg Cronin left for the St. Louis Blues. RiseFest record: Sheldon’s RiseFest drew 30,100 over two days, topping a 1924 KKK rally attendance record. Streaming shakeup: Fox’s planned acquisition of Roku is raising questions for Iowa viewers, though both sides say the Roku experience should stay largely the same.

Arts & Community: Legacy Theater in Carthage launched a $2 million “A Vision for the Future” capital campaign for a building addition, with more than $500,000 already raised and public meetings set across the region. Health & Services: Caravel Autism Health is opening a new ABA therapy clinic in Altoona, featuring sensory-friendly spaces and one-on-one work with childhood autism specialists. Local Culture & Events: Pocahontas Heritage Days returns this weekend with live music (including ’80s band Atari), plus trivia night and a pizza-eating competition. Arts & Learning: Iowa families get a boost from Cancer Screen Iowa, a new effort aimed at improving awareness and timing for cancer screenings. Music Spotlight: Sweet Magnolia, a New Orleans brass-and-soul band, brings its high-energy sound to the Quad Cities at Raccoon Motel on July 30. Sports & Talent: North Side’s Leslie Woodson committed to Iowa State, while Western Dubuque’s Vaske sisters are making waves as a pitching duo. Iowa Politics (ballot access): Iowa’s state objections panel removed two Libertarian candidates from the November ballot over paperwork issues. Sports Business/Entertainment: Cedar Ridge Distillery released a limited-edition QuintEssential American single malt whiskey.