AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day pressure hits Iowa wallets: With the holiday travel rush starting, Iowans are feeling the sting of high prices—AAA says Memorial Day gas is at a four-year high, and local shoppers report grocery and grilling costs climbing fast. Road-safety push: Iowa State Patrol is stepping up seat-belt enforcement through May 31, and Black Hawk County is urging drivers to plan ahead if they’re drinking. Tragedy on rural roads: Two separate fatal off-road vehicle rollover incidents were reported in Allamakee County. Local economy & tourism: Drake University says its events helped generate $424.1M in annual economic impact, and the Port of Dubuque Marina is opening for the season just in time for the weekend. Community updates: Simpson College announced budget cuts that eliminate or reduce multiple sports and staff roles. Business & growth: IEDA approved tax credits and assistance tied to nearly $400M in manufacturing and startup investment, including a new product push from Hope Innovations in Audubon.

Memorial Day travel hit a rough patch: AAA says gas prices for the holiday weekend are at a four-year high, with the national regular average around $4.56—and demand is rising as summer road trips ramp up. Road safety push: Iowa State Patrol is stepping up seat-belt enforcement through May 31 as part of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, warning that many crash deaths involve unbuckled drivers. Weekend watch-outs: A three-vehicle crash in Kansas left a woman and two children in critical condition, and in Iowa, a school bus crash in Scott County sent the bus driver and two students to the hospital after a failure to yield. Outdoors reminder: A 63-year-old Iowa woman died after an 80-foot fall at Ohio’s Hocking Hills—another stark reminder to take steep trails seriously. Family fun & local flavor: Iowa’s summer food festivals and road-trip-worthy burger lists are already heating up, just as tourism season gears on.

Memorial Day travel safety: Iowa law enforcement is urging drivers to plan ahead and buckle up as holiday traffic ramps up, with “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement running through May 31 and officials noting a big share of fatal crashes involve unbuckled drivers. Severe weather follow-up: The NWS has confirmed more than two dozen tornadoes across Iowa since May 16, mostly EF1, including a Knoke (Calhoun County) tornado with peak winds reported at 110 mph. Road deaths and crashes: A What Cheer-area rollover killed a 20-year-old early Saturday, and a separate Highway 63 rollover in Waterloo killed a 22-year-old Cherokee woman. Local travel and tourism: Fort Dodge Regional Airport is back to booking direct flights to Denver, and Arnolds Park Amusement Park has opened with new rides and cashless midway fun. Community moments: Ottumwa is honoring a student who died in a crash hours after graduating, with a pink-out Friday planned.

Road-Trip Fuel & Food: Kwik Trip just topped USA Today 10Best’s 2026 “best gas station food” list—again—beating Buc-ee’s (which landed 10th). Fans say the bakery is the star, plus hot grab-and-go like pizza, burritos, salads, soups, and fried chicken. Memorial Day Plans: Ames is set for its Memorial Day parade and ceremony Monday, with a featured speaker: retired U.S. Army Col. Reggie Richardson. Local Travel & Safety: Iowa State Patrol is ramping up enforcement for the holiday weekend, warning about speed, distractions, and impaired driving during the “100 deadliest days of summer.” Weekend Watch: The Iowa high school state track meet runs May 21–23 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, with live streams and ticket info available. Nature & Outdoors: The Iowa DNR says black bear sightings are increasing in late May into June, especially in northeast Iowa—secure trash and food.

Missing Teen Alert (West Des Moines): Police are asking for help finding 13-year-old Carlos, last seen around 4 p.m. Wednesday on Pleasant Street near 22nd Street. He was wearing a red short-sleeve shirt, black shorts, and carrying a black backpack. Severe Weather Aftermath (North Iowa): The NWS says Sunday’s tornadoes in northern Iowa included storms with estimated 110 mph winds, with multiple tornado touchdowns surveyed. Road Trip Perk (Scenic Driving): Iowa’s Great River Road was named USA Today 10Best’s 2026 Best Scenic Drive in America for the second year in a row—nearly 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, with lots of Iowa small-town stops. Family Travel Updates: Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids received a $6 million FAA grant for baggage handling upgrades, and free summer meals are starting in the Des Moines area for kids and teens under 18. Local Outdoors: Pella’s library kicks off an outdoor adventure speaker series, and Paullina Lake (Mill Creek State Park) is back with refreshed scenery and easy summer access.

Road & Travel Disruptions: Low Mississippi River levels are cutting Lansing’s ferry capacity, so expect longer waits. Overnight Highway Work: Northbound I-35 between Ankeny and Huxley closes Thu night (9 p.m.) to Fri morning (5 a.m.) for barrier removal—detour via Alleman. Safety Push for Memorial Day: Iowa law officers are running a seatbelt enforcement push through the month as fatal crashes rise, with “Click It or Ticket” targeting unbuckled drivers. Local Summer Fun: Rooks County Speedway reopens Friday with a redesigned 1/3-mile track and a fuller race schedule. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Lake Macbride State Park ramps up with new bass tournament plans and online camping reservations. Travel Deals & Planning: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face some of the highest gas prices in four years, but many Iowans are still hitting the road. Culture & Tourism: Iowa City unveiled a Napoleon Park sign tying the city’s original name to French history, while the Field of Dreams site gets a $10M donation plus a $3M state tourism grant for expansion.

Fort Dodge Road-Work Push: Fort Dodge is gearing up for a major construction season—paving, intersection rebuilds, water main work, and a big bridge project on Fifth Avenue South—meaning rough commutes now, but longer-term upgrades for local streets. Indy 500 Spotlight: Iowa hoops star Caitlin Clark is set to serve as grand marshal for the Indianapolis 500, bringing fresh attention to the Hawkeye-to-Indiana sports pipeline. Northern Iowa Storm Damage: Four EF1 tornadoes were confirmed from Sunday storms across northern Iowa, including paths near Ventura, Joice, Woden, and Lone Rock. Field of Dreams Gets a Boost: The Field of Dreams Movie Site landed a $10 million donation plus a $3 million state tourism grant for a Bring It Home expansion that includes a permanent MLB ballpark and new youth fields. Memorial Day Travel Reality: AAA expects heavy Memorial Day traffic and warns gas prices are still high—drivers are being urged to plan smarter and leave earlier. Public Safety: Des Moines police announced arrests tied to two separate bank robberies, while a deadly motorcycle crash on Highway 108 is also under investigation.

Memorial Day travel buzz: AAA says Iowans are still planning to hit the road in record numbers despite higher gas prices, with 3 million Midwesterners expected to drive and most people adjusting budgets instead of canceling. Gas prices pressure: Iowa’s average is about $4.31 a gallon—up 46% from last year—so AAA is pushing simple savings like staying closer to the speed limit. Local food win: Decorah’s Dixie’s Biergarten just took home the 2026 Best Burger in Iowa title, and the kitchen is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Education leadership: The Iowa State Board of Education welcomed new members and a student representative at its first meeting. Public safety: A Sioux City man, Richard Martinez, was sentenced in a federal meth case tied to a casino surveillance stop. Weekend planning: Cycling events and summer theatre camp announcements are already rolling in for families across the state.

Memorial Day travel surge: AAA says record numbers of Iowans are hitting the road despite higher gas prices—about 3 million Midwesterners traveling, with Iowa gas around $4.31/gal and the highest holiday prices since 2022. Road safety push: The “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement runs May 18–31 as Iowa targets preventable crash deaths. Crash updates across Iowa: Keokuk County reported a fatal single-car crash after a vehicle hit a power pole; Black Hawk County saw a two-vehicle crash with one driver critically hurt; Scott County is investigating a crash involving a school bus where students were treated and released. Severe weather readiness: Siouxland tornadoes were reported Sunday, and South Sioux City is moving ahead with a $1 million storm safe room at Scenic Park. Local travel & fun: Memorial weekend bike races return to Burlington, Muscatine, and Davenport, and Eastern Iowa’s summer festival calendar is in full swing.

Road Safety Push: Iowa’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement kicks off May 18–31, with officials pointing to last year’s 121 unbuckled crash deaths as fully preventable. Memorial Day Travel Tips: AAA says Thursday midday through 9 p.m. is the busiest, with the heaviest congestion Thursday/Friday 3–6 p.m.; for the return, leave Monday before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Severe Weather Watch: Another round of strong to severe storms is expected through Monday, with damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flooding risks—especially Sunday night in western Iowa and again Monday afternoon/evening. Local Tragedy: An 18-year-old died in an Ottumwa crash Sunday night after a collision at U.S. 34 and Roemer Ave; in Keokuk County early Sunday, one person died and three were hurt after a vehicle hit a power pole and rolled. Wildlife Oddity: Rare all-black and all-white squirrels are drawing attention from Iowa observers, adding to a run of unusual color-variation sightings. Food & Fun: Kwik Trip was named USA Today’s #1 “Best Gas Station Brand” for 2026, and a Guy Fieri clip keeps spotlighting Iowa-area dining culture.

Severe Weather Watch: Iowa is bracing for another round of strong to severe storms, with the biggest statewide concern shifting to Monday. Sunday night brings an Enhanced Risk in western Iowa, and forecasters warn of damaging winds up to 75 mph, large hail, a few tornadoes, and heavy rain that could trigger localized flooding. Road Safety: A deadly Keokuk County crash early Sunday left 1 dead and 3 injured after a car hit a power pole and rolled; investigators say none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. Travel & Outdoors: If you’re planning to be outside this weekend, keep an eye on the sky—northern lights may dip farther south than usual, with Iowa listed among possible viewing states. Local Sports & Community: Stagg’s Dominic Talaga helped end a long drought vs. Sandburg, while Iowa’s college golf scene gets a boost as Minnesota’s Chun-Ta Wu heads to NCAA Regionals in Columbus.

Wildfire Response: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and activated the National Guard to help battle fast-moving wildfires, including the Flanders Fire (about 1,200 acres, 0% contained) and another blaze near Two Harbors. Severe Weather Watch (Iowa): Iowa is bracing for rounds of storms through Monday, with damaging winds up to 75 mph, large hail, a few tornadoes, and heavy rain/flooding risk—warnings may come with limited lead time. Northern Lights: Aurora activity could push farther south than usual this weekend, with Iowa listed among states that might catch a faint glow on the northern horizon. Travel & Events: Papillion’s half-marathon is drawing runners from across the country, while Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village keeps Houby Days mushroom festivities rolling Sunday. Local Updates: Fort Dodge Regional Airport is set to get $1 million for terminal upgrades, including a family restroom and a mother’s room.

Cedar Rapids Culture: Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village just wrapped the 48th annual Houby Days, a mushroom-and-music weekend celebrating Czech and Slovak heritage, with Sunday running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weather Watch: Iowa’s spring storms are back—Friday night totals are being tallied, and forecasters warn of another round of severe weather over the next few days, including hail, damaging winds, and a lower tornado risk. Health Access: MercyOne says it’s closing its southside Des Moines clinic next month due to staffing shortages, rising costs, and pending Medicaid reimbursement cuts—advocates warn it could leave thousands scrambling for care. Roads & Travel: A bill to raise Iowa’s default speed limit from 55 to 60 mph on many two-lane and rural roads is headed to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk, with a July 1 start if signed. Family Fun: Fort Dodge Regional Airport is getting $1 million for terminal upgrades like a family restroom and a mother’s room. Local Spotlight: Wakita, Oklahoma drew big crowds for the 30th anniversary “Twister” celebration and its movie museum.

Severe Weather Watch: Friday night’s storms are already shaping the weekend, with Iowa facing another round of redevelopment later today and more threats Saturday through Monday—hail, damaging winds, and a tornado risk that shifts by region. DNR “Never Burn” Reminder: As spring cleaning ramps up, the Iowa DNR warns against burning household trash, construction debris, treated wood, tires, and other toxic materials—illegal in Iowa and harmful to air, land, and water. Roads & Travel: A bill to raise Iowa’s default speed limit from 55 to 60 mph on many two-lane and rural roads is headed to Gov. Kim Reynolds, effective July 1 if signed. Gas Prices: AAA says drivers get little relief as the national average dips then rises again, with Memorial Day travel coming fast. Health Access: MercyOne plans to close its southside Des Moines clinic next month, citing staffing, costs, and pending Medicaid reimbursement cuts. Aurora Alert: Northern lights could be visible Saturday night, especially in northern states, with a darker sky helping the view.

Aviation Momentum: Fairmont High School seniors are turning a Principles of Flight class into real plans—students talk with the airport advisory board and some are lining up further aviation training. Airport Upgrade: Fort Dodge Regional Airport is getting $1 million for terminal modernization, including a family restroom, a mother’s room, and a holding area. Travel & Safety Watch: AAA says gas prices are easing then rising again, with Memorial Day shaping up as the priciest stretch in four years. Weekend Plans: Frontier Days volunteer meeting is Sunday; “Matilda Jr.” auditions run Sunday and Monday; Dubuque’s Miller Riverview Park opens for camping season. Weather Alert: Severe weather could hit parts of Iowa for several days—hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes are on the table. Local Outdoors: Webster County Conservation hosts a Tuesday “at 10 Hike” at Skillet Creek Indian Mounds.

Aviation & Jobs: The University of Dubuque is launching a new two-year helicopter pilot pathway (rotary wing focus) starting fall 2026, aiming to feed careers in EMS, law enforcement, utilities, aerial firefighting, tourism, and military aviation. Road Closures: Iowa DOT will shut down Iowa Highway 175 between Grundy Center and Morrison starting May 26 for a bridge replacement, with a detour via Hwy 14 and local roads through Sept. 30. Travel Watch: AAA says national gas prices dipped then started climbing again, and Memorial Day could bring the highest prices in four years—so road trips may cost more even if the trend looks “better” day to day. Local Safety: A serious two-car crash in rural Fayette County sent one driver to Mayo Clinic after a stop-sign collision. Family Fun: Rock Island Arsenal is teaming up with Visit Quad Cities on a new Rock Island Arsenal Trail with 13 stops tied to the area’s history and the U.S. 250th anniversary. Outdoor Add-On: Nauvoo State Park is installing the first nine holes of a new disc golf course ahead of a May 23 fundraiser.