Here First

Dozens of unpermitted wells have been discovered at the construction site of a new data center in Cedar Rapids, the high price of beef, a state library book-sharing program is temporarily paused due to budget issues, and the new definition of drought due to climate change concerns.

A successful takeoff for a satellite mission led by the University of Iowa, poultry experts raise concern about the upcoming bird flu season due to USDA cuts, Iowa's 4th Congressional race heats up, and an Iowa baby sets a world record.

Woodbury County supervisors have given initial approval to a zoning rule change that could bring a small nuclear power plant to the county. The state Board of Regents is postponing discussion of a policy that would stop requiring students to take courses related to diversity, equity and inclusion. And, Iowa has its eight confirmed case of measles.

Woodbury County discusses a zoning change later today that would allow a small nuclear power plant to be built in the region. The head of Iowa’s Democratic Party says it’s “disappointing” the state recently lost a seat on a key national committee. And Iowa’s state tax collections dropped a bit over the last year, mostly because of a new business tax credit.

Iowa has a teacher shortage in more than two dozen specialties. Some school districts are turning to online instruction to fill those gaps. Sixteen Afghan families in the Des Moines area face eviction as money that has helped pay for their housing runs out. And Iowa is exploring several options to help people affected by the closing of the Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing later this year. It’s being closed this fall, about two years before a new crossing is completed.

Congress has approved significant funding cuts for foreign aid and public media. There were several protests in Iowa over civil rights. And Virgina Gov. Glenn Youngkin was in Iowa last night.

Advocates worry cuts to some federal benefits could impact how many people receive WIC benefits. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she trusts the Trump administration to handle the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. And a new regional administrator for HUD went to Cedar Rapids.

The City of Des Moines is considering raising taxes on residents' utility bills for DART. The head of Des Moines Water Works talks about nitrate regulations. And what could the impact be if the USPS becomes private?

Another Republican announced a campaign for Iowa's fourth congressional district. AmeriCorps funding cuts could be souring trust with young people. And the latest ruling in a case involving four University of Iowa international students and the Department of Homeland Security.

Gov. Kim Reynolds says more regulation isn't the answer to high nitrates in Iowa waterways. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services wants to work with churches to instill hope. And how could federal Medicaid cuts impact people living with HIV?