Good morning, Des Moines.

MercyOne's crisis response K-9 Abby turned two on Thursday in West Des Moines after a day filled with cuddles and a special Birthday Girl bandana (her handler said she helps ease stressful moments).

TIME Magazine ranked five Iowa universities on its America’s Best Colleges list and named Drake University as the top school with a score of 69.80 + the list also includes Grinnell College, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Saint Ambrose University.

Public school districts are facing budget challenges as rising costs and falling enrollments pressure education quality.

Creston Community Schools and Des Moines Public Schools are cutting staff and programs + state aid fails to keep pace with inflation.

A report from the Iowa Environmental Council shows coal-fired power increased by about 50% from 2024 to 2025, even as wind remains the top source.

Steven Guyer warns that growing demand may push Iowa toward more emissions in 2026 (raising public health concerns).

DNR biologist Todd Bogenschutz said heavy rains in south-central & southeast Iowa have delayed planting food plots to attract mourning doves.

He advises local hunters to scout fields as weather continues to affect plot management during the season that runs until November 29th.

A drought monitor map released Sept.

3 shows that 31% of Iowa is dealing with dryness and moderate drought in parts of the west. The report notes conditions have worsened since last year, with only 69% of the state remaining drought-free.

Dr. Adrian Gollas of Sioux City filed a petition in Polk County District Court on Sept.

3 after the Iowa Board of Medicine denied his license application because errors from a third-party service led to false answers. The board said his answers (a pattern from past sanctions) call his honesty into question.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced more than $1.6M in grants on Sept.

3 to support five organizations fighting opioid addiction; the awards will fund projects like a new drug incinerator + reentry programs, and more grants are expected later.

A retired Iowa doctor criticized Rep. Miller-Meeks' votes at a healthcare press conference, saying her support for H.R.

1 & a vote against ACA tax credits may lead to fewer care options, risking 110,000 Iowans losing coverage by 2034. He warned that rural clinics & local economies could suffer.

A Polk County judge approved the long-awaited purchase agreement for Valley West Mall today + the buyer’s identity and future plans for the bankrupt property remain undisclosed.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!