Downtown Development: Des Moines has withdrawn plans for a downtown Dutch Bros drive-thru after neighborhood pushback. Veterans & Funding: A $1.36M federal grant will expand the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, adding 2,160 columbarium niches and landscaping. Communications & Research: The FCC approved a new Iowa “innovation zone,” giving Iowa State University an experimental spectrum license for wireless research. Weather & Water: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening dry conditions in northwest Iowa, with more areas sliding into moderate to severe drought. Public Health & Safety: The Iowa Board of Nursing sanctioned multiple nurses over alleged theft, indecent exposure, and patient-care issues. Utilities & Rates: The Iowa Utilities Commission ordered a permanent natural gas rate cut for IPL customers and questioned Black Hills Energy over a high number of pipeline safety problems. Local Crime: McKinley Elementary in Des Moines was briefly placed on secure status after a stolen-car crash nearby; the suspect remains at large. Sports & Schools: Iowa’s new civics-test graduation requirement for the Class of 2027 is now in the spotlight, and Iowa football recruiting and 2026 season previews keep fans talking.