DES MOINES, IA (IRN0 – A $282 million water quality bill was passed by the Legislature this week. The Des Moines Register reports for farmers, it means about $150 million in new funding for cover crops, bioreactors and buffers as they seek to curb the high levels of nitrates and phosphorus entering Iowa’s waterways. Critics say the bill is a drop-in-the-bucket distraction.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Dozens of tissue samples from hunted deer in Iowa have been turned over to be tested for chronic wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease is a neurologic disease of deer, moose and elk that is always fatal. The disease first appeared in Iowa’s deer herd in 2013 and every year since. The nine-day collecting effort ends today.

PALO, IA (IRN) – Iowa’s only nuclear power plant could wind up shutting down years earlier than planned, according to KGAN-TV. That’s the warning from operators of the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Palo. In its latest quarterly filing, NextEra Energy said it is unlikely the company will extend its current contract with the plant’s primary customer, Alliant Energy. That contract expires in 2025. No deal would mean the plant could shut down after 50 years of service. The plant is licensed to continue operations until 2034.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Organizers of the 2018 Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) announced this year’s route Saturday night. The route winds through the middle of the state, starting in Onawa and traveling through Denison, Jefferson, Ames, Newton, Sigourney, Iowa City and ending in Davenport. The 46th annual ride will be the fourth flattest in the ride’s history, as well as the seventh shortest. This year’s ride will be held from July 22-28.