CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Kimberly Dickey, who is the project director for NextEra Energy’s proposed 3,500 acre solar farm in Linn County, is a former chair for the same Linn County commission set to vote on her new development. Dickey also helped write Linn county’s comprehensive plan, which helps guide the county’s physical, social and economic development.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Two Iowa State University crew club members were participating in their first practice on the water when they drowned in March after their boat capsized in strong winds. New findings released Wednesday report the pandemic had kept the club off the water for 18 months, and investigators concluded that team members’ excitement for a chance to return likely clouded their judgment about safety. Three other members made it to shore, two of them with help from bystanders.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds says she may take legal action against President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate that goes into effect November 1. Reynolds says Biden is overreaching and she wants to protect Iowans who don’t want the vaccine.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Weeks ahead of the Nov. 1 mandate, 100% of employees at Broadlawns Medical Center became fully vaccinated. Five employees quit.

JOHNSON COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa DOT is looking for public input in proposed improvements on Interstate 380 in Johnson County, including the proposed widening to six lanes for a portion of the highway.