IOWA – A new study shows nitrate levels remain dangerously high in the state’s waterways. KGAN-TV reports a meeting was held in Des Moines Monday highlighting a two-year research project that shows several samples exceeding EPA standards. Farming and larger metro areas have been cited as the driving factors. The study also cites concerns in the springtime for pesticides. DES MOINES – Iowa Republicans have a new majority leader in the House of Representatives. The Des Moines Register reports Representative Bob Kaufmann of Wilton is the new leader of the caucus of 67 in the lower chamber of the Iowa Statehouse. Kaufmann replaces Representative Matt Windschitl as he runs for the 4th U.S. Congressional District. Kaufmann has served in the Iowa House since 2012. TIFFIN – An Iowa community is seeking a special caucus recount due to rapid growth. KCRG-TV reports Tiffin is requesting its residents participate in a special census to ensure its population is accurate. From 2010 to 2020, Tiffin grew nearly double in size on the west side of the Iowa City metro area. Based on the number of water meters served in the city limits, leaders believe it has nearly doubled again in size in the last five years from 4500 to 7000.

DELAWARE COUNTY – Two people have died in a head-on collision in Delaware County. The Iowa State Patrol reports Chevy pickup was traveling northbound on Highway 38, when a Volkswagen crossed the center line and caused the crash. Both drivers, identified as 33-year-old Anthony Mentzer of Monticello and 44-year-old Bobbi Jo Bauers of Delhi, were pronounced dead at the scene. IOWA – Two additional tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service following a derecho reported last week in northern Iowa. KCCI-TV reports the two reports in northwest Iowa bring the total in Iowa to 22 in 2025, well below last year’s record-breaking pace of 125 for the 2024 calendar year. The peak for the state typically occurs in May and June, although tornadoes have been reported in Iowa as late as December, as several were during an outbreak in 2021. DES MOINES – Over a million attendees are set to attend the annual Iowa State Fair, which runs August 7th through the 17th in Des Moines. In 2024, three daily attendance records were broken, including the all-time single-day attendance high mark, as well as the total for the entire year. In total, 1.182 million tickets were redeemed last August.

IOWA – Up to 17 beaches have been listed with swimming not recommended notices by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Des Moines Register reports Backbone, Beeds Lake, Bobwhite, Brushy Creek, Emerson Bay, Lake Ahquabi, Lake Darling, Lake Manawa, Lake of Three Fires, McIntosh Woods, Nine Eagles, Pine Lake South, Pleasant Creek, Prairie Rose, and Union Grove all have vulnerable classifications, as does Lake Red Rock on the Des Moines River. WINTERSET – Two candidates have filed for a special election for a county auditor’s seat mired in turnover. WHO-13 reports Matthew Schwartz, the current “temporary” Madison County Auditor, runs against former Board of Supervisors Clerk Michelle Brant. Both are running for the spot after a petition was filed by citizens to hold a special election. This comes after the resignation of the previous Madison County Auditor Teri Kaczinski.AMES – The details for the contract extension of Iowa State Head Football Coach Matt Campbell have been finalized. ESPN reports Campbell will earn $5 million through 2032, with several incentives. It includes a $2 million buyout for other college programs, but there is no deterrent for NFL jobs. Campbell cut some of his pay for staff salaries and for revenue sharing for players.

IOWA – Air quality in the state will remain low again today following a burst of smoke from Canada that came with a cold front that has ushered in much more mild conditions. The Iowa DNR has issued an Air Quality alert that continues through tonight as hazy skies are expected to persist. The smoke is expected to remain over the area and affect air quality in the coming days until a significant weather system sweeps it out of the area. Wildfire smoke carries large amounts of particulates that could impact those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and outdoor workers. SIOUX CENTER – A 90-year-old Sioux Center resident was killed in a two vehicle crash in Lyon County on Thursday morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Chevorlet Tahoe operated by Stanley Kroese collided with Chevy Blazer attempting to take a left turn. Kroese died from his injuries. Four other people were injured in the collision. OSAGE – An Iowa-based manufacturer in Osage is closing. KCRG-TV reports Fox River Mills will end its time as a sock manufacturer on October 10th. The Iowa WARN unemployment system mentions 105 employees will be impacted.

IOWA – Governor Kim Reynolds has filed a complaint over a state employee allegedly bragging about working around state laws related to diversity, equality, and inclusion efforts at the University of Iowa. KCCI-TV reports Attorney General Brenna Bird will now investigate a video aired on Fox News. During this week’s Board of Regents meeting, the University of Iowa is looking into the matter. Iowa House Democrats claimed the video was edited and distorted to look worse than it was. WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s disappointed and offended that President Donald Trump was critical of his role as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. WHO-13 reports that President Trump lashed out at Grassley over Iowa’s senior senator and his upholding of the Senate’s Blue Slip tradition. The obscure rule requires both senators from a state to approve of certain judicial nominees before they head to the floor for a full vote. IOWA – Flood warnings are in effect across a large portion of the state along rivers after a summer filled with rain across the state. According to the National Weather Service, dozens of Iowa communities have seen at least eight inches of rain in July, with Ames reporting over a foot. This comes after an above average June for many. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows less than one percent of the state is in a drought.