Latino Culture in Iowa City: Cultural Latino Week kicked off with “Entretejiendo Corazones,” bringing dance, music, poetry, and food to the James Theater and downtown Pedestrian Mall through Sept. 19. Courts & Faith: The Iowa Supreme Court will hear a Dordt University nursing student’s bid for a Covid-19 vaccine exemption tied to religious beliefs, with oral arguments set for 7 p.m. in Spirit Lake. Local Politics, Fact Check: A “terrifying” sex-offender tracking attack ad in the Iowa attorney general race is being challenged for missing key context about how monitoring was handled in the final law. Community & Health Training: A University of Iowa medical student gained rural-care experience at Waverly Health Center, while Bremer County’s EMS coordinator Aaron Goodenbour earned a state emergency management certification after intensive FEMA coursework. Education Workforce: Iowa is rolling out streamlined pathways to become a licensed or authorized substitute teacher, aiming to keep classrooms covered when contracted teachers are away. Safety Tech in Schools: Districts are moving to restrict student personal tech, and smart glasses are now a flashpoint over discreet recording and cheating risks. Arts & Advocacy: DVIP/RVAP marks 47 years with a “Birthday Bingo Bash” fundraiser in Iowa City, supporting survivors across eight southeastern Iowa counties.