Education & Equity: Des Moines Public Schools named Matt Smith its permanent superintendent, tasking him with stabilizing a district facing declining enrollment and growing competition. School Choice Debate: Council Bluffs leaders warned that Education Savings Accounts are pulling students—and state funding—toward private schools, forcing cuts like closing an elementary school. Trans Rights & Sports: Texas Senate nominee James Talarico’s comments on transgender athletes sparked anger and debate, with Iowa’s Rob Sand also backing a transgender sports ban. Community & Culture: Orchestra Iowa kicks off its “Masterworks” season with America 250 programming, including Copland, Gershwin, and Dvořák. Local Life: Glenwood is considering a “social district” that would allow alcohol in designated public areas. Arts & Faith: A new poetry collection, “This Side of the Sky,” finds grace in grief and hard days. Agriculture & Climate: Iowa researchers and educators say data centers are driving electricity demand, urging more wind and solar. Education Data Roundup: Multiple counties reported 2024-25 enrollment snapshots, including Johnson County’s 2,348 Hispanic students and several multiracial enrollment updates across rural districts.