Reproductive Rights in Iowa: On the fourth anniversary of Dobbs, five Iowa women are heading to Washington, D.C., to push for abortion access, meeting with Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Zach Nunn as part of the Free and Just advocacy effort. Education & Youth Sports: Iowa’s new rules let eighth graders play on high school teams in all sports, including varsity—an overhaul that could reshape who gets to compete and when. Personalized Learning in the Classroom: Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf was named the founding design-partner school for an AI-powered personalized learning pilot, aiming to give teachers clearer insight and more time for relationships. STEM Career Pathways: Central College in Pella is launching a data science major this fall, blending STEM with social sciences and humanities and ending in an ethics-focused capstone. Local Quality of Life: AARP awarded $162,557 across 13 Iowa organizations for quick-action projects to improve livability for older adults, from accessible parks to housing options. Community Arts & Culture: Bravo Greater Des Moines announced $465,500 in spring grants supporting major arts groups and free public arts programming across multiple metro communities. Food Assistance Policy: A federal judge blocked Iowa’s SNAP waiver that would have restricted purchases of items like candy and soda, with food pantry leaders saying the intent was good but the approach was messy.