Student Life & Tradition: UWRF’s Rodeo Club wrapped up the 62nd annual Falcon Frontier Days, a fully student-run rodeo that keeps the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association spirit alive in River Falls. Local Justice & Education: Polk County launched I.G.N.I.T.E., an inmate education and life-skills program, bringing a national model to Iowa. Food & Environment Transparency: Sentient Media released a free Iowa factory-farm data map, pairing it with survey results on residents’ concerns about nitrate pollution and industrial livestock impacts. Politics & Cost of Living: Rep. Ashley Hinson broke with Trump to call for an immediate end to the Iran war, arguing it’s driving up prices; new polling shows her trailing Josh Turek. Community Learning Outdoors: Lee County Conservation hosted a monarch butterfly tagging class, teaching kids and adults how to track migration and protect pollinators. STEM Recognition: Iowa is accepting nominations for the 2027 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, spotlighting exceptional PK-12 educators. Sports Culture: Iowa-area prep runners competed at the Roy Griak Invitational, with Newton’s teams turning in strong, record-setting performances.