Civic Life: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is starting the process to fill five seats on the Winneshiek County extension council, with nominations and a November general-election ballot; council members help hire staff, manage the budget, and shape local research-and-education programming. Youth & Leadership: Decorah High School senior Ava Hanson was selected for the 80th Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State at Drake University in Des Moines, a hands-on program focused on local government, leadership, and citizenship. Community Improvements: AARP’s Community Challenge awarded grants to eastern Iowa towns, including Cedar Rapids for an accessory dwelling unit initiative, Cedar Rapids Horizons for a pickleball court, and Marshalltown’s Arts + Culture Alliance for an accessible downtown pocket plaza. Local Culture & Tourism: Clear Lake won a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant for a 31-foot Buddy Holly tribute guitar at the Surf District, with a check presentation set for Friday at the Surf Ballroom. Health & Philanthropy: UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center received a $1M gift to create an adolescent and young adult cancer program. Education & Records: Iowa State agreed to share financial records tied to its 2025 Ireland football trip after settling a lawsuit with the Iowa Freedom of Information Council.