Wind & Materials: Regen Fiber in Fairfax, Iowa is using an all-mechanical process to shred retired wind turbine blades and turn the fiberglass mesh and polyester resins into inputs for concrete, mortar and asphalt, targeting 30,000+ tons a year. Energy & Rates: Iowa regulators ordered permanent natural gas rate reductions for IPL customers, and also questioned Black Hills Energy over a high number of pipeline safety violations. Local Infrastructure: Union Community School District completed the first phase of facility upgrades funded through Iowa’s SAVE bonding allocation, including parking lot work, ADA door stoops and new playground surfacing. Public Safety & Health: North Carolina issued a rabies warning after baby goats at a mobile petting zoo tested positive, urging anyone with contact to contact local health departments. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data highlighted ongoing online purchase and other scam losses, with Iowa cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids among the highest-reporting in July. Agriculture & Food: Iowa apple harvest is underway, with orchards reporting early picking and continued growth in varieties like Honeycrisp. Policy & Tech: Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley shared oversight updates touching big tech, online child exploitation and manufacturing, while national debate continues over AI and data centers.