Data Centers & Local Planning: Linn County is recruiting 20–25 residents for a volunteer Data Center Advisory Committee as an 18-month pause on new data centers in unincorporated areas continues; applications are due Oct. 19, and the panel will review zoning rules affecting water, electricity, emergency services, roads and long-term land use. Renewables & Zoning: Dubuque County supervisors are weighing a temporary halt on new commercial solar projects while a new renewable energy ordinance is drafted, including possible rules for smaller projects up to 50 acres and new setback requirements. Harvest Watch: USDA reports Iowa farmers are still behind the pace—only 7% of corn is harvested and 5% of soybeans, with just 1.2 days suitable for fieldwork amid wet conditions. Conservation Tools for Farmers: Iowa State Extension launched an online Iowa Conservation Professionals Map to connect landowners with local conservation experts for site assessments, practice design, installations and funding guidance. Mississippi River Bridge: Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs say the IA 9/WIS 82 Lansing bridge is expected to open to traffic Nov. 6, ending the free car ferry service; work continues through winter and into spring 2027. Energy & Utilities: Muscatine Power and Water approved a 2027–2029 strategic plan and authorized a $3.6M condenser retube project plus a SCADA upgrade to boost reliability. Ag & Health: Community Health Partners is offering free flu shots for livestock workers in Sioux County, expanding access to anyone who farms or works with livestock. Steel Incentives Politics: Iowa lawmakers approved MEGA changes tied to the proposed $15B Mesabi steel plant, extending nearly $1.4B in tax incentives—supporters say it’s conditional on building, while opponents call it election-year politics.