Your morning starts here.

Tyler Juranek, a Council Bluffs native born without eyesight, hosted his ninth annual Ride Into Sight fundraiser at the University of Iowa on Aug.

1 to support retinal research.

Pottawattamie County Conservation hosted its third annual prairie restoration workday at Hitchcock Nature Center on Aug.

6, where 50 volunteers removed invasive trees to restore 4.2 acres of rare Loess Hills prairie (plans for next year’s event are underway).

New Visions Homeless Services is one of three finalists chosen by the Iowa Finance Authority for the 2026 Iowa Homelessness Incubator, which offers up to $100K in funding.

The program will support innovative local projects (including new approaches to outreach and services).

Google has expressed interest in a future data center on a 900-acre site in Salix after MidAmerican Energy shared its update with local leaders.

The company sent letters to officials+ residents and will join the city council meeting on Wed, Aug. 12 to answer questions.

The Iowa Department of Education announced $2M in state grants for Iowa Western and Ellsworth community colleges to open regional career training centers for high school students — the centers will offer academies in fields like welding, construction and automotive maintenance.

Iowa Western Community College will use its $1M share of a $2M state grant (allocated for career training) to open a new regional center, while Ellsworth Community College received funds for career-focused programs.

A Bellevue woman with lupus reached clinical remission after undergoing CAR T-cell therapy at the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha.

She said she now feels ready to care for her twins (experts note the treatment could help others with autoimmune disorders) and marks a promising advance in care.

Local police and fire departments are preparing for National Night Out (tomorrow) to build neighborhood trust with tours and interactive booths for families.

Nearly 50 Iowa cities will host events, giving residents a chance to meet emergency crews and learn more about local services.