Eliza Billingham
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Iowa Public Radio
Data center development is expanding rapidly across the state due to Iowa’s cheap land and energy. Local governments have limited power when faced with development. Should they be the ones making big decisions for Iowa communities?
Ann Hammond
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Courtesy of Monarch Research
Eliza Billingham
/
Iowa Public Radio
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NASA is partnering with the University of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Des Moines Water Works to create a new tool to forecast water quality conditions. The goal is to combine satellite imagery with water quality monitors across the state to predict when nitrate concentrations in surface or ground water will reach dangerous levels. -
Any time is a great time to visit an Iowa State Park, but if you go now through the end of October, you can discover hidden gems with the Iowa State Parks Passport. On this episode, we learn about the Iowa State Parks Passport, which encourages Iowans to explore historic landmarks and scenic overlooks around the state. We also talk with William Bortz about his new poetry collection. Then, we meet Anne Harris Carter, the new director of the African American Museum of Iowa. -
Every week on trash day, truckloads of waste are hauled off to three dozen landfills across the state. But some Iowa landfills are nearing the end of their lifespans, prompting communities to look elsewhere.
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The Cedar Rapids school board voted to close six schools in an effort to right-size the district’s finances. District officials said they see it as an opportunity to give students the best chance at a high-quality public education as the district faces pressure from state-funded education savings accounts and new charter schools opening nearby. -
Iowa’s longest-running film festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its biggest festival weekend yet. The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival runs April 9-12 and features 65 films — all with Iowa ties. -
All eyes are on the small city of Palo after Google shifted its plans to build a data center there. Some residents are worried about water use and question the tech giant's motivations. The mayor says he sees an upside to the new development but plans to put protections in place for the community.
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The popular outdoor concert event is scheduled to return this summer after a five-year hiatus caused by the high cost of production. -
The Cedar Rapids school board is working toward reducing next year’s budget by nearly $13 million through salary and spending freezes, staffing reductions, and some school consolidations. Leaders are trying to right-size the district as it faces declining enrollment. -
The Linn County Board of Supervisors has approved rezoning that supports NextEra Energy's effort to recommission the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Palo. The project still needs approval from multiple state and federal authorities, but county supervisors say the rezoning gives Linn County residents a seat at the table.
