Statewide nonprofit and arts and culture groups are saying executive orders could be signed as early as today, possibly affecting how they operate. The anticipated executive orders may involve federal funding cuts and increased scrutiny of nonprofit activity.    The Department of Government Efficiency sent a notice on April 2 to many arts and culture groups,…

The Healthiest State Initiative has announced the winners of the 2025 Healthiest State Annual Awards. The winners were recognized during a ceremony at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for their efforts to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of their students, patients, employees and fellow Iowans. Each winner was awarded a monetary prize…

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has awarded 106 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors and college students who are continuing their education in agriculture-related fields. This includes 27 first-time recipients and 76 students who had their IFBF scholarships renewed for 2025. The scholarships total almost $264,000. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, or…

Jacob Meshke has been hired as Indianola’s city manager. The city council on Monday approved an employment agreement with Meshke, who currently is deputy city manager in Brookings, S.D. Meshke, who will be paid $195,000 annually, begins his new role May 28. He replaces Benjamin Reeves, who resigned in December to become city manager for…

The Rural Mainstreet Index, produced by economists at Creighton University, is down for the 19th of the past 20 months. The index dipped below growth neutral in April, according to the report’s monthly survey of bank leaders in rural states of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The region’s overall reading for April…