Renewable Fuels Policy: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association leader Monte Shaw calls EPA’s 34 small refinery exemptions a “bad news-maybe not so bad news” move, saying refineries aren’t suffering while ethanol supporters watch for promised 2026–27 reallocation to protect demand. Water Quality & Cleanup: The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant reports major progress in groundwater cleanup near Wever, with RDX concentrations dropping sharply after enhanced degradation using added materials to boost microbes. Solar & Land-Use Fight: Louisa County’s Board of Adjustment rejected a special use permit for the Southpaw Solar project (450 MW plus storage and agrivoltaics), after hours of testimony and public pushback. Heat & Rain Impacts: State Climatologist Justin Glisan says August’s heat dome shaped Iowa’s rainfall pattern—wetter in a south-bent swath, drier elsewhere—while September begins with a shifted ridge. Agriculture on the Ground: ISU Extension warns crown rot is showing up in some corn fields, urging scouting and harvest prioritization where standability is threatened. Wildlife Funding: Iowa DNR’s annual auction of confiscated long guns runs through Sept. 12, with proceeds going to the Fish and Wildlife trust fund. Bioenergy Innovation: An Iowa-based firm applies for a patent for an algae-based water treatment and bioenergy system tied to ISU research.