Cyber Attack Affected Schools And Universities Across Iowa
(Undated) — Schools across Iowa are affected by a cyber attack on learning software used by thousands of schools. The breach affects students and teachers who use the software called Canvas. The hackers, who call themselves ShinyHunters, are threatening to leak the stolen data unless their ransom demands are met by May 12. The exposed records reportedly include names, student ID numbers, email addresses, and billions of internal private messages. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University are among the schools affected.
CEO of IPERS Resigns After Having Been Placed on Paid Leave
(Des Moines, IA) — The CEO of Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System, or IPERS, has resigned. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ office says the governor has accepted Greg Samorajski’s resignation. He was placed on paid leave on March 31st due to allegations of misconduct. IPERS General Counsel Elizabeth Hennessey will serve as acting CEO while the Iowa Department of Administrative Services conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.
80+ Groups Ask Feds To Help With Nitrate Pollution
(Undated) — More than 80 groups, including several from Iowa, are urging federal agencies to crack down on nitrates in drinking water. In a letter to the E-P-A and Department of Health and Human Services, the groups point to a report from the Iowa Environmental Council and Drake University’s Harkin Institute linking high nitrate levels to increased cancer risks. The organizations call nitrate pollution a public health emergency. They want federal officials to identify pollution sources and provide more funding to help communities reduce nitrate levels in drinking water.
Des Moines Sees A Large Increase In Overdose Deaths Since April
(Des Moines, IA) — There’s been a significant outbreak of overdose deaths in Des Moines, with seven deaths since the beginning of April. Des Moines Police Vice and Narcotics Control says preliminary investigations indicate they are opioid overdoses. There were 15 overdose deaths total in 2026.
Pella Tulip Time Starts Thursday, Runs Through Saturday
(Pella, IA) — Pella’s annual Tulip Time festival is underway. Through Saturday, Pella celebrates its Dutch heritage with hundreds of thousands of tulips on display throughout the town. The festival features grandstand acts, a parade, and fireworks. In 1847, a group of immigrants from the Netherlands settled in Pella. Tulip Time has been a tradition since 1935.
