SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI (July 14, 2026) — Missouri State University awarded 2,677 degrees to students in spring 2026.

The commencement ceremonies took place May 8, 2026, at Great Southern Bank Arena.

Fernando Rodriguez Lopez of Rock Island, Illinois (61201), graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Biology, Magna cum laude.

Students who graduated with honors completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.

TAMPA, FLORIDA (July 8, 2026) — Paige Berst, of Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated from the University of Tampa. Berst received a Master of Science in Accounting MS.

The commencement ceremony honored 1,992 undergraduate and graduate candidates and included remarks by President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg.

WASHINGTON DC (July 7, 2026) — The National Organic Program (NOP) has posted a Common Organic System Plan (OSP) for organic farms, businesses, and certifiers. An OSP is central to the organic certification process, because it describes how a farm or business follows the USDA organic rules. The plan includes information on production practices, processing and how organic products are protected as they travel along supply chains.

WATERLOO, IOWA (July 7, 2026) — The annual Marching Against the Darkness Drill Team Competition returns to Young Arena in downtown Waterloo on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 5PM and the show starts at 6PM.

OXFORD, OHIO (July 6, 2026) — Isabella Moore from Bettendorf, Iowa, was named to the Miami University spring 2026 President's List.

Miami University students ranked in the top 3% of undergraduate students within each division for the spring 2026 semester have been named to the President's List, recognizing academic excellence.

ZIONSVILLE, INDIANA (July 1, 2026) — AgVocacy Coalitions LLC is proud to announce the appointment of Cary Aubrey as its new President. Bringing more than 25 years of leadership in agriculture, renewable energy, and rural economic development, Aubrey will guide the organization through the rapidly evolving landscape of rural land use at the intersection of agriculture and energy.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (June 30, 2026) — As Minnesotans gear up for Fourth of July celebrations, AAA is reminding everyone to plan for holiday traffic, practice fireworks safety, and stay vigilant about wildfire risks to help keep our communities safe throughout the holiday weekend.

Fireworks

Fireworks remain one of the most recognizable parts of the holiday, but they also carry serious risks.

OMAHA, NEBRASKA (June 30,2026) — With more than 72 million Americans expected to travel for Independence Day, including 61.4 million who will drive, AAA — The Auto Club Group is activating its Tow to Go program to help keep roads safe and discourage impaired driving.

The free and confidential service will be available from 6PM Friday, July 3, through 6AM, Monday, July 6, across Nebraska, Iowa, and other select areas.

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS (June 24, 2026) — More than 175 Angelo State University student-athletes, including Chase Becker of Bettendorf, Iowa, have been named to the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Commissioner's Honor Roll for their academic performance during the spring 2026 semester.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK (June 18, 2026) — The following local students were named to the University at Buffalo's spring 2026 Dean's List.

William Cox of Port Byron, Illinois.

Kailey Detloff of Moline, Illinois.

UB is New York State's flagship university and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

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