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Our top story this week is about Iowa State University working more closely with industry partners in research since federal funding dropped by 30.4% ($73 million) this past fiscal year.
Also in this newsletter: There’s photos of rubber ducks racing at Furman Aquatic Center for the annual Duck Derby. The Ames School Board is adapting to new state legislation regarding student discipline, the Ames City Council is close to approving a new animal shelter, and the Fitch Aquatic project shifted funds to pay bills.
In sports, JaQuan Bailey reflects on his Cyclone career and NASCAR life. Community Voices profiles Kate Mitchell, an Ames schoolteacher whose career spanned more than 40 years.
Thank you for your continued support,
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
[email protected]
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Top Story
After many cuts to federal agency-sponsored research programs, researchers are adapting their studies to align more closely with the Trump Administration’s new priorities to receive grants. | Photo: Kyle Werner
by Kate Thalacker
Iowa State University is leaning into working more closely with industry partners in research as federal funding dropped by approximately $73 million this past fiscal year.
A key reason for the total of 30.4% in federal funding — from $240 million to $167 million — was the federal government shutdown that started on the first day of the current federal fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2025.
Agencies lost personnel, and by the time the government reopened in November, the holidays had begun. As a result, budgets weren’t organized until after the beginning of the new year. For Iowa State, that meant two quarters of external funding transpired without any federal funding.
“We want to be a trusted partner, to provide innovative and proactive solutions, and that means not just to the federal government, but to the state, and the resources that are provided to us,” said Peter Dorhout, vice president of research at Iowa State.
News
Ames City Council
by Bill Monroe
The Ames City Council is close to approving a brand-new animal shelter, but members want one more week to check the price before voting.
More from News
💧 Ames is shifting funds to cover a growing bill for the Fitch Aquatic Center, and the city council formed a special committee to study data centers.
📚 Ames schools are changing how student discipline is handled.
Civic Calendar
Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)
Tue: Ames City Council workshop — 5:15 p.m., Ames Water Plant, 1800 East 13th St.
Wed: Planning & Zoning Commission — 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall
Thu: Ames Library Board of Trustees — 7 p.m., Dale H. Ross Board Room, Ames Public Library
Thu: Ames International Partner Cities Association — 5:30 p.m., virtual
Sat: CyRide 50th Anniversary Open House — 1 to 3 p.m., CyRide facility, 601 North University Blvd.
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Arts & Entertainment
Events
by Lara Jones
Furman Aquatic Center was host of the fourth Duck Derby on Wednesday evening. About 12,800 ducks were released down a water slide to race around the lazy river.
Sports
NASCAR
by Jared Larson
The roar of engines at the Iowa Speedway is a different kind of thunder than the one JaQuan Bailey grew accustomed to at Jack Trice Stadium, but for the former Iowa State defensive standout, the high-stakes pressure of a race day feels exactly like home.
More from Sports
🏎️ The Big 12 is taking its brand to NASCAR in a new partnership that premiered last weekend.
Community Voices
People of Ames
by Ames History Museum
Kate Mitchell came to Ames in 1911 to teach in the Ames public school system. Her focus was primary school, and the bulk of her 40+ year career was spent with Ames’ youngest scholars.
More from Community Voices
🎣 A longtime fishing trip to Canada became a story of courage and resilience.
In Other News
📖 Pub Fiction is bringing books, costumes and a good cause together. (Ames Tribune)
🔐 A new Iowa State initiative is preparing communities for cyber threats. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
🐾 Story County Animal Shelter maintains its no-kill status for a fourth year. (Story County)
🦋 Reiman Gardens had visitors help release butterflies into its butterfly wing. (Iowa State Daily)
🌪️ Tyrese Haliburton is coming home to Hilton Coliseum. (Des Moines Register)
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