Good morning, Waterloo.

Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2% in August — the fourth consecutive month at this level — as fewer Iowans worked, according to Iowa Workforce Development, with the figure down from 3.5% a year ago.

Construction crews are making steady progress on the new high school at the remodeled Central Middle School site.

Classroom and sports facilities will be ready in May for the 2027-28 school year, and full project completion is set for August 2028.

The Waterloo Board of Education on Monday renamed West High School’s court to honor longtime girls basketball coach Tony Pappas—now called the Dr. Anthony W.

Pappas Court.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said higher diesel costs stress harvest season and noted that the state will benefit from domestic energy alternatives (including biofuels).

He added that the farm bill remains a top focus as weather conditions vary across farming areas.

The Allen Foundation is hosting Hops for Hospice, a beer tasting fundraiser on Oct.

8 in Waterloo to benefit UnityPoint Hospice and the GIFT fund for patients and families. Attendees can contribute to this supportive cause while enjoying local brews.