Art Cullen, journalist and co-owner of the Storm Lake Times Pilot, has released a new book on Iowa’s struggles with water pollution. “Dear Marty, We Crapped In Our Nest” (published Sept. 22) ties together the state’s politics and agricultural practices to show how they’ve shaped both the land and civic life.

Cullen hopes the book will open Iowans’ eyes to what’s been happening “right under their noses”—and motivate voters to see how political choices affect the state’s future.

Cullen will appear at the Iowa City Book Festival on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. Check out the details here.

RELATED: Trump administration backtracks on Iowa water safety rules

Good news from Iowa:

🏀 Iowa women’s basketball season tickets sold out long before tipoff for the third year in a row.

🐷 A runaway pig named “Peppa” was rescued after leaping off a truck on Highway 100 in Linn County and is now headed to a forever home at an Iowa farm sanctuary.

❄️ Applications for Cedar Rapids’ Snow Buddies program, which pairs volunteers with seniors or residents with mobility challenges to clear snow from sidewalks, open Oct. 7.

Built by a well-respected local architect as their personal residence, a quirky home for sale in the Lower Beaver neighborhood hides a very unusual design choice on its second floor.

Gamers will take over Kinnick Stadium this weekend to compete in a College Football 26 tournament for charity.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Rivers with stories from Sam Cohen, Public News Service, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, and Ellery Weil. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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