I'm a general assignment reporter with The Gazette covering a wide range of topics with a special interest in environment & health issues.https://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mrn5xxoh7s2iOne of the first stories I covered was an interdisciplinary simulation at Kirkwood Community College. Last week, I got to return for an even more expansive simulation that brought in emergency response personnel. Learn what was different this time here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/partnerships-boost-kirkwood-healthcare-simulation/article_010fbd4a-3789-47cf-af91-beb1be561d66.html27 Jul 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrn5xxoh7s2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mrn52szh6k2iElizabeth Wehrle is the first person in the U.S. to receive a quadruple organ transplant that includes a second set of transplanted lungs. Wehrle said her son Landen motivated her to get the surgery so she can be present in his life. Full story here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/iowa-mother-undergoes-historic-surgery-for-her-son/article_b67d1db2-f22b-4d20-9e43-28704c9c0dd9.html27 Jul 2026 14:44 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrn52szh6k2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mrdoelqgik2kYesterday I had the honor to attend the first in-person reunion of the three Iowa families who lost someone in the same World War II plane crash in California. It's a follow-up on a previous story -- learn more here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/cedar-rapids-families-united-by-world-war-ii-plane-crash/article_7089b07b-3578-4be0-8724-6c66b9d08025.html23 Jul 2026 20:27 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrdoelqgik2khttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mr3iepc7yc2fHow are the Medicaid work requirements that start next year going to affect the more than 640,000 Iowans who are insured through Medicaid? Joe Lock of the Eastern Iowa Health Center shares his take: https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/ceo-medicaid-work-requirements-will-hurt-iowa-healthcare/article_6c0fbdc2-eb19-45bc-85af-570682600115.html20 Jul 2026 14:18 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr3iepc7yc2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqtw5mk25c2eAlliant Energy has started all three of the applications it needs to get its natural gas-fired Morgan Valley Energy Center electricity plant approved. Learn what's next here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/alliant-energy-applies-to-county-for-electric-plant-approval/article_7e5fa2e7-ddb1-4225-8e69-90fbda07b856.html17 Jul 2026 14:03 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqtw5mk25c2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqovsdqc4k2tThere haven't been unusually high case numbers of cyclosporiasis in Iowa yet. While this doesn't mean there's no threat, public health expert Heather Meador says keeping yourself safe can be as simple as washing your hands. https://www.thegazette.com/news/cyclosporiasis-seen-across-country-but-not-in-linn-county/article_eb82a7d6-f414-4dec-a3ec-627884f97516.html15 Jul 2026 14:14 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqovsdqc4k2thttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqovesn4xc2tData center company QTS announced $5 million in funding for apprenticeships, scholarships and other strategies to increase the skilled trades workforce yesterday. https://www.thegazette.com/news/data-center-company-grant-to-support-local-scholarships-apprenticeships/article_d78ccfef-f4c5-4b1f-8b48-523c6d3aa928.html15 Jul 2026 14:06 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqovesn4xc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqkx4p4etc2fThe UI water sensor network has the funding to continue for another year -- but the future beyond that is still uncertain. Get the latest here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/environment/university-of-iowa-water-sensors-will-continue-this-year/article_48269508-6586-48e4-b71b-ad8b2c637060.html14 Jul 2026 00:27 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqkx4p4etc2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqkrbdd2fk2fA bill signed into Iowa law last month would grant physicians 60 and older special licenses to keep them practicing while they teach. Critics say it wouldn't help the existing workforce and would hinder the next generation of Iowa doctors. https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/iowa-to-try-out-emeritus-licenses-for-older-doctors/article_065f3fad-28c1-455c-b409-1d90d50be93a.html13 Jul 2026 22:42 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqkrbdd2fk2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqakrfnui22cThe Palo City Council will hold the second of three votes on its proposed data center ordinance next Monday. https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/palo-city-council-to-hold-second-vote-on-data-center-monday/article_e8f4db3c-9a27-4132-af74-55b3a09b5bbb.html09 Jul 2026 21:19 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqakrfnui22chttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mqakom7on22cProperty development firm Oppidan will build a data center in Cedar Rapids starting in the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027. It's smaller than the Google and QTS projects. Learn more here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/3rd-cedar-rapids-data-center-ready-for-construction/article_e0973e26-383e-4896-bebc-a4c085b8d4a5.html09 Jul 2026 21:18 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqakom7on22chttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mq63gbvyfc22If you're looking for Colombian food in Iowa City, Que Chimba's got your back. It's a brick-and-mortar spot with big dreams of expansion after just four months of operation. Get the scoop here: https://www.thegazette.com/lifestyles/food-drink/get-your-colombian-food-fix-at-que-chimba-in-iowa-city/article_df48759b-ad6b-4d75-84ba-d4f75736f5e4.html08 Jul 2026 21:39 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq63gbvyfc22https://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mq63afzsqk2pThe first Iowa measles case of the year has been confirmed. Get the details here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/first-case-of-measles-reported-in-iowa-this-year/article_1f54d6d5-e686-4aa5-8ecf-7d4ab632adf2.html08 Jul 2026 21:36 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq63afzsqk2phttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mq62usmqi22pCheck out the futuristic interior of St. Luke's new hybrid OR, a specialized room used for heart & vascular procedures that require advanced imaging in a surgical environment: https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/st-luke-s-new-hybrid-operating-room-offers-flexibility-improved-tech/article_95274bf4-60f9-4b45-85f6-5f3976bd77ca.html08 Jul 2026 21:29 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq62usmqi22phttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mq5cgllwx226Isaac Newton Christian Academy's student population is growing and its facilities are expanding -- though the two aren't necessarily related, head of the school Dean Ridder said. More here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/education/isaac-newton-christian-academy-is-breaking-ground-on-a-new-facility-here-s-why/article_83cf69c4-690d-48a1-965f-7961d788584a.html08 Jul 2026 14:12 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq5cgllwx226https://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mpybut7qdc26A room in the Anamosa library houses an authentic Civil War flag -- but not everyone knows it's there. Hear from two women involved in its discovery in preservation why it's a point of local pride: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/civil-war-flag-at-anamosa-public-library-a-treasure/article_ab37627f-f9aa-44bc-9220-bf9c40a39418.html06 Jul 2026 14:19 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpybut7qdc26https://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mpybmoh4yc26Two Cedar Rapids history buffs discovered they have an unlikely connection: both of their uncles died in the same plane crash during World War II. Now, they're looking for the third Iowan on the plane. https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/world-war-ii-plane-crash-brings-together-two-cedar-rapids-men/article_bfbc451e-fc58-467b-9df7-6a402a3f3273.html06 Jul 2026 14:14 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpybmoh4yc26https://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mpmg6ylk6k2xLinn County passed a moratorium on data center development earlier today to make updates to the ordinance it passed earlier this year. Learn why here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/linn-county-passes-data-center-moratorium/article_94ac8e37-7dd1-4871-8a6f-d853f66f0b39.html01 Jul 2026 21:04 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpmg6ylk6k2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mplorp4hjc2iIowa is down to one brick and mortar Planned Parenthood location in the entire state. Although virtual services are still available, Planned Parenthood leadership says ongoing attacks and funding cuts are forcing them to reduce in-person services. https://www.thegazette.com/news/planned-parenthood-shrinks-to-one-iowa-location/article_fc747e9b-e8d0-4dbe-8466-b4d0a5b4b79b.html01 Jul 2026 14:05 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mplorp4hjc2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mploopyai22iFrom Monday, but still relevant -- drink plenty of water and stay in the air conditioning if you can this week! https://www.thegazette.com/news/extreme-heat-could-last-until-weekend-in-eastern-iowa/article_3ce5ed42-e0cc-4ede-86c6-3837ebad5858.html01 Jul 2026 14:03 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mploopyai22ihttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mpcgm7gxq22uWhat does Pride mean to the people who came out for today's PrideFest in Cedar Rapids? Hear from parade participants, allies and drag performers in my story: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/cedar-rapids-pridefest-is-about-love-inclusivity/article_760068a7-ed84-48c1-91e5-ef515fdb137c.html27 Jun 2026 21:45 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpcgm7gxq22uhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mp4zs734rs2fThe Linn County Board of Supervisors held an informational meeting last night to answer questions about the air quality permitting process for Alliant's proposed gas plant. Attendees came with questions, not all of which were answered. Full story here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/linn-county-residents-demand-transparency-on-morgan-valley-energy-center/article_6e25aee3-6744-475f-980a-51dc082207d5.html?125 Jun 2026 18:12 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp4zs734rs2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3moyehdsnwk2xAdvocates say they're glad the Iowa is participating in Summer EBT this year, despite reservations about the accompanying healthy food restrictions. Learn more about past programs and this year's changes here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/iowa-returns-to-summer-food-program-to-the-relief-of-parents/article_a3828abb-a6ae-475b-9156-c86ad1d43a6e.html23 Jun 2026 21:40 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3moyehdsnwk2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3moiq6zcqes2aAs many as one-third of Iowans are either living in poverty or unable to afford the basics even though they're working, according to data from United Way's 2026 ALICE (asset limited, income constrained and employed) report. Learn more here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/one-in-three-iowans-can-t-afford-the-basics-study-shows/article_e642be93-3042-4dde-9a61-46d2c162aa61.html17 Jun 2026 16:27 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3moiq6zcqes2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3modhx6v3cc2iFor the first time in nearly a decade, all 12 Project SEARCH participants at UnityPoint Health — St. Luke's graduated. Learn how the program supports young adults with disabilities and hospital staff alike here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/project-search-supports-st-luke-s-staff-and-young-adults-with-disabilities/article_ef936488-a275-4472-b95c-7680d888a0cb.html15 Jun 2026 14:16 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3modhx6v3cc2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3modhqpcevc2iSome stories are harder to write than others. Not because they're complicated or I had to push for information, but because it's something deeply felt. I wrote about Danette Fite-Miller's parents, who both died in a fire on Tuesday. Hear their love story here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/most-important-thing-her-parents-taught-her-love/article_862b2aa1-da74-4d20-8398-dca492b94006.html15 Jun 2026 14:13 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3modhqpcevc2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mnx7yhyow227A Tuesday house fire killed one of its two occupants and two pets. Neighbors and a family friend are still absorbing the loss of a person they described as kind, maternal and helpful. Learn more about what happened here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/cedar-rapids-fire-victims-recalled-as-good-quality-people/article_cb6c0266-df4f-4c0e-8c32-38c9ca75f7bd.html10 Jun 2026 17:22 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnx7yhyow227https://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mnuftzrifk2eAs plans for the former ACT campus develop, a clearer picture of the site is emerging. My story has the details on plans for mountain bike trails and a multi-concept hospitality business, as well as upcoming construction on Dodge street next month: https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/former-act-campus-future-begins-to-take-shape/article_660a9f53-3e7d-435f-ab4e-6d2c7f748f43.html09 Jun 2026 14:29 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnuftzrifk2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mnkqkwn22c2fThe Iowa Medical Society debuted a new job board yesterday as part of its workforce recruitment & retention efforts. More details here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/healthcare/iowa-medical-society-launches-statewide-jobs-board/article_81e1cf9c-d2da-4ef6-b194-38caa60542c8.html05 Jun 2026 18:14 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnkqkwn22c2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/fernjalling.bsky.social/post/3mnkqdhcvis2fNo weekend plans? How about fishing — Iowa residents don't need a license to fish today through Sunday for Free Fishing weekend! https://www.thegazette.com/news/local/iowans-can-tackle-fishing-without-a-license-this-weekend/article_988338bb-7cba-42a8-9b0c-79ca4b1a421b.html05 Jun 2026 18:10 +0000at://did:plc:bnusy3zpkg7azonwi4a7ct46/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnkqdhcvis2f