Rob Sand unveils cannabis legalization plan, a potential solution to Iowa’s $1.4 billion budget hole
| April 20, 2026
Iowa faces a serious budget challenge. This 4/20, Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand wants the state to stop sending cannabis tax dollars to Illinois and Minnesota—and instead put it to use for Iowans. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand announced a plan Monday to legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis in Iowa. Sand framed the […]Opinion: How Rob Sand flipped two key advantages Republicans held in Iowa
| April 20, 2026
Iowa Starting Line founder Pat Rynard breaks down how Rob Sand spent years taking two of Iowa Republicans’ biggest political advantages away from them — and why that is pivotal in his race for governor. Five years ago, I invited Iowa’s top Democratic leaders and candidates to a presentation to raise the alarm on the […]Iowa stoners: Here are the best cross-border deals at dispensaries for 4/20
| April 16, 2026
Recreational weed isn’t legal in Iowa, so check out these dispensaries offering 4/20 deals in our border states, from Missouri to Illinois and Minnesota.Ashley Hinson, Iowa GOP accepted donations from megadonor accused in 2019 sex trafficking sting
| April 16, 2026
Billionaire John W. Childs is back to seeding Republican campaigns with large checks after his 2019 solicitation charges related to a sex trafficking sting were dropped. Records show his deep pockets are helping Iowa’s Congressional delegation as they prepare for the 2026 midterms.  [Update: After publication, a reader pointed out that John Childs of Vero […]Cajun Belle thriving in Johnston after Texas man makes Iowa his home
| April 16, 2026
From filé gumbo to kolaches: Get to know the food from Zach Hollier at Cajun Belle Zack Hollier’s southeast Texas drawl can lull you into a dreamy state as you listen to him share tales of the dishes his grandmother used to make. Those same dishes bring back memories of his childhood on the bayou, […]207 UnityPoint West Des Moines workers losing jobs: News and layoffs April 16, 2026
| April 15, 2026
UnityPoint announced Wednesday it would lay off 207 information technology workers in West Des Moines, saying it was outsourcing that work to save money.The job market sucks: Here’s how Iowa colleges are helping students land good jobs after graduation
| April 15, 2026
It's a tough job market for recent college graduates right now. But at least two colleges in Iowa are trying to help bridge the workforce gap.Iowa minors could need parental approval for cancer-preventing HPV vaccine
| April 15, 2026
The Iowa House passed a bill requiring parental consent for minors to receive the HPV vaccine, which protects against an STI that causes cancer.Animal sanctuaries in Iowa: 6 spots for a close-up look at some of Iowa’s coolest critters
| April 15, 2026
From rescued farm animals to prairie-roaming bison, explore the best animal sanctuaries in Iowa. Here are 6 must-visit spots to add to your list!What’s up with the HyVee Employees PAC? Reader letters for April 14, 2026
| April 14, 2026
Readers soundoff on Iowa issues: April 14, 2026 HyVee bothsidesing: “I saw your piece about grocery shopping in Iowa. Thanks!I don’t know if this has ever been investigated by ISL, but there is a HyVee Employees PAC that takes in and distributes a fair amount of money to political candidates. …Some time ago I wrote the […]Protests, rallies, and candidate events around Iowa: April 14-21, 2026
| April 13, 2026
Protests, rallies, and candidate events around Iowa: April 14-21, 20269 social media-famous food joints to try in Iowa
| April 13, 2026
More Iowa restaurants have appeared on TV than you might have thought. Check out these nine examples that serve up perfect pizza, Southern food, and more.
OUR IOWA
What’s up with the HyVee Employees PAC? Reader letters for April 14, 2026
| April 14, 2026
Readers soundoff on Iowa issues: April 14, 2026 HyVee bothsidesing: “I saw your piece about grocery shopping in Iowa. Thanks!I don’t know if this has ever been investigated by ISL, but there is a HyVee Employees PAC that takes in and distributes a fair amount of money to political candidates. …Some time ago I wrote the […]The 8 oldest bars in Iowa
| April 10, 2026
Traverse a century of history at these long-standing bars in Iowa.From Iowa to North Carolina, neighbors are gathering—and asking what’s next
| April 10, 2026
As economic strain deepens across the country, neighbors like Marvinna, Cindy, and Allen are starting small—by gathering around coffee tables and dinner tables to talk about what’s next, how to cope, and how to rebuild community together.Public comment for Iowa impaired waterways report ends soon
| March 18, 2026
The period for public comment on Iowa's impaired waterways report closes this week.What to know about Iowa’s only pay-it-forward café
| March 13, 2026
One Iowa eatery is doing more than simply serving food. Discover how the state’s only pay-it-forward cafe is creating a community—and keeping it fed.Iowa lawmakers push back on proposed tobacco tax
| March 11, 2026
A key health committee in the Iowa Legislature has defeated a measure that would have increased the state's tobacco and e-cigarette taxes.Trump’s cuts to Medicaid threaten services that help disabled people live at home
| March 5, 2026
Leisa and Kent Walker recently received a disturbing notice: The private company managing their son’s Medicaid coverage intends to cut nearly 40% of what it spends for caregivers who help him live at home instead of in a nursing home.Palace Site: The Des Moines spot where humans have lived for 7,000+ years
| March 2, 2026
In 2010, a historic site was uncovered in Des Moines. Here’s everything you need to know about the Palace Site.
