Millennials know best that there’s never a dull moment in Iowa. Check out these 16 huge news stories from the years this generation hit the scene.
State leaders and advocates hosted over 70 school "walk-ins" on May Day, also known as International Workers Day, to show support for Iowa public schools. State Auditor Rob Sand spoke at Callanan Middle School in Des Moines about the importance of funding public education.
The kids are... not alright in Iowa.
But books with LGBTQ+ families aren't age appropriate, riiiiight
A few hundred marched through downtown Waterloo on May 1, or International Workers Day, in support of immigrants in the community—and against state and federal policies deporting and harassing law-abiding residents.
A progressive veterans group will host Pete Buttigieg for a Cedar Rapids town hall this month to discuss the impact the Trump administration’s policies and DOGE cuts are having on our nation’s veterans. Former US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will take...
Now that we know Gov Reynolds wont be seeking reelection weve got a second to come together around what we actually want to see in Iowa's gubernatorial candidates. Here's Liz's take.
Trump's first 100 days, as seen from Iowa.
Labor organizations across the state, including in Waterloo, held Workers Memorial Day events on April 28, remembering those who died on the job for any reason in 2024.
Gov. Kim Reynolds was unsure when asked before Congress whether the Lutheran Services of Iowa was a money laundering scheme. At a later press conference, she clarified that she doesn’t think that the church was up to no good. Now she’s suing the Des Moines Register hoping to withhold the media prep that guided the exchange.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Iowa Starting Line’s Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers and Avery Staker discuss the governor’s lawsuit.
Also hear about a growing youth mental health crisis in Iowa. Despite a 15% surge in demand since 2018, funding hasn't kept pace, leaving families describing the search for care as "a full-time job."
The team also explores why the Iowa Legislature is extending beyond Friday's deadline.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line where we throw bags at the state's biggest stories. This show is created by Zachary Oren Smith with music by Avery Mossman. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
Links:
1st Story - More Iowa youth need mental health support. Has funding kept up with the demand? (Des Moines Register) - https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/health/2025/04/28/iowa-youth-mental-health-support-has-spending-kept-up/80496274007/
2nd Story - Iowa Legislature Set to Extend Session Past Friday Deadline (Iowa Public Radio) - https://www.iowapublicradio.org/state-government-news/2025-04-28/2025-legislative-session-budget-bills
3rd Story - Governor Reynolds Sues Des Moines Register Over Email Disclosure (Associated Press) - https://apnews.com/article/iowa-governor-reynolds-des-moines-register-foia-b274e4f47a4d205565caa6e1bdd8b6f1
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