Iowa Starting Line
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Why did this Iowa official cover for a child molester?
Plus: Reader soundoff Share with a friend Amie here. It’s late summer, but yesterday I walked by my neighbor’s house, which was ALL decked out for fall. When’s the best time to decorate for fall/Halloween? Reply and tell me. In this issue: This week’s most talked–about post and reader soundoff. Amie Rivers Newsletter…
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Iowans are asking Hinson the hard questions
Tell us: What do you want to know before Election Day? Share with a friend Special Edition: Reporter’s Notebook A closer look at the people, records, and political histories shaping Iowa’s 2026 races. Three weeks ago, I published a story that started, like a lot of these things do, with a spreadsheet. I’d…
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We taste-tested the Iowa State Fair’s best new foods
Plus: Only in Iowa and your news roundup Share with a friend 🗣️ It’s Friday. Time for three quick briefs, Only in Iowa, and news you can use. People really do not like Flock cameras (including Iowans). The Smithsonian needed a butter cow. Iowa’s Sarah Pratt got the call. Is there a data center proposed…
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Been meaning to explore more of Iowa? Start here
Plus: Reader soundoff and a moose sighting Share with a friend Amie here. I just got back from my first-ever trip to Alaska, where I finally fulfilled my dream of seeing a moose! It’s hard to follow a week of crisp mountain air, hiking, and getting up close to a glacier, but I’m jumping right…
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80 days to go. Get closer to our Iowa election coverage
Tell us: What do you want to know before Election Day? Share with a friend Special Edition: Reporter’s Notebook A closer look at the people, records, and political histories shaping Iowa’s 2026 races. Most people have never talked to a local reporter. In fact, just 23% of Americans say they ever have. At…
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8 last-minute Iowa day trips to make before school starts
Plus: Protests and reader soundoff Share with a friend Amie here. News and reader soundoff for you all today! (No more events and protests, but you can still find them here.) And one more thing: Join Zachary Oren Smith (@zacharyorensmith) and Liz Fleming (@LizfromIowa) at Curate in Des Moines on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for…
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Coralville pantry feeding kids over summer break
Plus: Only in Iowa and the photo of the week! Share with a friend 🗣️ It’s Friday. Time for Only in Iowa, this week’s photo, Positively Iowa, and news you can use. It’s International Beer Day today. Where are you celebrating? Tomorrow is International Cat Day. (Iowa has two cat cafes!) Sunday is National Book Lovers’…
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Obama gives Josh Turek an assist
Plus: Events and reader letters Share with a friend Amie here. It’s August and National Black Business Month, a great reminder to spend some money supporting Black entrepreneurs in your community. (If you’re in Waterloo, I’ll shamelessly plug my favorite burger joint, Big Head Burger!) Also check out the inaugural Iowa African Film Festival in…
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🌅 Best places to catch an Iowa sunset
Plus: Two budding Iowa inventors win big Share with a friend 🗣️ It’s Friday and the last of July. Good riddance! Time for Only in Iowa, this week’s photo, Positively Iowa, and news you can use. The AAU Junior Olympics began this week in Des Moines and runs through Aug. 8. There are currently 116 data…
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Who voted for more war in Iran?
Plus: Protests and reader soundoff Share with a friend Amie here. He’s still right: “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor.” In this issue: Events and protests; this week’s massive Iran funding vote; and the difference between our European ancestors skating through Ellis Island versus everyone else trying to come here.…
