Amie here. It’s my birthday and I’m feeling very sure of the answer to life, the universe, and everything today!

In this issue:

• One-sentence news bites,
• this week’s most talked-about post, and
• readers had a lot to say this past week, and I’m letting them say it!

• Iowa and Iowa State meet Sept. 12, 2026, in Iowa City. Here’s the history behind the Cy-Hawk rivalry and what to know before kickoff.

• Here are all the dates you need to know if you’re planning to vote in Iowa’s 2026 midterm elections.

• Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, locally raised meats, and more at these East-Central Iowa farm stands and markets.

• Learn how to fight back against ICE and stand with immigrant communities in Iowa.

• With endless beer and brats, lawn games, costume contests, and live music, these are the best 2026 Oktoberfest celebrations in Iowa.

Maria Paredes told St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Des Moines about her son Leo’s rare medical condition before he started kindergarten in 2023. Less than a month in, they told her he couldn’t stay. A second Catholic school did the same.⁣
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Iowa’s voucher program, which sends taxpayer dollars to schools like these, launched that same fall. Leo is now in public school, where staff offered a 504 plan before he even walked in the door. Parades is now suing St. Anthony’s School and the Diocese of Des Moines.

Join the discussion on ⬆️ Instagram or ⬇️ Facebook.

Readers are invited to add to the conversation by emailing responses@iowastartingline.com. Please include your first name and last initial. You may also want to include your city, but that’s up to you. I may edit your content for conciseness or to correct typos.

“Insurance premiums go up every year and I have gone to $1500 deductible to afford the premium while the company builds a new office building, cancels out anyone with too many claims, etc. Did you ever see a insurance agent that lived moderately?….”

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