Newsletters
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The link between pesticides and cancer
The Hot Spot: Investigating Cancer in Iowa Share with a friend Amie here. I’m putting your nitrate test strips in the mail this week, so expect that. (If you get an envelope with your address handwritten on a label and no return address, that’s from me!) Inside, you’ll find: a test strip; instructions on…
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🧈 Heading to the Iowa State Fair? Here’s what to know
Your emails and Positively Iowa Share with a friend It’s Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. 🗣️ It’s Friday; time for reader replies! My take: I hate keeping the windows closed when it’s these fall-like temperatures. But it’s only nice out because Canadian wildfire smoke is keeping the heat at bay—and bringing us that lovely fine…
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Only Iowa’s big cities get hospitals now?
News about and for the working class Share with a friend It’s Thursday, July 31, 2025. Amie here. Have you read Zachary Oren Smith‘s latest story on what Medicaid cuts are doing to Iowans who rely on rural hospitals? Here’s a preview.👇 When Dr. Robin Plattenberger retired from her Washington County practice…
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The link between Iowa’s worsening water quality and rising cancer rate
The Hot Spot: Investigating Cancer in Iowa Share with a friend It’s Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Amie here. This week’s story is on Iowa’s water quality, how it may be contributing to our high cancer rates, and what we can do about it. (Scroll down to find out how to get a free nitrate test…
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🍿 Iowa’s drive-in movie theaters and what they’re showing this summer
Your emails and Positively Iowa Share with a friend It’s Friday, July 25, 2025. 🗣️ It’s Friday! My take: Iowa Starting Line intern Victor Robbins did a phenomenal job on this story of LGBTQ+ Iowans who have fled the state they grew up in. Folks shared their stories of discrimination, dirty looks, and even…
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1st Starbucks in Des Moines voting on a union
News about and for the working class Share with a friend It’s Thursday, July 24, 2025. As part of our Cancer in Iowa series, Zachary and I are looking for Iowans who have concerns that the chemicals, processes, or other things in your workplace may be cancer-causing—or have already caused cancer in them or…
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Investigating Iowa’s growing cancer rate
First edition of our new series, The Hot Spot Share with a friend It’s Tuesday, June 22, 2025. Amie here. You’re reading the first edition of The Hot Spot: Investigating Cancer in Iowa, Iowa Starting Line’s new weekly newsletter tackling the cancer crisis in Iowa. Why is our cancer rate so high, and growing? Who’s…
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🥞 8 classic Iowa diners worth the drive
Your emails and Positively Iowa Share with a friend It’s Friday, July 18, 2025. 🗣️ It’s Friday: A cool and less-humid end to the week—thank you! My take: I have mixed feelings on pastors now being allowed to endorse political candidates from the pulpit (story from IPR, please donate to them now that they’ve…
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You think Iowa is hollowing out now? Just wait
News about and for the working class Share with a friend It’s Thursday, July 17, 2025. As part of our Cancer in Iowa series (starting next week!), Zachary and I are looking for Iowans who have concerns that the chemicals, processes, or other things in your workplace may be cancer-causing—or have already caused cancer…
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🗞️ How can this newsletter better serve your community?
Take our 90-second survey to share your thoughts. Hey there, We’re taking a moment to check in. How is this newsletter working for you—and is it helping you feel more informed and connected in Iowa? Take this quick 90-second survey to tell us: What you want more of What’s not working How we can support…
