LATEST HEADLINES
Iowa Worker’s Almanac: Working class news and upcoming layoffs, Aug. 21
| August 22, 2025
Muscatine construction worker and victim of crime jailed: Jesús Hernández was shot when two people tried stealing his car. After a hospital stay, he went to pick up his car—and immigration enforcement officials detained him for being undocumented. Congress created a U-visa that protects victims of crime who assist in prosecutions, but so far the county attorney has refused […]Iowa has a dire shortage of nurses. Here’s why
| August 22, 2025
(This story first appeared in the Iowa Worker’s Almanac, and is a subscriber exclusive.) You probably already know Iowa has a problem getting qualified health care workers: We’re 44th in the nation for physicians to patients, or 30% worse than the national average; The problem is particularly bad in our nursing homes; Iowa Republicans passed a bill to fund […]It’s almost flu season. Should you still get a shot, and will insurance cover it?
| August 22, 2025
Amid political chatter about vaccines and the government entities that oversee them, it’s understandable to wonder where all this leaves the 2025-26 flu vaccine. In short: Yes, the flu shot is still a thing. And four doctors we spoke to said they recommend you get your flu shot this year.EPA rescinds protections for Iowa drinking water
| August 19, 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency has overturned a 2024 ruling that sought to protect some of Iowa's largest waterways that provide drinking water for half a million people.Dubuque pastor and state Rep. Lindsay James to run against US Rep. Ashley Hinson
| August 19, 2025
Iowa state legislator Lindsay James is the third Democrat to challenge the northeast Iowa congresswoman in a race pitting kitchen-table economics against Republican messaging. State Rep. Lindsay James said her “why” begins with a constituent she met on a porch. The man lived in a mobile home park in her Dubuque district, and rising rent […]From the Iowa Worker’s Almanac: Layoffs and news for the working class, Aug. 14, 2025
| August 18, 2025
Fox guarding the henhouse: A former Tyson executive now oversees the safety of the US meat supply. (Sentient Media) Designed to discriminate: By gutting the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Trump is making it easier for federal contractors to discriminate—all underwritten by your tax dollars. (EPI) Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Nepalese workers can stay, for now, after a judge halted Trump’s order to end Temporary Protective […]Iowa DOGE recommends cutting public worker IPERS for new hires
| August 18, 2025
The Iowa DOGE task force wants to cut IPERS for new hires, the public employee retirement system that thousands of teachers, corrections officers, and more rely on to get them through their golden years. This does not sit well with those workers, the unions they’re covered by, or young folks thinking about a government job. Some on […]Scholten suspends US Senate campaign, endorses Turek
| August 18, 2025
The Democratic primary to take on Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst in 2026 has narrowed. Just one week after announcing his bid, State Rep. Josh Turek got a big endorsement Monday morning. State Rep. J.D Scholten said he was suspending his own campaign to defeat Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst and instead vouched for Turek. […]Iowa DOGE targets retirement pensions for teachers, law enforcement
| August 13, 2025
A taskforce appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds recommended eliminating the state pension system for new employees and replacing it with a 401(k)-style plan. Iowa DOGE’s proposal has sparked fierce, bipartisan opposition. Governor Kim Reynolds promised in 2018 she’d “protect and defend” Iowa’s public employee retirement program, IPERS. Approaching her final year as governor, her administration […]OPINION: Republican Congress members from Iowan have abandoned their constituents
| August 12, 2025
Despite overwhelming public outcry, Republicans in Congress passed their Big, Ugly Bill, which includes the largest cuts to health care in history. After years of expanding health care coverage and working to eliminate barriers to coverage, GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, and every other Republican Iowa member of Congress, decided that tax breaks to billionaires were […]Paralympic gold medalist Josh Turek launches run against US Sen. Joni Ernst
| August 12, 2025
The Iowa state representative, who won twice in Trump territory, is betting his story of overcoming adversity will resonate statewide. Josh Turek has never been afraid of long odds. Born with spina bifida after his father’s exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Turek endured 21 surgeries by age 12. He then went on to win […]8 eateries to try during Des Moines Restaurant Week Aug. 15-24
| August 11, 2025
Local chefs offer their finest flavors at affordable prices during Des Moines Restaurant Week. Here are eight spots to try.
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EPA rescinds protections for Iowa drinking water
| August 19, 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency has overturned a 2024 ruling that sought to protect some of Iowa's largest waterways that provide drinking water for half a million people.AARP Iowa marks 90th anniversary of Social Security
| August 7, 2025
AARP Iowa is marking the 90th anniversary of Social Security by helping people understand its importance and hearing from Iowans about how much they rely on it.5 amazing Iowa authors (+ which of their books we recommend)
| August 3, 2025
Iowa’s rich literary culture has produced Pulitzer Prize winners and best-selling authors. Here are five Iowa authors and a book from each to read.Your summer guide to Iowa’s drive-in movies
| July 17, 2025
Nothing says summer like seeing a drive-in movie. Check out what’s playing at Iowa’s drive-in theaters.What to expect at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
| July 16, 2025
To help you make the most of your trip to the 2025 Iowa State Fair, we’ve compiled an extensive guide with everything you need to know.8 best House Hunters episodes set in Iowa
| July 7, 2025
For these buyers, purchasing their forever home in Iowa was a dream come true. Check out these gripping episodes of “House Hunters” to see a new side of Iowa.Former Iowa legislator writes children’s book on fleeing war in Bosnia
| July 3, 2025
Former Iowa legislator Anesa Kajtazović talks to Iowa Starting Line about her new children's book.Learn about 10 innovators & inventors from Iowa
| June 13, 2025
There are several amazing innovators and inventors from Iowa, some of whom may surprise you. Here are 10 you need to know.
