State News
-
OPINION: As a future pediatrician, I shouldn’t be preparing for diseases from the past
As an Iowan, I’ve always been drawn to helping people. Growing up “Iowa nice” transformed into a desire to become a pediatrician, connecting with families like the ones I grew up alongside. Entering my fourth year of medical school at the Carver College of Medicine — I am alarmed by the dangers our state’s children…
-
Iowa food bank warns of strain as SNAP cuts loom
The budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress this summer is set to hit the state with higher costs for food assistance and leaders said charities are not able to fill the gap.
-
Under the Iowa sun: The work that drives the state’s high skin cancer rates
Iowa has the fifth-highest rate of skin cancer in the country, with numbers similar to states with far more UV radiation levels. This week on The Hot Spot, we look into the forces impacting our cancer rate.
-
Facing cancer in Iowa: Patients share their stories
Cancer in Iowa isn’t just about treatment—it’s about surviving the system, asking why it happened, and living with the aftermath. Five Iowans share their stories.
-
EPA rescinds protections for Iowa drinking water
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.
-
Iowa DOGE targets retirement pensions for teachers, law enforcement
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
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
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
Local chefs offer their finest flavors at affordable prices during Des Moines Restaurant Week. Here are eight spots to try.
-
All the best food to eat at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
Curious what food will be at the 2025 Iowa State Fair? We dug into its itinerary to give you the ultimate taste of what’s to come from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17.
