State Newsmakers
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With pen and purpose, Art Cullen confronts Iowa’s agricultural water crisis
Iowa journalist and author Art Cullen penned a book about the state’s issues with water pollution. He’ll be promoting it at the Iowa City Book Festival in October.
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Why Rob Sand is singing ‘America, the Beautiful’ at rallies
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has been starting his campaign stops across Iowa with an unusual ritual: leading crowds in singing “America the Beautiful.” Sand, the current state auditor, has held town halls in venues ranging from churches to breweries, where he encourages attendees from different political parties to acknowledge each other before joining together…
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‘Wheel of Fortune’ Teachers’ Week includes Iowa choir director. How to watch.
Avid watchers of “Wheel of Fortune” will need to keep an eye out in future episodes, as a central Iowa native will be appearing on the popular game show.
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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…
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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…
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AG Bird drops suit to defund Winneshiek Sheriff
The Iowa Attorney General is dropping her lawsuit against the Winneshiek County Sheriff over a social media post. Bird says the county is in “full compliance,” though she never got the apology she attempted to compel from the sheriff. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird quietly dismissed her high-profile lawsuit against Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx.…
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Sioux City special election: Republicans choose far-right candidate for seat
Correction: The Iowa Senate confirms the governor’s appointments to agency heads. It does not confirm judge picks. This article has been correct to reflect that. A special election in Sioux City has big implications for power in the Iowa Senate. Who voters choose will have a major impact on power in the Iowa Legislature. A…
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5 ways Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ would change life in Iowa
What happens when a 940-page law tries to reshape America? Let’s see how it would play out in the Hawkeye State. Iowa’s Republican Congressional delegation is primed to provide a stamp of approval to President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” despite the potentially devastating impacts it stands to have on Iowa. The legislation slashes…
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Ottumwa Job Corps program, training 240 at-risk youth, faces Trump axe
Despite its success, Ottumwa Job Corps is among the 99 programs the Trump Administration is shutting down. The closure eliminates over 100 jobs in small town Iowa, displacing the 240 at-risk youths served by the program. When Ajai Long finished high school, she found herself spiraling. Instability at home led her to couch-hop. Couch-hopping left…
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Learn about 10 innovators & inventors from Iowa
There are several amazing innovators and inventors from Iowa, some of whom may surprise you. Here are 10 you need to know.
