Iowa

Obamacare premiums are projected to rise by a median of 14% in 2027, with insurers citing rising healthcare costs and expired subsidies as key factors. A report by the Peterson Center on Healthcare and KFF found 77 insurers across 16 states and Washington, D.C., proposing increases, with none requesting decreases. Marketplace enrollments have dropped by 2.6 million since last year.

Specialty farmers like Annie Woods are adapting to extreme heat caused by climate change by adjusting harvest schedules, using shade tents, and protecting seedlings. The heat dome and weather extremes threaten crop quality, farmworker health, and harvest windows, with some growers scrambling to salvage perishable crops like raspberries.

Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, received over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing 261 votes (nearly 60% of his participation) between January 2026 and May 2026. His absences coincided with campaign fundraising trips, including events in Southern California and Washington, D.C., during which he missed votes on key bills.

Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, received over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing more than half of his 2026 votes, with absences linked to campaign events and lower fundraising compared to other candidates.

Orrin Asmus, a 93-year-old Iowa man with over 70 years of experience driving semitrucks, is being considered for a Guinness World Record as the oldest living truck driver. McLaughlin Freight submitted his documentation for review, and if approved, Asmus would surpass the current 92-year-old record holder from Kansas. He has driven over 5 million miles and worked for companies including Walmart.

Orrin Asmus, a 93-year-old truck driver with over 70 years of experience, is being considered for a Guinness World Record title as the oldest living semi-truck driver. McLaughlin Freight has submitted his documentation, and he could surpass the current 92-year-old record holder from Kansas after his birthday in August.

A man in Iowa faces felony charges after throwing a lit mortar firework at his neighbor during an argument over dogs pooping in a park. The firework exploded in the neighbor's garage, causing damage and smoke, and the man admitted to the act but claimed the neighbor was harassing him.

A man in Iowa faces felony charges after allegedly throwing a lit mortar firework at his neighbor during a dispute over dogs pooping in a park. The firework exploded in the neighbor's garage, causing damage and smoke, with the accused claiming harassment as a motive.

Most Iowa school districts have agreed to exclude undocumented high school students from federally funded career and technical education programs, following the Trump administration's interpretation of the 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision. The policy limits access to dual enrollment and career training, citing a distinction between 'basic public education' and postsecondary opportunities.

New laws in Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee restrict access to abortion medications and limit minors' access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including the HPV vaccine. A federal lawsuit challenges FDA rules allowing mifepristone to be dispensed via telehealth, with nationwide implications.

Two Republican Senate candidates, Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Jon Husted of Ohio, have established their own allied super PACs.

Iowa sued Temu and its parent company PDD Holdings, alleging the online retailer violates consumer privacy by collecting sensitive data without consent and exposing users to potential Chinese government access. The state claims Temu deceives customers through false product quality and pricing representations and operates an app designed to evade detection, raising security concerns.

A new Fox News poll indicates a close Senate race in Iowa between Democrat Josh Turek and Republican Ashley Hinson, with Turek holding a 4-point lead. The poll highlights shifting voter sentiment toward Donald Trump, who now has a negative favorability rating in Iowa, and notes demographic divides in candidate support.

A new Fox News poll indicates a closely contested Senate race in Iowa between Democrat Josh Turek and Republican Ashley Hinson, with Turek holding a 4-point lead. Iowans view Donald Trump negatively by 13 points, and the race could shift based on voter enthusiasm and demographic support patterns.

New laws in Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee restrict access to abortion medications and HPV vaccines for minors, effective July 1. The laws require in-person dispensing of abortion pills and prohibit minors under 18 from consenting to STD-related vaccinations in Iowa. A federal lawsuit challenges FDA rules allowing telehealth dispensing of mifepristone, which could impact nationwide access.

State and local governments provided over $500 million in tax subsidies to meat processing companies since 2006, with eight companies dominating U.S. meat production. Subsidies aimed to create 69,037 jobs across 805 deals, but employment in the industry declined from 118,000 to 71,000 between 2006 and 2023.

New laws in Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee restrict access to abortion medications like mifepristone and misoprostol and limit minors' access to the HPV vaccine. A federal lawsuit challenges FDA rules allowing telehealth dispensing of mifepristone, with nationwide implications.

The Midwest saw US population growth in every state, with lower costs in Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Ohio raising questions about potential shifts in Republican strongholds. Greene County, Ohio, a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, exemplifies the region's demographic and economic characteristics.

Republicans are defending Senate seats in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas to maintain their majority. Democrats are competitive in all six states but not leading enough to take control of the Senate.

New polls indicate tight races in the Ohio and Iowa governors' races. Voters participated in a primary election in Des Moines in early June.

The FCC has approved new rules to enhance the reliability of Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems, requiring providers to implement redundancy measures and report progress. States like Kentucky plan to complete NG911 rollouts by 2027, while recent outages in multiple states highlight vulnerabilities in the transition to internet-based emergency systems.

Democrats need to flip four Republican-held Senate seats to gain control, but new polls show only a narrow path with competitive races in states like Maine, Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, and Georgia. Current polling indicates close contests in these states, though Democrats would need significant advantages to secure the necessary seats.

A heat wave in the Midwest has canceled outdoor activities, prompting cooling centers and health advisories. Temperatures with heat index values exceeding 100°F are expected to persist through midweek, spreading eastward to the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Health officials warn of heat-related risks, while Europe also faces extreme heat and related deaths.

A heat wave in the Midwest has led to canceled outdoor activities and opened cooling centers, with temperatures and heat index values expected to rise into the 90s and 100s. The heat is spreading eastward to the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, prompting health advisories and record-high temperature warnings.

A heat wave in the Midwest has canceled outdoor activities and opened cooling centers, with extreme heat warnings through Tuesday. Temperatures in the 90s and heat indices over 100°F are expected, spreading eastward to the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast by Thursday. Health advisories emphasize hydration and avoiding sun exposure, while Europe also faces heat-related records and deaths.

Greg Abel, a longtime Iowa resident born in Edmonton, Canada, was sworn in as a U.S. citizen during an annual naturalization ceremony hosted by the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines. The event included approximately two dozen individuals from 16 countries.

The FCC has approved new rules to enhance the reliability of Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems as states modernize emergency call infrastructure. The rules require NG911 operators to implement redundancy measures and report progress, addressing recent outages in states like Pennsylvania and others. Kentucky aims to complete its NG911 rollout by 2027, joining several states that have upgraded or announced plans for the transition.

Democrats are identifying potential midterm election opportunities in Iowa, a state typically favoring Republicans, as President Trump's approval ratings decline. The article highlights challenges for Democrats in gaining rural voter support in recent elections.

Iowa’s Civics Center, officially the Center for Intellectual Freedom, is required to teach thousands of students U.S. history and government courses at the University of Iowa but currently has only one professor. State lawmakers have designated it as the sole provider of these required courses, prompting potential hiring needs.

Melissa M. Ware, 43, faces multiple charges including felony neglect, child endangerment, and sexual exploitation after deputies alleged she pushed a 15-year-old child outside naked and filmed it. She is also accused of verbally and physically abusing other children, including forcing a 12-year-old to sleep outside in cold weather and hitting children with objects.

An Iowa woman is facing multiple charges after deputies alleged she pushed a naked child outside and filmed it. Melissa M. Ware, 43, is accused of verbally and physically abusing children, including forcing a 12-year-old to sleep outside in cold weather and hitting children with objects.

Melissa M. Ware, 43, faces multiple felony charges in Iowa after deputies alleged she pushed a 15-year-old child outside naked and filmed it, along with other incidents of verbal and physical abuse against children. Charges include neglect, child endangerment, and sexual exploitation, with Ware currently jailed pending a preliminary hearing on July 2.

A judge ruled the federal government cannot block SNAP benefits from purchasing candy and sugary drinks, striking down restrictions in 23 states. The decision cited violations of Congress's definition of 'food' under the SNAP program, which prohibits restrictions on items like alcohol and tobacco but allows most other food purchases.

A girl found dead in Iowa in 1975 has been identified through DNA analysis as a Waukegan resident. The former 'Jane Clinton Doe' remained unidentified for over 50 years before her identity was confirmed.

Rob Sand, an Iowa governor candidate, is seeking to end over 15 years without a Democrat in the governor's office. His Republican opponent, Zach Lahn, has attacked him, prompting Sand to dismiss the criticism by noting Lahn's residence in Kansas.

The Federal Trade Commission and four states sued the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) over alleged deceptive claims about gender-affirming care for minors. WPATH argues the FTC's actions violate its First Amendment rights, citing a prior court ruling blocking an investigation. The lawsuit aligns with a broader Trump administration campaign to label gender-affirming care as 'harmful,' prompting hospitals to scale back related services.

Democrats aim to flip control of the U.S. Senate in November midterms by winning competitive races in nine states, including Maine where Graham Platner challenges incumbent Susan Collins. Analysts debate whether the election will result in a mild Democratic gain or a significant shift, with factors like Trump's approval ratings and economic issues influencing outcomes.

A new tiny home village in Iowa offers rent starting at $300 a month, along with amenities like a gym and free healthcare.

Democrats aim to recapture the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms by winning key races in nine states, including Maine where Graham Platner challenges Sen. Susan Collins. Analysts debate whether the election will result in a modest Democratic gain or a major shift, with factors like Trump's approval ratings and economic issues influencing outcomes.

Iowa passed a law requiring schools to notify parents and create attendance plans for chronically absent students, leading to a significant decline in absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism in Iowa fell from 21.6% in 2023-24 to 16% in 2024-25, outpacing the national decrease. The state also implemented data tracking tools and accountability measures under the Every Student Succeeds Act.