Iowa

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Josh Turek, a Paralympian and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Iowa, during a campaign event. Obama humorously recalled being 'whooped' by Turek in a basketball game, using the personal story to highlight Turek's competitive spirit and resilience. The endorsement aims to boost Turek's candidacy in a key Senate race, with Obama leveraging his own history of winning the Iowa caucuses to appeal to voters. The article, published by Fortune on July 29, 2026, covers the political dynamics of the Iowa Senate contest and Obama's role in supporting Democratic candidates.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:12 PM UTC

C&S Wholesale Grocers announced on Monday that it has reduced prices on thousands of products at supermarket chains it operates across eight Midwestern states, including Family Fare, VG's Grocery, Martin's Super Markets, and Piggly Wiggly. The reductions, which began rolling out in May 2026, range from 6% to 15% and focus on fresh produce, meats, and household essentials like condiments and trash bags. The price cuts are part of a broader industry trend as grocers seek to attract inflation-weary shoppers amid declining volumes. C&S CEO Eric Winn stated the investment reflects the company's commitment to helping shoppers stretch budgets without compromising quality. The company did not specify how long the decreases would last, noting they are intended to provide value throughout the summer. Other retailers including Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Albertsons, and Kroger have also announced similar price reduction strategies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:09 AM UTC

The National Weather Service has forecast major and extreme heat risks for parts of the central United States through Monday, with roughly 70 million people affected. 'Hazardous heat' will build into the Great Basin and Northern Plains, with widespread major risks from the Rockies toward the Mississippi Valley and south to the Gulf Coast. States including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida face major heat risks, with isolated extreme risks. High temperatures will range from the upper 90s to lower 100s, with isolated areas in the Southwest reaching up to 120°F. Humidity could push heat indices to 105-115°F, posing health risks to those without adequate cooling or hydration. The NWS warns that temperatures could be deadly for those without air conditioning. The seasonal outlook for August through October calls for above-normal temperatures across much of the U.S., influenced by a developing El Niño pattern.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 09:18 PM UTC

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election cycle, scheduling its primary for January 22. The decision marks a significant shift from past schedules, prioritizing a state with a large Black voting bloc amid concerns over Supreme Court restrictions on the Voting Rights Act. South Carolina edged out Nevada, partly due to concerns about Nevada's ability to process election results quickly. The early calendar also includes Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. Michigan replaced Iowa as the Midwest's early state, a notable departure from decades of tradition. The vote became tense when New Mexico was scheduled before Michigan, breaking a regional representation plan. The full DNC will vote on the proposed calendar in August. The new order elevates the South and Southwest while weakening Northeast and Midwest voices, significantly shaping the 2028 nomination race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:26 PM UTC

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on July 24, 2026, to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election cycle, marking a major shift from past schedules. South Carolina edged out Nevada, partly due to concerns about Nevada's ability to process election results quickly. Democrats also cited a desire to strengthen Black voting power in the South after the Supreme Court significantly restricted the Voting Rights Act earlier in 2026, triggering redistricting efforts. Michigan beat Iowa to become the Midwest's early state, ending Iowa's decades-long lead role. New Hampshire, traditionally second in the calendar, finished a distant third in the vote for first primary state.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:26 PM UTC

House Speaker Mike Johnson lost his temper during a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers, shouting 'I'm sick of this shit' at Representative Anna Paulina Luna after she opposed a bipartisan veterans benefits bill. The bill, a party priority, was ultimately pulled due to opposition from a small faction of far-right conservatives who have repeatedly disrupted the Republican agenda. Johnson, known as soft-spoken, later apologized to Luna and knelt before a colleague's young son to express regret for cursing. The incident highlights ongoing dysfunction within the House Republican conference, where a handful of members have learned to hold votes hostage to extract concessions. The article draws parallels to the 2023 ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy by a similar group, warning Johnson could face the same fate.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:52 PM UTC

House Speaker Mike Johnson lost his temper during a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers, shouting 'I'm sick of this shit' at Representative Anna Paulina Luna after she opposed a bipartisan veterans benefits bill. The bill, a party priority, was ultimately pulled due to opposition from a small group of far-right conservatives who have repeatedly disrupted the Republican agenda. Johnson, known as soft-spoken, later apologized to Luna and knelt before a colleague's young son to express regret for cursing. The incident highlights ongoing dysfunction within the House Republican conference, where a faction holds votes hostage to extract concessions, echoing the strategy used to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023. Several Republican lawmakers expressed frustration, warning that such infighting makes governing impossible.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:52 PM UTC

House Speaker Mike Johnson lost his temper during a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers, shouting 'I'm sick of this shit' at Representative Anna Paulina Luna after she opposed a bipartisan veterans benefits bill. The bill, a party priority, was threatened by a small faction of far-right conservatives who have repeatedly disrupted the Republican agenda. Johnson, known for being soft-spoken, later apologized to Luna and knelt before the young son of Representative Gabe Evans to express regret for cursing. Ultimately, Johnson was forced to pull the bill, a strategy that has become normalized due to the party's razor-thin majority and the ability of a few conservatives to hold votes hostage. The article notes that similar tactics led to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, warning that Johnson could face the same fate.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:52 PM UTC

Major League Baseball's 'Field of Dreams' game, set in the cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa, will be livestreamed on Netflix in mid-August 2026. The game, scheduled for August 13, features the Minnesota Twins against the Philadelphia Phillies, with pre-game programming starting at 6:30 PM ET. This marks the third annual MLB game at the iconic site, which underwent major renovation and expansion. The facility will also host a minor league game on August 11 between the St. Paul Saints and the Iowa Cubs. Netflix announced the livestream as part of its August 2026 schedule, expanding its live sports offerings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:06 PM UTC

The escalating U.S.-Iran conflict is severely damaging Republican electoral prospects ahead of the November midterm elections. Continued strikes have killed four more American service members and driven up gas prices, inflaming economic hardship. Once-safe Republican districts in Iowa, Alaska, and Ohio are now battlegrounds. A GOP operative told Politico they are 'preparing for the bottom to fall out.' While the White House publicly defends Trump's record, an unnamed source close to the administration admitted there is no plan and that the conflict is driven by Trump's refusal to accept defeat. The source warned a ground invasion could ruin Trump's second term. The article also details alleged U.S. war crimes, including bombing a nuclear plant, a school, and threats to target civilian infrastructure, which are prohibited by international law.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:38 PM UTC

Corn futures saw midday gains of 1 to 3 cents on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following strength in the market. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price rose by a nickel to $4.18 ¾. The weekly USDA Crop Progress report indicated 59% of the US corn crop was silking by July 19, 5 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average, with 13% in the dough stage. Overall US condition ratings slipped 1% to 67% good to excellent, with notable declines in North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota, while Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio saw improvements. NOAA's 7-day precipitation forecast showed 1-2 inches of rain expected in parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio, while the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana remain drier with less than 0.5 inches. Separately, President Trump announced 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, excluding energy and potash, citing trade discrimination.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:01 PM UTC

The article analyzes the uncertain confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, focusing on Senator John Cornyn of Texas as the key swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn is dissatisfied with Blanche's refusal to formally kill the 'anti-weaponization fund' deal that protects Trump from IRS audits. A federal judge issued a blistering ruling calling the underlying lawsuit collusive, and an ethics complaint has been filed against Blanche. Senator Thom Tillis has indicated tentative support after a meeting with Epstein survivors. The piece questions why Republican senators who dislike Trump might still hesitate to vote no, citing threats against judges and political intimidation as possible factors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 PM UTC

The confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General hangs on a single Republican vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Texas Senator John Cornyn undecided. Cornyn is dissatisfied with Blanche's refusal to confirm in writing that a controversial anti-weaponization fund—part of a deal immunizing Trump from IRS audits—is truly dead. A federal judge ruled the underlying lawsuit was collusive and non-adversarial, and sent the case to the New York State Bar, where over 100 former judges filed an ethics complaint against Blanche. Blanche also faces scrutiny over his handling of the Epstein files. While Senator Thom Tillis appears satisfied after meeting Epstein survivors, Cornyn remains the key holdout. The article notes broader intimidation concerns, citing threats against judges and former Senator Mitt Romney's fear for his safety, questioning whether Cornyn will cave to pressure.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 PM UTC

A self-proclaimed three-time Trump voter, Mark Bogue, expressed frustration with President Donald Trump's Thursday night speech, which focused on debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. In an interview with MS NOW's Alex Tabot in Iowa, Bogue urged the president to 'get off that topic' and instead concentrate on pressing issues such as the ongoing war in Iran and rising gas prices. Bogue stated he wanted to hear about the country's direction on these matters. The interview was featured on Katy Tur's show 'The Moment' on Friday, July 17, 2026. The article highlights growing discontent among some of Trump's base with his continued focus on past election grievances amid current crises.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:23 AM UTC

A self-proclaimed three-time Trump voter, Mark Bogue, expressed frustration with President Donald Trump's Thursday night speech focused on debunked 2020 election conspiracy theories. In an interview with MS NOW's Alex Tabot in Iowa, Bogue urged the president to 'get off that topic' and instead prioritize resolving the war in Iran and addressing economic issues like high gas prices. The interview was featured on Katy Tur's show 'The Moment' on Friday, July 17, 2026. Bogue's comments highlight growing impatience among some Trump supporters with the president's continued focus on past election grievances, as they seek action on current pressing national issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:23 AM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance analyzes the best U.S. states for retirees seeking to minimize state taxes on retirement income. It highlights that 41 states do not tax Social Security income, 37 do not tax most military retirement pay, 16 exempt pension income, and 9 have no income tax (including Washington, which taxes only high earners' capital gains). The article profiles seven states offering significant tax breaks: Arkansas (exempts up to $6,000 in pension/IRA income, no Social Security or military tax), Illinois (exempts pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, Social Security, and military pay), Iowa (no tax on pension/annuity/IRA income for those over 55, flat 3.8% tax rate as of 2025, eliminated inheritance tax), Mississippi (exempts retirement plan distributions, pensions, annuities, Social Security, and military pay), and New Hampshire (partial profile). The piece provides practical guidance for retirees evaluating state tax burdens on various income sources including Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and military retirement pay.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:05 PM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance, published July 18, 2026, analyzes US states that offer favorable tax treatment for retirees. It highlights that 41 states do not tax Social Security income, 37 do not tax most military retirement pay, 16 exempt pension income, and 9 have no income tax. The article profiles seven states with specific tax breaks: Arkansas (exempts up to $6,000 in pension/IRA income, no Social Security or military tax), Illinois (exempts pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, Social Security, and military pay), Iowa (no tax on pension/annuity/IRA income for over-55s, flat 3.8% tax rate as of 2025), Mississippi (exempts retirement plan distributions, pensions, annuities, Social Security, and military pay), and New Hampshire (exempts various retirement incomes). The piece provides practical guidance for retirees seeking to minimize state tax burdens in retirement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:05 PM UTC

Corn futures shrugged off early weakness to close near the day's highs on Friday, July 17, 2026, with most contracts up 2 1/4 to 3 1/2 cents. September corn rose 5 1/4 cents on the week, while December gained 6 1/2 cents. The CmdtyView national average cash corn price increased 3 1/4 cents to $4.132. A resurgence in crude oil above $80 per barrel, up $3.50 on the day, provided support. The NOAA 7-day forecast indicates little precipitation in the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Kansas, with less than 0.5 inch expected. USDA export data shows old crop corn sales at 86.279 MMT, 102% of the export projection. CFTC data revealed managed money added 30,732 contracts to their net long position in corn futures and options, reaching 43,391 contracts. Brazil's 2026/27 corn crop is estimated at 144.96 MMT by Safras & Mercado, up 4.59 MMT year-over-year. FranceAgriMer reported corn ratings at 41% good/excellent, down 6 points from last week. Argentina's corn harvest is 62% complete, lagging last year's 80% pace.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:55 PM UTC

The sudden death of four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has upended the 2026 midterm campaign. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator. A special GOP primary is set for August 11, with potential candidates including Rep. Nancy Mace, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and others. President Trump hinted at a preferred candidate but declined to name them. The seat remains solidly Republican.

41 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

Michigan State University's football program has extended a scholarship offer to Brodie Metzger, a highly regarded linebacker prospect from the class of 2028. Metzger, who attends Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary in Hills, Minnesota, publicly announced the offer via his social media account on Friday. The recruitment effort involved direct communication with Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 195 pounds, Metzger is currently unranked by 247Sports but has attracted significant interest from major collegiate programs. In addition to Michigan State, he holds offers from several other notable universities, including Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, Penn State, and South Dakota State. This development highlights Michigan State's active pursuit of defensive talent in the Midwest region. The article underscores the competitive nature of early recruiting for the 2028 cycle, as Metzger continues to evaluate his options among Power Four conference schools and other prominent programs. The report provides specific details regarding the prospect's physical attributes, current school, and the growing list of institutions vying for his commitment.

1 reports · 1 sources

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark achieved a significant career milestone during a Friday night matchup against the Washington Mystics. By recording three assists in the opening quarter, Clark surpassed former Fever player Katie Douglas to move into fifth place on the franchise's all-time assists list. She now holds a total of 471 career assists with the team. The article highlights Clark's rapid ascent in the record books, noting that she recently scored her 1,000th career regular-season point as well. Currently, her teammate Kelsey Mitchell holds second place with 803 assists, while Tamika Catchings remains the all-time leader with 1,488. Analysts suggest that if Clark maintains her career average of 8.5 assists per game, she has a strong probability of eventually becoming the Fever's all-time assists leader. This achievement underscores her continued impact and growing legacy within the WNBA, adding to her already impressive resume that includes being the all-time assists leader in Iowa women's basketball history.

1 reports · 1 sources

Seven high schools in the Ames Tribune area have collectively qualified 122 athletes for the 2026 Iowa high school state track and field championships. The qualifiers were announced by the IGHSAU and IHSAA on May 15, with the state meet scheduled for May 21-23 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Ames High School contributes 34 athletes across 25 events. The Ames girls' team is particularly prominent, with 20 individuals competing in 16 events, including qualifications in all seven relay categories. Notable performances include the girls' shuttle hurdle relay team, featuring Angelica Attinger, Shelby Esslinger, Elia Varghese, and Sophia Hatcher, who posted the fifth-fastest qualifying time. The article highlights that some relay lineups may change before the final competition as coaches optimized entries during the district meets in Indianola. The report underscores the strong regional representation and competitive depth of the Ames-area programs heading into the state championships.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a notice regarding outbreaks of pseudorabies, also known as Aujesky’s disease, in commercial swine in the United States. While the disease does not affect humans, it can be fatal to other animals such as cattle, dogs, and cats. The CFIA confirmed that U.S. pork shipments already certified will still be permitted to enter Canada. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended the issuance of export certificates for specific high-risk products, including uncooked edible pork snouts, porcine blood, and raw inedible by-products, until further notice. Other commodities like edible pork meat remain unaffected. This development follows the USDA's report on April 30, which detected pseudorabies antibodies in five boars in Iowa, marking the first known case in U.S. commercial swine since 2004. The outbreak has also prompted Mexico to suspend imports of certain American pork products. The situation highlights ongoing biosecurity concerns in North American agricultural trade.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Kevin Koeller, a truck driver for Cardinal Logistics Management Corp., reviving part of his workers' compensation challenge. The court determined that the state workers' compensation commissioner incorrectly applied the American Medical Association (AMA) impairment guides when reducing Koeller's permanent disability rating. Koeller suffered a shoulder injury in October 2022 while unloading a truck, requiring surgery for a distal clavicle excision. While his physician assigned a 19% permanent impairment rating, the commissioner reduced this to 13% by applying a 25% multiplier to the surgical component, a method upheld by lower courts. The Supreme Court vacated this decision, stating the AMA Guides do not mandate such a multiplier for this specific procedure. The case was remanded for further proceedings. The court also affirmed the commissioner's authority to choose between conflicting expert testimonies, rejecting the insurer's argument that a treating physician's lower opinion should have been prioritized. This ruling clarifies the interpretation of medical guidelines in Iowa workers' compensation cases.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a new law eliminating the requirement for health insurance prior authorizations for cancer screenings, aiming to accelerate diagnoses and improve patient access to preventive care. The legislation addresses significant bureaucratic delays that previously forced patients to wait weeks for approval. Additionally, the law mandates strict deadlines for insurers to respond to claims and appeals, requiring clear clinical explanations for any coverage denials to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers. A key provision restricts the use of artificial intelligence in insurance decisions, prohibiting companies from denying coverage solely based on automated systems without human intervention. This measure ensures that clinical judgment and human oversight remain central to approval processes. The law comes into effect on July 1, 2026, as part of broader bipartisan efforts to streamline healthcare access in Iowa, a state with high cancer rates. The reform seeks to prioritize patient needs over administrative hurdles, marking a significant shift in how health insurers operate within the state.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) have officially released the list of student-athletes qualified for the 2026 Iowa high school state track and field meet. The announcement follows the state qualifying meets held across Iowa on May 14, 2026. While some athletes secured their spots automatically through their performances during the Thursday meets, others had to wait until May 15 for final confirmation based on overall standings. The full roster of competitors for both boys' and girls' events across all classification levels (Class 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A) is now available. The state championship is scheduled to take place the following week. This report serves as a gateway to the detailed lists of names, highlighting the culmination of the high school track season in Iowa. The article also references recent related sporting events, such as the Drake Relays, but focuses primarily on the administrative release of the state meet participants.

1 reports · 1 sources

A severe weather system is expected to impact a vast corridor stretching over 1,200 miles from Wisconsin to Texas, beginning Friday afternoon. More than seven million residents, particularly in Iowa and the Central Plains, face the highest risk of dangerous conditions, including supercell thunderstorms capable of producing hail up to three inches in diameter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 out of 5 risk for central Iowa, where tornadoes are also possible, though large hail remains the primary hazard. While an atmospheric cap may limit early afternoon storms, supercells are projected to break through by evening. The threat extends through the weekend, with damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph possible in broader areas. By Monday, the risk pattern shifts, with an increasing likelihood of strong to intense tornadoes in central Kansas and northern Oklahoma. This multiday event involves complex meteorological dynamics, requiring residents across the Midwest and Southern Plains to remain vigilant as storm coverage consolidates and intensifies over the coming days.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ballard High School track and field athlete Brooklyn Shoen and Nevada High School tennis player Connery Varsa have been voted the Ames Tribune's Female and Male Athletes of the Week for the period of May 3-9, 2026. Shoen secured the female honor with 63% of the vote after anchoring the Ballard Bombers to a school-record time in the 4x400 relay at the Raccoon River Conference meet. Her team won the conference title with a time of 4:06.54, and she individually placed fifth in the 400 hurdles. Varsa earned the male award with 43% of the vote, playing a pivotal role in Nevada's third consecutive North Central Conference tennis title. He claimed first place in No. 1 singles, defeating opponents from Webster City and Iowa Falls-Alden with decisive 6-0 shutouts in straight sets. These recognitions highlight outstanding high school athletic performances in Iowa, celebrating individual contributions to team successes in track and tennis competitions during the specified week.

1 reports · 1 sources

American farmers are facing unprecedented financial pressure due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, according to a May 2026 report. The war has severely disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, causing skyrocketing costs for essential agricultural inputs like fuel and nitrogen-based fertilizers. Prices for fertilizer surged from $400 to nearly $600 per ton in early spring, exacerbating difficulties for independent producers already struggling with market volatility and previous tariff policies. Despite a $12 billion relief package from the Trump administration intended to mitigate earlier trade war damages with China, many farmers find these funds insufficient against current inflationary pressures. Interviews with multi-generational farmers in North Carolina and Iowa highlight severe drought conditions and mounting debts. Experts note that half of the world’s urea fertilizer supply passes through the conflict zone, creating an unfair market environment. Consequently, small-scale agricultural operators are forced to prioritize debt repayment over reinvestment, threatening the sustainability of domestic agriculture amidst what some describe as the hardest times in the nation's history.

1 reports · 1 sources

A new report from Verisk indicates that reconstruction cost inflation in the United States decelerated during the second quarter of 2026, providing some relief to insurers and businesses. The Q2 2026 360Value Quarterly Reconstruction Cost Analysis reveals that total reconstruction costs, encompassing materials and retail labor, increased by 3.6% year-over-year. This represents a significant slowdown from the 5.2% growth recorded in the same period the previous year. Quarter-over-quarter growth also moderated to 0.8%. Residential reconstruction costs rose by 3.2% nationally, while commercial costs increased by 4.1%. Although wholesale prices showed their highest annual increase in over three years, specific construction material costs like lumber, concrete, and roofing saw slight declines. However, skilled-trade wage growth, driven by infrastructure spending and limited contractor availability, continued to exert upward pressure on overall costs, with hourly billable labor costs rising 3.63% year-over-year. States such as Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana, and Kansas experienced steep cost increases, whereas Georgia and Louisiana noted notable slowdowns. This data offers critical insights for the insurance industry and broader economic stakeholders monitoring inflation trends in the construction sector.

1 reports · 1 sources