As Iowa officials drill down on their fight to understand and address high cancer rates in the state, a mapping tool developed by University of Iowa researchers is informing their and other states’ work — and the network is set to keep growing.

University of Iowa researchers are about a fourth of the way through a state-funded research project examining why Iowa has some of the nation's highest cancer rates.

Some Iowa physicians are concerned that the federal government is reducing the number of broadly recommended vaccines for children, from 17 vaccines to 11.

Starting Jan. 1, taxable foods and beverages in Iowa will no longer be eligible under SNAP. This includes candy, soda and sugary beverages with less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice – but also dried fruit leathers, flourless granola bars and some prepared items.

Polk County health officials confirmed the state's ninth case of measles in an infant who is too young to be vaccinated.

More Iowans are surviving cancer due to advancements in treatments and screenings, but up to a third of survivors experience mental health challenges.

UnityPoint nurses in Des Moines voted this week on whether to unionize. But the final result is delayed due to contested ballots.

In an internal meeting on Friday, the Iowa Department of Corrections told employees it is no longer pursuing privatization, saying now is not the right time. About 20% of the medical staff resigned over the past six months.

New rankings by the nonprofit LeapFrog put Iowa 48th in the nation for hospital safety. Iowa is one of four states where no hospital received an "A" grade.

Refugees in Iowa are learning they are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits. The federal government has ordered states to start enforcing a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill that cuts off food assistance for refugees and many other types of immigrants with legal status.