Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand outlined his priorities headed into the 2026 legislative session that he said would prevent fraud and strengthen government oversight. One of his top concerns is reversing a 2023 law that limits the authority of the State Auditor's Office.

One of Iowa’s largest school districts will be looking to hire a new superintendent. The Sioux City School Board accepted its leader’s resignation after he spent less than a year with the district.

A nonprofit that grew out of one woman’s basement in Des Moines rehabilitates thousands of wild birds every year. But as it nears capacity, the founder plans to build Iowa's first wild bird hospital and education center.

Democrat Renee Hardman beat Republican Lucas Loftin by more than 40 percentage points in a special election Tuesday night. Hardman's win makes her the state's first Black female state senator.

As the year comes to a close, let’s take a month-by-month look back at the most impactful reporting from IPR in 2025.

The federal government issued a regional emergency declaration that waives regulations for truckers carrying residential heating fuel in 10 states, including Iowa. Truck drivers carrying propane, natural gas or heating oil are allowed to exceed the federal limits on driving hours until Jan. 15 due to pipeline disruptions.

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.

The families of two Iowa National Guard soldiers who were killed in Syria welcomed their remains back home Wednesday in an honorable transfer.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is recommending a 5% increase in hunting, fishing and trapping license fees to keep pace with inflation and increasing costs. License fees go to the state's Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund.

A special election to fill former state Sen. Claire Celsi's seat could help Republicans regain the supermajority they lost in August. Democratic candidate Renee Hardman and Republican candidate Lucas Loftin are running for the vacant seat in Senate District 16.