Performance venues and cultural organizations are seeing a spike in artists from abroad canceling performances and demonstrations — and rethinking U.S. tours.

John Norwood, a Democrat from West Des Moines, has entered the 2026 race for Iowa state treasurer. He pledges to safeguard Iowa’s financial future as he challenges Republican incumbent Roby Smith, who announced his reelection bid in December.

Iowa Democrats were approved to present their case to national Democrats on why the state’s Democratic caucuses should go in the early presidential nominating window in 2028. The DNC approved 11 other states' early contest waivers, as well.

Four of the five Republican candidates for governor participated in a debate Tuesday night and said they would work to make Iowa’s abortion laws reflect their belief that life begins at conception.

In a visit to Iowa, President Trump rallied Republican support ahead of the midterms and tried to appeal to voters with provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and by asserting his support for ethanol industry priorities.

Muscatine Democrat Taylor Wettach launched a bid for Iowa state auditor, dropping out of the race for the 1st Congressional District. He hopes to stand up to corruption and ensure the office operates independently to root out waste, fraud and abuse.

Wade Dooley, a farmer and owner of a custom seeding operation near Marshalltown, announced Tuesday his Democratic campaign for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.

Former University of Iowa professor and Democrat Chris Jones announced he's running for Iowa secretary of agriculture. He will face a June primary against Marshalltown-area farmer, Wade Dooley.

In his first speech to lawmakers after an attack that killed two Iowa Guard members last month, Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and highlighted the Guard's new facilities under construction around the state.

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.