Central Iowa

A nonprofit is hoping to provide emergency cooling assistance as extreme heat hits most of central Iowa. It's partnering with local fire stations to request donations as federal funding for its services dwindles.

Researchers presented their findings from the Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot in Des Moines. Their study looked at how participants used monthly $500 payments, and how it affected their well-being and goals.

In an era when many book clubs fizzle out within a few years, the Browning Literary Club, Ingleside Study Club and Serendipity Book Club are among those quietly defying the odds — by decades.

The public library's book club geared toward students in sixth through eighth grade chose to read and discuss This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson, but the event was ultimately canceled following community outcry.

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City shared plans to reopen its visitor center, which has been closed for nearly two years due to major damage caused by a severe hailstorm. It's also seeking public input as it reevaluates what educational opportunities it can offer.

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.