Western Iowa

Iowa has seen below-normal snowfall since December, creating what weather experts call a "snow drought." The dry conditions have disrupted winter recreation and raised concerns about the ecosystem at a wildlife preserve in northwest Iowa.

After the devastating floods in the summer of 2024, northwest Iowa communities continue to wait for federal buyout funds for nearly 270 homes, leaving local leaders urging swifter government action.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced plans to ease some restrictions on federal education funding at a public school in western Iowa.

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.

It’s no secret people are moving away from rural areas of Iowa. The exodus toward bigger cities has been growing for decades. Fewer than a quarter of Iowans live in the country. In 1960, it was around 50%. One Iowan took an unusual route to reverse that trend.

A special election on Tuesday features two candidates from the same small town in northwest Iowa. The outcome could be an indicator of political sentiment in rural Iowa after recent contests in the state — and across the country — have favored Democratic candidates.

Republicans running for governor and the 4th Congressional District highlighted their conservative viewpoints during a forum in western Iowa. Some candidates expressed concern that U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is running for governor, didn’t attend.

Republican contenders for the 4th Congressional District attended a campaign event in western Iowa organized by the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.

As incumbent U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra eyes a run for governor, the field to replace him continues to grow. Republican Douglas Jensen wants federal politicians to do less grandstanding and focus on solving problems for the American people.

The Sac County Board of Supervisors picked Katie Stange to be the new sheriff last month. She's the first woman appointed to that role in more than a century.