Tom Barton

Iowa anti-hunger advocates said rulings by two federal judges that order the Trump administration to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program using contingency funds during the government shutdown offer some hope, but not immediate relief to the hundreds of thousands of Iowans who rely on the federal food aid program.

A federal judge has granted Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking enforcement of parts of Iowa’s new pharmacy benefit manager reform law.

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday announced plans to deploy the Iowa National Guard, match $1 million in food bank donations and recruit volunteers to help feed families if federal SNAP benefits stop Nov. 1 amid the federal government shutdown.

Iowans shopping for 2026 Affordable Care Act plans are being urged to act early and seek expert help, with federal subsidies set to expire and insurers filing double-digit rate hikes that could make coverage far less affordable.

With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and prices sinking below break-even levels, Iowa Republicans Zach Nunn and Joni Ernst are urging the Trump administration to act swiftly to restore trade and strengthen domestic demand.

Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull on Monday officially entered the 2026 race for Iowa governor, touting his record on tax cuts and his alliance with President Donald Trump. In his launch video, Feenstra promised to “take Iowa to new heights” and drew sharp contrasts with Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand, whom he labeled a “radical liberal.” His campaign highlights his rural upbringing, family ties to northwest Iowa and experience in local and state government.

At a campaign tailgate in Iowa City, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and top Republicans blamed Democrats for the ongoing federal shutdown and rallied around 2026 races. Democrats argue she’s fundraising while Iowans face rising costs.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered Iowa HHS to work with food banks as federal officials warn that SNAP benefits may not go out Nov. 1. Food pantries say they’re already seeing higher demand and they’re bracing for a surge if payments are disrupted.

Rob Sand wrapped up his 100 Town Hall Tour in Decorah, capping a months-long journey through all 99 counties with calls for bipartisan reform, stronger oversight of public funds, and practical action on education and water quality. “Iowans are fed up,” he said.

Iowa’s all-Republican U.S. House delegation is urging Senate Democrats to back a bipartisan plan to reopen the government, warning that the 20-day shutdown is hurting families, farmers and veterans across the state. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans are refusing to negotiate over what he called a looming health care crisis at the center of the government shutdown stalemate.

At Lion Bridge Brewery in Cedar Rapids, U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage shared his story of growing up poor in Mason City, serving three tours in Iraq, and leading a local chamber of commerce — arguing those experiences shaped his fight for workers, unions and rural Iowans.

Iowa’s congressional races are already drawing national attention — and money. New fundraising reports show Republican incumbents maintaining a cash advantage but facing strong challenges from well-funded Democrats.

President Donald Trump’s decision to redirect Pentagon research funds will keep Iowa National Guard troops paid during the government shutdown, but about 700 civilian employees remain without pay as the budget impasse drags into its third week.

Iowa’s largest health insurer says the Insurance Division’s order to implement Senate File 383 would unfairly raise drug costs and contradict a federal court ruling blocking key provisions of the law.

At a rally of Iowa GOP women in Iowa City, U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks lauded the release of Israeli hostages under a Trump-brokered ceasefire and denounced Democrats over the ongoing government shutdown.