ALTOONA, IOWA (July 23, 2026) — The Prairie Meadows Board of Directors approved its largest round of community grant funding to date, awarding $17 million to 473 nonprofit organizations serving communities across Central Iowa. The historic investment underscores the organization's ongoing commitment to strengthening local communities and expanding access to programs and services that improve quality of life.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (July 23, 2026) — The Environmental Law and Policy Center, along with other Iowa environmental groups, has sued the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for approving permits that allow hazardous disposal practices at the Ottumwa coal-ash landfill, which holds waste from the Ottumwa coal-burning power plant co-owned by Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy.

DES MOINES, IOWA (July 22, 2026) — Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services have announced an important change in how the state manages existing federal-survivor benefits received on behalf of eligible children in foster care, specifically those who qualify because they have a deceased parent or other eligible relative.

DES MOINES, IOWA (July 22, 2026) — The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has announced Boone, Grinnell, Le Mars, and Maquoketa as the 2027–2028 Iowa Thriving Communities, recognizing their innovation and commitment to advancing housing opportunities.