DES MOINES, IOWA (August 24, 2026) — Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced the results of the unscientific Iowa State Fair Straw Poll. The poll, which closed Sunday at 8PM, allowed fairgoers to cast their preference for candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial, senatorial, and congressional races.

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 24, 2026) — On August 31, 765 new students from 28 states and 36 countries will begin their Augustana College journey. The incoming class includes 678 first-year students, 82 transfer students, and a total of five non-degree and exchange students, with 25 languages represented and a range of experiences and perspectives.

Augustana received more than 8,600 applications for the incoming class.

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (August 21, 2026) — All Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations are now administering flu vaccines for the 2026-2027 with no appointment or prescription necessary.

Hy-Vee Pharmacy offers both regular- and high-dose flu shots, which are free with Medicare and most insurance plans. Those who get a flu shot at Hy-Vee can also earn a twenty-cent Fuel Saver reward.

AMES, IOWA (August 20, 2026) — As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity.

Proper timing not only improves flavor and texture, but also encourages many crops to keep producing.

"Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity ensures the best taste and quality," said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.