WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Joni Ernst officially announced her decision not to run for a third term in the U.S. Senate. The Des Moines Register reports Ernst had considered a run, but ultimately decided against it, opening the seat to a contested primary for both parties. Current U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson announced her intention to run for the soon-to-be vacant seat. This opens a primary challenge for the U.S. House second district, which Hinson has held since 2020.

OSKALOOSA – The former Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office deputy accused child endangerment has been found guilty on all counts. KCCI-TV reports David Heady was charged 13 times with child endangerment, as he was the adult passenger on a hayrack ride that crashed in October 2023. Both Heady and Daniel Brubaker were both charged in the incident, as investigators testified both were intoxicated prior to the crash. Several children were injured and broke bones in the incident. Heady will be sentenced on October 17th at the Keokuk County Courthouse.

WINTERSET – Independent Michele Brant was sworn as the Madison County Auditor following a victory in a special election last week. WHO-13 reports Brant took her oath Tuesday night at a special session of the Board of Supervisors. She takes control of an office that had multiple people in the role this year due to the resignation of Teri Kaczinski. She was under investigation by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for potential misconduct in office, but no charges were filed. This led to the appointment of Matthew Schwartz, which was challenged by citizens and turned into a special election.