DEWITT – Democrats have flipped an Iowa Senate Seat in eastern Iowa following a special election on Tuesday. The Des Moines Register reports Democrat Mike Zimmer defeated Republican Kate Whittington in District 35. The seat opened up following the appointment of Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer. Zimmer worked in public education and as a the Central DeWitt School Board President. He will serve in the set for the next two legislative sessions.

IOWA – Non-profit groups around the state are struggling to determine the impact of a federal funding freeze issued by President Donald Trump. KCCI-TV reports a memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget implied the halt on grants would allow for a review of how that money was being spent. A federal judge blocked the order, but several non-profits in central Iowa that rely on federal funding did not have access to those resources on Tuesday.

IOWA – Multiple record temperatures were broken on Tuesday for warmth. The National Weather Service says highs in Mason City and Waterloo jumped into the mid-50s, the warmest on record for January 28th in both locations. Above average temperatures will continue for most of the week, until a possible winter storm system impacts the southern portions of the state late Thursday into Friday, although much of it is expected to fall as rain early.