CONNECTICUT – The U.S.S. Iowa was commissioned by the U.S. Navy on Saturday. KCCI-TV reports the submarine is a first-of-its-kind, nuclear-powered vessel that is 78,000 tons and 400 feet in length. Governor Kim Reynolds and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks were in attendance for the ceremony.

CEDAR RAPIDS – Thousands of Iowans participated in a nationwide protest against the Trump Administration. The Des Moines Register reports more than 7,000 people attended rallies in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines as part of the “Hands Off” gathering. Those who protested were opposed to policies and executive orders championed by re-elected President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency.

AMANA – Whirlpool in Amana confirmed a mass layoff of employees. KCRG-TV reports 650 workers will be let go on June 1st. The company claims demand is down for its products and unrelated to the widespread tariffs issued by the Trump Administration. The Iowa Federation of Labor called to layoffs “outrageous,” citing $17 billion in sales for Amana products in 2024.