IOWA – The first tornadoes of 2026 were confirmed by the National Weather Service. KCCI-TV reports that damage surveys conducted on Wednesday confirmed the EF1 tornadoes touched down in southeast Iowa, both in Lee County. Last year’s first tornado occurred Wilton in March 2025. Only 32 were reported last year, well below the typical season.

DES MOINES – A bill passed in the Iowa Senate Ways and Means Committee would create a one-time tax increase on health maintenance organizations to address a budget shortfall in the state’s Medicaid fund. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Senate File 2464 was approved 10-6 and moves to the full Senate floor. It increases taxes on HMOs for nine months this year before reverting the rate back to a lower amount. The move would create $173 million in one-time funding and an additional $61 million annually after. Supporters argue it’s needed as Iowa’s Medicaid program is $200 million short; opponents argue it would increase healthcare costs across the state.

DES MOINES – The treatment and prevention of cancer was the focus of a group named after a former U.S. Senator in Iowa. WHO-13 reports the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement hosted its annual Wellness Symposium this week. This comes as Iowa has the fastest growing cancer rates in the United States and second-highest overall rate among states for a third consecutive year. The symposium focused on recent research and data trends. Iowa Lawmakers heard an update from a $1 million study on Wednesday, highlighting concerns surrounding prostate, breast, melanoma, lung, and colorectal cancer.