IOWA – One of the Democratic lawmakers that was aiming to flip a U.S. Senate set in deep-red Iowa has dropped out of the race. The Associated Press reports State Representative J.D. Scholten is suspending his campaign and endorsing fellow lawmaker Josh Turek, who launched his bid last week. Senator Ernst did not commit to running again when asked at the Iowa State Fair. State Senator Zach Wahls, former Knoxville Chamber Director Nathan Sage, and Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris remain in the June 2026 primary field. IOWA – Officially drought free — that’s the latest from the U.S. Drought Monitor as more rounds of precipitation impacted an active summer around the state. Iowa officially has no areas in drought, with the previous update showing just .58% of the state in abnormally dry conditions. This is in stark contrast to the beginning of 2025, when 80% of Iowa was in dry conditions, with 57% in drought. An above-average summer for precipitation has been the driving force, and while several localized flooding events have been reported, widespread damage has been avoided, according to the National Weather Service. DES MOINES – Despite rain, heat and humidity, the 2025 Iowa State Fair welcomed a total of 1.16 million fairgoers. While shy of the records set in 2024, this year’s turnout was the third-highest in history despite the weather challenges. Along with multiple days of rain, the average daily temperature at the 2025 Fair was eight degrees warmer than the record-setting 2024 event.

DES MOINES – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.7 percent in July. Iowa’s jobless rate was 3.1 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent in July The total number of unemployed Iowans increased to 64,900 in July from 63,700 in June. The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,672,600 in July. DES MOINES – Lawn watering restrictions implemented in central Iowa due to high nitrate levels have been lifted. KCCI-TV reports Central Iowa Water Works has voted to resume normal irrigation policies for the first time since May 30th, impacting hundreds of households in central Iowa. The restrictions had been slowly lifted since July. The water works nitrate removal facility was shut down last week after operating nearly every day since April 28th.CLINTON – Two eastern Iowa pharmacies could be sanctioned by the state. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports two Walgreens locations in Clinton and Dubuque join four others for alleged violation of regulations. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has accused leadership at both locations of failing to maintain records and committing alleged acts that violate the Controlled Substances Act. Three other Walgreens in the state were fined by the Board of Pharmacy in July for medication-dispensing errors.

ALTOONA – An Altoona man died following a crash that was caused by his alleged wrong way driving, injuring three others. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Toyota Tacoma driven by 19-year-old Zachary Scott Scothorn was heading westbound in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 80 in Polk County. The other two vehicles involved were unable to avoid the Toyota, and crashed into each other after the initial collision. Scothorn was not wearing a seatbelt and died from his injuries. Three other people were injured. IOWA – Excessive heat has settled into the state, and those planning to attend the Iowa State Fair this weekend should use extra precautions. Heat advisories have been issued throughout many Iowa counties as heat index values are expected to top 100 degrees, especially today. Relief appears to be in sight, with the National Weather Service anticipating slightly cooler conditions starting Tuesday. DAVENPORT – An independent U.S. Senator is returning to the state where he nearly won the Iowa Caucuses in a previous presidential run. Bernie Sanders is hosting an event in Davenport on Friday, August 22nd. Sanders has been traveling to states won by President Donald Trump in the 2024 election to discuss the impact of the policies on the U.S. Economy. LINEVILLE – The National Weather Service has determined extensive storm damage reported in Lineville last week was not due to a tornado, but instead, a rare weather-phenomena. WHO-13 reports a microburst occurred, which causes similar damage to a rotating thunderstorm. Wind speeds up to 90 miles per hour pushed out in all directions, according to the National Weather Service. A newly-construction fire station in Lineville was among the destroyed or damaged buildings in the community.

ALBIA – An autopsy report has been released related to a fatality reported during a fire in downtown Albia last month. KCCI-TV reports 61-year-old Kelly Rea Cummings died of natural causes before the blaze damaged several buildings in downtown on July 14th. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reports no smoke was found in the lungs of Cummings, indicating she died before the fire began. An investigation remains into the cause of the fire. EMMET COUNTY – The West Nile Virus has returned to Iowa. A confirmed case was found in northern Iowa, according to KCRG-TV through an Iowa Department of Health and Human Services update. In the state, West Nile Virus transmission tends to peak in August and September. Anyone enjoying outdoor time is reminded to use EPA-registered bug spray, long-sleeved clothing when possible, and to remove all standing water near a home to prevent mosquito breeding. DES MOINES – A world record belongs to the Iowa Lottery. On Thursday, an event was held with 1,300 participants scratching off lottery tickets at the same time, breaking the previous Guinness World Record of 550, according to WHO-13. The tickets were distributed as part of the 40 year anniversary of the Iowa Lottery.

MONTICELLO – One person died in a plane crash in eastern Iowa. The Des Moines Register reports a North American T-28 went down into a rural area for unknown reasons near Monticello on Monday evening. The two-seat plane was owned by a company in Bennett, Iowa. The pilot has not been publicly identified. ANKENY – A company has purchased a closed Hy-Vee factory in Ankeny, with plans to refresh the space. KCCI-TV reports JBS is spending $100 million to update the facility to manufacture ready-to-eat sausage and bacon products. Hy-Vee announced the closing of the previous operation earlier this year, including another in Chariton, which were both previously used for their own ready-to-eat merchandise. JBS is seeking former employees of the Hy-Vee operation, and aims to have a staff of 400 once up and ready. DES MOINES – The Iowa Lottery is celebrating its 40th anniversary by attempting to break a Guinness World Record title for the most people simultaneously scratching scratch tickets. Participants will scratch a throwback version of the Lottery’s first-ever game, “Scratch Match & Win” this afternoon at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The tickets are free to anyone over the age of 21, with three winners able to claim $50,000 in prizes.