New Iowa Health And Human Services Director Appointed
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa has a new director for the Department of Health and Human Services. Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Kraig Paulsen, the current director of the Iowa Department of Management. He will serve as director for both agencies. Reynolds previously appointed Larry Johnson as HHS director, but Senate Democrats did not approve his confirmation. Johnson will still work with Iowa HHS as Principal Deputy Director.
Coast-to-Coast Relay Celebrating America 250 to Pass Through Iowa
(Undated) — A coast-to-coast relay celebrating America’s 250th anniversary will pass through Iowa. Dave Whitson, a coordinator for the American Discovery 250 Relay, says thousands of Americans are expected to participate. The relay will start on July 1 on California’s Pacific coast, and will finish in Delaware on Thanksgiving Day. It’s scheduled to make its way through Iowa from September 26 to October 5, making stops in several cities including Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. Registration to participate is available on DiscoveryTrail-dot-com.
Swine Barn On Iowa State Fairgrounds To Undergo $19.6M Renovation
(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa State Fair is announcing its largest facilities project yet. The Swine Barn at the State Fairgrounds will undergo 19-point-six million dollars in renovations. The Fair says the three-year project will include a new interactive educational exhibit about the swine industry and improved infrastructure. Phase One started after the 2025 fair and will be completed in time for the fair this August. Phase II will start immediately once this year’s fair wraps up.
Less Money Bet, More Money Kept By Iowa Sportsbooks In May
(Des Moines, IA) — Less money was bet, but more money was kept by Iowa Sportsbooks in May. Iowans wagered about nine percent less in May than in April, but payouts were five percent less, meaning sportsbooks kept more per dollar. Retail sportsbooks also did better, with net receipts increasing nearly 14 percent. Still, the drop in overall betting, meant about 80 thousand dollars less state tax revenue in May compared to April.
Central Iowa Woman Drowns At Lake Okoboji
(Dickinson County, IA) — An Iowa woman’s drowned at a premier summer resort area, Lake Okoboji. The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office says 76-year-old Marsha Bax of Johnston had been reported missing on Thursday. She was found that afternoon after someone walking the docks spotted her in the water. Investigators say they don’t suspect foul play in her death, and an investigation is ongoing.
