Iowa CD1 Candidates Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Christina Bohannan Meet For Debate
(Davenport, IA) — Two candidates for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District met for a televised debate Tuesday night. Incumbent Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democratic former Representative Christina Bohannan clashed on ending the war in Iran and trade policy. Both candidates agreed on their confidence in Iowa’s election system. The candidates also debated immigration policy, rising costs, and agriculture. Iowa’s 1st Congressional District includes Burlington, Davenport, Indianola, and Iowa City. The midterm election is November 3. The candidates sparred over trade policy and tariffs.
Rob Sand Withdraws From Iowa PBS Debate After Family Death
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has withdrawn from the Iowa PBS debate scheduled for tonight following a death in his family. Sand’s brother-in-law, Walter Lauridsen II, died last week after being struck by a vehicle in Lucas County. Sand’s campaign says he is focused on his family and is working with Republican candidate Zach Lahn’s to reschedule. A private celebration of life for Lauridsen is scheduled on Friday.
Iowa To Receive Portion Of Federal Funding To Improve U.S. Electric Grid
(Des Moines, IA) — The federal government is sending nearly one billion dollars to states, including Iowa, to strengthen the country’s electric grid. Iowa is expected to receive a share for projects that prevent outages and improve reliability during severe weather. The federal funding is in addition to nearly 12-million dollars given to Iowa in 2023. It will support upgrades to power lines, grid monitoring, and other system improvements. All 50 states are expected to receive funding.
U.S. Department of Energy, Iowa State University Extend Management Contract For Ames National Laboratory
(Ames, IA) — The U.S. Department of Energy and Iowa State University are extending the management contract for Ames National Laboratory. The contract is being extended for another five years and will continue the existing arrangement, in which the federal government owns the lab and its facilities, while the university is responsible for management and operations. Dario Gil, the DOE’s Under Secretary of Science, toured the facility in Ames Tuesday and announced the extension.
Grassley Weighs In On New USDA Farm Relief Program
(Des Moines, IA) — The USDA has announced a new program that could provide up to eight-billion dollars in relief payments to farmers facing higher input costs and market challenges during this year’s harvest. Senator Chuck Grassley says the financial help is appreciated, but Iowa farmers would rather earn their income through the marketplace than rely on government assistance. The new Harvest Fuel Relief Program will provide one-time payments to American farmers during the 2026 harvest season. USDA officials say payment rates for major commodity crops will be announced in November.
