Iowa HHS Reports First Measles Case Of 2026
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa has its first confirmed measles case of 2026. Iowa HHS says the case has been confirmed in an adult resident of central Iowa. The person is vaccinated and acquired the infection during international travel. HHS has identified locations where the infected person visited while contagious, all of which are in central and north-central Iowa. This is the first confirmed case of measles in 2026.
Deere Offers Contract Extension To UAW Workers
(Des Moines, IA) — John Deere is offering its unionized workforce a two-year contract extension. In a letter to the membership, UAW representatives say the unsolicited offer would retain the existing healthcare, pension, and cost-of-living adjustments, while adding a four-percent wage increase this year and next, plus a three-thousand-dollar ratification bonus. The current contract expires at the end of October 2027. The union has until August 31st to accept the offer. UAW leadership says they will put the offer to a vote.
Des Moines Man Accused Of Robbing Victim, Forcing Him To Do Push-Ups
(Des Moines, IA) — A Des Moines man is in custody after police say he robbed a man and then forced him to do push-ups. Police say 28-year-old Anthony Liggins approached a 44-year-old man near 12th and Mulberry streets and asked for a cigarette. When the man said he did not smoke, investigators say Liggins forced him to the ground, took cash and other items from his pockets, and then ordered him to do push-ups. Liggins was arrested and charged with robbery and false imprisonment. He is being held in the Polk County Jail.
UnityPoint Announces Additional Round Of Layoffs
(West Des Moines, IA) — There’s another round of layoffs at UnityPoint Health. The West Des Moines-based health care provider says affected employees have been notified. The company is not saying how many jobs will be lost company-wide. UnityPoint has more than 30-thousand employees in the Midwest. The company says the layoffs affect less than one percent of its workforce.
Website Names Iowa Second-Best State Fair In The U.S. Behind Minnesota
(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa State Fair is just over five weeks away. A new ranking puts our fair second on its list of the 25 Best State Fairs, behind the Minnesota State Fair. The list from the travel website Only In Your State says Minnesota has the highest daily attendance of any state fair in the country, with nearly 200,000 visitors each day. Wisconsin came in 3rd. Texas 4th.
Changes Coming To Iowa Athletics’ NIL Program
(Iowa City, IA) — Major changes are coming to Iowa athletics’ NIL program. The University of Iowa and The Swarm announced Wednesday that the NIL collective will phase out membership payments, end auto-renewals, and pause future NIL activities. The Swarm was created in 2022 to help Hawkeye student-athletes benefit from name, image and likeness opportunities. Athletics officials say changes in college athletics have reduced the need for third-party collectives. Remaining Swarm resources will go to Iowa Athletics’ Flight Funds to support Hawkeye student-athletes.
