Good morning from Iowa Capital Dispatch.
“Is 2026 gonna be a mildly blue lean year, like 2018, or a kind of tsunami blue year, like 2006 or 2008?”— J. Miles Coleman, the associate editor at Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a University of Virginia-based election forecaster, on Democrats’ chances to win the U.S. Senate majority in the November midterm elections.
Maine’s Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for what’s considered one of the nation’s most competitive battles for the U.S. Senate. Platner, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, is shown at a rally at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on April 18, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)
Democrats are growing hopeful they can recapture the U.S. Senate in this fall’s midterm elections amid President Donald Trump’s plummeting approval ratings.
Iowa is among nine states deemed most competitive, analysts and campaign officials say.
Iowans can help prevent the spread of invasive species like garlic mustard, pictured here. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Summertime recreation in Iowa’s outdoor landscape can be a catalyst for spreading invasive species, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The department said certain precautions, like scrubbing down hiking boots, keeping firewood in the county where it was purchased and being able to identify plant species can help to stop the spread of invasive forest species.
THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Nearly 79% of students who used Iowa’s funding program for K-12 private schools were “already projected” to attend private schools, according to a report released Wednesday by Iowa Auditor Rob Sand.
A Des Moines respiratory therapist accused of fraudulently billing a patient for respiratory services delivered after the patient had died has been sanctioned by the state.
A panel of rural Iowans said Tuesday that a declining rural economy and high cost of healthcare are top concerns as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Despite concerns from members about blurring the lines between governance and management of state universities, the Iowa Board of Regents Tuesday approved additions to its policy manual to require further program review and board perspective on search committees.
The State Objections Panel ruled Monday that two Libertarian candidates running for governor and Congress should be taken off the 2026 Iowa general election ballot, sustaining challenges to their qualifications as candidates.
Iowa’s public universities received preliminary approval Monday from the Iowa Board of Regents to launch an accelerated degree program for students hoping to complete their education with fewer credits.
Republican leaders emphasized party unity Saturday at the Iowa Republican State Convention – especially emphasizing the need to rally behind Zach Lahn as the GOP nominee for Iowa governor.
Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer was officially nominated and approved Saturday at the Iowa Democratic Party state convention as State Auditor Rob Sand’s running mate for the 2026 Iowa gubernatorial campaign.
A northeast Iowa nursing home repeatedly cited for medication errors has been added to the federal list of the nation’s worst care facilities. Northgate Care Center of Waukon has been added to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ list of candidates for special-focus status, indicating a history of serious, recurring resident-care issues.
Iowa Rep. Derek Wulf, R-Hudson, will be Republican governor candidate Zach Lahn’s running mate in the 2026 election, Lahn’s campaign announced Friday.
NEWS FROM THE MIDWEST AND IOWA'S NEIGHBORS
A look inside new Obama museum ahead of its Juneteenth official opening | Capitol News Illinois
Indiana takes on powerful hospitals by capping prices they charge employers | Indiana Capital Chronicle
Kansas Republicans could try to delay election for U.S. Senate if Roger Marshall leaves office • Kansas Reflector | Kansas Reflector
Community rallies behind Cleary University student detained by ICE as family seeks bond hearing | Michigan Advance
Lawmakers promised civility after Melissa Hortman’s killing. A year later, there’s work to do. | Minnesota Reformer
Missouri revives tax incentive that could aid Royals stadium, Kansas City riverfront projects | Missouri Independent
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz campaigns for Ricketts in Nebraska | Nebraska Examiner
New rules for 4-day school weeks draw pushback from some rural North Dakota schools | North Dakota Monitor
Ohio man arrested, Nebraska man alleged ‘key ringleader’ in plot to attack White House UFC fight | Ohio Capital Journal
Wounded Knee descendants vow to keep pressing for medal revocations as Senate committee seeks info | South Dakota Searchlight
A chapter closes as the remaining Ridglan beagles are freed | Wisconsin Examiner
FEDERAL FALLOUT
States Newsroom relentlessly reports on how changes at the federal level are affecting people at the state level — and how state governments are responding in this volatile political climate. We post new stories each day; here are just a few:
Appeals court allows Trump administration to replace President’s House exhibits on slavery in Philly | Pennsylvania Capital Star
Trump administration ordered to restore signs on climate change, Wabanaki to Acadia National Park | Maine Morning Star
US Education Department investigates two NC school districts over transgender restroom policies | NC Newsline
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