Here First

Tuesday was primary election day across Iowa, with three congressional primaries on the ballot. In Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, Lanon Baccam defeated Melissa Vine in the Democratic primary. In southeast Iowa’s 1st District, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks defeated challenger David Pautsch in the GOP primary. And in northwest Iowa’s 4th District, Rep. Randy Feenstra defeated challenger Kevin Virgil.

It’s primary election day in Iowa. There are primaries in three of Iowa’s four congressional districts, as well as some county and legislative offices. Weather forecasters say Iowa’s rainfall this month should be closer to normal. That could be good news for farmers whose fields are soggy after a soaking wet May. And half a dozen small towns in Iowa are getting state money to address run-down, city-owned buildings.

Many Iowa Republicans attended Sen. Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” fundraiser on Saturday, and said they believe former President Trump’s conviction last week could give his reelection campaign a boost. And as severe weather events become more common and some insurance carriers stop writing policies in Iowa, a growing number of people in the state are foregoing home insurance.

Iowa leaders react to Trump's verdict. Efforts to build a new jail in Johnson County may hinge on Tuesday's primary election. Iowa is drought-free. And a labor study is underway in northeast Iowa.

A former southwest Iowa fire chief is accused of stealing donations after devastating flooding in 2019. A preliminary proposal for a new law enforcement center is unveiled in Johnson County. The family of a Buchanan County man is suing after their son died in jail. The head of Iowa's Insurance Commission says severe weather outbreaks during the past few years have led to record premiums.

Greenfield held a candlelight vigil a week after a deadly tornado hit the community. Iowa reports its first case of avian flu in more than five months. State and federal officials say they're ready to respond to any election security issues. A Davenport businessman is challenging incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the 1st District Republican Primary next week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a Disaster Recovery Center in Greenfield. More than 150 homes were damaged or destroyed there in last week’s tornado. Experts are warning Iowans to take precautions to keep kids from accidentally consuming alcohol. And, Waterloo is adding mental health to its list of activities for young people this summer.

Four Iowa counties are awaiting a FEMA disaster declaration after a total of 202 homes were destroyed or had major damage in Tuesday’s storm. The Waterloo Visiting Nurses Association will be closing its doors after almost a century of work in the Black Hawk county area. And Coe College in Cedar Rapids is opening an aviation management program and professional pilot school, pending accreditation approval.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds calls the devastation in Greenfield "gut-wrenching" after a tornado outbreak kills five and injures more. The head of FEMA visits the storm-damaged area today. Protesters say the University of Iowa and its police department violated their civil rights. A damaging fertilizer spill is being referred to the Iowa Attorney General's Office.

Multiple tornadoes strike Iowa, with several killed in the small community of Greenfield. Heavy rainfall threatens planting in northeast Iowa. A chance of venue for the suspect accused of killing an Algona police officer. And a new human trafficking law will go into effect July 1st.