Latest news with #Iowa
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why are flags at half-staff in Iowa? Flags lowered Saturday for World War II veteran
Flags around Iowa will be at half-staff on Saturday, June 28, at the direction of Gov. Kim Reynolds. Flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. All flags at the Iowa State Capitol and on public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state will be at half-staff. Flags in Iowa will be lowered to honor U. S. Army Air Forces Corporal Melvin L. Huff, of Iowa Falls. Huff was reported missing in action in January 1945 near Wewak in what is now modern-day Papua New Guinea, after Allied forces lost contact with the military aircraft he was aboard. He was 19 years old at the time, according to a news release from the governor's office. More: Remains of Iowa corporal missing in action in World War II to finally be buried After his remains were identified last July, Harrington is finally being laid to rest in his hometown of Iowa Falls on June 28. Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff. Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole. Flying the American flag at half-staff conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national Moines Register reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this report. Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@ or follow him on X @CooperAWorth. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff today in Iowa? Flags lowered for WWII vet
Japan Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
They voted for Trump. Most still back him — but not on everything
From her corner of the United States near Houston, Texas, stay-at-home mother Loretta Torres, 38, admires President Donald Trump's confidence and bargaining style. She has no complaints with his presidency. In Des Moines, Iowa, Lou Nunez, an 83-year-old U.S. Army veteran, has been horrified by Trump's cuts to federal agencies, whipsaw tariff announcements, and crackdowns on protesters. Terry Alberta, 64, a pilot in southwestern Michigan, supports most of Trump's policies but he thinks some of the slashed federal spending might have to be restored and he dislikes the president's demeanor. "I get really frustrated with him when he starts calling people names and just saying crazy things,' he said. Although they all helped elect Trump in November, Torres, Nunez and Alberta have very different reactions to his presidency so far. They are among 20 Trump voters interviewed monthly since February about the president's dramatic changes to the United States' government, trade policy and immigration enforcement, among other issues. Nunez and one of the other 20 voters now regret casting a ballot for the president. Torres and four others say they fully support his administration. But most — like Alberta — fall somewhere in between. The 20 voters were selected from 429 respondents to a February 2025 Ipsos poll who said they voted for Trump in November and were willing to speak to a reporter. They are not a statistically representative portrait of all Trump voters, but their ages, educational backgrounds, races/ethnicities, locations and voting histories roughly corresponded to those of Trump's overall electorate. Even monthly check-ins cannot always keep pace with the breakneck news cycle under Trump. Reporters most recently interviewed the group in May, before Trump deployed U.S. service members to Los Angeles and other cities to quell widespread protests against the administration's immigration crackdown and prior to tensions erupting with Iran. Loretta Torres, a stay at home mom who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, at her home in Baytown, Texas | REUTERS Trump's efforts to tighten border security were most popular among the group. Describing their concerns about the administration, these voters most often cited the economic uncertainty triggered by Trump's federal cuts and tariffs. That tracks with the latest Ipsos-Reuters poll findings, which show Trump polling below his overall approval rating on the economy, and above it on immigration. Recent polls also show that Americans who helped elect Trump to his second term overwhelmingly like what they see so far. In a six-day Ipsos-Reuters poll that concluded on June 16, 9 out of 10 respondents who said they voted for Trump in November also said they approved of his performance in office so far. "I like the way he portrays himself as being a strong leader," said Torres. "It makes us look stronger to other countries." White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement that Trump had delivered on his campaign promises by reducing U.S. border crossings to historic lows and keeping inflation lower than expected. "The Administration is committed to building on these successes by slashing the waste, fraud, and abuse in our government and leveling the playing field for American industries and workers with more custom-made trade deals," Desai said. 'Anxiety is the buzzword' Most of the 20 voters interviewed say they now have qualms about some of Trump's most extreme measures. Brandon Neumeister, 36, a Pennsylvania state corrections worker and former National Guardsman, said he disagreed with a May request by the Department of Homeland Security for 20,000 National Guard members to help detain illegal immigrants. "To deploy troops on American soil in American cities, I think that sends a very severe message,' he said. Pilot Terry Alberta at the West Michigan Regional Airport, in Holland, Michigan | REUTERS Neumeister voted for Trump hoping for lower prices and inflation, and said he knows it will take time for the president's economic policies to yield results. But people close to him have lost jobs as a result of Trump downsizing the federal government, and several friends of his are anxious about losing pensions or health care due to budget cuts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Anxiety is the buzzword for everything right now,' Neumeister said, adding that it was "hard to say' whether he's glad Trump is president. Federal workforce reductions are also wearing on Robert Billups, 34, an accountant in Washington state currently searching for his next job. He has seen federal positions disappear from job sites, and he frequently gets worried calls from his mother, who is a contractor with the Internal Revenue Service. "This is more than my mom has ever reached out to me. I feel like it's freaking her out,' he said. Ethical concerns Several Trump voters in the group also said they were uneasy about actions by Trump that critics say overstep his presidential authority. Don Jernigan, 74, a retiree in Virginia Beach, said he likes the outcomes of most of Trump's policies but not the way he sometimes pushes them through, such as his record number of executive orders or his imposition of tariffs on other countries, a power that Jernigan says belongs to Congress. Nor does he like the fact that Trump accepted a jet given to the United States by Qatar, which Jernigan views as an enemy nation. "Trump works off of ideas. He doesn't work off of principles. He has no principles,' Jernigan said. Overall, however, he thinks Trump is protecting U.S. borders and deterring threats against the nation better than the other candidates for president would have. Veteran Lou Nunez outside his home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa | REUTERS Trump's acceptance of the Qatari jet also struck Amanda Taylor, 51, an insurance firm employee near Savannah, Georgia, as potentially unethical. "It just seems a little like he can do whatever he wants to without repercussion,' she said. Taylor, who voted for former U.S. President Joe Biden in 2020, says it is too early to tell yet whether Trump is an improvement. She likes Trump's pledges to deport criminals and gang members. But she has been most closely watching economic indicators, especially interest rates, because she and her husband closed on a new house this month. Changes they hope to see Among Trump voters with fewer complaints about the president's second term, there are still areas where they hope to see some change. David Ferguson, 53, hoped the Trump administration would revitalize U.S. manufacturing, and so far he is "pleased with the groundwork' and "at least the direction that they're communicating.' At the industrial supply company in western Georgia where he works as a mechanical engineer and account manager, Ferguson has seen Trump's tariffs drive up prices on a range of products, from roller bearings to food-processing equipment. He does not expect the prices to fall as quickly as they've risen. Ferguson would like the administration to offer tax incentives to companies like his that are making it possible for more things to be made in the United States. "It would help encourage businesses that are already domesticating manufacturing and give them some relief from the tariffs, kind of reward their good behavior,' he said. Several other Trump voters voiced support for a policy that might surprise left-leaning voters: a clearer legal immigration pathway for aspiring Americans who are law-abiding and want to contribute to the U.S. economy. Gerald Dunn, 66, is a martial-arts instructor in New York's Hudson Valley and "middle-of-the-road' voter who said he is frustrated by extremism in both U.S. political parties. Dunn said he knows people who have tried to enter the United States legally but encountered "horrendous' red tape. People with skills and stable employment offers could become "assets to the country" instead of liabilities if it were easier for them to immigrate, Dunn said. In Charlotte, North Carolina, engineer Rich Somora, 61, said he supports Trump's efforts to deport criminals but he also recognizes that immigrants are increasingly doing key jobs that U.S. citizens don't want to do, such as building construction. "If somebody's contributing, give them a pathway, you know? I got no problem with that,' Somora said.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Is Lauren Sánchez's Ex-Husband? All About Talent Executive Patrick Whitesell
Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell were married for 14 years and welcomed two children together before their 2019 divorce Whitesell is a Hollywood talent agent and executive He married model Pia Whitesell in 2021Lauren Sánchez's wedding to Jeff Bezos is taking place on June 27 — but it's not her first trip down the aisle. The former Good Day L.A. co-host was previously married to Hollywood talent agent Patrick Whitesell. The pair wed in August 2005 and went on to welcome two children, Evan and Ella. Sánchez also has a son named Nikko, whom she welcomed with NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Sánchez and Whitesell eventually filed for divorce in April 2019 — just a few months after PEOPLE confirmed that she and Bezos were dating. Whitesell is now married to model Pia Whitesell. They tied the knot in 2021 and share a blended family, which includes Pia's two sons from previous relationships. So, who is Lauren Sánchez's ex-husband? Here's everything to know about Patrick Whitesell and his relationship with the former TV host. Whitesell was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was raised by his parents, Jack and Patricia, and is the youngest of their six sons, according to The Athletic. His oldest brother, John, is a TV and film director, while his second-oldest brother, Christopher, is a Daytime Emmy-winning TV writer. Tom, the third son, is a Los Angeles banking executive, and Jim, the fourth son, is a college basketball coach. Meanwhile, Sean, the second youngest Whitesell brother, was a TV producer, actor and writer of series like House and Cold Case. He died in 2015 at age 52 after being diagnosed with brain cancer. The youngest Whitesell brother graduated from Luther College in 1987 before starting his career in the InterTalent mailroom, per Bloomberg. He went on to become an agent at United Talent Agency (UTA) and eventually led the talent department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In 2001, he joined talent agency Endeavor, bringing along several celebrity clients including Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston, per The New York Times. Eight years later, he helped orchestrate the company's 2009 merger with William Morris Agency. Whitesell also launched a yet-to-be-named media company in March 2025, per Variety. Whitesell and Sánchez married in 2005. Although they announced their separation in January 2019, they continued living together. 'Over the last two or three years, their marriage felt more like a business relationship,' an insider told PEOPLE at the time. Whitesell and Sánchez officially filed for divorce in April 2019 and reached a settlement that October. During their marriage, Whitesell and Sánchez welcomed two children. Their son, Evan, was born in June 2006, while their daughter, Eleanor "Ella" Patricia, arrived in January 2008. Sánchez is also a mom to son Nikko from her relationship with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Whitesell and Sánchez have largely kept their children off their social media accounts. Occasionally, though, the mom of three will share about her kids online. In November 2021, Sánchez shared a photo with Ella and Evan on a hike and wrote 'Love these precious moments" in the caption. Whitesell married Pia, an Australian actress and model, in 2021. The couple made their first public appearance together at the 2019 Casamigos Halloween party. Pia has two sons, Lennox and Isaiah, from previous relationships, but she also isn't shy about showing her love for Whitesell's children. In May 2025, she and Whitesell attended Evan's high school graduation. "CONGRATULATIONS EVAN!!" she wrote on her Instagram Stories about the event. "We love you so much 🤍 @evan_whitesell ✨." In February 2025, Pia also gave her husband a sweet birthday shout-out on Instagram. "Here's to many more years of laughter, love, and making incredible memories. We love you deeply," she wrote. "You've worked so hard, loved so deeply, and led with such GRACE. I Love you always." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cooper Flagg Sends Strong Message About Caitlin Clark on Friday
Cooper Flagg Sends Strong Message About Caitlin Clark on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Without any doubt, the Dallas Mavericks selected Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in Wednesday's NBA draft—something he now shares with Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, who was taken first overall by the Fever in 2024 after a historic career at Iowa. Advertisement On Friday, during Flagg's introductory press conference with the Mavericks, a reporter asked him to name his Mount Rushmore of NBA and WNBA players. Flagg didn't hesitate when listing his NBA picks: Larry Bird—his all-time favorite player—along with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. As for his WNBA Mount Rushmore, Flagg took a moment to think before selecting Candace Parker, A'ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, and finally, Caitlin Clark. He capped off his list with a strong message about the Fever guard. 'I might put Caitlin Clark on there just because she's changed the game so much and it's heading in the right direction," Flagg said. "I just love what she's been able to do.' Caitlin Clark is only in her second WNBA season, but she's already made a massive impact both on and off the court. While she's a standout player—currently the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game and firmly in the MVP race—her influence goes far beyond the box score. Advertisement Clark has helped reshape the landscape of the league from a fan perspective. WNBA arenas have consistently sold out when she plays, and the attention surrounding the sport has reached unprecedented heights since her arrival. Caitlin ClarkTrevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Cooper Flagg isn't the first NBA player to praise Clark for all she's accomplished, and he certainly won't be the last. Although she's been ruled out for Friday's game, her Fever are set to take on the Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center—the same arena where Flagg will make his home for years to come. Related: Jason Kidd Makes Big Statement on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Summer League Debut vs. Lakers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
County officials address potential consolidation
OTTUMWA — Maybe the first sign was back in the day when judicial districts were established with multiple counties in a particular district. The second sign may have been the disbanding of smaller mental health regions and creating much larger districts, almost reflecting the judicial districts. But could the state really consolidate entire counties in a similar fashion? It's certainly on the table. One of the roles of the Iowa Department of Government Efficiency Task Force, which was created by Gov. Kim Reynolds, is to explore the possibility of winnowing the state's 99 counties, according to a story in the Des Moines Register earlier this month. State Rep. Hans Wilz is an ex-officio member of the task force, and could not be reached for comment. Other members of the task force include county and state officials and business leaders. Wapello County supervisor Darren Batterson was skeptical, even though 68 of 99 counties lost population in the 2020 census, the Register reported. "All of our directors behind you are smiling, because they all know where the state is leaning," Batterson said during the board's meeting June 17. "I don't know if they'll ever get it pulled off, but it's definitely where they're leaning. "I can see some services consolidating. I mean, countywide law enforcement? One sheriff for four counties? He'd never be able to cover all the sections in a day. Or, just imagine. Every county has 700 miles of roads. So if you consolidate counties into districts, like they did with mental health, you're talking thousands of miles of roads to supervise, maintain and equip." Of course, the bar for consolidation of counties is high, but there is a pathway under Iowa Code Section 331.253(1), which states two or more counties can place it on a ballot by "a joint report." According to the Register's report, two consecutive general assemblies at the statehouse would have to vote to amend the state constitution, and then a simple majority of voters would have to approve the measure in the general election. Wapello County already has a 28E agreement with Appanoose County to share engineer Brad Skinner, but many counties have also combined recorder and auditor offices. Proponents of consolidation point to the fact that people can access many county services online, for example, property tax payments and vehicle registrations. "One of the things we're already doing is we're cutting costs internally because of automation. We're already doing that," supervisor Bryan Ziegler said. "I think the future we're going to be sharing more services. But that's up to us. It's going to be local decisions that make those choices." Batterson pointed to voting. By expanding reach and consolidating, "it makes everything harder." "It's hard enough just to do it countywide," he said. The Iowa State Association of Counties believes "home rule," which was created in 1978, gives counties authority over their own affairs. "We support local control," ISAC executive director Amanda Woodard told the Register. "We think it's important and we think that counties are lean and efficient and continue to find efficiencies within and across county lines." What could complicate the process, especially in rural counties, is the differing land values and property tax rates, Batterson said. Still, he agreed with Ziegler that the county is already making it easier for residents in terms of services. "We're already doing a lot, and other counties are too by cutting costs and sharing services with each other where we can. But the bottom two tiers of the state are the poorest, and there are six or eight counties that are mostly urban," he said. "They're trying to pull all the weight because they have all the population, and they don't have to worry about consolidating services to make things work." Other county officials voiced their dissent as well. Recorder Lisa Kent said one of the people on the task force, Dallas County recorder ReNae Arnold, is newly elected. "I sent Hans an email after this came out," Kent said. "In my opinion, she's not qualified to make decisions for our office." County conservation director Rick Tebbs also has seen the state discuss consolidation before. "In 1990, they talked about cutting the counties in half," he said. "They have tried for 15 years to change the state constitution on Lee County, because they have two county seats, but they can't get it done because everybody digs their heels in and doesn't want their county seat to move. "It's not a simple step to change the state constitution." The task force will meet in August, and final recommendations will come in September.
