Latest news with #Iowan
USA Today
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Caitlin Clark weighs in on U.S. Open in funny social media post: 'Is Oakmont even fun?'
Caitlin Clark weighs in on U.S. Open in funny social media post: 'Is Oakmont even fun?' Oakmont Country Club is hard, everyone knows that. Well, maybe some are just beginning to realize it as they tune into Sunday's final-round action of the 2025 U.S. Open. Caitlin Clark is among those viewers. In a social media post to X, the WNBA star made a hilarious remark as the world watches the best golfers on the planet stumble at Oakmont. "Is Oakmont even fun to play," she pondered. Most of us feel that way, Caitlin. Clark is enjoying the U.S. Open just a day removed from recording one of the best single-game performances of the season in the WNBA. She had 32 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, including seven three-pointers. Clark is a big-time golfer. At last year's RSM Classic, she participated in the pro-am, where she was paired with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and 2023 Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, a fellow Iowan. "It is incredible. It was awesome to watch," Monahan said. "What really struck me was her love of the game. Clearly, her competitive spirit and fire come through."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa House Republicans, candidates describe Gov. Reynolds pipeline veto as 'betrayal'
DES MOINES, Iowa — It's been just over 24 hours since Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced she was vetoing a bill that would add restrictions around building pipelines in the state; but the gloves are already off for some elected lawmakers in the party. 'It's a betrayal of the Republican party platform, it's a betrayal of those landowners who fought for four years and she didn't even speak with them until recently,' said State Representative Steve Holt (R) District 12 from Denison, when discussing if Reynolds had talked with his constituents. 'So it was very, very unfortunate. Puts us in a very bad position and it, I think, it will forever tarnish her legacy.' House Republicans won't mince words with how they feel with the news about the veto. Rep. Holt said that he talked with Governor Reynolds after the session ended, urging her to sign the legislation, promising a bill to tighten language she thought was a concern. CIWW enacts ban on lawn watering as nitrate levels climb The author of the bill shared his colleague's concerns about the reason why the governor did not sign the legislation. 'To let Iowans down the way she has, it just, it kind of breaks your heart to see that,' said State Representative Charley Thomson (R) District 58 from Charles City when responding to Reynolds' concerns about insurance and voluntary easements. 'It's not credible for her to say that. And we all kind of get it, wink, wink, nod, nod, it's not about insurance, it's about sum.' Thomson outlined to WHO 13 News why he believes there needs to be insurance liabilities on a pipeline company, and protections for landowners. He compared it to an Iowan not being able to drive legally on the road without auto insurance. The pair do not have high hopes for a special session to be called, but they won't completely rule it out. Two gubernatorial candidates both say that this decision from Governor Reynolds was something they were disappointed in, but not surprised. 'I was not surprised by this. I had predicted that this would happen. And quite honestly, I'm deeply disappointed. I think this is a, it's a slap in the face at our property owners, who their only gripe, if you will, is that they just don't want to sell their property to someone for that other person's financial gain,' said State Representative Eddie Andrews, (R) District 43, candidate for governor. 'I was not surprised. Um, the timing is always a little bit of a surprise because you never know when it's going to happen. But I had a conversation with Governor Reynolds back in the early part of '23 when I first got to the statehouse. And, you know, some of the language in her statement was pretty similar to what, what her response was back then,' said Brad Sherman, a former state representative and candidate for governor. Both Sherman and Andrews told WHO 13 News that if they are elected they will sign a bill that bans the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines outright. Iowa News: Iowa House Republicans, candidates describe Gov. Reynolds pipeline veto as 'betrayal' WHO 13 Farm Report: Thursday, June 12th Deal's Orchard is a favorite Jefferson destination Des Moines man identified as body found in Newton home during search warrant execution Art scene thriving in Jefferson with more murals planned for downtown Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Reynolds makes ‘difficult decision' to sign bill on pharmacy benefit managers
Pharmacists who advocated for legislation setting regulations on pharmacy benefit managers celebrated from the Iowa House gallery as the chamber sent the bill to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk May 12, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Calling it a 'difficult decision,' Gov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation Wednesday that's intended to help keep rural pharmacies in business but could also lead to higher drug costs for Iowans. At the urging of the state's pharmacists, the Iowa Legislature approved the measure earlier this year. Senate File 383 imposes restrictions and regulations on pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, that negotiate prescription drug prices between manufacturers, health insurance companies and pharmacies. The law limits PBMs' use of strategies that favor a specific pharmacy to fill a prescription — such as cost-sharing rates, fees, and other financial penalties or incentives. The legislation would also require pharmacies to be reimbursed at the average state or national price for a drug. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Supporters have claimed the law is needed to combat 'anti-competitive' practices by PBMs that they say give an advantage to mail-order prescription refills and larger pharmacy chains that have greater purchasing power. In signing the bill, Reynolds said that while PBMs have helped negotiate drug prices and access for millions of Americans, consolidation has led to only three major PBMs controlling 80% of the market, giving them 'outsized power' in determining what patients pay for their medications. 'But this bill does not signify an end,' she said. 'The complexity and lack of verifiable data made signing this bill a difficult decision and my administration will closely monitor implementation to mitigate and ensure that any unintended consequences for private employers are addressed.' Reynolds vetoes $1.5 million for UNI tuition program A Legislative Services Agency analysis found the bill could result in higher costs and co-pays for the state's health insurance program. The Iowa Association of Business and Industry warned it could result in an additional $340 million in costs for private-sector health insurance plans and add $169 annually to the average insured Iowan's pharmaceutical expenses. Earlier this year, Rep. Jeff Cooling, D-Cedar Rapids, warned that while the bill may initially increase revenue for smaller pharmacies, the added cost for consumers and their employers will give Iowans even more incentive to fill their prescriptions at a lower cost through larger pharmacies. More bill actions See a full list of the bills signed or vetoed Wednesday by Gov. Kim Reynolds here. The Iowa Pharmacy Association said the new law 'marks a major victory for Iowa patients, independent and community pharmacies, and healthcare providers across the state' by ensuring greater oversight of PBMs. 'For too long, PBMs have put profits over patients, contributing to the closure of more than 200 pharmacies in Iowa since 2014,' said Kate Gainer, CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. 'This law gives us the tools to level the playing field and protect access to care, especially in rural areas.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa Senator Zach Wahls running for Joni Ernst's U.S. Senate seat
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Democratic field for a challenger to incumbent Senator Joni Ernst (R) is growing. Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls announced his run for the seat on Wednesday morning. Wahls, from Coralville, has been serving District 43 since 2019. He tells WHO 13 News why he is now deciding to hop into the race. 'I'm running because Iowans are working hard but aren't getting ahead. And I want to do something to help solve the problems that hardworking Iowans are facing. I've got a track record of standing up to leaders of both parties when they are not delivering for us. And that's exactly what I'll do in Washington. My wife and I started talking about it seriously this spring when we were watching everything that was happening in D.C.,' said Senator Wahls, (D) District 43 from Coralville. 'ICE Out' protest brings in hundreds in Des Moines Democrat Nathan Sage from Knoxville announced his bid for the office earlier in the year. Along with State Representative J.D. Scholten, from Sioux City. Wahls tells WHO 13 News that he isn't focusing on his Democratic opponents in this primary race, instead focusing on the incumbent. 'The fact that Senator Ernst didn't have the courage of her convictions to stand against the nomination of Pete Hegseth when she clearly had concerns that were valid, as we all found out when the Signal-gate story broke. And I think that unfortunately, Sen. Ernst has lost her way,' said Wahls. 'We deserve a senator who isn't going to glibly joke that we are all going to die, I mean we all know we are going to die, that's a part of life. It's not supposed to be our senators who are the ones killing us. We need someone who's going to fight back for these benefits that so many Iowans count on.' Wahls told WHO 13 News that he is eager to get out and campaign in all 99 Iowa counties and meet voters. Wahls is a 6th-generation Iowan who is eager to run on lowering costs, protecting health care and abortion rights, and providing affordable child care to Iowa's families. Iowa Senator Zach Wahls running for Joni Ernst's U.S. Senate seat Hot, muggy Wednesday and storm chances Iowa HHS reports second case of measles in state this year Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads Dozens of dogs rescued from 'neglectful conditions' at eastern Iowa breeder nearly 2 years after first rescue Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat Zach Wahls announces bid for U.S. Senate
Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, announced plans to run for the U.S. Senator seat in the 2026 election. Pictured here is Wahls, left, and several other Democrats at the Anamosa State Penitentiary on April 23, 2021. (Screenshot of event livestream) State Sen. Zach Wahls, a Coralville Democrat, announced Wednesday his campaign in the 2026 election for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Wahls said he is running to support 'hardworking' families and to fix the problems he and other Iowans are facing, like the high cost of groceries, child care and medications. 'Government isn't listening to Iowans,' Wahls said in an interview. 'It's not working for us. Iowans who are working hard are just falling further and further behind.' Wahls is a sixth-generation Iowan who was elected in 2019 as senator for District 43. Prior to that, he was known for his LGBTQ+ activism. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Wahls joins Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, and Democrat Nathan Sage of Indianola, who have announced candidacy runs against Ernst, following comments she made during a recent town hall event. Ernst, while talking at a town hall meeting about federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, said 'we all are going to die' in response to an attendee who yelled that the cuts would cause people to die. Following the town hall, Ernst posted a sarcastic apology video and said, during an appearance on WHO Radio, she does not regret how she spoke. Ernst has not officially launched a campaign for reelection, but has hired a campaign manager. Her comments have drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle and led several to announce their plans to run for the seat. Wahls said he and his wife were already considering how they could 'fight for (their) fellow Iowans' in the upcoming election cycle, but Ernst's comments 'show how she has lost touch with Iowans.' 'Her tone deaf, double down the next day was bizarre, and I think underscored for me how important it is that a new generation of leaders step up and try to actually get things done in Washington,' Wahls said. Across the aisle, former state legislator Jim Carlin from Sioux City also launched a run for the seat following Ernst's comments. Wahls was the Senate Democratic leader in 2021, but was removed from the role in 2023 following a disagreement over the termination of two staff members. Wahls said the history shows he is willing to stand 'up to the establishment.' 'I've never been afraid of a tough fight, and I think that's going to serve me well,' Wahls said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
