Capital of Iowa; insurance hub and political player
Bank of America data show US host cities are seeing on-the-ground economic impact from the World Cup, with restaurants and bars leading spending gains and hotel revenues rising in several markets, though results vary by city and broader inflation weighs on sentiment.
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee has moved to overhaul the 2028 primary calendar, with South Carolina and Nevada contending to start the nomination process. The full DNC will review in August; Republicans are expected to keep Iowa and New Hampshire as the opening contests. The decision aims to better reflect the party’s diverse coalition.
Rep. Max Miller has refused to withdraw from Ohio's 7th congressional race after his ex-wife accused him of domestic abuse and the House Ethics Committee opened an inquiry. Party leaders missed the deadline to replace him on the general-election ballot, and Democratic groups have moved to boost challenger Brian Poindexter with millions in ad spending.
The Independent reports that the Trump administration has advanced a plan to privatize airport security, beginning with Charleston, Des Moines, and Tampa. The policy envisions private contractors managing screening and technology under TSA oversight, with broader privatization possible. Union authorities warn the shift threatens security and jobs, while some airports push ahead citing funding pressures and previous shutdowns.
Berkshire Hathaway has increased its Alphabet stake to about 106 million shares—valued near $37.8 billion as of June 30—while expanding in Delta Air Lines and Lennar, and trimming holdings in several financial stocks. The shift comes under CEO Greg Abel, with Warren Buffett remaining involved but not dictating every move. The quarter also shows Berkshire’s cash pile declining as it deploys capital.
A severe derecho has left Gary, Indiana, and parts of northern Indiana without power for days. Officials warn it will take until Aug. 25 to restore full service, as residents rely on generators, community centers, and aid from volunteers amid rising health and safety concerns.
Sen. John Fetterman has recorded a one-minute video praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and saying he will work with President Trump to defend Pennsylvania’s steel industry. The clip has intensified Democratic doubts about Fetterman’s party loyalty, prompted fresh talk of a possible party switch and handed Republicans a high‑profile talking point ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
Victims’ families, lawmakers and the NTSB are pressing for safety reforms after a 2025 crash near Reagan National Airport. While some progress has been made on airspace separation and controller protocols, a formal, comprehensive bill remains stalled ahead of elections as lawmakers debate how to implement ADS-B In technology and other protections.
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by former President Donald Trump over a poll published in Iowa, ruling that political speech is protected by the First Amendment and that the plaintiffs overstretched Iowa law. The decision sides with pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register, and aligns with prior lawsuits in which media coverage is protected under free speech provisions.
The Senate war powers debate has progressed with Republicans leaning toward endorsing a resolution to end the Iran war as fuel prices remain high and voters demand relief. Lawmakers have increasingly tied costs of living to military actions while Democrats press for accountability ahead of the midterms.
The president has been touring red states ahead of the midterms, tying policy wins to the ballot while defending his economic record amid concerns over energy costs and Iran-related tensions.