As Iowans gear up for the 2026 election, legislators debate the governor’s authority and introduce measures addressing cancer. On Iowa Politics examines how these topics could shape the state’s upcoming political landscape.

Zimbabwe has abruptly imposed a ban on raw lithium exports—originally slated for 2027 but unexpectedly enacted on February 25—to bolster domestic processing and refining. This move has already sent shockwaves through global battery supply chains, highlighting the growing importance of local value addition in resource-rich nations.

When Martin General Hospital closed in Williamston in 2023, it left health centers in Martin and nearby counties scrambling to accommodate soaring patient loads. RCCHC’s Interim CEO offers a glimpse into the challenges and priorities reshaping local care.

In Las Vegas, multiple judges have recently ordered the release of defendants under a police-run electronic monitoring program. However, the Metropolitan Police Department has reportedly refused to follow those orders, raising concerns about law enforcement’s compliance with judicial rulings.

Criticism of President Donald Trump’s bombing campaign continues to build, with both Democrats and some Republicans voicing discomfort about escalating tensions. This opinion piece raises a crucial question: what if future Iranian bombs were armed with nuclear warheads, and how might younger generations view such conflict?

Galveston voters will have multiple chances in early April to hear directly from both mayoral and city council candidates. The Galveston Chamber is set to host a mayoral debate, creating a vital forum where aspiring leaders will share their visions for the city.

The White House has taken tighter control of RFK’s Department of Health and Human Services, aiming to streamline messaging about vaccines before the midterm elections. Aides fear that perceived disorganization and the singular focus on vaccines could hurt the president’s party at the polls.

In a concise letter to the editor, Mary Harris thanks all who wrote letters and attended meetings in support of banning fur hunting. She calls this practice “senseless,” highlighting the importance of collective advocacy in influencing public policy.

West Virginia lawmakers are pressing forward with a 5% tax cut for residents, rejecting most proposed amendments in a nearly two-hour debate. Meanwhile, the Senate has approved a standalone pay raise bill, setting the stage for a flurry of final votes before the legislative session ends at midnight Saturday.

After more than a day of debate in Olympia, Washington lawmakers passed the so-called “millionaire’s tax” in the state House of Representatives. Although GOP legislators tried to stall the vote, the measure ultimately cleared around 6 p.m. Tuesday. Lawmakers, staff, and security stayed onsite throughout the marathon session.

Hawai‘i’s House of Representatives recently adopted a slate of “good government” bills, focusing on campaign finance, ethics oversight, and corruption controls. Advanced by the House Committee on Judiciary, these measures have now moved to the Senate for further review.

A coalition of states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, is suing the Trump administration over newly introduced federal requirements. The mandate compels colleges to report detailed data linking race to admissions, financial aid, and student outcomes.

Los Angeles officials plan to examine how concentrated ownership of housing stock might be affecting prospective homeowners. The move signals growing concern about affordability and competition in one of the nation’s most challenging real estate markets.

The United States is sending 2,500 Marines and at least one more ship to the Middle East, marking a significant troop buildup. This deployment comes nearly two weeks into a conflict that has yet to see any sign of resolution.

A large explosion disrupted a mass rally in central Tehran on Friday, where thousands had gathered to show solidarity with Palestinians. The detonation followed Israel’s earlier warning that it would target the very site of the demonstration.

A Fairbanks resident recently urged the city’s leaders to consider a sales tax to boost revenue for municipal services. Though the Fairbanks City Council’s discussion on the matter was brief, it opened a conversation about local funding solutions.

A far-reaching survey from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) reveals that countless patients still face late diagnoses and limited support despite medical advancements. More than 1,100 respondents from nearly every state report gaps not only in financial protection but also in mental health services.

A recent letter highlights the reported fears of women in Maine’s prisons following the 2021 policy allowing housing by gender identity. The author urges that no one behind bars should endure harassment or threats, and calls for an immediate review of conditions to ensure safety for all inmates.

States with predominantly Democratic leadership that impose higher taxes on top earners might be putting themselves at risk, both economically and politically. According to an opinion piece, this “tax-the-rich mania” could cause long-term consequences for these states.

A self-proclaimed seer from China has taken the internet by storm thanks to three bold predictions he made in 2024. While two of them have already played out with surprising precision, it is his final warning about a conflict with Iran that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

A recent opinion letter expresses growing concern about the Eastport Police Department’s accountability and financial structure. It highlights the unsettling idea that this law enforcement body may not answer to the city council, even though it receives a substantial slice of taxpayers’ money.