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Iowa's newly released Child Care Connect website displays child care providers with vacancies by geography or along a designated driving route. With the tool, people can identify child care providers close by between their home and office. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa releases real time online child care finder

Iowa has released an interactive website to help parents find real-time child care options for their kids. Iowa Child Care Connect, which the state …

The Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers programs to help families better understand what to expect, including changes in communication and behaviors, discussing dementia as a family and planning ahead for future financial and legal considerations. (Adobe Stock)

Alzheimer's Association warns of 'wandering' adults during holidays

The Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is raising awareness of adults who get lost during the holidays. The group holds educational …

Receiving an early diagnosis may help lessen anxieties about why you are experiencing symptoms, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Clinicians Herald New Alzheimer's Treatments

As part of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, mental-health advocates in Iowa are sharing information about Alzheimer's and say two new drugs …

Adoption has been officially legal in the United states since the 1850s. (Adobe Stock)

Adoption Day: New "Forever" Homes for More Iowa Kids

It's National Adoption Month, a chance to raise awareness about the need for permanent homes and families for kids in foster care in Iowa. In Polk …

A body of research has found frequent family visits and family phone calls to someone who's incarcerated not only reduces recidivism, but also strengthens family relationships. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: Family Contact Vital for People in Jail or Prison

As holiday celebrations continue, groups that study issues in prisons say families with a loved one who's incarcerated should make attempts to …

Human service providers say even after a foster contract has been fulfilled, maintaining connections with kids who have aged out of the system can provide much-needed stability as they move into adulthood. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday Season Tough on Foster Kids Transitioning to Adulthood

DES MOINES, Iowa - With the holidays near, foster families in Iowa are encouraged to maintain close connections with older teens no longer receiving …

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Iowa Refuerza Herramienta Financiera para Personas con Discapacidades

MASON CITY, Iowa - Iowa actualizó una ley cuyos partidarios dicen que da más flexibilidad financiera a la gente que vive con discapacidaes…

According to a new national report, one-third of Americans face the likelihood of having to leave their current home as a result of economic fallout from the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Confirms IA Families Hurting During Crisis

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The crushing weight of the pandemic and economic crisis is showing its effect on Iowa families, according to a new national …

Toasting to productive conversations? More than half of Americans say talking politics with people they disagree with can be stressful and frustrating, according to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey. (Rice University)

Turkey Day Talking Points to Tackle Tough Environmental Topics

DES MOINES, Iowa – It's that time of year when the abundance of news stories can either prompt or discourage difficult discussions over the …

Research shows that children who have health insurance coverage see long-term benefits, including being more likely to complete high school and graduate from college. (palichka/Pixabay)

Rate of Iowa Kids Lacking Health Insurance Inches Up

DES MOINES, Iowa – The number of Iowa children without health care insurance is slowing inching up – a red flag, according to children's …

There are always more children in need of foster homes in Iowa than there are homes available, but the state is making progress in getting kids placed with families and out of institutions. (lsiowa.org)

Making Family a Priority for Iowa's Foster Kids

DES MOINES, Iowa – On any given day in Iowa, about 6,000 children are in foster care, but the number placed with families instead of in group …

A majority of Iowa's 317,000 unpaid family caregivers are at least 50 years old and maintain regular working hours while also providing unpaid care to a family member or other patient. (AARP)

Fifth Time the Charm? Iowa CARE Act Advances at State Capitol

DES MOINES, Iowa — Advocates for the Iowa CARE Act want lawmakers to codify what many say are common-sense procedures that would provide unpaid …

In Iowa, more than 360,000 people struggle with hunger, according to the group Feeding America. (fairfoodnetwork.org)

Farm Bill Rescues SNAP, But Hunger Remains

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Farm Bill passed by Congress last week did not include major cuts to SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. But hunger-…

Foster homes provide temporary care for children who are unable to remain in their own homes. (chw.org)

Report: Easing Obstacles for Iowa Foster Youth Would Aid Adult Success

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa's foster children who lose their support systems at age 18 often struggle with long-term success as adults, according …

Only 17 percent of Iowans who become young parents have completed an associate's degree or higher, making it difficult to find family-sustaining jobs. (flocrito.org)

Report: Diapers Keep Diplomas at Bay for Iowa’s Young Parents

DES MOINES, Iowa – Young adult or teenage parents face all the challenges as other young adults moving toward self-sufficiency but also have …

More than 4,000 Iowa chidlren entered foster care during 2016. (uh4c.org)

Foster Care Needs Rising Due to Opioid Addiction

DES MOINES, Iowa – As the opioid crisis has grown in recent years, so has the number of children no longer able to safely live with their …

An estimated 81 percent of Iowa families would face economic hardship if they needed to take time off work to care for a newborn, themselves or another family member. (ca.gov)

On FMLA 25th Anniversary, Many Iowans Still Not Eligible for Family Leave

DES MOINES, Iowa — On the 25th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act, advocates for a mandatory, national family-leave policy say …

The holiday blues are common, and often go away once the season ends. Until then, there are ways to cope. (Pixabay)

Feeling Less than Merry? You're Not Alone

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The shopping, decorations, baking and parties during the holiday season can leave some folks feeling more misery than merriment…

Cancer was the most common diagnosis of hospice patients, accounting for approximately 28 percent of the hospice population. (Pixabay/maxlkt)

Report: Hospice Underutilized, Patient Stays Too Short

DES MOINES, Iowa – Hospice is ideally suited to supporting caregivers and patients throughout the last months of life, not just the last days…

Bike to School Day events are being held at nearly a dozen Iowa schools. (Pixabay)

Cruising to School on Two Wheels? Remember Your Helmet

DES MOINES, Iowa - Kids from nearly a dozen Iowa schools will be cruising to school on two wheels today for National Bike to School Day. But before …

The Center for Judicial Excellence reports dozens of children in the United States were killed by their custodial parent, after a court ignored abuse claims by a protective parent. Source: Center for Judicial Excellence (Pixabay)

Abuse Ignored? Report Examines Custody Court Claims

DES MOINES, Iowa – Over the past eight years, custodial parents killed 58 American children after a court ignored abuse claims by a protective …

Just over 3,000 homeless people were counted during the 2016 Point-in-Time Count in Iowa. (Pixabay)

Iowa Homeless Count Gets Underway Tonight

DES MOINES, Iowa – Volunteers in communities across Iowa will undertake the daunting task Wednesday of counting the number of people they can …

A new study finds that 230,000 Iowans could lose health insurance under a partial repeal of the Affordable Care Act. (Eric Lewis/Flickr)<br /><br />

Report: Quashing ACA Undermines Progress in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – Congress is considering repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act, and a new report suggests that would double the number …

Iowa retailers are selling clothing tax-free today and Saturday to help reduce back-to-school shopping costs. (Dodgerton Skillhause/Morguefile)

Smarter Back-to-School Spending Tips for Tax-Free Weekend

DES MOINES, Iowa - To help with back-to-school shopping, stores in Iowa aren't charging sales tax today or tomorrow on select clothing items and …

Even though school is out, budgeting and planning for programs making walking to school safer are now in the works. (HealthierIowa.com)

More Funding Needed to Make Iowa Communities Walkable

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Transportation Improvement Program's five-year plan recently released by the Iowa Department of Transportation includes nearly …

In order to keep traffic fatalities down, additional Iowa State Police officers will be on the roads in this weekend leading up to Monday's July 4th celebrations. (dps.state.ia.us)

Iowa State Police Urge Drivers to Stay Safe Over Holiday

DES MOINES, Iowa – The latest numbers show 174 people have died in traffic accidents so far during 2016 in Iowa. Trooper Vince Kurtz, a public …

The multi-religious group Iowa Interfaith Power and Light is bringing together farmers, religious leaders and climate change experts to work on finding solutions (IowaIPL.org)

Using Faith to Guide Climate Change Solutions for Farmers

DYERSVILLE, Iowa -- Climate change and the conversation about solutions to it are being taken up by people of faith in Iowa, especially farmers…

Talented young writers from across the globe converge this weekend for the Iowa Young Writers' Workshop. (IowaYoungWritersStudio.org)

Diverse Young Writers Converge in Iowa for Famous Summer Workshops

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Writers from all over the U.S. and the world converge at the University of Iowa this weekend for the annual Iowa Young Writers' …

Starting this week, many vendors at Iowa farmers markets will accept vouchers from seniors and low-income families. (IAFarmersMarkets.org)

Farmers Markets Increase Food Options for Low-Income Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa farmers markets are in full swing starting this week at almost 200 locations across the state. Beginning tomorrow, vouchers …

The economic value of family caregivers in Iowa approaches $4 billion. The CARE Act would provide education and support for caregivers when a family member is hospitalized. (AARP.org)

Greater Care, Support Sought for Family Caregivers

DES MOINES, Iowa - About 317,000 Iowans are family caregivers looking after loved ones at home who can't care for themselves. According to AARP…

Summer programs are helping Iowa middle schoolers become interested in STEM to close the state's skills gap. (DMACC)

"Kids College" Aims to Close the Skills Gap in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Economic change has meant more jobs requiring higher levels of skill and education and according to the Iowa Department of …

About 40 miles of streams have been formally adopted in Iowa, leaving hundreds of miles more in need of volunteers to help clean them up. (GoAdoptaStream.com)

"Adoption" Helps Iowa Water Quality, One Stream at a Time

DES MOINES, Iowa - With the Iowa Legislature unable to pass a clean water funding plan, everyday Iowans are still taking steps to improve the water …

Cyclists celebrate Bike Month to promote fitness, safety and environmentally-friendly transportation. (DSMBikeCollective.org)

Bike Month Celebrated by Riders of All Ages across Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Bicycles are a way to get around virtually pollution-free, to stay fit and simply have fun and meet new people. Carl Voss…

The Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work program is meant to show kids the value of an education and a balanced work and family life. (daughtersandsonstowork.org)

Helping Iowa Kids Shape their Futures by Taking Them to Work

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Girls and boys of all races and economic circumstances in Iowa get a first look at options they might not otherwise consider for …

Almost two-thirds of families with a parent in prison, such as the Anamosa State Penitentiary, can't pay for necessities for their kids. (Klepper66/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Kids Need Support when Parents are Behind Bars

DES MOINES, Iowa - Eight percent of kids in Iowa, that's 58,000, have a parent behind bars, a number that has risen significantly in the last few …

A computer lab at ICIW's Mitchellville facility is named after DMACC Emeritus Admininstrator Mary Chapman (left). (DMACC)

Education Gives Second Chances at Iowa Women's Prison

DES MOINES, Iowa - The women incarcerated at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women have a new resource to help better themselves once they're …

A blogging mom says Iowans can find designer clothes at deep discounts at secondhand shops. (Pixabay)<br /><br />

Blogger on a Budget: Plan, Save Money, and Still Enjoy Life

DES MOINES, Iowa - Social media and the Internet make a person's image seem important, but with money tight, some Iowans can't live the lifestyles …

Some Iowa farmers are sharing their financial data so peers can assess potential profits. (Pixabay)<br /><br />

Iowa Growers Spark Profit Conversations by Opening Their Books

DES MOINES, Iowa - A new project is helping some beginning Iowa farmers enter the business with their eyes and accounting books open. As part of …

Some activists say media sources often promote stereotypes between extremism and Islam. (Pixabay)

The "Elite Eight" of Extremism in the News

DES MOINES, Iowa - While some Iowans focus on March Madness with the Cyclones playing tonight, a social justice group is drawing attention to an …

A new poll shows a majority of Iowans favor issuing driver's licenses to individuals, regardless of their immigration status. (Iowa Department of Transportation)

Poll: Iowans Favor Immigrant Driver's Licenses

DES MOINES, Iowa - A number of groups, and some Iowa law enforcement officials back legislation authorizing the Iowa Department of Transportation to …

Farmers will gather in six meetings around the state this month to help share solutions to common problems and develop long-term policy. (Center for Rural Affairs)

Roundtable Discussions to Help Farmers Shape Policy

DES MOINES, Iowa - In order to build strong rural communities and farm families, Iowa farmers need to work together to solve common issues of …

The Iowa Legislature again is discussing banning use of indoor tanning beds by minors. (jdurham/morguefile)

Legislature Revisits Tanning Bed Ban for Minors

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Iowa Senate passed legislation last year that would ban anyone 18 years of age and younger from going to a tanning salon and …

LifeServe Blood Center is requiring donors to defer blood donation for 28 days after returning from countries that have experienced cases of Zika virus. (facebook.com/pages/LifeServe-Blood-Center)

Iowa Blood Supply Affected by Zika Virus

DES MOINES, Iowa - A woman who traveled to Central America is Iowa's first confirmed victim of Zika virus, one of 82 reported nationwide. The …

The failure of the Iowa legislature to couple state tax law with federal law could mean Iowans will pay more when they file their returns. (cohdra/morguefile)

Taxpayers May Lose Deductions Due to Legislative Inaction

DES MOINES, Iowa – In order to make filing taxes simpler, the State of Iowa has traditionally mirrored federal tax law, with federal deductions …

While many Iowans support expanding sale and use of fireworks in the state, one veterans group opposes the move. (morguefile.com/duboix)

Veterans Group Opposes Fireworks Expansion in Iowa

FAIRFIELD, Iowa - Senate File 508 would allow Iowa residents to possess and use fireworks, such as firecrackers and Roman candles. Currently…

Iowa's first-in-the-nation presidential precinct caucuses have led to an increase in voter registration in the state. (Iowa Secretary of State)

Voter Registration Ticks Up Ahead of Caucuses

DES MOINES, Iowa - In order to participate in Iowa's first-in-the-nation presidential precinct caucuses tonight, you not only have to be registered …

The high cost of child care is hampering working families, and a new survey says Iowa caucus-goers want the next president to address the issue. (maunere/morguefile)

Iowans Demand Candidates Fix Child Care Costs

DES MOINES, Iowa – On average, an Iowa family with an infant and a toddler pays nearly $18,000 a year for child care. That's roughly 30 …

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland will close its Dubuque location and move staff to Cedar Rapids in order to better address patient needs. (Planned Parenthood)

Planned Parenthood Shifts Resources to Meet Client Needs

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Planned Parenthood is closing its location in Dubuque not because of a lack of demand there, but because there's more demand in Cedar …

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