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Ashley Hinson Criticized for 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' Iran War Stance Amid Surging Iowa Gas Prices

Ashley Hinson Criticized for 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' Iran War Stance Amid Surging Iowa Gas Prices

Representative Ashley Hinson is facing criticism for her recent comments regarding the Iran War, which she described as 'out of sight, out of mind' for many Americans. This statement comes as Iowans are experiencing a significant surge in gas and diesel prices, with a new report indicating that the conflict has cost Iowa families an average of $1,650 in additional expenses. Diesel prices, in particular, have reached a record high of $6 per gallon, impacting Iowa farmers as they prepare for the peak harvest season, potentially paying nearly double what they did last year. According to the Iowa Democratic Party, Hinson has voted six times to continue the war in Iran, which they argue directly contributes to the increased costs at the pump for Iowans. KWWL reported that gas prices across Iowa jumped nearly 20 cents in just 24 hours due to tensions between the U.S. and Iran pushing crude oil prices higher. Politico also noted that the war's cost to the average American household was approximately $1,650 as of ...

U.S. Homeowners Face Rising 'Seriously Underwater' Mortgages, Minnesota Sees Significant Surge

U.S. Homeowners Face Rising 'Seriously Underwater' Mortgages, Minnesota Sees Significant Surge

The share of U.S. homeowners with 'seriously underwater' mortgages has increased to 3.2% in the second quarter, up from 2.7% a year earlier, according to a state-by-state analysis by real estate data firm ATTOM. A mortgage is considered 'seriously underwater' when the combined balance of loans secured against a property is at least 25% greater than its estimated worth. This problem worsened year-over-year in 33 states and Washington, D.C. Minnesota experienced the most dramatic shift, with its rate quadrupling in 12 months to 12.1% of mortgaged homes seriously underwater, making it the state with the highest rate. Louisiana ranked second at 10.3%, though its rate improved from the previous quarter. Iowa, Mississippi, and Arkansas also reported high shares of seriously underwater mortgages. Concurrently, the percentage of 'equity-rich' homes, where the amount owed is no more than half the estimated value, declined for the fourth consecutive quarter to 41.1%, the lowest in nearly five years.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

This is what Tennessee teachers love and hate about their jobs

This is what Tennessee teachers love and hate about their jobs

Nearly 6,000 educators were surveyed by the national K-12 news outlet last fall to understand how teachers are feeling. Here's what they said.

Best sports betting apps in the U.S. for September 2026

Best sports betting apps in the U.S. for September 2026

USA TODAY ranks the best sports betting apps for August 2026 by usability, bonuses, and betting markets, so you can pick the right app for NFL season.

USDA Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Foreign Farmland Ownership Reporting and Penalties

USDA Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Foreign Farmland Ownership Reporting and Penalties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed new administrative rules under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) to significantly broaden the scope of reportable interests and increase penalties for noncompliance. These proposed changes, which are expected to finalize in December 2026, aim to modernize AFIDA, which has seen little amendment since its 1978 enactment. The reforms include restructuring AFIDA's implementing regulations, expanding the definition of 'agricultural land' to include 'under cover' production, agricultural support services, research, conservation land, and even solar and wind power generation. Crucially, the proposed rule would reduce the lease exemption from 10 years to one year and eliminate it entirely for foreign adversaries. The definition of 'foreign person' would also expand, lowering the threshold for 'substantial control' of a domestic entity by foreign interests from 50% to 10% in aggregate, and removing it entirely for foreign adversaries. R...

Heavy rains forecast to disrupt Iowa harvest

Heavy rains forecast to disrupt Iowa harvest

Forecasts predict significant rainfall in parts of the Midwest, including Iowa, the leading corn-producing state and the second-largest soybean producer in the U.S. (source: Marine News Magazine, Reuters). The heavy rains are expected to slow down fieldwork and potentially delay the harvest of key crops such as corn and soybeans. As of September 8, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that harvest progress for corn and soybeans was at 8% and 6%, respectively, which is ahead of the five-year average of 6% and 3%. However, the upcoming weather could hinder further progress. Analysts have also noted that rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are contributing to increased soybean prices, as soyoil is used in biodiesel production.

USDA Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Foreign Farmland Ownership Reporting, Congress Debates Broader Legislation

USDA Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Foreign Farmland Ownership Reporting, Congress Debates Broader Legislation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed significant new administrative rules to overhaul the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA), aiming to broaden reporting obligations and increase penalties for non-compliance. These proposed rules, which closed their public comment period on August 10, are projected for final action in December 2026. Concurrently, both the House and Senate have introduced their own versions of the Farm Bill, each containing distinct provisions to reform AFIDA. The House bill, H.R. 7567, seeks to integrate AFIDA reporting with national security concerns, prohibit foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land, and establish a new compliance office within the USDA. The Senate's version of the Farm Bill focuses on extending reporting duties to long-term leases and land converted from agricultural use, while also increasing civil penalties and mandating audits. These three efforts represent a concerted push to update AFIDA, which has seen minimal cha...

Hyundai Steel Company Breaks Ground on $5.8 Billion Electric Arc Furnace Steel Mill in Louisiana

Hyundai Steel Company Breaks Ground on $5.8 Billion Electric Arc Furnace Steel Mill in Louisiana

Hyundai Steel Company Breaks Ground on $5.8 Billion Electric Arc Furnace Steel Mill in Louisiana

The Latest: House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on

The Latest: House votes for a third time to end the Iran war as conflict drags on

The U.S. House has voted again to end the war in Iran, approving a war powers resolution that would halt President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action without congressional approval

USDA Designates Baker County, Oregon, as Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought

USDA Designates Baker County, Oregon, as Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially designated Baker County, Oregon, as a natural disaster area. This designation is a direct response to severe drought conditions experienced in the region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Baker County, along with contiguous counties such as Grant, Malheur, Union, and Wallowa, suffered from a drought intensity value of D2 (Severe Drought) for eight or more consecutive weeks, or D3 (Extreme Drought) or D4 (Exceptional Drought) during the growing season. This Secretarial natural disaster designation enables the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide emergency credit to agricultural producers in the affected areas. These emergency loans are intended to help farmers and ranchers recover from losses, including the replacement of essential items like equipment or livestock, reorganization of farming operations, or refinancing certain debts. The FSA will evaluate loan applications based on the extent of losses, available security, and repay...

Analysis-US rail fuel surcharges on grain hit record highs, squeezing farmers in harvest season

Analysis-US rail fuel surcharges on grain hit record highs, squeezing farmers in harvest season

By Tim McLaughlin, Lisa Baertlein and Julie Ingwersen Sept 14 (Reuters) - Railroad fuel surcharges on U.S. grain shipments have more than doubled over the past year, rippling through the farm belt and raising transportation costs as many farmers also struggle with higher production costs.

This Day in History: Khrushchev Began His Unusual 1959 U.S. Visit

This Day in History: Khrushchev Began His Unusual 1959 U.S. Visit

In September 1959, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev embarked on a state visit to the United States, an event that marked a significant moment in Col...