Unfortunately, it all hinges on the bishop. Where more progressive bishops reign, 'novelties' are commonplace. First and foremost, know your rights! The regulations that govern the elements of the Mass are contained in the GIRM (General Instructions of the Roman Missal). The best summation of these, however, was compiled by Bruce Sabalaskey, web master of Our Ladys Warriors site. The site is still up but he can no longer devote the time he once did. Though some of the links are broken, begin by reading his excellent article ......
Is Your Mass Valid? - Liturgical Abuse.
Let this serve as a guideline for the Masses you attend. If needs be, switch parishes and look for the smaller ones where the more orthodox priests are often sent by the progressive bishops.
Unfortunately, there are no Eastern Catholic Churches in Iowa or I would suggest you attend one of those liturgies. After battling liturgical abuse in my diocese, I began attending the Maronite Catholic Church two years ago, which has been like an oasis in the desert. A truly holy priest, solid catholic catechesis in his homilies and utter reverence for our Lord present in the Eucharist and His Blessed Mother. Best of all, the liturgy is fixed; there are no novelties, no dancers, no communion in the hand, and no EMHCs.
There is a Byzantine Catholic church in Davenport, and I told my wife that she might like it there. When my in laws come to town, I might be able to convince them to go to that.
I live in Houston, not Iowa. What is "EMHC"