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The Iowa Department of Transportation issued an important clarification for drivers confused by deer crossing signs: "Deer can't read signs." The department said in a Facebook post that officials field an unusual question "on a pretty regular basis" from drivers who apparently seem to believe deer crossing signs are placed to tell the animals where they should cross. "Q. Why don't you put these signs where it is safer for the deer to cross? A. Deer can't read signs. Drivers can. This sign isn't intended to tell deer where to cross, it's for drivers to be alert that deer have...

During the January 1, 2012 NBC Nightly News, Andrea Mitchell may have given away the media's presidential election coverage playbook for this fall: racism may cost Barack Obama as white, religious, non-urban voters may be leaning towards the Republican.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On Capitol Hill, a $1.7 million earmark for pig odor research in Iowa has become a big, fat joke among Republicans, a Grade A example of pork. But the people who live cheek by jowl with hog farms in the No. 1 pig-producing state aren't laughing. They're gagging. "You hold your breath and when it's really bad you get the taste in your mouth," said Carroll Harless, a 70-year-old retired corn-and-soybean farmer from Iowa Falls. In Iowa, where the 20 million hogs easily outnumber the 3 million people, the rotten-egg-and-ammonia smell of hog waste often wafts...

On the Internet as of sometime this afternoon, Fred Thompson’s closing argument to the people of Iowa. Whereas Romney is saturating the airwaves with attack ads, Thompson pays the voters the courtesy of speaking calmly, and in detail—the video runs to just over 15 minutes. Why should the good Republicans of Iowa support Thompson? Because, the candidate argues, he can win. I believe I am the only candidate in this race who can bring our party to victory in the fall. First, because of the firmness of my principles and the trust that that engenders. Secondly, because of the detailed...

Study Shows More Iowans Go Hungry A new study shows more Iowans are going hungry. The study by Drake University found that more than one of every ten households are reporting limited or recurrent lack of access to nutritional and safe food. It also connects a lack of healthy food options to obesity in low-income households. The 2007 Hunger in Iowa Report indicates that more Iowans are skipping meals or eating cheaper and less healthy food because of their inability to get nutritional food in a social acceptable way. Other reports were released in 2001 and 2003. The reports are...

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, courting Iowa conservatives, found himself answering questions Saturday about the role his Mormon faith would play should he win the race. Romney told one questioner "we have exactly the same values" and said there is no religious litmus test for candidates. The former Massachusetts governor dismissed suggestions of a conflict between his religion and his ability to govern. He also hastened to offer assurances of his faith. "The Bible for me is the word of God," Romney said. "I also believe that Jesus Christ is my savior." The questions arose as Romney prepared to join...

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug. 15, 2005 — On first blush, Daniel D. Pierson may appear to be the quintessential, stern, grizzled, desert camouflage uniformed U.S. Army first sergeant. “Yep, I'm a snake-eater,” he jokes, alluding to his special forces training and assignments. “But I only eat bad snakes.” In turn, Melissa Head, an attractive, easy smiling young lady, would seem to be the very antithesis of the senior military professional with the burr haircut. Both, however, have several things in common. First, they both come from the Missouri River border town of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Additionally, each is presently a member...