Even in a peaceful state like Iowa, chilling mysteries and unspeakable crimes have left a dark imprint on its history. While many of us feel safe in our communities, the state has seen its share of haunting cases, some of which remain unsolved to this day. Here are a few of Iowa’s most infamous unsolved crimes that still send shivers down the spine. The Villisca Axe Murders Over a century later, the Villisca Axe Murders remain one of Iowa’s most brutal and puzzling crimes. And yes, you can tour the house where it all happened. According to Iowa Starting Line, the massacre took place on June 9, 1912, inside the home of Josiah and Sarah Moore. In the dead of night, an unknown intruder crept in with an axe and killed the couple, their four children, and two young guests. Thoug...

Constituents of Iowa Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks assembled outside the historic Outing Club in Davenport to voice their growing frustrations over what they describe as her ongoing absence from public town halls and a lack of communication with the people who elected her. The peaceful demonstration drew local activists, concerned citizens, and advocacy groups who say they feel ignored by their representative and are demanding more transparency and accessibility from her office. Protestors expressed disappointment with Miller-Meeks’s limited public engagement, particularly during times of significant political and social debate. Many attendees said they believe their concerns—ranging from healthcare and women’s rights to education and climate action—have not been adequ...

In Newark’s South Ward, Rosa Martinez pushes a rolling cart nearly a mile just to find fresh produce. The closure of the nearest full-service grocery store last year left her neighborhood with only corner shops and convenience stores, most of which don’t carry fruits, vegetables, or fresh meat. “We’re surrounded by food, but none of it helps me cook a healthy meal,” said Martinez. “It’s more expensive, takes more time, and sometimes I still can’t get what I need.” Urban Food Deserts on the Rise According to the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas, large sections of cities like Newark, Paterson, and Trenton are now classified as low-income, low-access areas — also known as food deserts. That means many residents live over a mile from the nearest supermarket and lack reliable transpor...

SNAP is a government program that helps people afford groceries when money is tight. It’s designed to make sure individuals, families, and seniors can still access nutritious food even during financial hardship. You might know it by its older name—food stamps. These days, it’s all digital. People who qualify receive an EBT card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores. But SNAP is more than just a food program—it’s about preserving dignity. It gives people the breathing room to focus on other areas of life without constantly worrying about their next meal. Programs like SNAP can be a lifeline, especially during difficult times. To qualify, your income must fall within specific limits based on household size. For 2025, the income thresholds are: 1-person hous...

Moshe Ehrlich, a 35-year-old father from Lakewood, New Jersey, is facing charges of child endangerment after the heartbreaking death of his 4-month-old son, who was left inside the family minivan for over two hours on March 18. According to a probable cause affidavit, Ehrlich had long feared this very scenario. He told investigators that he had developed several methods to prevent himself from forgetting his baby in the car, including placing his hat on the front passenger seat as a visual reminder. But despite these precautions, a hectic morning caused his routine to unravel. That morning, Ehrlich was preparing his six children for the day while his wife, Faiga Ehrlich, left for work around 9:30 a.m. Due to their 6-year-old missing the school bus, Ehrlich had to take on extr...

The city clerk of Wisconsin’s capital, Madison, has resigned following investigations into her failure to count nearly 200 absentee ballots during the November election. On Monday, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s office announced that City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl had officially stepped down. According to the mayor’s spokesperson, Dylan Brogan, she submitted her resignation last Thursday. However, due to a clause in her contract that gave her several days to reconsider, the announcement was delayed. The Wisconsin Elections Commission began an investigation in early January after discovering that 192 absentee ballots had gone uncounted. Witzel-Behl did not notify the commission until December 18, more than a month after the election and after the canvassing process had concluded...