Climate

NPR - The water quality in Iowa has become so concerning that it could affect the November midterm election for governor. Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the U.S., according to the latest report from the Iowa Cancer Registry — and rates continue to rise. Discussions about how the state's water quality may be contributing to cancer rates have become a political talking point. Both gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn, say more needs to be done to improve the state’s water. They have largely focused on voluntary and incentivized measures to improve water quality, but some farmers say these approaches are insufficient. While farmers are not endorsing either candidate in the race, they have agreed to meet with both Sand and Lahn to discuss the problem.