Iowa’s 6-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled last month that the Republican-backed law could be enforced. Abortions had been legal in the state up until about 22 weeks.
By Mitch Smith
I travel regularly to cover stories across the American Midwest, a vast and fascinating region that spans parts of three time zones. My territory includes some of the country’s largest cities and some of its most remote places, presenting a range of topics. I write often about state-level politics, agriculture, property rights, gun violence, natural disasters and policing.
My reporting is focused on Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, but I have covered stories across the United States.
I have spent my life and career in the region that I cover. I joined the Chicago bureau of The Times in 2014 after working at The Chicago Tribune. I grew up in Kansas and have degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern University.
I am committed to journalism that is fair, complete and factual, and that respects the people and places I write about. Like all Times journalists, I work to uphold the standards outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook.
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The Iowa Supreme Court ruled last month that the Republican-backed law could be enforced. Abortions had been legal in the state up until about 22 weeks.
By Mitch Smith
An assailant ran over the 80-year-old man with an all-terrain vehicle, leaving him badly injured, law enforcement officials said, decrying the act of political violence.
By Mitch Smith
Democratic voters said they were relieved that President Biden was ending his campaign, but many said they remain worried about the political path ahead.
By Patricia Mazzei, Mitch Smith and Heather Knight
Several ardent Democrats said they were grateful to the president for stepping aside and enthusiastic about Kamala Harris as his replacement in the race.
By Mitch Smith, Audra D. S. Burch and Heather Knight
Protests in Milwaukee were far smaller than at many past nominating conventions, reflecting exhaustion and despair among opponents of Donald Trump.
By Julie Bosman, Mitch Smith, Dan Simmons and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs
Many business owners said they were disappointed by a drop in customers during the Republican National Convention. Other places were packed.
By Dan Simmons, Robert Chiarito and Mitch Smith
This was featured in live coverage.
By Mitch Smith and Julie Bosman
The officers were part of a contingent of 4,500 law enforcement officials who came to the Wisconsin city to assist local police with the Republicans’ convention.
By Ernesto Londoño, Julie Bosman and Mitch Smith
The Republican National Convention is heading to Milwaukee, the largest city in the key swing state of Wisconsin. The four-day affair will put the city in an international spotlight just four years after Covid-19 spoiled the Democrats’ plans to hold their own convention in Milwaukee. But how much do you know about the host city? Take our quiz to find out.
By Mitch Smith and Julie Bosman
The demonstration, while spirited, appeared to be far smaller than organizers had expected. Some suggested that the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump may have affected the turnout and mood.
By Mitch Smith, Julie Bosman, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Robert Chiarito and Dan Simmons
As 50,000 people began arriving in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, Secret Service officials and local leaders aimed to reassure the public about safety.
By Julie Bosman, Ernesto Londoño and Dan Simmons
Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois spoke to Democratic gatherings in Indiana and Ohio as party leaders tried to ease panic about President Biden.
By Mitch Smith
Some people voiced indifference or regret that their city was hosting the Republican National Convention. Others welcomed the spotlight.
By Robert Chiarito and Mitch Smith
Mayors described the national discourse as “broken,” “garbage” and “horrible.” But many found reassurance inside their own cities.
By Mitch Smith and Christopher Smith
The rulings were the latest blow for abortion opponents in Kansas, where abortion protections in the State Constitution have vexed Republicans for years.
By Mitch Smith
The decision by the court’s liberal majority, delivered four months before the November election, reverses a ruling by conservative jurists two years ago.
By Mitch Smith
Dozens of voters in four swing states expressed fear, frustration and anger. And they want a new option — whatever (and whoever) that is.
By Jack Healy, Mitch Smith, Eduardo Medina and Robert Chiarito
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California defended President Biden and told party activists in Michigan, a critical swing state, “not to be fatalistic” about the campaign.
By Mitch Smith
Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer and Andy Beshear were among those attending Wednesday’s meeting in person. At least a dozen governors were joining remotely.
By Campbell Robertson
The first lady said President Biden would press ahead despite concerns about his acuity. Some Democrats said they wished he wouldn’t.
By Mitch Smith
The president’s conversations are the first indication that he is seriously considering whether he can recover after a devastating debate performance. The White House said he had not spoken about leaving the race.
By Katie Rogers
The ruling by a federal judge is the latest setback for G.O.P.-controlled states that have passed their own laws on immigration.
By Kate Selig
Republican lawmakers passed the restrictions last year, but a lower court blocked enforcement of the law.
By Mitch Smith
Many American dams are aging and in need of serious repairs. Climate change only makes the problem more urgent.
By Mitch Smith
Officials in Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota reported widespread damage and continuing danger. A bridge collapsed on Sunday and a dam was at risk on Monday.
By Ann Hinga Klein and Mitch Smith
The Justice Department sued the state over the Republican-backed law, which creates state-level criminal penalties for some unauthorized immigrants.
By Mitch Smith
The Grand Rapids area helped deliver Michigan to Donald J. Trump in 2016 and President Biden four years later. Many voters long for new options.
By Mitch Smith
Representative Kelly Armstrong will be a strong favorite to win the general election and succeed Gov. Doug Burgum, who did not seek a third term.
By Mitch Smith
Nine years after selecting Chicago as the home for his presidential center, Barack Obama celebrated the structure reaching its full height.
By Mitch Smith
More than 500 tornadoes were reported, the most of any month in at least five years.
By Mitch Smith and Judson Jones