Iowa researchers have implemented an innovative method to help conserve a species that once thrived on the state's prairies — the ornate box turtle.

A special election for state Senate in Iowa is drawing the attention of a number of presidential candidates, all eager to meet voters in the influential early-voting state.

The body of Mollie Tibbetts, an Iowa college student who went missing on July 18, was found earlier this week. Police have charged Cristhian Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, with first degree murder in this case.

Cristhian Bahena Rivera has been charged with first-degree murder. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the remains.