On December 30, 2025, Democrat Renee Hardman was elected to the Iowa state Senate during a special election held in the holiday week. This election was significant as it denied the Republican Party's attempt to reclaim two-thirds control of the Senate. Hardman won decisively against Republican candidate Lucas Loftin, securing the seat that became vacant following the death of state Senator Claire Celsi, a Democrat, on October 6.

Renee Hardman, who serves as the CEO of nonprofit Lutheran Services of Iowa and is a member of the West Des Moines City Council, made history as the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate. In the district, Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by approximately 3,300, with a distribution of 37% to 30%.

A Republican victory would have restored their supermajority, which had been lost just months prior when a Democrat won a Republican seat in an August special election. Following Celsi's passing, the Democratic representation in the Senate stood at 16 seats compared to 33 for Republicans. The absence of a supermajority means that Senate Republicans will require support from at least one Democrat to confirm appointments made by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to state agencies and commissions.

In a separate development, protests have erupted in Tehran, Iran, as citizens express their discontent over worsening economic conditions, including shortages of water and power, and soaring inflation exacerbated by international sanctions. Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist president of Iran, has acknowledged the protests and urged the government to engage in dialogue with demonstrators to address their legitimate demands.

The protests, which have entered their third day, have been marked by chants of 'this is the final battle' and calls for freedom, reflecting a growing frustration among various social classes, including middle-class citizens and students. The Iranian rial has significantly depreciated, losing approximately 40% of its value since a recent conflict with Israel, which has further strained the economy.

Historically, protests in Iran have often been met with severe state repression. The regime employs advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and suppress dissent, making participation in protests a risky endeavor for citizens. Despite this, the current wave of protests appears to be gaining momentum, with a diverse range of participants voicing their grievances.

Experts suggest that the economic crisis, driven by mismanagement and corruption, is a primary factor fueling the unrest. The protests have also been influenced by recent geopolitical tensions, including military conflicts that have diminished the regime's standing both domestically and internationally.

Pezeshkian's willingness to meet with protest representatives has been interpreted by some as a sign of the regime's vulnerability. However, the Iranian government has a history of effectively suppressing dissent, raising questions about the potential for meaningful change. The ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between economic hardship, social unrest, and state power in Iran.