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Pork chop on a stick, bacon-wrapped 'Twinkie' and other odd foods dominate iconic state fair

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Pork chop on a stick, bacon-wrapped 'Twinkie' and other odd foods dominate iconic state fair

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Over a million Americans are expected to attend the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines this summer, a beloved tradition that draws food enthusiasts from all over the country.

The Iowa State Fair hit an all-time record of 1,182,682 attendants in 2024, its highest guest count since 1.17 million fairgoers attended in 2019. 

The event attracts not only everyday enthusiasts but also politicians seeking to appeal to heartland Americans.

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President Donald Trump is scheduled to join thousands of visitors attending the Iowa America 250 event on Thursday. He’s slated to deliver remarks at 7:30 p.m. local time.

This summer, the state fair promises a variety of food offerings that range from classic favorites to the downright unusual. Here’s a look at some fair favorites.

1. Pork Chop on a Stick

Perhaps the most symbolic dish at the Iowa State Fair is the famed Pork Chop on a Stick.

Countless politicians have been observed eating the entrée, including Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah.

The Pork Chop on a Stick has been served at the Iowa State Fair for over two decades. Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen eating one in 2015 in this image. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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The dish is a French-cut rib pork chop that weighs 9 to 11 ounces, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).

“This is a rib pork chop with the rib bone left on, so that it can work as a handle or ‘stick,’” the association’s website notes.

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“You eat the Pork Chop on a Stick with your hands and a napkin – no utensils.”

Although it’s one of the most popular dishes at the fair, it wasn’t always so. The Pork Chop on a Stick got a chilly reception when it debuted in 1999, according to the IPPA.

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“We almost had to beg people to buy them the first year,” Dave Moody, a pig farmer and longtime fair volunteer, told the IPPA. Moody added, “I think we sold around 6,000 that year.”

2. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Another legendary dish at the fair is the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.

The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a Midwest regional favorite, and it’s available at multiple stands at the Iowa State Fair. (iStock)

The meal consists of a deep-fried pork tenderloin which is placed between two buns with regular hamburger fixings: onions, pickles and tomatoes.

The meat cutlet is often larger than the bun, leading to its distinctive appearance.

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The appearance of the tenderloin has been likened to Weiner schnitzel and chicken-fried steak.

The dish may appear unusual to non-Midwesterners — but the sandwich is popular in Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana.

3. Pecan Pie on a Stick

Pecan Pie on a Stick is a decadent dessert that’s only offered at the Iowa State Fair.

The dish is made with a homemade pecan-filled pie crust, which is then dipped in a chocolate caramel mixture.

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As a final touch, the pie is rolled in extra pecans and bacon.

Pecan Pie on a Stick tastes like “sweet, sweet, salty goodness,” according to The Bacon Box. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The dessert is available at The Bacon Box’s stand. The dish is described as a combination of sweet and salty flavors.

“Each piece is dipped in caramel sauce and topped with bacon & pecans to make sure every bite is full of sweet, sweet, salty goodness,” The Bacon Box’s website reads.

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The pie sells for $6, according to the website.

4. Deep-Fried Avocado Slices

Deep-Fried Avocado Slices are one of the very few vegetarian options available at the fair.

The dish features avocado slices that are breaded and deep-fried until golden brown.

Deep-Fried Avocado Slices are a savory snack that can appeal to Iowa State Fair attendees who abstain from meat. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

As far as deep-fried snacks go, the avocados are on the healthier side, as the fruit has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease.

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The snacks are sold at The Veggie Table, a vegetarian vendor.

5. Berkshire Bacon Balls

One of the fair’s meatiest dishes is Berkshire Bacon Balls, sold by The Bacon Box.

Berkshire Bacon Balls, which are sold by The Bacon Box, feature Berkshire Kurobuta pork stuffed with cheese. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The dish consists of a quarter-pound pork meatball, stuffed with cheese and bacon.

The meatball, which is served on a stick, is then wrapped with two pieces of bacon before being smoked and dipped in barbecue sauce.

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The dish is named after Berkshire Kurobuta pork, known for its distinct flavor and richness.

6. Iowa Twinkie

One of the newer dishes at the Iowa State Fair is called the Iowa Twinkie.

And it’s not as sweet as its name suggests.

The Iowa Twinkie is a rich, spicy treat consisting of pulled pork and a jalapeño pepper. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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The savory treat is served at Watcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew’s stand. 

It was introduced in 2023.

The flavor-packed fare is made by stuffing a jalapeño pepper with pulled pork.

The filling also includes sweet corn and cream cheese. 

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As a final touch, the Iowa Twinkie is wrapped in bacon and seasoned with ranch and chives.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

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Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know


The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Milwaukee and all of southeastern Wisconsin from noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.

While the advisory is expected to end Wednesday evening, hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through the remainder of the week.

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Forecast conditions can change, so everyone is encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow guidance from the National Weather Service.

Milwaukee County cooling sites

What we know:

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Cooling sites are available throughout Milwaukee County.

For an updated list of cooling locations, heat safety information, and resources on preventing heat-related illness, visit the City of Milwaukee website or call 211.

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Staying safe during extreme heat

What you can do:

Stay cool

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  • Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible such as libraries, shopping centers, or community centers.
  • If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working properly.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels to lower body temperature.
  • Fans may provide comfort but should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method during extreme heat.

Stay hydrated

  • Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
  • Encourage children, older adults, and others at higher risk to drink fluids throughout the day.

Protect yourself and others

  • Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
  • Check on older neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance staying cool.
  • Many public cooling sites are located along Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes. Visit RideMCTS.com for transit information.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Heat exhaustion may include:

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  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fainting

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include:

  • High body temperature
  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
  • Confusion
  • Rapid pulse
  • Loss of consciousness

Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of heat stroke.

For additional hot weather safety information, visit the City of Milwaukee website.

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The Source: City of Milwaukee Health Department sent FOX6 the information.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indiana heat index to hit 100 as hot, dry pattern holds | July 14, 2026

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Indiana heat index to hit 100 as hot, dry pattern holds | July 14, 2026


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana is bracing for a prolonged stretch of intense heat as a strong ridge of high pressure becomes firmly established over the region. High temperatures are expected to climb into the low to mid-90s through Thursday, while heat index values — the combination of heat and humidity — will reach between 100 and 105 degrees each afternoon.


Today Through Thursday: Sustained Heat

A well-entrenched upper-level ridge will maintain hot, dry conditions through Thursday. Daytime heating coupled with suppressed atmospheric mixing will keep dew points elevated, and thus heat indices high, especially during peak afternoon hours between noon and 6 p.m.

Storm chances during this period are expected to remain very low as the stable, dry air mass suppresses convective development.


Late Week: Transition and Storm Chances

The heat will begin to subside by the end of the workweek as the high-pressure ridge weakens and shifts eastward. This opens the door for increased moisture return and the development of scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Models currently show some variation on the timing and extent of this moisture return, so forecasts may adjust as the weekend approaches.

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Residual scattered storms will be possible into Sunday and Monday, but the main story shifts away from oppressive heat to more typical summer storm activity.

Potential rainfall over the next 7 days

7 Day Forecast:



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Cleveland, OH

LeBron James Could Give the Cavaliers the Mentality They’re Missing

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LeBron James Could Give the Cavaliers the Mentality They’re Missing


The NBA world is waiting in anticipation to see what 41-year-old LeBron James will do next with his career, and the story just got more interesting.

Over the weekend, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson had a quote that turned heads. “You guys know there’s a little free agency thing going on right now. That could be our real jump, and you know what I’m talking about. That’s exciting too.”

The Cavaliers coach also went on to say, “Listen, this is an exciting time for us, right? Like we’re in the mix for, you know, the greatest player of all time… I think you’re nervous, but we understand how it is. He’s obviously earned that right to take his time.”

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Major Interest

The Cavaliers knew roster changes needed to happen following their exit from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Finals. While making the conference finals was an achievement, getting swept embarrassingly by the eventual champion New York Knicks showed one thing: this team still had a clear gap to close if they were to win a championship.

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A quote like this from an NBA coach is not typical in the slightest. Atkinson is making his interest in LeBron clear on a national stage, and rightfully so. LeBron brings a skill set the Cavaliers have been missing since his departure: a lengthy forward who can help with spacing while also adding playmaking, postseason experience, and late-game control.

A New Mentality

Aside from roster fit, LeBron can bring something this team has needed for quite some time: a new mentality. The Cavaliers have been labeled as soft, stemming from a quote such as “the lights were brighter than expected” by Jarrett Allen after a series loss to the Knicks in 2023. 

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LeBron, despite his age, still has his championship mentality. This is evident from his playoff series against the Rockets while he was still with the Lakers this past May. LeBron led the Lakers past a younger, arguably more talented team in the Rockets to advance to the second round. 

The hope is that this championship mentality can rub off on the Cavs’ younger talent while LeBron wraps up his career in the wine and gold.

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It looks like everyone is waiting on what “The King” does next, including his next potential head coach. This is for good reason, as LeBron could be the missing piece needed to take the Cavaliers to the next level, not only because he remains one of the greatest players of all time, but because he could bring a championship mentality to a core that desperately needs it.

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