With its caucuses kicking off the presidential race every four years, Iowa holds outsized importance in American politics, hence the swarms of national politicians who descend on the state's rustic diners and county fairs. —

Black Hills High School junior Maisy Williams entered the finals of the Class 2A girls high jump at the state track and field championships at Mount Tahoma in Tacoma oranked No. 2 in the state in her classification. Williams' jump of 5 feet, 2 inches, earned her a runner-up finish in the event, behind Lakewood senior Yareli Ochoa, who cleared 5-4.