Iowa Capital Dispatch
@iowacapitaldispatch.com
Community journalism for democracy. We're a non-profit news site dedicated to hard-hitting and fair coverage of state government and politics.
Medications that induce abortion would be more difficult to obtain in Iowa under a measure moved forward by a Senate subcommittee Monday, Robin Opsahl reports.
Senate panel approves bill that could restrict mail-order abortion medication • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The bill, approved by the Senate subcommittee, proposes requiring in-person visits to receive abortion medications like mifepristone.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Medications that induce abortion would be more difficult to obtain in Iowa under a measure moved forward by a Senate subcommittee Monday, Robin Opsahl reports.
Iowa House subcommittees have moved ahead legislation targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in general education requirements and at private universities, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Iowa subcommittees see opposition to bills barring DEI in higher education • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Subcommittees approved bills to bar DEI in general education standards and DEI offices at private colleges in the Iowa Tuition Grant program.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Iowa House subcommittees have moved ahead legislation targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in general education requirements and at private universities, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Iowa lawmakers advanced a bill Monday to restrict local governments from enacting civil rights protections for groups not protected under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, Robin Opsahl reports.
Local civil rights protections could not exceed state law, bill proposes • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The bill comes after a 2025 law removed "gender identity" from state civil rights code -- a class still protected by some local governments.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Iowa lawmakers advanced a bill Monday to restrict local governments from enacting civil rights protections for groups not protected under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, Robin Opsahl reports.
A bill that would allow couples registering for marriage licenses to opt out of no-fault divorce advanced from an Iowa Senate subcommittee Monday.
Bill allowing couples to opt out of no-fault divorce advances in Iowa Senate • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A bill that would allow couples registering for marriage licenses to opt out of no-fault divorce failed to advance in the Iowa Senate.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:57 PM
A bill that would allow couples registering for marriage licenses to opt out of no-fault divorce advanced from an Iowa Senate subcommittee Monday.
Advocates and LGBTQ Iowans said conversion therapy — an overwhelmingly disavowed practice to try to change an LGBTQ+ person’s gender or sexual orientation — would be legalized by a bill advanced Monday by an Iowa House subcommittee, Robin Opsahl reports.
Advocates, protesters rally against 'conversion therapy' bill in Iowa House • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Advocates and LGBTQ Iowans said conversion therapy would be legalized by a bill moved forward Monday by an Iowa House subcommittee.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Advocates and LGBTQ Iowans said conversion therapy — an overwhelmingly disavowed practice to try to change an LGBTQ+ person’s gender or sexual orientation — would be legalized by a bill advanced Monday by an Iowa House subcommittee, Robin Opsahl reports.
A bill under consideration in the Iowa Legislature would enable the state’s Board of Medicine to keep confidential the financial penalties imposed against medical spas, Clark Kauffman reports.
Bill would regulate medical spas, but fines would be kept confidential • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A bill in the Iowa House would enable the state’s Board of Medicine to keep confidential the financial penalties imposed against medical spas.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:33 PM
A bill under consideration in the Iowa Legislature would enable the state’s Board of Medicine to keep confidential the financial penalties imposed against medical spas, Clark Kauffman reports.
An eastern Iowa dairy has agreed to pay more than $38,000 in a consent order with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for a March 2025 manure spill that killed more than 126,000 fish, Cami Koons reports.
Iowa dairy responsible for multiple fish kill incidents fined $38K for manure spill • Iowa Capital Dispatch
An eastern Iowa dairy has agreed to pay more than $38,000 in a consent order with DNR for a March 2025 manure spill.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:58 PM
An eastern Iowa dairy has agreed to pay more than $38,000 in a consent order with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for a March 2025 manure spill that killed more than 126,000 fish, Cami Koons reports.
One of Iowa’s private universities has launched a degree program designed with fewer required credits, as state lawmakers urge public universities to establish their own accelerated programs, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Upper Iowa University launches 90-credit degree in business administration • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Upper Iowa University has launched its first 90-credit bachelor's degree pathway as state universities work to establish their own.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:50 PM
One of Iowa’s private universities has launched a degree program designed with fewer required credits, as state lawmakers urge public universities to establish their own accelerated programs, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner, Ashley Murray reports.
Trump shuts out Democratic governors from traditional White House gatherings • Iowa Capital Dispatch
President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner, Ashley Murray reports.
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers, Stateline reports.
With electricity bills rising, some states consider new data center laws • Iowa Capital Dispatch
States are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:32 PM
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers, Stateline reports.
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday, Jacob Fischler reports.
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • Iowa Capital Dispatch
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said renewable energy hasn't helped Americans keep the power on during winter storms.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:38 PM
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday, Jacob Fischler reports.
Rep. Matt Windschitl, former Iowa House majority leader, announced Friday he's suspending his congressional campaign, Robin Opsahl reports. Meanwhile, see where Iowa's candidates for federal office stand in the race for campaign cash.
Windschitl ends 4th District campaign as reports show state's fundraising leaders • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Rep. Matt Windschitl's announcement is the most recent Iowa congressional campaign to end amid recent fundraising updates.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Rep. Matt Windschitl, former Iowa House majority leader, announced Friday he's suspending his congressional campaign, Robin Opsahl reports. Meanwhile, see where Iowa's candidates for federal office stand in the race for campaign cash.
Two Iowa nursing home administrators have been sanctioned for recurring quality-of-care issues at the homes they have managed, Clark Kauffman reports.
Nursing home administrators sanctioned for poor resident care • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Two Iowa nursing home administrators have been sanctioned for recurring quality-of-care issues at the homes they have managed.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Two Iowa nursing home administrators have been sanctioned for recurring quality-of-care issues at the homes they have managed, Clark Kauffman reports.
A former Iowa attorney who has been the subject of at least nine ethics complaints says the Iowa Supreme Court is trying to scuttle his campaign for Iowa governor by “weaponizing” the attorney-disciplinary process against him, Clark Kauffman reports.
Former Iowa lawyer says judges are blocking his bid for governor • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A former attorney says the Iowa Supreme Court is damaging his campaign for governor by “weaponizing” the disciplinary process against him.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:22 PM
A former Iowa attorney who has been the subject of at least nine ethics complaints says the Iowa Supreme Court is trying to scuttle his campaign for Iowa governor by “weaponizing” the attorney-disciplinary process against him, Clark Kauffman reports.
As new technologies consume more power, Iowa State University researchers are working to create new batteries from accessible materials to store power from variable sources, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Iowa State University researchers work to build new batteries for energy storage • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa State University materials science and engineering professors are working to create new batteries from accessible materials.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:26 PM
As new technologies consume more power, Iowa State University researchers are working to create new batteries from accessible materials to store power from variable sources, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Two Iowa community colleges are set to expand their commercial driver’s license training programs with federal funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Iowa community colleges receive federal grants for military member CDL training • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Two community colleges in eastern Iowa have received grants to support military members' commercial driver's license training.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Two Iowa community colleges are set to expand their commercial driver’s license training programs with federal funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and called it racist, Jennifer Shutt reports.
White House takes down meme of Obamas posted on Trump social media and slammed as racist • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay Friday after President Donald Trump shared a racist video on social media.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:35 PM
The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and called it racist, Jennifer Shutt reports.
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill of President Donald Trump's second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs, Jennifer Shutt reports.
'It is astonishing': Congress rebuffs Trump push to slash $33B from health, human services • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The health and human services budget approved by Congress largely rejects the spending cuts proposed by President Trump.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill of President Donald Trump's second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs, Jennifer Shutt reports.
House Republican lawmakers were met with boos and arguments from members of the public at a Thursday subcommittee meeting as the panel advanced a proposal removing “affirmative action” requirements under Iowa law. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/b...
Bill removing state affirmative action measures approved by Iowa House panel • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The measure removes several requirements under current state law on affirmative action initiatives by state and education entities.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:51 PM
House Republican lawmakers were met with boos and arguments from members of the public at a Thursday subcommittee meeting as the panel advanced a proposal removing “affirmative action” requirements under Iowa law. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/b...
Companion bills that would encourage small-scale solar energy generation across Iowa by establishing a community solar program advanced Thursday from subcommittees in the Iowa House and Senate, Cami Koons reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/m...
More small-scale solar projects could sprout under Statehouse proposal • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Companions bills in the House and Senate that would establish a community solar program, advanced from subcommittees Thursday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Companion bills that would encourage small-scale solar energy generation across Iowa by establishing a community solar program advanced Thursday from subcommittees in the Iowa House and Senate, Cami Koons reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/m...
An Iowa Senate committee has rejected legislation that would prevent nursing homes from barring residents’ use of in-room cameras to guard against abuse or neglect. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/s...
Senate panel rejects bill to ensure care facility residents can use 'granny cams' • Iowa Capital Dispatch
An Iowa Senate committee has rejected legislation that would prevent nursing homes from barring residents’ use of so-called "granny cams."
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:44 PM
An Iowa Senate committee has rejected legislation that would prevent nursing homes from barring residents’ use of in-room cameras to guard against abuse or neglect. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/s...
Northeast Iowa Community College’s 2024 decision to terminate then-president Herbert Riedel has been affirmed by a district judge, with court documents providing additional details about the actions that led to the split. Brooklyn Draisey reports: iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/j...
Judge: Northeast Iowa Community College was justified in firing former president • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A judge ruled this month Northeast Iowa Community College had just cause in terminating former president Herbert Riedel's employment.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:42 PM
Northeast Iowa Community College’s 2024 decision to terminate then-president Herbert Riedel has been affirmed by a district judge, with court documents providing additional details about the actions that led to the split. Brooklyn Draisey reports: iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/j...
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday she was introducing legislation aimed at addressing Iowa's high cancer rates, including increased taxes on tobacco products and a new tax on consumable hemp and vape products, Robin Opsahl reports.
Gov. Kim Reynolds proposes raising tobacco taxes amid high cancer rates • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Researchers presented an update on the ongoing analysis of drivers behind Iowa's higher cancer rates compared to national rates.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday she was introducing legislation aimed at addressing Iowa's high cancer rates, including increased taxes on tobacco products and a new tax on consumable hemp and vape products, Robin Opsahl reports.
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday, Shauneen Miranda reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/r...
Trump Education Department bolsters protections for prayer in schools • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:25 PM
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday, Shauneen Miranda reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/05/r...
Leadership at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association on Thursday celebrated Iowa’s strides to support biofuels, but also stressed the need for expanded markets, Cami Koons reports.
Renewable fuels summit celebrates progress, stresses need for new markets • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Leadership at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association celebrated Iowa’s strides to support biofuels and stressed the need for expanded markets.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Leadership at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association on Thursday celebrated Iowa’s strides to support biofuels, but also stressed the need for expanded markets, Cami Koons reports.