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.
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said at a White House roundtable event Monday, Jacob Fischler reports.
Trump to send $12 billion in one-time payments to farmers to offset ag losses • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:52 PM
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said at a White House roundtable event Monday, Jacob Fischler reports.
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave, according to a Dec. 5 email to those employees obtained by States Newsroom, Shauneen Miranda reports.
US Education Department civil rights staff returning to tackle complaint backlog • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of civil rights office employees who were placed on paid administrative leave.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:04 PM
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave, according to a Dec. 5 email to those employees obtained by States Newsroom, Shauneen Miranda reports.
Iowa Democrats largely agree that they want to return to their historical spot as an early state in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating cycle, according to survey results released by the Iowa Democratic Party, Robin Opsahl reports.
Iowa Democrats want early nominating spot back in 2028, party survey shows • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The survey was used by Iowa Democratic Party officials to gauge how voters wanted them to approach the 2028 presidential nominating calendar.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Iowa Democrats largely agree that they want to return to their historical spot as an early state in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating cycle, according to survey results released by the Iowa Democratic Party, Robin Opsahl reports.
Iowa Democrats largely agree that they want to return to their historical spot as an early state in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating cycle, according to survey results released by the Iowa Democratic Party, Robin Opsahl reports.
Iowa Democrats want early nominating spot back in 2028, party survey shows • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The survey was used by Iowa Democratic Party officials to gauge how voters wanted them to approach the 2028 presidential nominating calendar.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Iowa Democrats largely agree that they want to return to their historical spot as an early state in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating cycle, according to survey results released by the Iowa Democratic Party, Robin Opsahl reports.
A popular program allowing Medicare patients to get hospital care at home would be extended until 2030 under a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and awaiting consideration by the Senate, Stateline reports.
Hospital-at-home program extended by US House, awaits Senate consideration • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A popular program allowing Medicare patients to get hospital care at home would be extended until 2030 under a bill passed in the U.S. House.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:04 PM
A popular program allowing Medicare patients to get hospital care at home would be extended until 2030 under a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and awaiting consideration by the Senate, Stateline reports.
A former psychology instructor is suing Western Iowa Tech Community College for alleged discrimination in its handling of her complaint that she was being stalked by a student, Clark Kauffman reports.
Community college sued by former instructor over student stalking complaint • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A former psychology instructor is suing Western Iowa Tech Community College over its response to alleged stalking by a student.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:40 PM
A former psychology instructor is suing Western Iowa Tech Community College for alleged discrimination in its handling of her complaint that she was being stalked by a student, Clark Kauffman reports.
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to expand presidential power after hearing a case Monday on whether President Donald Trump can hire and fire members of independent federal agencies without cause, Ashley Murray reports.
US Supreme Court seems ready to back Trump in case of fired FTC commissioner • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The U.S. Supreme Court heard a case Monday on whether the president can hire and fire members of independent federal agencies without cause.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:32 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to expand presidential power after hearing a case Monday on whether President Donald Trump can hire and fire members of independent federal agencies without cause, Ashley Murray reports.
The State of Iowa is contesting an injunction issued in a lawsuit brought by the former operator of the state-owned Honey Creek Resort in southern Iowa, Clark Kauffman reports.
State claims Honey Creek Resort injunction isn't in the public interest • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The State of Iowa is contesting an injunction issued in a lawsuit brought by the former operator of the state-owned Honey Creek Resort.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The State of Iowa is contesting an injunction issued in a lawsuit brought by the former operator of the state-owned Honey Creek Resort in southern Iowa, Clark Kauffman reports.
The Trump administration wants to focus federal housing aid on mental health treatment and enforcement against street homelessness, rather than on finding people permanent homes as quickly as possible, Stateline reports.
With homelessness rising, new federal rules could benefit states that take tougher approaches • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The Trump administration wants to focus federal housing aid on mental health treatment and enforcement against street homelessness.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:24 PM
The Trump administration wants to focus federal housing aid on mental health treatment and enforcement against street homelessness, rather than on finding people permanent homes as quickly as possible, Stateline reports.
The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found, Stateline reports.
Dozens of cities, states hiking minimum wages in 2026 amid federal inaction • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, as high as $15 per hour in many areas.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found, Stateline reports.
As farmers face historic headwinds and market hardships, calls to the national Farm Aid hotline and the Iowa Concern hotline — where farmers can get support in times of crisis — are increasing, Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk reports.
As farmers face trade wars and inflation, calls to mental health hotlines rise • Iowa Capital Dispatch
As farmers face historic headwinds, calls to Iowa and national mental health crisis hotlines are increasing.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:16 PM
As farmers face historic headwinds and market hardships, calls to the national Farm Aid hotline and the Iowa Concern hotline — where farmers can get support in times of crisis — are increasing, Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk reports.
Panelists called the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa a good first step in bringing back traditional values of education, but they said it must be protected if it’s going to last, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Center for Intellectual Freedom officials learn from other centers, look to future • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Academics, former university leaders, state and federal officials spoke during panels Saturday about the new center for intellectual freedom.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Panelists called the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa a good first step in bringing back traditional values of education, but they said it must be protected if it’s going to last, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Congratulations to Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter Cami Koons, who was named Journalist of the Year by the Iowa Farmers Union during the organization’s annual convention Saturday.
Cami Koons named Journalist of the Year by Iowa Farmers Union • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter Cami Koons was named Journalist of the Year by the Iowa Farmers Union during its convention Saturday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Congratulations to Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter Cami Koons, who was named Journalist of the Year by the Iowa Farmers Union during the organization’s annual convention Saturday.
The first day of the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom’s two-day inaugural event sought to answer two questions — what is wrong with higher education, and what caused these problems, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
What's wrong with higher ed? Panelists at intellectual freedom center blame liberals • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Panelists at the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom's event suggested certain people and ideas have stifled academic freedom.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:15 AM
The first day of the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom’s two-day inaugural event sought to answer two questions — what is wrong with higher education, and what caused these problems, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Democratic congressional candidates highlighted the need for a new Farm Bill, an end to foreign trade tariffs and more support for small and medium sized farms Friday during a candidate forum at Iowa Farmers Union’s annual conference, Cami Koons reports.
Iowa Democrats running for U.S. congressional seats share farm policy stances • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa congressional and Senate candidates talked about farm policy at an Iowa Farmers Union event Friday in Ames.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Democratic congressional candidates highlighted the need for a new Farm Bill, an end to foreign trade tariffs and more support for small and medium sized farms Friday during a candidate forum at Iowa Farmers Union’s annual conference, Cami Koons reports.
Iowa legislators discussed food policy priorities, including the Choose Iowa program, food education efforts and support for food insecure individuals Friday at the Iowa Local Food Summit, Cami Koons reports.
Lawmakers tie Choose Iowa, nutrition education to food insecurity solutions • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa legislators discussed food policy priorities, including the Choose Iowa program and food education efforts at the Iowa Local Food Summit.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Iowa legislators discussed food policy priorities, including the Choose Iowa program, food education efforts and support for food insecure individuals Friday at the Iowa Local Food Summit, Cami Koons reports.
Grinnell College is launching a new scholarship program aimed at Iowa’s high-performing students, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Grinnell College to launch new scholarship program for top Iowa students • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Grinnell College will launch a new scholarship program in fall 2026 for high-performing students from Iowa.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Grinnell College is launching a new scholarship program aimed at Iowa’s high-performing students, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee voted to eliminate a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a vaccine against hepatitis B, ending a policy that has been in place since 1991, Georgia Recorder reports.
CDC vaccine committee overturns decades-old hepatitis B recommendation for newborns • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee voted to end a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a hepatitis B vaccine.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:22 PM
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee voted to eliminate a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a vaccine against hepatitis B, ending a policy that has been in place since 1991, Georgia Recorder reports.
The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional, Jacob Fischler reports.
Trump order ending birthright citizenship to be argued at US Supreme Court • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The U.S. Supreme Court said justices will hear a case to decide if President Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:10 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional, Jacob Fischler reports.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have expanded Iowa public lands access with two parcel acquisitions in Fremont County, Cami Koons reports.
Pheasants and quail forever groups add 350 acres of public land in southern Iowa • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever expand Iowa public land access with two parcel acquisitions in Fremont County.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have expanded Iowa public lands access with two parcel acquisitions in Fremont County, Cami Koons reports.
A Medicare pilot program will allow private companies to use artificial intelligence to review older Americans’ requests for certain medical care — and will reward the companies when they deny it, Stateline reports.
Medicare’s new AI experiment sparks alarm among doctors, lawmakers • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A Medicare pilot program will allow private companies to use artificial intelligence to review older Americans’ requests for certain medical care — and will reward the companies when they deny it.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:40 PM
A Medicare pilot program will allow private companies to use artificial intelligence to review older Americans’ requests for certain medical care — and will reward the companies when they deny it, Stateline reports.
A federal appeals court Thursday paused a lower court’s order to remove the National Guard from the streets of Washington, D.C., eight days after two members were attacked in broad daylight in the district, Ashley Murray reports.
Federal appeals court extends National Guard presence in D.C. • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A federal appeals court Thursday paused a lower court’s order to remove the National Guard from the streets of Washington, D.C.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:15 AM
A federal appeals court Thursday paused a lower court’s order to remove the National Guard from the streets of Washington, D.C., eight days after two members were attacked in broad daylight in the district, Ashley Murray reports.
The Trump administration Thursday announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months, the latest crackdown on legal immigration, Ariana Figueroa reports.
U.S. work authorizations for legal immigrants slashed from 5 years to 18 months • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The Trump administration said Thursday it would reduce the work authorization periods for immigrants from five years to 18 months.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:44 PM
The Trump administration Thursday announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months, the latest crackdown on legal immigration, Ariana Figueroa reports.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a longtime champion of creating legal status for immigrants brought into the country as children who will retire next year, reintroduced his trademark immigration bill for the last time Thursday, Ariana Figueroa reports.
Retiring US Sen. Durbin makes last push for long-stalled immigration bill • Iowa Capital Dispatch
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin reintroduced the Dream Act, his trademark immigration bill, for the last time Thursday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:59 PM
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a longtime champion of creating legal status for immigrants brought into the country as children who will retire next year, reintroduced his trademark immigration bill for the last time Thursday, Ariana Figueroa reports.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded more than $3.6 million in “pass through” loans and grants to local utilities to benefit community businesses and emergency services, Cami Koons reports.
USDA allocates $3.6M for rural Iowa businesses and emergency services • Iowa Capital Dispatch
USDA Rural Development has awarded $3.6 million in “pass through” loans and grants to local utilities to benefit community businesses.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:03 PM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded more than $3.6 million in “pass through” loans and grants to local utilities to benefit community businesses and emergency services, Cami Koons reports.