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.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Friday that a multistate lawsuit has concluded that targeted school accommodations for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria under federal laws supporting students with disabilities, Robin Opsahl reports.
Bird announces end of lawsuit challenging school gender dysphoria accommodations • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The Iowa Attorney General joined a lawsuit in 2025 challenging the inclusion of "gender dysphoria" in federal disability discrimination laws.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Friday that a multistate lawsuit has concluded that targeted school accommodations for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria under federal laws supporting students with disabilities, Robin Opsahl reports.
The nation’s capital will host an autorace through its streets this summer, President Donald Trump said Friday, Jacob Fischler reports.
Start your engines: Trump greenlights IndyCar race around D.C. monuments • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The nation’s capital will host an autorace through its streets this summer, President Donald Trump said Friday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:11 PM
The nation’s capital will host an autorace through its streets this summer, President Donald Trump said Friday, Jacob Fischler reports.
President Donald Trump’s new Federal Reserve chair pick likely faces headwinds in the U.S. Senate, as a key lawmaker opposes the administration’s ongoing criminal probe of current Fed leader Jerome Powell, Ashley Murray reports.
Trump to nominate former Fed governor to replace Powell as chair • Iowa Capital Dispatch
President Donald Trump announced early Friday he’s tapped Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve after Jerome Powell’s term ends in May.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:01 PM
President Donald Trump’s new Federal Reserve chair pick likely faces headwinds in the U.S. Senate, as a key lawmaker opposes the administration’s ongoing criminal probe of current Fed leader Jerome Powell, Ashley Murray reports.
The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Shauneen Miranda reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/01/30/r...
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files, taking in 180,000 images and 2,000 videos • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:53 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Shauneen Miranda reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/01/30/r...
A Des Moines attorney is fighting the state’s efforts to revoke her law license for a series of alleged ethics violations, Clark Kauffman reports.
Accused of being a 'danger to the public,' attorney fights license revocation • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A Des Moines attorney is fighting the state’s efforts to revoke her law license for a series of alleged ethics violations.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:43 PM
A Des Moines attorney is fighting the state’s efforts to revoke her law license for a series of alleged ethics violations, Clark Kauffman reports.
Though the caucuses held Monday by the Iowa Democratic and Republican parties will not involve presidential politics, the meetings will come shortly after Democrats begin discussions on the 2028 nominating calendar, Robin Opsahl reports.
Monday's 2026 Iowa caucuses come days after DNC begins 2028 calendar talks • Iowa Capital Dispatch
National Democrats are set to begin considering which states will be authorized to hold early contests in 2028 on Saturday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Though the caucuses held Monday by the Iowa Democratic and Republican parties will not involve presidential politics, the meetings will come shortly after Democrats begin discussions on the 2028 nominating calendar, Robin Opsahl reports.
“At Iowa Central, we see growing demand for bachelor’s-level credentials in technical and applied fields tied directly to employment,” Dr. Jesse Ulrich, Iowa Central Community College president, writes in a guest column.
Four-year community college degrees can address unmet needs for students, employers • Iowa Capital Dispatch
"There are students in our region who want a bachelor’s degree and do not currently have an option that works for them."
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:35 PM
“At Iowa Central, we see growing demand for bachelor’s-level credentials in technical and applied fields tied directly to employment,” Dr. Jesse Ulrich, Iowa Central Community College president, writes in a guest column.
Crime continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021, according to a new analysis of crime trends in 40 large U.S. cities released by the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice, Stateline reports.
Crime rates fell across US cities in 2025 • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Crime continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021 in 40 large U.S. cities, an analysis shows.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Crime continued to decline in 2025, with homicides down 21% from 2024 and 44% from a peak in 2021, according to a new analysis of crime trends in 40 large U.S. cities released by the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice, Stateline reports.
The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal allowing more time to negotiate new constraints immigration enforcement, Jennifer Shutt reports.
With US Senate still tied up over spending deal, partial shutdown begins at midnight • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown, despite a deal between Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:19 PM
The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal allowing more time to negotiate new constraints immigration enforcement, Jennifer Shutt reports.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship asked lawmakers for a $1.3 million increase to its total operating fund, with a bulk of the requested funding to cover operational costs and expansions to the Choose Iowa program, Cami Koons reports.
Iowa Ag department asks for budget increase to expand Choose Iowa • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa's ag department asked lawmakers for an increase to its total operating fund, to cover operational costs and a Choose Iowa expansion.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:06 AM
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship asked lawmakers for a $1.3 million increase to its total operating fund, with a bulk of the requested funding to cover operational costs and expansions to the Choose Iowa program, Cami Koons reports.
Property tax proposals by Iowa House Republicans and Gov. Kim Reynolds both advanced from subcommittees Thursday, although there are some distinct differences in the bills, Robin Opsahl reports.
Local government officials raise concerns about revenue cap in property tax bills • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Two property tax proposals moved through subcommittee meetings Thursday, but no consensus on a final bill has been reached.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:35 PM
Property tax proposals by Iowa House Republicans and Gov. Kim Reynolds both advanced from subcommittees Thursday, although there are some distinct differences in the bills, Robin Opsahl reports.
Iowa senators advanced a bill Thursday that would require hazardous liquid pipeline operators to prove they had exhausted feasible voluntary easement opportunities before they could use eminent domain, Cami Koons reports.
Can eminent domain for carbon pipelines be avoided without a ban? • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Senators advanced a bill Thursday that would require pipeline operators to prove they sought voluntary easements before using eminent domain.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Iowa senators advanced a bill Thursday that would require hazardous liquid pipeline operators to prove they had exhausted feasible voluntary easement opportunities before they could use eminent domain, Cami Koons reports.
A new report by a national animal-advocacy group says nearly a third of all actively licensed commercial dog dealers went uninspected in 2025, Clark Kauffman reports.
ASPCA: Repeat-offender puppy mills face no consequences for violations • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A new report by a national animal-advocacy group says nearly a third of all licensed commercial dog dealers went uninspected in 2025.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:41 PM
A new report by a national animal-advocacy group says nearly a third of all actively licensed commercial dog dealers went uninspected in 2025, Clark Kauffman reports.
Legislation to have the Iowa Board of Regents study the possibility of bringing back an Iowa State University event with a history of disruption moved out of an Iowa House subcommittee Thursday, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Bill would explore possible reinstatement of VEISHEA at Iowa State University • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A bill passed out of subcommittee Thursday would have the Iowa Board of Regents study the potential benefits of reinstating VEISHEA.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Legislation to have the Iowa Board of Regents study the possibility of bringing back an Iowa State University event with a history of disruption moved out of an Iowa House subcommittee Thursday, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
A drop in immigration amid President Donald Trump’s enforcement crackdown led to historically slow population growth in the United States last year, Stateline reports.
Immigration drops shift population, political power to Texas and Florida • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A drop in immigration amid President Donald Trump’s enforcement crackdown led to historically slow population growth in the U.S. last year.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:09 PM
A drop in immigration amid President Donald Trump’s enforcement crackdown led to historically slow population growth in the United States last year, Stateline reports.
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement, Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa report.
US Senate fails to advance spending package, with partial shutdown looming Friday night • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:04 PM
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package Thursday, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement, Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa report.
Americans hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible for rising health care costs and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s elections, according to a KFF poll, Jacob Fischler reports.
Rising health costs could shift midterm voters toward Democrats, survey shows • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Americans say in a new KFF poll they hold President Trump and congressional Republicans responsible for high health care costs.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Americans hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible for rising health care costs and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s elections, according to a KFF poll, Jacob Fischler reports.
Legislation allowing Iowa community colleges to offer four-year degrees in some subjects — an idea opposed by Iowa private colleges — was narrowed Wednesday before passing out of an Iowa House committee, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
Iowa House panel narrows bill allowing four-year degrees at community colleges • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The Iowa House Higher Education Committee passed several bills with amendment, covering community colleges, university finances and more.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Legislation allowing Iowa community colleges to offer four-year degrees in some subjects — an idea opposed by Iowa private colleges — was narrowed Wednesday before passing out of an Iowa House committee, Brooklyn Draisey reports via Report for America.
An Iowa Senate subcommittee advanced legislation Wednesday to bolster verification steps in educational credentialing and hiring processes to ensure a person is lawfully eligible to work and live in the U.S., Robin Opsahl reports.
Iowa Senate bill requires citizenship, work eligibility verification for educators • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The proposal comes months after the ICE arrest of former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:03 AM
An Iowa Senate subcommittee advanced legislation Wednesday to bolster verification steps in educational credentialing and hiring processes to ensure a person is lawfully eligible to work and live in the U.S., Robin Opsahl reports.
Minnesota’s U.S. senators took to the chamber’s floor Wednesday afternoon to honor two constituents killed by federal agents this month and call for the Department of Homeland Security to end its surge in the Twin Cities, Jacob Fischler reports.
Klobuchar, Smith pay tribute to Minnesota victims on US Senate floor, call for ICE reforms • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Minnesota’s U.S. senators took to the chamber’s floor Wednesday to honor two constituents killed by federal agents this month.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Minnesota’s U.S. senators took to the chamber’s floor Wednesday afternoon to honor two constituents killed by federal agents this month and call for the Department of Homeland Security to end its surge in the Twin Cities, Jacob Fischler reports.
U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday detailed reforms for immigration enforcement they want added to a funding package that needs to become law before the weekend to avoid a partial government shutdown, Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa report.
US Senate Dems demand mask ban, body cameras, IDs for immigration agents • Iowa Capital Dispatch
U.S. Senate Democrats detailed changes Wednesday they want included in a funding package for federal immigration enforcement.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:28 PM
U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday detailed reforms for immigration enforcement they want added to a funding package that needs to become law before the weekend to avoid a partial government shutdown, Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa report.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has detected a second outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Kossuth County mixed-species flock in a week, Cami Koons reports.
Bird flu detected in Kossuth County game bird hatchery • Iowa Capital Dispatch
IDALS has detected a second outbreak of the highly pathogenic bird flu in a Kossuth County mixed-species flock in less than a week.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:11 PM
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has detected a second outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Kossuth County mixed-species flock in a week, Cami Koons reports.
Household incomes have grown in nearly every state over the past 50 years, but a new study concludes that growth has been uneven across the country, Stateline reports.
These are the states where incomes grew the most, least in recent decades • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Household incomes grew in all but one state over the past 50 years, but a new study concludes that growth has been uneven across the country.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Household incomes have grown in nearly every state over the past 50 years, but a new study concludes that growth has been uneven across the country, Stateline reports.
A bill to ban the use of eminent domain for carbon sequestration pipelines was rewritten in a Senate committee Wednesday with language that leaves the door open for forcing easements on unwilling landowners, Cami Koons reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/senat...
Senate committee overhauls bill to soften House-passed ban on eminent domain • Iowa Capital Dispatch
A bill to ban the use of eminent domain for carbon sequestration pipelines was rewritten in the Senate Commerce Committee.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:20 PM
A bill to ban the use of eminent domain for carbon sequestration pipelines was rewritten in a Senate committee Wednesday with language that leaves the door open for forcing easements on unwilling landowners, Cami Koons reports. iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/senat...
The fierce debate surrounding school choice initiatives took center stage Wednesday during a hearing in a U.S. Senate panel, Shauneen Miranda reports.
Republicans celebrate school choice in US Senate hearing, while Dems question fairness • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The fierce debate surrounding school choice initiatives took center stage Wednesday during a hearing in a U.S. Senate panel.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:43 PM
The fierce debate surrounding school choice initiatives took center stage Wednesday during a hearing in a U.S. Senate panel, Shauneen Miranda reports.