Author Archive
Stories written by Freelance Writer

Iowa volunteers begin water testing as advocates push for state funding

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is kicking off its volunteer water monitoring program with Nitrate Watch. (Photo courtesy of USDA)

by Zach Sommers, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 30, 2026 Iowa volunteers concerned with the state’s water quality are beginning a new season of independent testing for nitrates in bodies of water surrounding where they live. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement has kicked off its third year with the Nitrate Watch program. The program, run by […]

ISU researchers measure fatigue in suspect confessions, statements to police

Jail Restraints, handcuff, shakle

by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 27, 2026 Iowa State University researchers are hoping to establish a foundation for further consideration of sleep and the lack of it when it comes to justice system proceedings, from suspect interrogations and confessions to, eventually, jury considerations. Zlatan Krizan, a professor of psychology at ISU, and social […]

Bipartisan US senators want investigation into farm equipment companies moving jobs to Mexico

Sens. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, asked the Commerce Department to investigate major agricultural machinery manufacturers. (Photo by Preston Keres/USDA)

by Jacob Fischler, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 26, 2026 A bipartisan pair of U.S. senators from the Midwest on Thursday asked the Commerce Department to investigate major agricultural machinery manufacturers, saying they paid shareholders handsomely while offshoring jobs. Sens. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, asked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to […]

Iowa environmental, ag advocates work to keep water monitoring flowing

The Iowa Farmers Union heard from Iowa Environmental Council Water Program Director Colleen Fowle Thursday about the state's water quality monitoring system. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 26, 2026 Agriculture and environmental advocates say now is the “prime time” for Iowans to pressure state lawmakers to fund water quality monitoring that they say is essential for Iowans’ health and well-being. Iowa Environmental Council Water Program Director Colleen Fowle spoke with members of the Iowa Farmers […]

With the Iowa State Patrol’s help, ICE is arresting truckers at weigh stations

An Iowa State Patrol employee at one of Iowa’s interstate weigh stations for commercial vehicles. (Photo courtesy Iowa Department of Public Safety)

by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 26, 2026 Federal court records indicate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are using interstate weigh stations in Iowa to arrest and detain drivers suspected of being in the United States illegally. According to court filings in immigration cases, the operation appears to involve state troopers working in […]

Researchers connect environmental issues with cancer rates in new report

Harkin Institute Wellness and Nutrition Policy Director Adam Shriver speaks during a press conference March 25, 2026, about a report released by the institute and the Iowa Environmental Council on Iowa’s cancer rates and risks. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

A new report highlights possible links between environmental exposures and rising cancer rates in Iowa. Researchers and public health experts are calling for stronger protections, better monitoring, and coordinated action to address risks tied to pesticides, nitrates, PFAS, and radon.

Iowa Senate sends health insurer tax increase to governor’s desk

Sen. Mark Costello, R-Imogene, spoke on the Senate floor March 24, 2026 on a bill to raise the premium tax on health maintenance organizations for a nine-month period in 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

A bill increasing taxes on health maintenance organizations to help cover a projected Medicaid budget shortfall has passed the Iowa Senate and now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds. Supporters say the move is needed to secure federal funding, while opponents warn the change could lead to higher insurance premiums for Iowans.

JUNE 1906: INNOVATIONS, TRAGEDY, AND CRAZINESS,

Oskaloosa Quakers baseball team picture. (archive image)

The Iowa State League saw dramatic games, controversies, and tragedy during a turbulent month of June in its early history. From extra-inning battles and early night game experiments to umpire disputes and the death of Burlington catcher Herbert Whitney, the league’s instability often matched the intensity on the field.

Iowa House passes restrictions on foreign involvement in health care, ballot issues

The Iowa State Capitol from the south on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Iowa House has approved two measures aimed at limiting foreign involvement in ballot issue campaigns and restricting ownership of health care facilities by certain foreign entities. The bills now move forward in the legislative process after receiving unanimous support in the House.

Farmers and rural community members can access free mental health resources

A farmer harvests corn in western Iowa. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 20, 2026 Farmers and those living in rural parts of the country are affected by mental health issues, and statistically, die by suicide at higher rates than other segments of the population. The volatile nature of farming, as well as a lack of mental health care available in […]

             

Search Archive

Search by Date
Search by Category
Search with Google
Log in | Copyright by Oskaloosa News