Author Archive
Stories written by Freelance Writer

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 […]

House passes bill to raise income limits for Iowans with disabilities, restrict WIC eligibility

Under Iowa's Golden Dome. Iowa General Assembly.

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 10, 2026 The Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would increase income limits for Iowans with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for essential services and also put certain restrictions on nutrition assistance programs. Several House Democrats said the bill would lead to starving infants and […]

THE 1905-1906 OFFSEASON

Oskaloosa Quakers baseball team picture. (archive image)

by Mike Comfort Despite the league successfully completing two seasons, the league wasn’t immune to financial problems. In June Keokuk and Fort Dodge released some of their highest salaried players, which abruptly stopped Fort Dodge’s winning streak. Ottumwa was struggling to stay afloat as their attendance was not strong, despite being in the midst of […]

Kristi Noem out as DHS secretary; Trump to nominate Oklahoma Sen. Mullin

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a Nashville press conference on July 18, 2025, to discuss arrests of immigrants during recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps. (Photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

by Ariana Figueroa, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 5, 2026 WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Thursday said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be leaving the post for a job as a special envoy, following an appearance before a U.S. Senate panel this week that provoked bipartisan criticism of her handling of the department that is […]

Gov. Kim Reynolds supports U.S. war in Iran, mourns deaths of Iowans killed in strike

Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke about the deaths of two Iowa U.S. Army Reserve soldiers in an Iranian strike in Kuwait March 5, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 5, 2026 Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday she supports the U.S. military action in Iran, as she mourned the loss of two Iowa soldiers in an Iranian strike on a Kuwait facility on March 1. Two of the six U.S. military members killed in the Iran attack on […]

           

Search Archive

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