Stories written by Freelance Writer

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 […]

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.
Mar 26 2026 | Posted in
State News |
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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.
Mar 26 2026 | Posted in
State News |
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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.

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.
Mar 25 2026 | Posted in
State News |
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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 […]
Mar 25 2026 | Posted in
National News |
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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 […]
Mar 12 2026 | Posted in
State News |
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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 […]

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 […]
Mar 7 2026 | Posted in
National News |
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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 […]