by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch July 1, 2026 U.S. Department of Agriculture staffing cuts in 2025 have left county-level service offices understaffed, according to an analysis of federal data from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The report found that Iowa lost nearly 19% of its Natural Resources Conservation Service, or NRCS, staff and 8% […]
Applications can now be submitted for grants that will help train new or current workers. DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is now officially accepting applications for Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa, a new statewide training grant that will help develop a more skilled and competitive workforce in Iowa’s advanced manufacturing industry. […]
DES MOINES– Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Elizabeth Lee as a District Associate Judge in Judicial District 8A. Lee, of Ottumwa, Iowa, serves as Assistant Wapello County Attorney. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Iowa and law degree from University of Iowa College of Law. Lee fills a newly created District Associate […]
OSKALOOSA — In Mahaska County, one organization works behind the scenes to connect people, support programs, and help meet community needs. That organization is the United Way of Mahaska County. United Way acts as a central hub for the community. It works with local businesses, government leaders, and nonprofit groups to identify needs and help […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch June 30, 2026 Many of the laws advanced during the 2026 legislative session take effect Wednesday, including measures restricting access to abortion-inducing medication, increasing the speed limit on two-lane highways and limiting future governors’ powers during public health and disaster emergencies. July 1, the beginning of the state’s fiscal […]
Mahaska Health is pleased to welcome Cardiologist and Electrophysiology specialist Dr. Kofi Osei to their Cardiology team. Since joining Mahaska Health in May 2026, Dr. Osei has reached a significant milestone by performing the hospital’s first pacemaker implantation. Introducing this service at Mahaska Health expands regional access to advanced cardiac care. Board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease […]
OSKALOOSA — Iowa drivers are adjusting to a new default speed limit on many rural paved roads after Senate File 378 took effect July 1. The law raised Iowa’s default speed limit from 55 mph to 60 mph on roads where a different speed limit has not been set. The change mainly affects two-lane paved […]
Farmers in Dubuque County as well as Middle Cedar and Turkey River watersheds are also eligible DES MOINES, Iowa (June 30, 2026) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the expansion of the Streamside Buffer Pilot Project to include farmers and landowners living in all 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines Watershed. […]
DES MOINES, Iowa (June 29, 2026) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this […]
by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch June 30, 2026 The environmental group Food & Water Watch is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to supply requested information about a nitrate assessment. Food & Water Watch allege the “apparently scuttled” assessment would have provided EPA with the research necessary to update drinking water standards […]
