by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 8, 2026 Catholic churches and organizations across Iowa and the U.S. are seeing rising numbers of converts to the religion, scholars and officials say, in part due to the digital age and renewed searching for community and meaning. The Diocese of Des Moines, which spans 80 parishes in […]
DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa added 6,400 jobs and increased its Labor Force Participation Rate to 67.9 percent in January. December’s Labor Force Participation Rate, previously reported at 67.7 percent, was also revised upward to 67.9 percent amid an annual revision of labor statistics. Meanwhile, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, which had been revised […]
DES MOINES, Iowa (Apr. 6, 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 Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch March 31, 2026 The Iowa House passed a bill Tuesday to require commercial truck drivers take an English proficiency test in order to get their license. Senate File 2426, passed 68-24, adds a new requirement for applicants seeking or renewing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to meet English proficiency […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
