Autonomous cars in Iowa would need human drivers under proposed bills
Iowa bills would put restrictions on autonomous vehicles. (Stock photo by Artur Debat/Getty Images)Iowa lawmakers advanced two bills from House subcommittees Monday that would restrict the commercial operation of self-driving [...]
Democrat Nathan Sage ends U.S. Senate campaign
Democrat Nathan Sage, who is running as a candidate for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst, gave his campaign pitch at an Iowa Farmers' Union potluck in Elkhart July [...]
Iowa could be on the cusp of a hydrogen rush; lawmakers weigh regulat…
A company is exploring the potential of extracting hydrogen in Iowa. Pictured here is a temporary drilling rig to establish a hydrogen well, but production wells would be lower profile [...]
Could the Chicago Bears move to Iowa? Senate bill aims to attract NFL…
Iowa lawmakers are considering legislation proposing financial incentives for building a professional football stadium in Iowa. (Photo by Tetra Images via Getty Images)As the Chicago Bears consider moving out of [...]
Bill would require identification of fecal material source for impair…
The Raccoon River in Des Moines on Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) A bill that advanced in a House subcommittee and committee Tuesday would prohibit a [...]
Senate panel approves bill that could restrict mail-order abortion me…
Anti-abortion advocates held a moment of silence and prayer in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol Feb. 9, 2026 before a Senate subcommittee discussed a bill related to abortion-inducing [...]
Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Ian Roberts, granny cams and Iowa’s 4th Dis…
Iowa lawmakers questioned Des Moines Public Schools officials about the hiring of former Superintendent Ian Roberts, shown here at a ribbon cutting ceremony for Lincoln High School's new athletic complex [...]
Former Iowa lawyer says judges are blocking his bid for governor
The Iowa Supreme Court's Attorney Disciplinary Board and the Grievance Commision of the Iowa Supreme Court handle ethics complaints filed against Iowa lawyers. (Photo via Canva; seal courtesy of the [...]
Bill removing state affirmative action measures approved by Iowa Hous…
Harvard student Samaga Pokharel, right, with "My Race is My Story" sign, joined other students and supporters of affirmative action outside the U.S. Supreme Court Oct. 31, 2022, as it [...]
Lawmakers question Des Moines school officials on Roberts’ hiring, co…
Des Moines Public Schools Board Chair Kim Martorano and DMPS Interim Superintendent Matt Smith answered questions from lawmakers on the House Education Committee Feb. 4, 2026 about the hiring and [...]
Iowa private university leaders see bills as harmful to their institu…
Leaders at Drake University and St. Ambrose University spoke out against legislation moving through the Statehouse to establish community college bachelor's degrees and an endowment tax. (Photo courtesy of Drake [...]
DNC will allow Iowa Democrats to compete for early date for 2028 cauc…
Five Republican precinct caucuses were held at Franklin Jr High in Des Moines Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Iowa Democrats were approved Saturday to present their case [...]
Bird announces end of lawsuit challenging school gender dysphoria acc…
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. (Photo by Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Friday that a multistate lawsuit has concluded that targeted school accommodations for children diagnosed with [...]
Iowa Ag department asks for budget increase to expand Choose Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presents to a House appropriations subcommittee Jan. 29, 2026. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship asked [...]
Iowa House panel narrows bill allowing four-year degrees at community…
The Iowa House Higher Education Committee passed several bills with amendment Wednesday afternoon covering community colleges, university finances and more. Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, questioned provosts at Iowa Regents universities [...]
Trump starts midterms campaign tour in Iowa, focusing on economy inst…
President Donald Trump sang along to "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood before beginning his speech on affordability at the Horizon Events Center in Clive Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo [...]
Two Democrats, one Republican suspend campaigns for Iowa congressiona…
The primary election polling place for Des Moines precincts 12 at 13 on June 4 at First Church of the Open Bible in Des Moines. (Photo by Jim Obradovich for [...]
First course at University of Iowa’s Center for Intellectual Freedom …
Panelists speaking Dec. 6, 2025, at the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa, from left, are center Interim Director Luciano de Castro, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary [...]
Former Des Moines superintendent pleads guilty to falsely claiming U….
The former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court, admitting to falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen on a federal form and illegally possessing [...]
Iowa House sends CO2 eminent domain ban to Senate
A landowner opposed to the use of eminent domain for a carbon sequestration pipeline wears a shirt reading "No Eminent Domain" at the Iowa State Capitol Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo [...]
Private colleges argue potential harms of 4-year community college de…
Representatives from Iowa's private and community colleges clashed Tuesday over a bill to allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Representatives of Iowa’s private colleges [...]
Peregrine falcon monitoring remains relevant due to threat of bird fl…
Peregrine falcon feeding chicks in Iowa during the 2025 nesting season. (Photo courtesy of DNR nest monitoring volunteer, Randy Cook)Peregrine falcon reproduction in Iowa “likely remains stable” following successful reintroduction [...]
Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Condition of the State review
Gov. Kim Reynolds delivered her 2026 Condition of the State address in the Iowa House chambers Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave [...]
Farm Bureau, soybean and specialty ag groups ask Congress for more su…
A farmer harvests soybeans Oct. 7, 2025 near Dike, Iowa. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with soybean and specialty crop farm organizations, has [...]
Gov. Kim Reynolds unveils property tax proposal at 2026 Condition of …
Gov. Kim Reynolds lead a standing ovation for Iowa National Guard service members during her Condition of the State address Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)As Gov. [...]