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Iowa Capital Dispatch
Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel
WASHINGTON — Scientists debated the origins of COVID-19 this week, trading barbs over whether the bulk of evidence available points to a natural spillover event from a wild animal or a virus designed in a lab and then let loose through an inadvertent leak. The hearing Tuesday in front of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security […] The post Scientists argue over the origins of COVID-19 before U.S. Senate panel appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Dyersville golf course failed for years to test and report drinking water quality
An eastern Iowa golf course that is required to treat its drinking water for bacteria and nitrate contamination has failed to consistently test it for safety and report results to state regulators since 2018, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR recently fined Rolling Knolls Golf Course, of Dyersville, about $7,400 for […] The post Dyersville golf course failed for years to test and report drinking water quality appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
DMACC Foundation golf tournament raises $500,000 for scholarships
The DMACC Foundation broke its record for student scholarship fundraising at its annual DMACC CEO golf tournament, allowing the community college to give out more scholarship dollars than ever. The 17th-annual tournament, held June 13 at DMACC alum Dennis Albaugh’s Talons Golf Course, hosted 120 central Iowa executives and raised $500,000 for scholarships, according to […] The post DMACC Foundation golf tournament raises $500,000 for scholarships appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
For child care workers, state aid for their own kids’ care is ‘life-changing’
SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Child care worker Marci Then, 32, looked over at two 4-year-olds in her care who were tussling over a toy plate in a model kitchen set. “Are we sharing?” she gently asked them. They both let go. Then works at Little Learners Academy child care center near Providence, Rhode Island. Her daughter, […] The post For child care workers, state aid for their own kids’ care is ‘life-changing’ appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Juneteenth events to celebrate around Iowa
Organizations and cities across Iowa are celebrating Juneteenth with music festivals, learning opportunities and more. Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, celebrates the day slavery ended in the United States. President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 making Juneteenth an official federal holiday like Memorial Day or Labor Day. Here is a look at six […] The post Juneteenth events to celebrate around Iowa appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Boeing CEO apologizes to families for aircraft safety failings
Boeing CEO David Calhoun on Tuesday apologized to the families of people who died in crashes in the manufacturer’s planes, while members of both parties on a U.S. Senate panel grilled the executive for failing on safety and transparency. Calhoun appeared at a hearing of the Investigations Subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Government […] The post Boeing CEO apologizes to families for aircraft safety failings appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
After U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow bump stocks, U.S. Senate rejects bill to ban them
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts blocked a bipartisan bill Tuesday that would ban bump stocks following a Supreme Court decision that repealed a Trump-era rule against using the gun accessory. Ricketts, a Nebraska Republican, objected to New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich’s request that the chamber approve his bill — cosponsored by Nevada Democratic […] The post After U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow bump stocks, U.S. Senate rejects bill to ban them appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights
WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats held a press conference Tuesday to stand up for reproductive rights and freedoms, criticizing a plan by a conservative think tank that if adopted would hinder abortion and contraception access in a Trump administration. The lawmakers called attention to the potential restrictions former President Donald Trump could employ to reproductive health […] The post Democratic women in U.S. Senate target Project 2025 on reproductive rights appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Attorney General Brenna Bird announces new cold cases unit
Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced the creation of a cold case unit within the state office dedicated to investigating unsolved murders in Iowa. At a news conference at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Bird said the new unit, to be officially launched July 1, will consist of three full-time investigators and one […] The post Attorney General Brenna Bird announces new cold cases unit appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
National Democrats spotlight seven Iowa legislative candidates
Seven Democrats running for Iowa legislative seats were named “spotlight candidates” by a national party group Tuesday seeking to flip seats in the Republican-controlled state Legislature. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the campaign arm of the Democratic Party focused on statehouse races, highlighted both newcomers and incumbent Democratic lawmakers as prioritized candidates ahead of the […] The post National Democrats spotlight seven Iowa legislative candidates appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Cornell College instructors injured during China visit return to family, travel
Each of the Cornell College instructors injured in a stabbing during their teaching trip to Jilin City, China are back with family or moving forward from the incident, the college said in a statement Tuesday. Cornell College President Jonathan Brand said in the update to campus that all four of the instructors have either been […] The post Cornell College instructors injured during China visit return to family, travel appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Biofuels proponent joins fight against new vehicle emissions requirements
A national trade group that promotes ethanol joined its frequent foe — a trade group that promotes oil companies and refineries — this week in challenging new federal regulations that threaten them both: significantly reduced tailpipe emissions for new vehicles. The Renewable Fuels Association seeks judicial review of a U.S. Environmental Protection agency rule, which […] The post Biofuels proponent joins fight against new vehicle emissions requirements appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Iowa-based beverage companies sue the state over new THC limits
Two Iowa companies are suing the state over its interpretation of a new law that restricts THC levels in adult beverages. Climbing Kites, a Polk County beverage manufacturer, and Field Day Brewing Co., the Johnson County producer of the Day Dreamer line of cannabis sparkling water, are suing the Iowa Department of Health and Human […] The post Iowa-based beverage companies sue the state over new THC limits appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
U.S. House ethics panel adds allegations to Matt Gaetz investigation
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Ethics Committee released a statement Tuesday saying it has “identified additional allegations that merit review” based on its investigation of prior allegations that Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz had inappropriate sexual relationships and violated rules by accepting gifts. The committee is investigating allegations that Gaetz may have “engaged in […] The post U.S. House ethics panel adds allegations to Matt Gaetz investigation appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Biden to unveil protections for some undocumented spouses, easier DACA work visas
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration Tuesday will announce deportation protections for long-term undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, along with quicker approval of work permits for those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. President Joe Biden will formally make the announcement during an afternoon White House event to celebrate the 12th anniversary of […] The post Biden to unveil protections for some undocumented spouses, easier DACA work visas appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Judge blocks Iowa immigration law, state attorney general to appeal
A federal judge on Monday issued a preliminary injunction for Iowa’s law on illegal immigration, blocking it before enforcement was set to begin July 1. The U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of civil rights groups argued in court a week ago that Senate File 2340 should not be allowed to take effect. Signed […] The post Judge blocks Iowa immigration law, state attorney general to appeal appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Iowa Poll finds Trump leads Biden by double digits among likely Iowa voters
Even after former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction, he leads President Joe Biden by nearly 20 percentage points among likely Iowa voters, the most recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows. The poll results, published Monday, show 50% of likely Iowa voters said they would support Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee in the general […] The post Iowa Poll finds Trump leads Biden by double digits among likely Iowa voters appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Large Sioux County dairy has bird flu
One of the largest dairy farms in the state — with a herd of about 10,000 in Sioux County — has cattle that are infected with avian flu, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported Monday. It is the seventh Iowa dairy herd with a confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza infection. Five of […] The post Large Sioux County dairy has bird flu appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
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Iowa has long enjoyed a reputation for clean government. But what would happen if nobody was watching? The Iowa Capital Dispatch is a hard-hitting, independent news organization dedicated to connecting Iowans to their state government and its impact on their lives. The Capital Dispatch combines state government coverage with relentless investigative journalism, deep dives into the consequences of policy, political insight, and principled commentary. We deeply believe in sharing the stories of people outside the halls of power, connecting the actions of state leaders to their impacts on Iowans. We also believe that without strong community journalism, Iowans risk losing the government integrity and accountability they have long valued. The Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The Iowa Capital Dispatch retains editorial independence.
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