Week in Iowa, Oct. 30, 2023: Recap of news from across the state

Democrats can request caucus cards: Iowa Democrats can begin requesting presidential preference cards for the party's first-ever mail-in caucus. The cards, which will be used to tally the party's delegates for the 2024 presidential nomination, will be mailed starting Jan. 12.

The party still will hold in-person caucuses Jan. 15 where they will conduct party business unrelated to the presidential election. The results of the mail-in caucus will be announced March 5. The process, which Democrats say will be more accessible, was finalized in September after months of negotiations between the state and national party.

City-school elections Tuesday: Iowa's elections for city and school board candidates will be held Tuesday. Voters will elect candidates for mayor, city councils and school boards, as well as vote on school and municipal bonds. Iowans can find their registration status and where to vote at the Iowa secretary of state's website.

Mobile ID App: The Iowa Department of Transportation released a mobile app that can be used as an ID at businesses across the state. The Iowa Mobile ID app uses a QR code that businesses can scan to verify a person's age before purchasing alcohol or tobacco. It also can be used at TSA PreCheck checkpoints at airports in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.

Brian Ferentz to exit: University of Iowa football offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz will not be returning to his position after this year's season, the school's athletic director announced this past week. The mid-season announcement comes as Ferentz has been under fire for Iowa's struggling offense in recent years.

The son of Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz signed a contract this year that included a $50,000 pay cut and required Iowa to score at least 25 points per game on average. Kirk Ferentz told reporters that the mid-season announcement was not his choice and he prefers to review staffing at the end of the season.

Athletic Commission audit: More than $17,000 in uncollected funds and $1,700 in improperly accepted gifts were tied to a former state employee in a state auditor review of the Iowa Athletic Commission. The audit said the employee, who collected fees for sporting events in Iowa, often misrepresented her position in state government and used personal accounts to complete financial transactions for the state.

UI Democrats: The Iowa Democratic Party asked for the resignation of the University Democrats at Iowa officers after the college group released a statement in support of Palestine that included a phrase the state party deemed antisemitic. The phrase, "from the river to the sea," has been used both as a rallying cry for Palestinian liberation and by antisemitic groups and those advocating for the abolition of Israel.

They said …

“We have done the best that we can to honor the requests of a fellow senator, that these nominations be brought to the floor and voted on individually. And I really respect men of their word. I do not respect men who do not honor their word.” — Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst on Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., denying military promotions over Pentagon abortion policy

“I’m excited to officially begin our 2024 Iowa caucuses process … Iowans who work a third shift, families that may not have access to child care, or seniors who are homebound can now make their voices heard in our presidential process.” — Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart on mail-in caucus announcement

Odds and ends

Iowa Poll: The October Des Moines Register/Mediacom/NBC News Iowa Poll showed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley rising to tie for second place with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis with 16 percent support among Iowa Republican caucusgoers. Both are far behind former President Donald Trump, who registered 43 percent support.

Pence drops out: Former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his bid for president last week, becoming the most high-profile candidate to drop out of the race. Pence made his refusal to overturn the 2020 election results central to his campaign, which failed to catch fire among Iowa Republicans.

Water cooler

Police shooting: A father and son are dead after a standoff with police in northwest Iowa. Police received a call from 72-year-old Todd Sulsberger that his son, Walter Sulsberger, was shooting at him. When police arrived, Walter fired at tactical teams, who returned fire, striking him. The father and son were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Broadband funding: Iowa awarded nearly $150 million to 39 internet providers to build out broadband to rural and underserved areas. The money, originating from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will connect more than 12,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet.