State Government

The ban on abortions once cardiac activity can be detected — typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy — likely will go into effect later this week

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to fine people for sleeping in public areas may pave the way for state lawmakers to revisit legislation in 2025 that would criminalize homelessness. Some Iowa cities are weighing policy changes to respond to growing numbers of unhoused people.

The new abortion restrictions include exceptions for rape, incest and the mother’s health, but doctors say the law’s language is inadequate and forces them to make legal instead of medical determinations

The Iowa Supreme Court must rule on plaintiffs’ request for a rehearing, and if that is rejected, a district court judge indicated he will provide multiple days’ notice before lifting the injunction and allowing the new abortion law to go into effect

Also, Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry will retire

The board also alleged she “substituted her own fingerprint when a family requested a necklace of a decedent” – an apparent reference to some funeral homes’ practice of providing families with a decedent’s fingerprint so it can be incorporated into memorial jewelry.

The state panel charged with ensuring transparency in government is being sued for allegedly violating Iowa’s Open Meetings Law.

Also, state’s jobless rate remains low

Health care and abortion providers in Iowa are preparing for a drastic shift in the scope of reproductive care permitted in the state. An Iowa law banning most abortions could take effect as early as Friday.

Also, Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for five Iowa counties in response to Monday's derecho

Roundtable notes conflict between Iowa, federal regulations

A social worker for Heritage Specialty Care was justified in quitting after the facility failed to inform her of residents who had serious, contagious diseases, according to a judge’s ruling.