Tom Barton

After the arrest of former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts over questions about his immigration and work authorization status, Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all state agencies to use federal verification systems to confirm employment and licensing eligibility. The move has reignited debate over whether Iowa should mandate E-Verify statewide — and how reliable the system really is.

Claire Brown, a Harvard/MIT M.D.-Ph.D. student from Iowa, was diagnosed with cancer just as she began med school. Now, she’s urging lawmakers not to jeopardize future breakthroughs by cutting research funding.

The federal government shutdown hasn’t affected food aid yet, but Iowa’s contingency funding for WIC could run out if the standoff in Washington drags on.

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday ordered all state agencies to use E-Verify and SAVE to confirm employment and immigration eligibility for new hires and professional licenses. The move follows the arrest of former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts, which exposed verification gaps and reignited debate over whether Iowa should mandate E-Verify statewide.

Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn will launch a Libertarian campaign for U.S. Senate, vowing to rein in executive power, end eminent domain abuse and dismantle what he calls Washington’s “corrupt two-party system.” He joins a crowded field of candidates competing to replace retiring Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst.

Hundreds of Iowa National Guard workers furloughed as shutdown drags on; troops may soon miss paychecks.

A Cedar Rapids dentist charged for the third time with professional incompetence has agreed to surrender his license.

Three Democratic hopefuls in Iowa’s 1st District —Christina Bohannan, Taylor Wettach and Travis Terrell — used a Kalona forum to defend ACA subsidies, Medicare and Social Security, while staking out differences on Israel-Gaza and detailing plans for education, unions and cleaner water.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Steen launched his “99 Strong” statewide tour in Marion on Saturday, pledging to champion skilled trades, parental rights, property tax reform and local control. Steen also vowed to oppose eminent domain for pipelines and defend “Iowa’s culture and values.”

Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks on Friday blamed Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown, criticized efforts to extend Affordable Care Act tax subsidies, and expressed cautious support for President Donald Trump’s tariff-and-trade approach to aid struggling farmers.

Iowa U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who previously pledged to hold in-person town halls, says Democrats are manufacturing controversy and want “confrontations for cameras.” She argues she’s accessible at fairs and public events, while critics say she’s breaking her word.

Iowa’s Medicaid program is projected to face tens of millions in deficits in coming years. State Auditor Rob Sand accused Republican leaders of irresponsible budgeting, while GOP lawmakers argue the state’s reserves can cover rising costs.

Iowa farm leaders and Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley are pressing President Donald Trump’s administration to take urgent action after China cut off purchases of American soybeans, threatening one of the state’s most important export markets.

Iowa’s leaders are clashing over who’s to blame for the partial federal government shutdown. Iowa’s Republican U.S. House members say Democrats forced it; Democrats argue Republicans walked away from compromise, risking higher health costs for thousands of Iowans.

The federal government officially entered a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. From Social Security checks and SNAP benefits to TSA lines, national parks and veterans’ services — here’s what stays open, what stops, and what’s at risk during a shutdown.