Iowas

Federal Judge Upholds Iowa’s Gender Identity Restrictions for Young Students, Allows Non-Mandatory Programs and Clubs

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal judge has ruled that Iowa may continue its restrictions on teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation for students in kindergarten through the sixth grade, while also mandating that schools allow nonmandatory programs on these subjects. This ruling comes from U.S. District Judge Stephen Locher, who delivered a mixed verdict late Thursday in a case brought by LGBTQ advocacy groups, teachers, and students. In a previous ruling from March, Judge Locher had temporarily blocked another controversial element of the law, which sought to ban school libraries from offering books … Read more

Spencer and Rembrandt Women Nominated for Judicial Vacancy in Iowa’s 3A District

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Sioux City, Iowa — Two lawyers from northwestern Iowa have been shortlisted for a district associate judge position, furthering their careers in the state’s judiciary system. Kristi Busse of Spencer and Elizabeth Specketer of Rembrandt emerged as top candidates for the vacancy in Judicial District 3A, highlighting the critical and competitive process of judicial nominations. The vacancy they are seeking to fill was opened with the elevation of Judge Andrew Smith to the district court bench. The responsibility for nominating candidates fell to the Judicial Nomination Commission of the 3A District, who reviewed several candidates … Read more

Federal Judge Upholds Iowa’s Voter Integrity Measure Amid ACLU Challenge Over Ballot Scrutiny for Potential Noncitizens

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DES MOINES, Iowa — In a significant legal decision, a federal judge ruled on Sunday that he will not interfere with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s initiative to challenge the registrations of approximately 2,200 voters suspected to be noncitizens. This ruling came as a response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Iowa, representing four naturalized citizens who believe they have been unjustly targeted under this policy. The crux of the ACLU’s argument in court last Friday was that Pate’s directive has created an unequal voting process by imposing extra steps for naturalized … Read more

New Rules for Iowa’s Traffic Cameras: What Drivers Need to Know About the Latest Enforcement Changes

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DES MOINES, Iowa — Changes are underway across Iowa as local governments adjust to new rules regarding automated traffic enforcement cameras, with some communities receiving approvals and others facing denials from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The decisions have sparked varied reactions about how these cameras will operate and impact drivers. The DOT’s decision means that in certain areas, drivers will no longer see the familiar flash of traffic cameras, while in others, questions are arising about their operation. In towns and cities where cameras are allowed, officials must adhere to specific guidelines to … Read more