Iowa Competing For Early Spot On Democratic Presidential Primary Calendar
(Des Moines, IA) — The Democratic National Committee is narrowing down which states will host early presidential primary elections. The decision could shape who becomes the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee. Iowa is competing with 11 other states, but just two in their region. Illinois, Michigan and Iowa are competing for the midwest slot, while Delaware and New Hampshire compete in the east. Five states are in the running in the south, while Nevada and New Mexico are in the running in the west. The committee is scheduled to meet again in April.
AG Bird Announces End Of Lawsuit Targeting Gender Dysphoria
(Des Moines, IA) — Attorney General Brenna Bird is saying a lawsuit targeting protections for gender dysphoria was nixed. Iowa was one of 17 states that aimed to block the Biden administration’s decision to add gender dysphoria to a list of disabilities covered by a law known as Section 504. Bird’s office said it was part of a scheme to codify and push transgender ideologies in schools. Disability advocates criticized the lawsuit because they said the decision would impact all Section 504 protections and allow places to refuse accommodations for people with disabilities. In February 2025, the lawsuit was put on hold and in April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the Biden-era rule was unenforceable.
University Of Iowa Reviewing Low-Enrollment Majors
(Iowa City, IA) — The University of Iowa is considering consolidating some majors that are suffering low enrollment. The Board of Regents issued a mandate for a study of how well programs like African American studies, gender and sexuality studies, and religious studies are meeting workforce needs. Iowa is looking at 13 different programs that have been identified as low-enrollment. Iowa State and Northern Iowa are starting similar reviews. The review at University of Iowa will evaluate how recently the program was created, how much grant funding it receives, average class size, facility and equipment costs and connection to the university mission.
