Iowa GOP Candidates Make Final Primary Debate Pitch
(Des Moines, IA) — Four Republican candidates for Iowa governor squared off in their final televised debate before the June primary. Eddie Andrews, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman, and Adam Steen debated issues including cancer rates, water quality, taxes, immigration, and Iowa’s workforce shortage. The candidates also outlined different plans to grow rural communities and lower costs for Iowans. Congressman Randy Feenstra declined to participate.
Sioux City Murder Suspect Seeks to Exclude Statements
(Sioux City, IA) — A Sioux City man charged with murder is asking a judge to keep his police statements out of trial. JK Athree is charged with first-degree murder in the New Year’s Day stabbing death of Jermel Ellington. His attorneys argue Athree was 17 at the time and that his mother did not fully understand the rights she waived during questioning. Athree has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for November.
EMT Sues UnityPoint Over Harassment Allegations
(Marshalltown, IA) — A former EMT is suing UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown Hospital over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. Kayla Whitten claims a shift leader sent her sexually explicit messages and later assaulted her while she was working in 2024. The lawsuit also alleges that supervisors failed to properly address her complaints. UnityPoint has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.
Iowa Governor Signs Abortion Medication Law
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new abortion medication law on Tuesday. Starting July 1, patients will need an in-person visit before receiving the medication. The law bans telehealth visits and mail-order prescriptions for abortion medication in Iowa. Supporters say the rule adds medical oversight, while critics say it will make access more difficult.
Grinnell College Faces Data Privacy Lawsuit
(Grinnell, IA) — A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Grinnell College over claims tied to its website. The lawsuit alleges the school secretly tracked and shared user data with third-party companies despite a cookie banner suggesting users had control. The plaintiff says his information was shared after he visited the site in 2024. Grinnell College has not yet filed a response.
