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Garret Frey recibi� el premio Life Time Advocacy Award del Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Iowa en 2023. (Cortes�a de Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)<br /><br />

Habitante de Iowa con discapacidad obtiene apoyo federal

La Oficina de Derechos Civiles de Estados Unidos ha emitido una resolución que garantiza que un hombre discapacitado de Iowa pueda vivir en su ca…

Garret Frey was honored with the Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council in 2023. (Courtesy of Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Iowan with disability wins federal support

The U.S. Office for Civil Rights has issued a ruling ensuring that an Iowa man with disabilities is able to live in his home and receive round-the-…

Organizations working for fair treatment of immigrants and refugees in Iowa are pushing back on state legislation they argued would discriminate against migrant communities. (Adobe Stock)

Groups push back on Iowa lawmakers' 'anti-immigrant' measures

Immigrants' rights advocates are pushing back on a flurry of bills in the Iowa Legislature they said would create discriminatory policies targeting mi…

Iowa aumenta 'presión' para registrar a votantes jóvenes

Los funcionarios electorales de Iowa están intensificando sus esfuerzos para aumentar la participación política entre los votantes m…

Iowa ramps up push to register young voters

Election officials in Iowa are upping their efforts to increase political participation among the state's youngest voters. A registration event has …

U.S. Bureau of Labor data show more than 38% of the disability community ages 16-64 were employed in November 2023, in contrast to 75% of adults without disabilities who were employed. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Iowans with disabilities ask lawmakers to protect special-ed funding

The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council has a wish list for the new legislative session. The group has just released its public-policy agenda…

Los datos de la Oficina de Trabajo de EE.UU. muestran que m�s del 38% de la comunidad de discapacitados de entre 16 y 64 a�os ten�an empleo en noviembre de 2023, en contraste con el 75% de los adultos sin discapacidades que ten�an empleo. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Discapacitados de Iowa piden a legisladores proteger financiación de educación especial

El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Iowa tiene una lista de deseos para la nueva sesión legislativa. El grupo acaba de publicar su …

For the past 20 years, the U.S, President and Congress have declared the month of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance online awareness. (Adobe Stock)

IA boosts cybersecurity precautions as elections, holidays near

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the State of Iowa is focusing on potential threats to the online integrity of upcoming elections. Given …

The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council is a big part of

'Civics in Action' exhibit honors Iowans with disabilities

The State Historical Society of Iowa has opened a new exhibit in its Des Moines museum. "Civics in Action" focuses on Iowans who've made …

El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Iowa es una parte importante de

Exposición 'Cívica en Acción' homenajea a habitantes de Iowa con discapacidades

La Sociedad Histórica del Estado de Iowa ha abierto una nueva exposición en su museo de Des Moines. "Cívica en Acción" se centra …

Currently, 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% say it should be illegal in all or most cases, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU Vows to Block Abortion Restrictions; Reynolds: 'Fight not Over'

Civil liberties advocates in Iowa are vowing to fend off any new legislation to restrict abortion in the state. The Iowa Supreme Court recently …

Robert Fisher of Adel, Iowa, prevailed in his efforts to have an electronic button installed to operate the door at the local U.S. Post Office. (Robert Fisher/Iowa Council on Developmental Disabilities)

One Person's Battle Against the Post Office Prevails

A man in Adel who is part of Iowa's community of people with disabilities has been successful in having an electronic door installed at the U.S…

Robert Fisher, residente en Adel, Iowa, consigui� que se instalara un bot�n electr�nico para abrir la puerta de la oficina de correos local. (Robert Fisher, Consejo de Iowa sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo)

La lucha de una persona facilita el acceso para los discapacitados de Iowa

Un hombre de Adel que forma parte de la comunidad de personas con discapacidad de Iowa ha conseguido que se instale una puerta electrónica en la …

Officials encourage victims to report sexual and domestic abuse to a national hotline, 800-799-7233. It provides 24/7 service in English, Spanish and 200 other languages through interpreters. (Adobe Stock)

IA Looks to Shelter Victims, Survivors of Sexual Assault

Iowa groups have spent the past month focused on finding shelter and support for victims of sexual assault, to help them stay anonymous and safe…

Members of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council attend the signing of House Resolution 9 at the State Capitol, observing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in Iowa. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Advocates Call for More Awareness, Education During Developmental Disabilities Month

To recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, state lawmakers have signed a resolution to raise awareness surrounding people with …

Los miembros del Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Iowa asisten a la firma de la Resoluci�n 9 de la C�mara en el Capitolio del Estado, observando marzo como el mes de Concientizaci�n sobre las Discapacidades del Desarrollo en Iowa. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Defensores piden más concientización y educación durante el Mes de Discapacidades del Desarrollo

Para reconocer el Mes de Concientización sobre las Discapacidades del Desarrollo, los legisladores estatales han firmado una resolución …

Google launched its tracking software in 2005 as part of Google Analytics. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa to Collect $6 Million Over Google Location-Tracking Practices

Iowa will collect more than $6 million from Google over the internet giant's location-tracking practices. The settlement is part of a multi-state…

Voting groups in Iowa say because the state now has a shorter window for early voting, there might be a busier scene at county auditor offices. They say that's why you should set aside enough time to cast your ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Early Voting Under Way in Iowa

The window for early voting in Iowa has been open for several days, and some are using this week to remind registered voters across the state to take …

In response to any claims that absentee voting is prone to fraud, Iowa election leaders say the state's Voter ID law, which is required at the polls and on absentee ballot request forms, protects election integrity. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Group of IA Election Leaders Team Up to Stop Disinformation

Iowa's elections are safe and secure and haven't been subject to widespread fraud. That's the message from a bipartisan group of election …

In the past year, school districts have been pressured by conservative groups to weed out certain teachings about race. But others say there should be more concern about the lack of civics curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

Over the weekend, communities in Iowa observed the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Since those historic events, political tension has escalated…

Environmental advocates say Iowa has more than four times as many large concentrated<br />animal-feeding operations as it did in 2001. (Adobe Stock)

IA Group: Landowner Rights Under Attack After Hog-Farm Ruling

Opponents of an Iowa Supreme Court decision they say makes it almost impossible to sue corporate farms over pollution, are encouraging landowners to …

Law experts say this weekend's prevention of a riot at an Idaho Pride event coincides with more online anti-LGBTQ comments posted by extremist groups. (Adobe Stock)

IA Group: Planned Riot Will Not Intimidate LGBTQ Community

A leading LGBTQ organization in Iowa said community members won't back down after authorities in Idaho blocked a planned riot at a Pride event there…

A governor's race and U.S. congressional seats are among the many contests Iowans will be deciding this year. (Adobe Stock)

IA County Auditors: Plan Big, Plan Now for Primary Vote

It's been a year since Iowa adopted sweeping election law changes. For those who haven't voted since then, local administrators say going in without …

While some national party leaders might no longer view Iowa as a battleground state, political experts say it still has

Caucus Shakeup Prompts Concern about Candidate Vetting

When the 2024 presidential primary season kicks off, there's a good chance Iowa's caucuses won't be in the spotlight as much. Last week, the …

If confirmed, Ketanji Brown Jackson would be the 116th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and the first Black woman to serve on that bench. (senate.gov)

IA Group: Jackson Confirmation Will Rise Above Political Fray

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is on the cusp of being confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. While Iowa's senior U.S. senator plans to vote against …

In 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court decided the landmark Clark v. The Board of Directors, declaring segregated schools were inherently unequal. (Adobe Stock)

IA's History on Civil Liberties at a Crossroads

In the past two years, Iowa has adopted or proposed policies that stoke debate on whether the state is moving away from prioritizing the rights and …

A body of research has found frequent family visits and family phone calls to someone who's incarcerated not only reduces recidivism, but also strengthens family relationships. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: Family Contact Vital for People in Jail or Prison

As holiday celebrations continue, groups that study issues in prisons say families with a loved one who's incarcerated should make attempts to …

Iowa often is lauded for taking politics out of redistricting. But some say there are still representation issues, including the Legislature having only eight minority members, all of whom are in the House. (Adobe Stock)

Apart From Independent Approach, How Inclusive is IA's Redistricting?

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa has enacted new congressional and legislative boundaries now that redistricting has wrapped. Despite its reputation for an …

Anti-racism groups in Iowa say initially after George Floyd's murder, they saw promising state-level policies to address police accountability. But they contend that approach quickly changed with laws they believe make it harder to protest. (Adobe Stock)

The Intersection of Protesters' Rights and Rittenhouse Verdict

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Kyle Rittenhouse verdict is fueling a variety of perspectives. In Iowa, one viewpoint is that it's adding to what's perceived …

Immigration policy experts say the recent wave of migrant crossings at the U.S./Mexico border might by partly the result of seasonal trends, not solely Biden administration policies. (Adobe Stock)

IA Latinos to Governor: Don't Play Politics with Immigration

DES MOINES, Iowa - Debate continues over the severity of the migrant situation at the U.S./Mexico border, and advocates for Iowa Latinos say Gov…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

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Iowa Refuerza Herramienta Financiera para Personas con Discapacidades

MASON CITY, Iowa - Iowa actualizó una ley cuyos partidarios dicen que da más flexibilidad financiera a la gente que vive con discapacidaes…

Iowa was among many states this year to see conservative lawmakers push for voting restrictions in light of last year's presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

IA County Auditors Still Processing Election Law Changes

DES MOINES, Iowa -- While they pore over the changes, Iowa's county auditors still have reservations about a new law that drastically alters several …

As states begin to release data related to COVID vaccinations, more reports indicate access issues, as some racial groups are receiving the shots at much lower rates than white residents. (Adobe Stock)

IA Latinos: We're Being Overlooked in Vaccination Outreach

DES MOINES, Iowa - Coronavirus vaccinations now are open to all Iowa adults age 16 and older, but there's amplified concern from Latinos about …

A total of five public school districts in Iowa, including Davenport, Des Moines and Waterloo, have adopted diversity plans to shield against too many students leaving for other districts. (Adobe Stock)

IA Bill Decried as Attack on School Diversity Plans

DES MOINES, Iowa - Several Iowa school districts have plans in place to help keep their student populations diverse. Supporters of those plans say a …

Just like other state legislatures, Iowa's General Assembly has seen routine debate on bills LGTBQ advocates say unfairly target their community, while conservative lawmakers push religious and personal-freedom proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Political Ideology, Transgender Rights Clash in IA

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The current legislative session in Iowa has seen the return of debate over LGBTQ rights, while conservative lawmakers seek …

An Iowa faith leader says the nation's overall history with racism played a role in Wednesday's riots at the U.S. Capitol. (Adobe Stock)

IA Faith Leader: Capitol Riots Rooted in History of Racism

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa -- In the wake of Wednesday's riots at the U.S. Capitol, an Iowa pastor said the country needs to fully address its past so it can …

Prior to an executive order signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds this summer, Iowa was the only state to prohibit those with past felony convictions from voting. (Adobe Stock)

Outreach Limitations Impact Voting for Past Felons in IA

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Prior to the November election, Iowans with past felony convictions were given the opportunity to vote. However, only a small …

Iowa has emerged as a battleground state in the 2020 presidential election, and the group Vote America says same-day registration in the state benefits those who still want to participate in an election that could see a close outcome. (Adobe Stock)

Push for Last-Minute Voter Registration in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Ahead of this week's election, Iowa's secretary of state announced that a record number of state residents were registered to …

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement has asked the Des Moines City Council to intervene in cases where the group feels that protesters have been unfairly targeted by police. (Iowa CCI)

Police Letter Fuels More Tension with IA Protesters

DES MOINES, Iowa -- In many U.S. cities, relationships have soured between police and protesters, who say officers use strong-arm tactics during …

Through various executive orders over the past 15 years, Iowa has seen several reversals of voting rights for people with past felony convictions. (Adobe Stock)

IA Advocates Happy for Voting-Rights Order, But Want More Action

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa no longer is the last state to prohibit anyone with a past felony conviction from voting, after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an …

Although recent anti-abortion laws in Iowa have been struck down by the courts, legal observers note that four conservative-leaning justices have been added to the state Supreme Court since 2018. (Adobe Stock)

Abortion Debate in Iowa Shows No Sign of Ending Soon

DES MOINES, Iowa - The issue of whether to restrict abortions has flared up again in Iowa. This week, a judge temporarily blocked enforcement of …

Advocates say while society has become more accepting of gays and lesbians, there's still a lot of backlash toward those who identify as transgender. (Adobe Stock)

IA Group: Transgender Community to Benefit from Supreme Court Ruling

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Advocates for equal rights on Monday were handed a major victory by the U.S. Supreme Court which said federal law protects LGBTQ …

More than 3% of Iowa's adult population identifies as LGBTQ. (Adobe Stock)

Report: IA Shifts Policy Approach on LGBTQ Issues

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A new report gives Iowa a "fair" grade when it comes to policies that support its LGBTQ residents. The Movement Advancement …

Iowa's caucuses are not only under fire for delay issues, but for accessibility issues as well. (Adobe Stock)

No Matter the Future for IA Caucuses, ACLU Wants Improvements

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa's prominent role in the presidential nominating process is now being questioned after this week's delays and technical …

Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg this weekend questioned the White House strategy on Iran. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Buttiegieg Talks Iran, Electoral Reform, Social Media on Campaign Trail

DES MOINES, Iowa -- With the Iowa caucuses less than a month away, Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is speaking out about some top-…

The 2018 farm bill increased the payment level for practices such as cover crops, advanced grazing management and resource-conserving crop rotations. (iowabeefcenter.org)

Deadline Nears to Comment on Conservation Stewardship Program Changes

DES MOINES, Iowa — Farmers who want to weigh-in on changes to the nation's Conservation Stewardship Program have five weeks to submit comments …

As Florida prepares for another hurricane, a majority of registered voters nationwide say climate change is an emergency, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. (12019/Pixabay)

Poll: Majority of U.S. Voters Call Climate Change an 'Emergency'

DES MOINES, Iowa – A hurricane bearing down on Florida and massive fires in the Amazon rainforest are stark reminders about the changing …

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IA: Civil Rights