Lee Enterprises has announced it will end Monday print editions of its major newspapers, including the Quad City Times and Dispatch/Argus, effective November 3.

The media company headquartered in Davenport will continue to produce electronic e-editions seven days a week for distribution through its online news sites.

Last month the Quad City Times shuttered the newspaper printing operations at its Davenport location, eliminating 20 full-time and 29 part-time press and production jobs.

by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch
September 17, 2025

Members of the Iowa Board of Regents on Wednesday recommended approval for the group that will advise the University of Iowa’s new center for intellectual freedom, despite concerns over the political and geographical spread of the proposed group.

At Wednesday’s board meeting, regent Christine Hensley, who will chair the advisory board, updated the board on the center’s progress. Legislation passed in the spring mandated the formation of the center, placing it under the purview of the Iowa Board of Regents.

Board President Sherry Bates said during discussion of the center that with advisory board members and an interim director identified, the center can begin its work.

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch
September 11, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn a January 2024 proposed rule that would have reduced the discharge of nutrients and pollutants from meat packing plants and slaughterhouses. 

The agency said it chose to withdraw the rules in an effort to prioritize the nation’s food supply and to keep food prices down. 

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch
August 27, 2025

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold two public hearings in September for a review of water quality standards, as required every three years by federal regulations. 

Per the hearing agenda, DNR plans to discuss water quality standards as they relate to antidegradation, human health criteria, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, lake nutrients and rights reserved for tribal nations. 

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch
August 22, 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it would restrict the use of federal subsidies for solar energy projects in favor of protecting farmland, but clean energy advocates say solar gives farmers a higher production value per acre than any traditional crop. 

A press release from USDA notes specific funding programs can no longer be used for wind and solar projects. The action, the release said, furthers the department’s goal to end taxpayer support of  “unaffordable and unreliable ‘green’ energy sources and ensure the supply chain consists of American products and manufacturing.” 

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch
August 12, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rescinded its previous decision to add seven segments to Iowa’s list of impaired waters due to their high nitrate concentrations. 

In November the agency decided the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ list of impaired waters only “partially” met the requirements of the Clean Water Act to identify waterways with identified pollutants in excess of water quality standards. 

Iowa Capital Dispatch
August 11, 2025

A state agency that denied having inspection records for a Cedar Rapids home health agency now admits it has the records but considers them confidential.

The records are related to Compassion North America, a home health agency whose practices came under scrutiny earlier this year after the Iowa Board of Nursing presented evidence of falsified records, billing for services that were never delivered, and the employment of an unlicensed nurse to provide patient care.

On July 9, the Iowa Capital Dispatch asked the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing for a copy of a private accreditation agency’s inspection report for Compassion North America.

Lee Enterprises, Inc. – parent company of the Quad City Times and Dispatch/Argus newspapers – slashed compensation costs by $12 million in the third quarter, but still lost $2 million during the three-month period ended June 29.

The company narrowed its third quarter red ink from a year ago, a loss of 31 cents per share ($2 million) compared to a loss of 73 cents per share ($4.4 million) for the same period a year ago.

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch
August 7, 2025

State Auditor Rob Sand, who is running as a Democratic candidate for governor, said Thursday he is still “learning” and “listening” to stakeholders to develop a plan toward what some have called a water quality crisis in Iowa. 

Sand spoke with reporters after a tour of Des Moines Water Works, and said he agrees that water quality issues have reached a crisis point in the state, and he wants to develop a “realistic and well informed and achievable” plan to address the issue.