Nikoel Hytrek is Iowa Starting Line’s longest-serving reporter. She covers LGBTQ issues, abortion rights and all topics of interest to Iowans. Her biggest goal is to help connect the dots between policy and people’s real lives. If you have story ideas or tips, send them over to nikoel@new.iowastartingline.com.
Nikoel Hytrek
Latest from Nikoel Hytrek
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Van Meter Visitor Festival Sept. 28 embraces spooky fun
Celebrate some uniquely Iowa folklore at the Van Meter Visitor Festival
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Tiara Mays-Sims’ passion for public education spurred by her family
For Tiara Mays-Sims, the recent changes to public education in Iowa from the Republican-controlled legislature—especially with Area Education Agencies—are deeply personal. A mother of twins, Mays-Sims noticed early-on that her son wasn’t meeting developmental milestones, so she moved to a town and school district where she knew he could get the help he needed. The…
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Driven by public service, Matt Blake aims for education, reproductive rights reset in Iowa Senate race
When Matt Blake moved to Urbandale, he got involved in the community almost immediately and volunteered to help with the annual 4th of July parade. Within a few months, he’d been appointed the leader of the organization. A few years later, he was inspired to run for Urbandale City Council. “I’m a big believer that…
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How debate lies and pledges would impact Iowans’ reproductive rights
When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it paved the way for Iowa’s abortion ban, and bans across the country. If reproductive rights, like abortion protections, are restored, Iowa’s ban won’t be in effect anymore. VP Kamala Harris promised to sign those protections into law while Trump insisted everyone wanted Roe v. Wade overturned
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At debate, Trump falsely said voters decide on abortion. Not in Iowa
At the debate, Trump suggested the overturn of Roe v. Wade has allowed voters to decide on abortion in their states. Instead, many Republican-led states have tried to block voters from voting on ballot measures to protect abortion access.
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Providing abortion for people who have to flee their states
An Illinois abortion provider has years of experience treating people who are forced to leave their homes to get abortions. With Iowa’s near-total abortion ban in effect, she and her staff are prepared to meet more Iowans.
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11 charter schools get grants from COVID relief fund
With federal dollars allowed for supporting students impacted by the pandemic, Gov. Kim Reynolds named the 11 charter schools that will receive the nearly $4 million.
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Zach Nunn dodges question about his abortion record
At a press conference, Rep. Zach Nunn avoided answering a question about his abortion record in Iowa and how it connects to the near-total ban that recently went into effect.
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Iowa AG defends other states discriminating against trans athletes
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has now joined a group of Republican states to defend laws discriminating against transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia.
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Case against Iowa abortion ban dropped, IA Supreme Court makes success unlikely
Because of an Iowa Supreme Court ruling from June, it’s unlikely the case against Iowa’s near-total abortion ban would succeed.
