Zachary Oren Smith is your friendly neighborhood reporter. He leads Starting Line’s political coverage where he investigates corruption, housing affordability and the future of work. For nearly a decade, he’s written award-winning stories for Iowa Public Radio, The Des Moines Register and Iowa City Press-Citizen. Send your tips on hard news and good food to zach@new.iowastartingline.com.
Zachary Oren Smith
Latest from Zachary Oren Smith
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The Hot Spot: Why we’re investigating cancer in Iowa
Iowa Starting Line is launching “The Hot Spot: Investigating Cancer in Iowa,” a comprehensive look at why our state stands alone in its rising cancer rates.
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Sioux City special election: Republicans choose far-right candidate for seat
Correction: The Iowa Senate confirms the governor’s appointments to agency heads. It does not confirm judge picks. This article has been correct to reflect that. A special election in Sioux City has big implications for power in the Iowa Senate. Who voters choose will have a major impact on power in the Iowa Legislature. A…
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Iowa becomes first state to cut transgender civil rights protections
A new Iowa law removing the civil rights of transgender Iowans goes into effect today. Hear from some of the Iowans targeted by the bill. Iowa made history today as the first state to actively remove a previously protected class from its civil rights law, targeting transgender residents through a combination of legislative actions that…
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5 ways Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ would change life in Iowa
What happens when a 940-page law tries to reshape America? Let’s see how it would play out in the Hawkeye State. Iowa’s Republican Congressional delegation is primed to provide a stamp of approval to President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” despite the potentially devastating impacts it stands to have on Iowa. The legislation slashes…
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Ottumwa Job Corps program, training 240 at-risk youth, faces Trump axe
Despite its success, Ottumwa Job Corps is among the 99 programs the Trump Administration is shutting down. The closure eliminates over 100 jobs in small town Iowa, displacing the 240 at-risk youths served by the program. When Ajai Long finished high school, she found herself spiraling. Instability at home led her to couch-hop. Couch-hopping left…
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Iowa constitutional law professor launches third bid against GOP Congresswoman
Christina Bohannan is taking another shot at unseating embattled US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, after losing by just 799 votes in 2024. Iowa law professor Christina Bohannan wants another rematch in 2026. She lost to US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in 2024 in a nationally-discussed squeaker that came down to just 799 votes. “Mariannette Miller-Meeks has had…
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Zach Wahls joins field of hopefuls campaigning to unseat Joni Ernst
Iowa state senator from Coralville announced a run to take on Iowa’s junior US Senator. State Sen. Zach Wahls (D-Coralville) ended months of speculation Wednesday morning by announcing he will challenge Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst for her seat in 2026. The 33-year-old from Coralville told Iowa Starting Line that he is framing his campaign…
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Davenport building collapse investigation reveals years of ignored warnings and regulatory breakdown
After the Scott County Attorney stonewalled its release, the public can finally read the state’s investigation into the deadly collapse of the Davenport Hotel. Inside: cash workers, altered reports, and a runaway landlord. Andrew Wold stood in a metal fabrication shop off State Street in Bettendorf, Iowa. It was the last Sunday of a hot…
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Planned Parenthood closures leave one abortion clinic in Iowa
Planned Parenthood is contracting amid the federal government’s moves to freeze and reduce funding for OB-GYN care across the nation. Four clinics will close in Iowa. Planned Parenthood announced this month it is closing four clinics in Iowa, news that comes as Republicans nationally are preparing to defund the major provider of reproductive health services…
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Iowa pumps brakes on crypto ATM transaction fees
A new law caps daily crypto ATM transactions at $1,000, limits fees to 15% of the transaction amount, and requires operators to provide full refunds when customers can prove they’ve been scammed. The law also mandates written warnings for customers and gives Iowa’s attorney general authority to levy hefty fines against operators who violate the…
