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@iowastartingline.com.
Zachary Oren Smith
Latest from Zachary Oren Smith
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Democrats take stand on healthcare as government shutdown looms
Democrats are threatening to shut down the government unless Republicans restore health insurance subsidies that would otherwise cause Iowa ACA enrollees to pay an extra $1,080 per year for coverage. With just days left before the federal government could shut down, Democrats are insisting they won’t vote for any spending bill that doesn’t protect health…
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Nunn v. Konfrst: Poll shows dead heat in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District
Update: Following publication, Iowa Staring Line received screenshots of Public Policy Polling’s survey. The firm surveyed respondents on the favorability of both Democrats Jennifer Konfrst and Sarah Trone Garriott, how they would fare in a primary with one another, and how they would fare as the Democratic nominee in a general election against incumbent US…
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What you can do to reduce your cancer risk: The big six for Iowans
It is possible to reduce your risk of cancer. Iowa health experts share more.
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Under the Iowa sun: The work that drives the state’s high skin cancer rates
Iowa has the fifth-highest rate of skin cancer in the country, with numbers similar to states with far more UV radiation levels. This week on The Hot Spot, we look into the forces impacting our cancer rate.
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Drey wins Sioux City special election, breaks GOP supermajority
Catelin Drey, a first-time Democratic candidate, decisively won a special election in Sioux City that will have a significant impact on the Iowa Senate and the process of appointing state department heads. Sioux City like much of western Iowa has been electing Republicans. But last night, a special election reversed that trend. Democrat Catelin Drey…
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Democrat Dave Dawson launches bid for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District
Former Iowa state legislator Dave Dawson, a Democrat, is going after the US House seat in Iowa’s most conservative district. Dave Dawson, a 51-year-old prosecutor from Lawton, announced today he will run for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, jumping into a race that’s expected to draw multiple candidates as current Republican US Rep. Randy Feenstra explores…
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Facing cancer in Iowa: Patients share their stories
Cancer in Iowa isn’t just about treatment—it’s about surviving the system, asking why it happened, and living with the aftermath. Five Iowans share their stories.
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Dubuque pastor and state Rep. Lindsay James to run against US Rep. Ashley Hinson
Iowa state legislator Lindsay James is the third Democrat to challenge the northeast Iowa congresswoman in a race pitting kitchen-table economics against Republican messaging. State Rep. Lindsay James said her “why” begins with a constituent she met on a porch. The man lived in a mobile home park in her Dubuque district, and rising rent…
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Scholten suspends US Senate campaign, endorses Turek
The Democratic primary to take on Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst in 2026 has narrowed. Just one week after announcing his bid, State Rep. Josh Turek got a big endorsement Monday morning. State Rep. J.D Scholten said he was suspending his own campaign to defeat Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst and instead vouched for Turek.…
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Iowa DOGE targets retirement pensions for teachers, law enforcement
A taskforce appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds recommended eliminating the state pension system for new employees and replacing it with a 401(k)-style plan. Iowa DOGE’s proposal has sparked fierce, bipartisan opposition. Governor Kim Reynolds promised in 2018 she’d “protect and defend” Iowa’s public employee retirement program, IPERS. Approaching her final year as governor, her administration…
