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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Iowa hospitals brace for impact as federal Medicaid cuts loom
Federal Medicaid cuts are expected to strip health care from 86,000 Iowans over the next ten years. One rural hospital administrator warns the financial impact could be felt in months, not years. When Dr. Robin Plattenberger retired from her Washington County practice eight years ago, she left behind patients who depended on Medicaid for everything…
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Iowa’s abortion ban creates costly travel for women seeking care, data shows
After a 74% drop in abortion services, Iowans increasingly cross state lines for care, while Illinois and other neighbors shoulder a regional burden. Tuesday marks one year since a law that bans most abortions in Iowa went into effect, and new data reported by providers show the impacts of the ban have been felt far…
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AG Bird drops suit to defund Winneshiek Sheriff
The Iowa Attorney General is dropping her lawsuit against the Winneshiek County Sheriff over a social media post. Bird says the county is in “full compliance,” though she never got the apology she attempted to compel from the sheriff. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird quietly dismissed her high-profile lawsuit against Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx.…
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What are some cancer screening and treatment options in Iowa?
Finding the right options for cancer screenings and treatment can be overwhelming. But Iowa has more options than you might expect. We’ve assembled some resources to help.
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What is behind Iowa’s cancer crisis?
Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the US, and the numbers keep climbing. What’s driving these cases?
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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…
