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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Attorney Kevin Techau to take on Hinson for seat in Congress
Former US Attorney Kevin Techau is running to represent northeastern Iowa. He will take on incumbent Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson. Former US Attorney Kevin Techau announced his candidacy for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District on Thursday. As of this week, he is the sole Democrat who’s announced a run against Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson. …
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Knoxville chamber director joins race against US Sen. Joni Ernst
Some important names in Iowa Democratic politics are mulling a run against US Sen. Joni Ernst. This week, a newcomer became the first to announce his bid. Iowa Democrats’ race to unseat Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst is taking shape about a year and a half before Election Day. Knoxville’s Nathan Sage announced this week…
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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will not run for reelection in 2026
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has led the state for a decade, but has now made the surprise decision to not seek a third term in 2026. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Friday that she will not seek a third term in 2026, bringing an end to what will be nearly a decade as the state’s…
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University of Iowa students have visas revoked by Trump administration
The University of Iowa confirmed that students have had their visa unexpectedly revoked as part of the Trump administration’s nationwide crackdown on international students. University officials say they “were not aware of any violation.” The graduate student union is calling it “blatant authoritarianism designed to terrorize international students.” At least two University of Iowa students…
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Iowa House Democrats propose worker relief package amid Iowa economic headwinds
Iowa House Democrats unveiled a series of legislative proposals aimed at supporting working families as the state faces economic headwinds, including recent layoffs of 780 workers in Decorah and Amana. Iowa has seen major layoffs this week that have put at least 780 people out of work. As these workers look for what’s next, the…
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Top House Democrat predicts Miller-Meeks will lose in 2026
National Democrats see an opportunity to flip Iowa’s 1st Congressional District and take congressional control away from the Trump administration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently took aim at US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, predicting her defeat in the upcoming election cycle while highlighting Democratic momentum following a recent special election victory in the…
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Iowa Republicans rush anti-apprenticeship, anti-union contracting bill, raising safety concerns
In 24 hours, Republicans in both chambers passed a bill that takes away an Iowa city’s ability to prefer contracts with established training programs for taxpayer funded projects. Iowa Republicans passed a controversial bill this week stopping local governments from requiring workforce training standards for contractors on public projects, a major blow to union and…
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VoteVets targets Rep. Zach Nunn on Veterans Affairs cuts
A veterans voter education group is going after US. Rep. Zach Nunn in a new campaign over the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Progressive veterans group VoteVets is launching an ad campaign calling on Republican US Rep. Zach Nunn to oppose the mounting cuts and layoffs at the US…
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Iowa school cancels African American Read-In, 1619 Freedom School steps in
Waterloo Schools pulled out of an event focused on promoting Black literacy over fears of losing federal funding under Trump’s new anti-DEI directives. In response, the 1619 Freedom School is stepping in to host its own event this Saturday. In a move that has drawn statewide attention, the Waterloo Community School District recently withdrew from…
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Iowa farms pay the price for Trump-Musk USDA cuts
Federal cuts are coming home to roost on Iowa farms. More than $11 million in funding that the USDA promised to Iowa’s local food system spoiled overnight, leaving farmers facing even greater unpredictability. Seeds are sprouting in greenhouses. Meat processing dates are locked in at local lockers. Iowa farmers have been planning all winter for…
