DES MOINES, Iowa (IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH/KCRG) – Iowa schools would have to show ultrasound videos and computer-generated graphics on fetal development in Iowa classrooms under legislation sent to the governor’s desk Monday. Senate File 175, approved 33-16, would require human growth and development classes for Iowa students in grades 5-12 include ultrasound video and computer-generated rendering or animations depicting “the humanity of the unborn child by showing prenatal human development, starting at fertilization.” This measure was modeled after laws in other states and similar bills brought up in previous sessions that referenced the “Meet Baby Olivia” video created by anti-abortion group Live Action, though the 2025 legislation does not mention the video by name. The bill was amended by the House on April 17 to ban materials on fetal development from being shown in classrooms if the entity that created it performs or “promotes” abortions, or if it contracts, affiliates, or makes referrals to organizations that perform or promote abortions.
INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (KCRG) – The Independence Police Department arrested a man for stealing over $18,000 from an Arizona COVID-19 unemployment program. In July 2024, the State of Arizona reached out to Independence police regarding a man who stole funds from Arizona’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. That man was identified as Timothy Close. Following the report, police conducted a search warrant at Close’s residence. They also searched his bank and phone records. On Monday, Independence police arrested and charged Close with first degree theft. First degree theft is a Class C Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A Marion man has been arrested for his involvement in a February crash that injured a pregnant woman. On February 26, a crash took place in the 1300 block of 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids. The crash occurred when a tan Pontiac, driven by Trenton Eiben, was travelling eastbound at nearly 90 mph in the center turn lane on 1st Avenue. Eiben struck another vehicle as he was driving, a silver Chevy Traverse operated by Merylin Bowden. According to a criminal complaint, witnesses said Eiben’s driving appeared intentional, as no attempts were made to avoid the crash. Court records say Eiben had “an open lane to the front and right of him, but he drove into the westbound lanes and into Bowden’s vehicle.” Both Eiben and Bowen had to be extracted from their vehicles following the crash, and were transported to nearby hospitals. Bowden sustained major injuries from the crash, including a broken pelvic bone (in two spots) and broken ribs. She was also 18 weeks pregnant. Her pregnancy was terminated due to the crash. Eiben was arrested last week. He has been charged with nonconsensual termination of pregnancy during forcible felony, willful injury resulting in serious injury, and serious injury by motor vehicle.
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau/KCRG) – Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer has kept a low profile since assuming the position last December and hasn’t talked publicly about any intentions to run for governor since Kim Reynolds announced she would not run again for the position in 2026. There is no longer any mystery about what Cournoyer has planned for the future: a campaign for state auditor. Cournoyer’s filing with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board Friday shows her intentions. In December, Cournoyer–a Republican from LeClaire–resigned from the state senate seat that she held since 2019 to become lieutenant governor to replace Adam Gregg, who resigned to become head of the Iowa Bankers Association. The position Cournoyer plans to seek is held by State Auditor Rob Sand. But the two-term Democrat is widely expected to run for governor.
