IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – The state’s Center for Intellectual Freedom is resuming its search for a director after its top choice accepted a position at another university. The opening comes after Professor Carson Holloway, who was a political science professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, accepted an offer to become a tenured professor at the University of Florida. Holloway was named permanent director of the center pending contract negotiations on Oct. 20, according to the center’s website. In a letter to Regent Christine Hensley of the Iowa Board of Regents, Holloway wrote: “I believe strongly in the Center for Intellectual Freedom’s principles and mission, and it would have been my honor to be the Center’s leader. I wish you and the other members of the Board nothing but the best going forward.” The CIF Executive Committee and CIF Advisory Council are tentatively scheduled to meet virtually Friday, Nov. 6, to evaluate remaining candidates.
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – A Marion woman is facing charges in connection to the death of her newborn child last year. Court documents show 39-year-old Margaret Conant may have been trying to use abortion medication while about 25 weeks pregnant. Conant is charged with Child Endangerment-Deprivation of Necessary Care and for a prescription drug violation. On December 31, 2025, Marion Police responded to her residence for a report of an unresponsive newborn. Police say the newborn boy was declared dead at the scene. An autopsy shows the baby was born at around 25 to 26 weeks, on December 29. Investigators say Conant reported her baby was “barely breathing” and was making sounds after being born. She wrapped her baby in a towel, put him in a bag and placed him on a shelf in a closet. According to court documents, Conant ordered abortion pills from a website named “Women on Web” around December 21 of last year. Investigators determined the pills, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, required a prescription in the state of Iowa. In an interview with authorities, Conant admitted to fabricating some information, including her period date, in order to purchase the pills. She did take the abortion pills, she told authorities. Linn County prosecutor Nick Maybanks told TV-9 it took nearly a year to bring charges due to the complex nature of the case. They had to consider the autopsy results, downloading data from her phone, how she took the pills, consulting with medical experts and more. After a lengthy investigation, they determined charges were necessary.
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — Iowa’s midterm turnout was 63%, the highest in 30 years, with more than 1.3 million people casting ballots. Democrats won the governor’s race, the U.S. Senate race and three of four U.S. House seats. Secretary of State Paul Pate said 70% of ballots cast this midterm were early. Both parties spent months trying to get their voters out. Pate said turnout is driven by candidates. “I think on average when you’re looking at an election, turnout is driven by candidates. People I don’t think vote party,” Pate said. Pate said voter registration did not change dramatically despite the Democratic wins. “It didn’t change that dramatically. Really I think this was about the mood of the public,” Pate said. He said his office will release a turnout breakdown by party in the coming days. He expects turnout to keep growing in future elections.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Zach Johnson Foundation announced Wednesday that Stephanie Stulken has been named its next executive director. Stulken, who currently serves as the foundation’s development director, will assume the leadership role on Jan. 1. She succeeds Eric Christenson, who is retiring at the end of the year. “Eric has been an important part of the Zach Johnson Foundation, and we are grateful for his leadership and the work he has done to move our mission forward,” said professional golfer and foundation founder Zach Johnson. During her time as development director, Stulken helped guide fundraising initiatives, deepen donor relationships, and support the organization’s long-term strategic plans. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and build on what has already been accomplished,” Stulken said. “We have an incredible team and community behind us, and I look forward to continuing to create opportunities for students and families in our programs.” The Cedar Rapids-based foundation supports local students and families through educational enrichment, academic support, and resources such as its Kids on Course program.
