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Iowa early News Headlines: Wed., Jan. 27th 2016

News

January 27th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Planned Parenthood of the Heartland announced plans to close its Dubuque health center, ending clinical services immediately. Angie Remington, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit organization, said the demand for services at the Dubuque location remained flat, while the demand has grown at the Cedar Rapids Planned Parenthood. The change will allow the Cedar Rapids site to see more patients and expand its hours. Once the clinic closes, the nearest location will be 70 miles away in Cedar Rapids.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The head of a gay rights organization in Iowa says a legislative oversight committee is unfairly targeting his group over programming at an annual anti-bullying youth conference. Nate Monson, executive director of Iowa Safe Schools, says members of the House Government Oversight Committee plan to sensationalize his group’s work at a meeting Wednesday at the Capitol. Monson helps organize a conference on resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

CLINTON, Iowa (AP) — Hillary Clinton’s most loyal and enthusiastic supporters in Iowa — women middle-aged or older — are unwavering in their support of the Democratic presidential candidate. But some are grappling with a combination of confusion and anxiety that another race in Iowa could be slipping away, just like in 2008. This time around, the unexpected challenge to Clinton comes from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist who has energized young voters and liberals with his calls for a “political revolution.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The department that oversees Iowa’s flagship history museum says a nearly $80 million renovation to the building will cut its square footage but enhance its presence near the Capitol. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie told lawmakers that the State Historical Museum in downtown Des Moines would shrink from about 230,000 square feet to about 155,000 square feet under a renovation plan that would span several years. The department is seeking $65 million from the Iowa Legislature through an infrastructure fund that is separate from general state dollars.