(Radio Iowa) – A bill that would force ALL chatbots to inform users that it is not a human has cleared a House subcommittee, but lawmakers intend to narrow the proposal. As currently written, it would require a chatbot to disclose it’s not a human at the start of an online interaction and to remind the user it’s not human every half hour after that. A company could be fined up to 100-thousand dollars each time its chatbot fails to make those statements.

Republican Representative Austin Harris of Moulton — the bill’s sponsor — says chatbots are an unregulated new frontier in technology. “Artificial Intelligence chatbots, mental health chatbots posing as such are encouraging kids to commit suicide or do harmful things to themselves and so we’re bringing this bill forward to be able to start a discussion and see where it goes,” Harris said.

Amy Campbell is a lobbyist for the Iowa Behavioral Health Association and the Iowa Psychological Association. “This is a patient safety, public protection, transparency bill,” Campbell said. Lobbyists for Google, Verizon and other businesses told the subcommittee they’ll make suggestions for narrowing the bill, to ensure it doesn’t apply to “everyday business tools,” like chatbots that help someone find a new flight or schedule an oil change.

(Radio Iowa) – A Senate subcommittee has advanced a bill that’s a response to the case of Ian Roberts, the former Des Moines Superintendent who was arrested by immigration agents in September and has pleaded guilty to falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners granted Roberts a professional license in 2023.

The bill says applicants for teaching and administrative positions in Iowa schools must provide proof to the state’s licensing board and the local school board that they are lawfully present AND authorized to work in the United States. Groups representing school boards and school administrators are suggesting the bill solely require proof a person is authorized to work in the U.S., since that’s the standard Iowa schools are using based on federal requirements.

Senator Lynn Evans, a Republican from Aurelia, says the bill would make state law stronger. “It takes some statements that would be interpreted as may or even directly labeled as may and changes those to a shall,” Evans says, “so that we’re not having things slip through the cracks.”

In October, Governor Reynolds issued an executive order requiring state agencies use federal databases to verify citizenship and immigration status of job applicants. The bill requires those checks for the initial application for a teacher’s or administrator’s license AND for renewing that state license.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Davenport residents were sentenced to federal prison on January 28, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Lloyd Demico Franklin, 44, and Michelle Collins, 40, sold cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) in the Quad Cities area for several years. From June 2022 to December 2024, law enforcement conducted 20 controlled purchases from Franklin and Collins and purchased a total of more than 500 grams of crack cocaine.

Franklin was sentenced to a 25-year prison term for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Collins was sentenced to a three-year prison term for one count of distribution of a controlled substance, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The FBI Quad Cities Resident Agency of the Omaha Field Office, Moline Police Department, and Scott County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

(Cass/Audubon Counties, IA) – Officials with  The 10-42 Project, today (Wednesday) said they are proud to announce a $1,500 donation from Landus Cooperative, supporting programming that serves former and current first responders and their families. The contribution will directly aid in the creation of the organization’s “Belonging Bags”, serving as a meaningful resource given to individuals as they officially enter the 10-42 Project community.

Belonging Bags are designed to provide comfort, encouragement, and connection, reinforcing to first responders that they are seen, supported, and valued as part of the 10-42 family. Each bag serves as both a practical and symbolic welcome, representing the organization’s commitment to restoring and supporting those who serve on the front lines.

Landus Cooperative’s donation aligns with its pillar of community reinvestment, which prioritizes support for fire and EMS personnel,  a shared mission that closely mirrors the heart of the 10-42 Project.

Featured in the image:
Miranda Olson, Jeremiah Thompson, Dan Defenbaugh, Christina Defenbaugh (Photo & story submitted)

According to Sarah Heineman, Director of Community Engagement at Landus, “Landus’ community engagement priorities include championing the needs of first responders who selflessly serve our communities every day. This includes supporting their well-being, and we’re honored to walk alongside efforts like the 10-42 Project.”

The 10-42 Project works to equip, restore, and repurpose first responders by providing programming, community, and resources that address the mental, emotional, and physical toll of the profession. Support from partners like Landus Cooperative allows the organization to continue expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Dan Defenbaugh, Founder of the 10-42 Project, said in a news release, “This gift from Landus Cooperative will have a direct and immediate impact on the men and women we serve.”

Officials with the 10-42 Project extend their sincere gratitude to Landus Cooperative for investing in the well-being of first responders and for standing alongside those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

The 10-42 Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving first responders and their families by fostering connection, restoration, and purpose beyond the uniform. Through intentional programming, community-building experiences, and practical support, the 10-42 Project equips first responders to navigate the challenges of service while rediscovering belonging, resilience, and hope. Learn more at 10-42project.org.

(Radio Iowa) – The annual Winter Dance Party starts today (Wednesday) at the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake, the site where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J-P Richardson played their final concert before dying in a plane crash just north of Clear Lake in February of 1959. Jeff Nicholas is the chair and president of the nonprofit that runs the Surf Ballroom and says people from all over the nation — and world — will converge on Clear Lake through this weekend to celebrate ’50s era rock-and-roll.

“Buddy and Ritchie and The Bopper influenced so many artists like the Beatles and The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, and just anybody that was a big time artist back in the day, and even in the current times,” Nicholas says. “It’s just really a part of American music.” Nicholas says organizers of the event appreciate the people who come each year to honor the fallen rockers and that era of music.

“We have what we have here in Clear Lake and we think it’s pretty special, but it really doesn’t mean anything until people from around the country come, and they’re really the ones, they think that we inspire them, but we think that they inspire us,” he says. “So if we put on these events and nobody came, then all of a sudden we’ve just got a building of bricks and mortar and it’s not that special, it’s not that different than anywhere else, but it’s just the history that we have here.”

Winter Dance Party participants this year will also be able to — for the first time — see the Surf’s new Music Experience Center next to the ballroom. Nicholas says it’s a combination of traditional museum space with displays and memorabilia, as well as an immersive visual experience. “You come in and it’s a surround sound and a surround video. It’s an immersive space, so there will be videos and projections on the floor and on the walls. It’s just a multi-sensory situation,” he says.

“You’ve got the music and your heart beating fast and you’ve got goosebumps. We just tell the musical story of the Surf Ballroom and wind it together with the big bands, and the country-western, and then of course that fateful night that the guys played here.” Part of the festivities include bringing students in from across the region to learn more about the ballroom and the ’50s era rock-and-roll.

“We feel, not empowered, but very significant, that very significant time in music history when the music did die for a brief moment,” he says. “We’ve taken upon ourselves to be one of many people and many venues and many organizations that continue and will continue this the legacy of this music.” For a full list of events taking place at the Surf, head to https://surfballroom.com/wdp/

(Radio Iowa) – House Republicans are proposing longer sentences for violent offenders with previous convictions and new restrictions in the bail system. Representative Steve Holt of Denison says the mandatory sentences would be for serious crimes that endanger public safety.

“I think if you talk to any law enforcement officer, they will pretty much tell you a small number of people commit the majority of crime in our communities,” Holt said. “There are a number of people that simply aren’t willing to be rehabilitated.” A member of the Iowa Board of Parole has raised concerns about tougher sentencing laws, suggesting prison overcrowding may force early releases for some inmates.

Holt say that’s unlikely. A The bill about bail would remove much of the discretion judges and magistrates have in setting bail for people charged with a crime. It also says only those charged with simple misdemeanors or crimes that are non-violent, non-drug crimes would be eligible for release without posting bail. Representative Mike Vondran of Davenport says the bail system desperately needs change.

“We have too many victims that are taking a second seat to the individual that’s committed the act,” Vondran said. “Too often we’re seeing these sometimes violent offenders being able to walk very quickly.” A third bill would create a state-run website with information about how judges have ruled on criminal cases, the sentences they impose and how often their decisions are reversed by a higher court.

Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City says it would be a state-run website, but Republicans in the House haven’t decide which branch of state government would be responsible for creating and maintaining it. “But make it available to the public so the public knows is this judge acting appropriately or inappropriately,” Thomson said. Thomson says the information could be accessible to voters making decisions about judicial retention elections.

Iowa governors appoint judges, but judges must periodically get a majority of votes in Iowa General Elections to keep their jobs.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Court of Appeals has denied the second appeal of a man serving life in prison for the deaths of two Iowa State Fair vendors. Rodney Borushaski was convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his mother and father-in law Bobby and Marilyn Blewer at the State Fair campgrounds in August of 1996.

Prosecutors said he was part of the plot by his wife Jamie Blewer to hire hitman Jeremy Sneed to kill her parents to steal money from their Fair funnel cake business. Borushaski argued there was new evidence to show he was not involved, but the Iowa Court of Appeals ruled all the evidence had previously been considered and dismissed his appeal.

Jamie Blewer and Sneed are also serving life sentences for the murders.

(Atlantic, IA) – Officials with Cass Health, in Atlantic, today (Wednesday), announced that “After a decade of transformative leadership that elevated Cass Health into a nationally recognized regional healthcare hub, Chief Executive Officer Brett Altman has announced his retirement.” Altman will remain a part of the leadership team through January 1, 2027—his official 10-year anniversary—to ensure a seamless transition for the organization.

The Cass Health Board of Trustees will initiate a search for a successor, evaluating qualified candidates to lead the organization through its next phase of strategic expansion. “The next several months will focus on identifying the right leader to build upon the incredible gains we have made together,” said Altman. “It has been the honor of my career to serve this community, and I am confident that the momentum we have built together will propel Cass Health to even greater heights.”

Cass Health CEO Brett Altman (Official photo)

A Legacy of Excellence and Expansion:

Since joining Cass Health in 2017, Altman has overseen an era of unprecedented growth. Under his tenure, the organization doubled its market share and patient base, now serving more than 36,000 residents across southwest and west-central Iowa. Mike Klocke, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, noted that Altman’s “well-organized framework for growth” redefined the hospital’s future. Notable achievements include:

• Workplace Culture and Employee Recognition: Earned annual “Top Workplace” awards and implemented the DAISY and ROSE recognition programs. Altman also initiated “Mission Moments” to celebrate staff achievements in the employee weekly newsletter and nine “Hospital Heroes” have been recognized statewide during his tenure.
• Provider Recruitment: Successfully recruited over 100 new providers, drastically expanding local access to top-shelf specialty care.
• National Recognition: Secured five consecutive Top 20 Critical Access Hospital, 2026 Forbes 5-Star Hospital honors, and a 2024 finalist spot for the American Hospital Association’s “Rural Hospital of the Year.”
• Infrastructure & Innovation: Led the rebranding to Cass Health, championed the new Tyler Family Cancer Center, launched Rapid Care, and initiated the adoption of robotic surgery.
• State Leadership: Obtained the Governor’s designation as a “Rural Hospital Center of Excellence” and multiple Nurse Apprenticeship grants. Altman has also served as Treasurer and Vice-Chair of the Iowa Hospital Association Board.

Future-Focused Transition

Altman’s departure comes as Cass Health executes a robust five-year strategic plan, including facility expansions and remodels scheduled through 2028. “Because of our nationwide reputation as one of the best rural hospitals in the country, I have no doubt we will attract stellar candidates,” Klocke said. “Cass Health is positioned as a premier employer and provider, and the framework is in place for the next leader to hit the ground running.”

Reflections on a 36-Year Career
Altman’s retirement marks the conclusion of a 36-year career in healthcare leadership. Prior to Cass Health, he served as President & CEO of Skiff Medical Center in Newton, IA. Throughout his career, Altman has been a vocal advocate for streamlining healthcare complexity. “Ideally, more time should be spent delivering timely care rather than navigating the complexities of healthcare, jumping through insurance hoops, and obtaining pharmaceutical & medical authorizations,” Altman reflected.

In his announcement, Altman expressed deep gratitude: “I have been fortunate to collaborate with a team that genuinely cares about our patients and each other. Our staff is the best in the business. It is a privilege to conclude my career as CEO of Cass Health.”

(Clarinda, IA) – The Page County Attorney’s Office has released a report on case outcomes in Page County District Court for the week of January 12, 2026.

Among the cases, was that of 25-year-old Alan Myron Jones, of Des Moines, who pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana- 1st Offense. He was fined and ordered to pay court costs and related fees.

23-year-old Jackson David Mellencamp, of Grimes, pled guilty to Operating While Under the Influence-1st Offense. He was granted a deferred judgment and placed on probation for 12 months. Mellencamp must obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommendations. He was ordered to pay a civil penalty, courts costs, and related fees.

49-year-old Christopher Charles Rodrigues, of Blockton, pled guilty in Page County District Court, to Theft in the Second Degree. He was sentenced to 5 years of incarceration, and fined $1,025. The term of incarceration was suspended, and Rodrigues was placed on probation for 2 years. As a condition of probation, he is required to reside at the Residential Correction Facility until maximum benefits are achieved. He was also ordered to pay court costs and related fees.

22-year-old Eustacio Joseph Sanchez, of Thurman, pled guilty to Operating While Under the Influence-2nd Offense. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with all but 7 days suspended. Sanchez was placed on probation for 1 year and as a condition of probation will obtain a Substance Abuse Evaluation and complete the 12-hour Drinking Driver’s Course. He was also ordered to pay court costs and related fees.

And, 34-year-old Jason Jay Smith, of Clarinda, pled guilty in Page County to Operating While Under the Influence-1st Offense. He was granted a deferred judgment and placed on probation for 1 year. As a condition of probation, the defendant must obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommendations plus complete the Drinking Driver’s School. Smith was ordered to pay a civil penalty,  courts costs and surcharges.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

(Radio Iowa) – Republican Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she doesn’t support Democrat calls that ICE agents be required to carry out arrests only with warrants, clearly display identification, and operate under strict use of force standards. “Because ICE needs to be able to operate and do their jobs. The bigger problem here is that we have sanctuary cities who are not complying with ICE detainers and cooperating with the federal government,” she says. “In places where you see that cooperation happening, things are running very, very smoothly.” Hinson says Democrats are wrong to call for defunnding and shutting down ICE.

“That’s a non-starter for us, and I would argue for the majority of Congress, but the package the House voted on would not only fund ICE, I remind everybody, but the T-S-A, the Coast Guard, and FEMA, and those are all very important agencies that we need to be serious about funding,” Hinson says. Hinson says the latest shooting of a man by ICE agents in Minneapolis is tragic and she supports a full investigation, but she says people are interfering and not complying with law enforcement.

” I asked three people yesterday, you know, have you ever had an unfavorable interaction with law enforcement? And all of them said ‘no.’ And I think that is at the root here,” Hinson says. “You’ve got a Minneapolis mayor who is saying that you shouldn’t comply, you should resist, a governor in Minnesota that’s saying you shouldn’t comply, you should resist. And so I think that’s the issue here is they have inflamed things so much that now people don’t know who they can trust.” Hinson is from Marion and currently represents Iowa’s Second Congressional District, but is running for the open U-S Senate seat.