Iowa
Northeast Iowa Community College president sues trustees in alleged DEI disagreement
The president of Northeast Iowa Community College, currently on administrative leave while the college proceeds with termination, has filed suit against the college’s Board of Trustees, alleging violations of open meeting laws.
Herbert Riedel says in the suit that the board violated the state’s open meeting laws when it implemented proceedings that, while discussed in closed session, were never voted on in an open setting. He filed the suit in December in Winneshiek County and it was served Jan. 22.
Northeast Iowa Community College put Riedel on administrative leave in early October and has initiated termination proceedings, NICC spokesperson Tara Cooley said in an email. During that process, Riedel has the right to a private hearing where a judge will determine whether the cause for his termination was justified.
More: Iowa Board of Regents tells UI, ISU, UNI to eliminate DEI positions not required by law
Riedel said in a statement posted on social media that he will contest the college’s action against him.
“The Board is wasting a lot of taxpayer money by its politically motivated and ego-driven refusal to allow me to return to my job and provide solid leadership to advance NICC’s mission for the benefit of our students,” Riedel said in his statement.
The institution declined to comment and remains committed to its mission and students, Cooley said in the email. There is no timeline for the search for a new president, and David Dahms, NICC vice president for finance and administration, is serving as acting president.
“NICC intends to vigorously defend itself against the Petition recently filed by Dr. Herbert Riedel, and will not comment further on pending litigation,” Cooley said in her email.
President claims plan for him included ‘re-education’ on diversity, equity and inclusion
The closed meeting in question occurred in June 2023 and pertained to Riedel’s performance as college president. Riedel believes, according to the suit, that the board also discussed his contract, salary and a “performance action plan.”
Once the board convened in open session, it voted to take action on Riedel’s contract and pay but not the plan, which was still implemented, according to the suit.
According to the suit, Riedel is asking the court to void the action plan. He is seeking damages from the board members involved in the violation.
Riedel said in his statement that the action plan was politically motivated, as evidenced by an early draft which would have had him undergo a “re-education” on diversity, equity and inclusion, which he called a “highly ideological and controversial movement favored by some at the College.”
The college did not respond to questions about the details of the performance action plan or activities relating to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“When I arrived at the College, the DEI Committee had plans to institute training on gender pronouns and to survey students on private sexuality, gender, and race issues,” Riedel said in the statement. “I directed the Committee to follow Iowa’s laws, refrain from controversy, include an openness to viewpoint diversity, and foster a workplace and learning environment that is respectful of employees and students, while promoting diversity and inclusiveness.”
Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions:kobradovich@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
Trump announces ‘America250’ celebration, says 2026 Iowa event planned
A part of the “America250” celebration, Trump said an event dubbed “The Great American State Fair” will start in Iowa.
Gov. Kim Reynolds has named a task force to prepare Iowa to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year.
Reynolds signed an executive order on Nov. 6 creating the task force, named the Governor’s Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which will be led by Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.
In a statement, Reynolds said she was honored to launch the task force.
“Ever since President Donald Trump visited the Iowa State Fairgrounds to kick off the 250th celebration, my administration has been working to coordinate our own year-long celebration,” she said. “I look forward to showcasing the incredible contributions Iowans have made throughout our nation’s history.”
Trump visited the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3 for an event kicking off America250, the national yearlong celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, leading to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
“Iowa has a prominent place in American history more than deserving of displaying for our country’s 250th birthday,” Cournoyer said in a statement. “I want to thank Gov. Reynolds for appointing me to lead this task force with the goal of acknowledging Iowa’s impact on American excellence over the years.”
Naig said he was grateful to help lead the task force.
“America 250 is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the people who have and continue to make our nation exceptional, as well as the values that built this country — faith, family and freedom,” he said. “I look forward to working with partners across the state to highlight Iowa’s important contributions to our nation’s history over the last 250 years.”
Twenty-one Iowans will serve on the task force, including four ex officio members made up of a Republican and Democratic lawmaker from the Iowa House and Senate, who will be appointed by their legislative leaders.
The remaining members of the task force are:
- Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer
- Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig
- Secretary of State Paul Pate
- Department of Administrative Services Director Mark Campbell
- Department of Management Director Kraig Paulsen
- Department of Economic Development and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham
- Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow
- Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon
- Iowa National Guard Major General Stephen Osborn
- Department of Veterans Affairs Director Todd Jacobus
- Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons
- Member selected by the Iowa Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Member selected by the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
- The FAMiLY Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats
- RMA Armament Founder and CEO Blake Waldrop
- Stellar Industries President and CEO Dave Zrostlik
- Cambrex (Charles City) President Joe Nettleton
Reynolds’ executive order directs the task force to issue a report within 120 days detailing plans for the country’s anniversary celebrations in Iowa.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.
After a hard push by Iowa women’s basketball, in-state 2026 five-star shooting guard prospect Jenica Lewis announced on Thursday night her commitment to Notre Dame. Lewis chose the Irish over fellow finalists Iowa, Oregon, and TCU.
Lewis had long been one of the Hawkeyes’ most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class and she took an official visit to Iowa City on Oct. 25 late in the process. While the Hawkeyes hoped to add the Johnston, Iowa, native as their second 2026 commit alongside fellow five-star McKenna Woliczko, Iowa instead finishes as one of the four finalists.
“From every moment, every game, every dream – it all fits. Committed to Notre Dame,” Lewis wrote in her X announcement.
Lewis is the nation’s No. 22 overall recruit, the No. 4 shooting guard, and the No. 1 prospect in the state of Iowa, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Per Rivals, Lewis is the nation’s No. 21 player, the No. 5 combo guard, and No. 1 player in the state in 2026, while ESPN rates Lewis as the country’s No. 24 player overall.
At Johnston High School, she was honored as the 2024-25 Iowa MaxPreps High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 18 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game on 47% shooting from the field, 35% from 3-point range, and 88% from the free-throw line.
With Lewis off the board, the Hawkeyes and their fans will have their eyes locked in on the upcoming recruiting battle for five-star forward Addison Bjorn, as the program tries to secure at least two of their three high-profile 2026 targets.
Bjorn is scheduled to take her final official visit to Kansas this weekend and has yet to release an intended commitment date.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.
Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, winning numbers for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Nov. 5 drawing
09-17-29-61-66, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 5
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-3 numbers from Nov. 5 drawing
Midday: 1-9-0
Evening: 9-1-1
Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-4 numbers from Nov. 5 drawing
Midday: 4-9-6-3
Evening: 2-4-0-2
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 5 drawing
09-12-29-38-43, Lucky Ball: 15
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Nov. 5 drawing
01-26-35-50-51, Star Ball: 05, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Nov. 5 drawing
07-10-18-21-61, Powerball: 11
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Iowa editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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