DES MOINES – The director of a Des Moines-based non-profit faces allegations of using money from donations and grants for herself over seven years, according to a report by the State Auditor’s Office. The Des Moines Register reports Jodi Spargur-Tate is formerly a leader at Children and Families of Iowa, and is accused of improperly spending more than $400,000 from the organization from 2015 to 2022. Most of those funds allegedly came from the U.S. Department of Labor, and they were used on clothes, auto repairs, bills, and her son’s rent.

DES MOINES – The Iowa House of Representatives voted to pass a five-year ban on new casino licenses in the state. KTIV reports that lawmakers are moving quickly ahead of casino licensing meeting next week scheduled with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, who is considering approval of the Cedar Crossing Casino in Cedar Rapids. Both the Iowa Senate Local Government Subcommittee and Committee also approved the text Thursday, meaning the full chamber can consider it next week. Opponents have argued a new casino in Cedar Rapids would take revenue from other nearby facilities, while supporters claim the state would gain millions more in revenue.

IOWA CITY – Following a ceremony this weekend to retire her jersey number, and Iowa basketball icon is set to return to play at Carver Hawkeye Arena this year. KCRG-TV reports the Indiana Fever will play a preseason game against the Brazilian National Team in Iowa City on May 4th — meaning Caitlin Clark will return home to compete. The University of Iowa is handling tickets for the event. Clark, a two-time unanimous NCAA National Player of the Year, is having her #22 retired this Sunday.