APNewsBreak: Threat of pre-election lawsuit led to big Iowa payout

By Ryan Foley

Ryan Foley, Iowa City correspondent, for breaking news on the unusual circumstances around $4.15 million in settlements for victims of alleged sexual harrassment by a former close ally of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. From a comprehensive records request and interviews, Foley learned that a lawyer for the women had sent a detailed “demand letter” threatening a lawsuit days before the election and a promise to dig into the governor’s association with Dave Jamison, the now-fired director of the Iowa Finance Authority. The state, Foley reported, agreed to settle immediately after receiving the letter.