by Robin Opsahl and Kathie Obradovich, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 13, 2025 The Iowa Legislature convened for the 2025 legislative session Monday with a new slate of legislators and goals to pass property tax and school cell phone use restrictions, among other proposals. With their new, larger majorities, Iowa legislative leaders said they are aiming […]
by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 13, 2025 The Iowa Court of Appeals has ordered the Cedar Rapids City Council to make public its recording of an illegally closed meeting that took place four years ago. The court’s decision could also impact the manner in which many Iowa school boards, city councils and county […]
by Bob Sillick, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 11, 2025 Most Americans continue to support the legalization of cannabis, as the medical use of cannabis is legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia and recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Early indications are the second Trump administration will […]
by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 10, 2025 Rep. Mike Sexton, chair of the Iowa House agriculture committee said his early priorities for the upcoming legislative session include a grain indemnity bill, an elimination of the wool checkoff program and preparations for foreign diseases that would impact livestock. A grain indemnity bill that would […]
by Shauneen Miranda, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 9, 2025 WASHINGTON — On a wintry Thursday morning, mourners and dignitaries gathered at Washington National Cathedral to honor the life of former President Jimmy Carter. Speakers at Carter’s state funeral, including President Joe Biden and the sons of Carter’s political contemporaries delivering eulogies written by their fathers, described […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 7, 2025 As lawmakers get ready to reconvene for the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 13, several state agencies and departments have already submitted bills they want lawmakers to consider in the upcoming year. Lawmakers are not required to take up bills that have been submitted before session, […]
by Erika Bolstad, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 4, 2025 Most Revolutionary War history buffs know the story of Francis Marion, the Continental Army officer called the Swamp Fox for his guerrilla-style attacks that bedeviled British forces in South Carolina’s backcountry. But volunteers and historians have identified 560 Revolutionary War battle sites and other places of […]
Iowa farmer Meredith Nunnikhoven shares impacts… by Robert Leonard My friend Meredith Nunnikhoven of Barnswallow Flowers in Oskaloosa separated Dahlia bulbs in a multipurpose machine shed at her farm as she told me about the jam that she and other small business owners in the area are in. The jam extends to much of rural […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch January 2, 2025 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley will retake the position of Senate president pro tempore when Congress convenes Friday. The Iowa Republican, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1981, will take the position that goes to the longest-serving senator in the party that controls the chamber. […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch December 30, 2024 As Iowa lawmakers get ready to reconvene Jan. 13 for the 2025 session with new members, leaders said they are heading into the session with expectations to take on property taxes, changes to the state’s higher education system and immigration policy, among other issues. Following the […]
