Stories written by Freelance Writer

by Jared Strong, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 13, 2023 SIOUX CENTER — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wooed Iowa Republicans on Saturday by drawing parallels between the two states, especially in regard to newly passed legislation that restricts what can be taught in schools and that prohibits gender-affirming surgeries for minors. “The survival of our American […]
May 14 2023 | Posted in
State News |
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by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 11, 2023 The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday rejected an Iowa organization’s challenge to a law imposing restrictions on the sale of pork in California. The decision marks a significant defeat for Iowa pork producers who have long argued that California’s law, backed by animal-welfare advocates, would disrupt […]
May 12 2023 | Posted in
State News |
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by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 4, 2023 The Iowa Legislature wrapped up the 2023 legislative session Thursday, meeting nearly all the goals Republican leaders put forward in January. The House gaveled out for the last time this year at 12:33 p.m. Thursday. Lawmakers hugged and chatted as they gathered up the belongings and […]

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 2, 2023 Lawmakers in both chambers approved a compromise property tax bill Tuesday that they say will provide $100 million in property tax relief, sending it to the governor’s desk. House File 718 passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday, with an amendment combining parts of the chambers’ differing property […]

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 1, 2023 House and Senate Republicans spent most of the 2023 legislative session pursuing differing plans on how to lower property taxes. But as lawmakers look toward wrapping up session in early May, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican legislative leaders announced they have reached a compromise on property […]

by Jared Strong, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 28, 2023 Federal regulators approved a stopgap waiver on Friday that will allow the broad summertime sale of E15 fuel this year. For more than 30 years, gasoline blends that contain 10% ethanol — or E10 — have received a volatility waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency […]
Apr 29 2023 | Posted in
Local News |
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by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 27, 2023 As Iowa lawmakers hit their final day of paid work, House and Senate lawmakers advanced the first round of budget bills Thursday. The House Appropriations Committee passed four spending bills in Thursday’s meeting: Senate File 558 for the departments of natural resources and agriculture, Senate File […]

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 25, 2023 The Iowa Senate passed the agriculture and natural resources spending bill Tuesday with a provision Democrats said could limit the acquisition of public lands. Senate File 558 passed the Senate 33-16, appropriating more than $43 million in funds for the state’s agriculture and natural resources departments. […]

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 24, 2023 The Iowa Senate unanimously approved a bill removing the sunset on a 2022 measure formalizing rules for informing law enforcement officers placed on “Brady-Giglio lists” because of credibility issues. House File 631 next goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds for final approval. The bill makes permanent changes signed […]
Apr 25 2023 | Posted in
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by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 24, 2023 Republican senators advanced a new traffic camera bill that they said would allow local governments to use the technology to address real safety concerns while putting some limits on using cameras to generate revenue. Lawmakers discussed Senate File 489 in subcommittee Monday. It would require local […]