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School officials caution new law could harm students, districts
Iowa school officials are concerned a new “parental choice” law will interfere with district funding and their ability to plan yearly budgets, which they say will ultimately affect students. Students attending Iowa public schools now have the option to open enroll into any district at any given time of the year. When students leave, over […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa Republicans work to continue construction on southern border wall
Iowa lawmakers joined this week in focusing attention on illegal immigration and the southern border, while also advocating for disaster aid, Farm Bill updates and a proposal to control prescription drug prices. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks proposed a resolution to direct the federal government to hand over materials for constructing the southern border wall to states […]
High travel rates expected for the holiday weekend
Nearly 50 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend, making this the second busiest Independence Day since 2000. In Iowa, the Des Moines International Airport is anticipating high travel rates. From June 30 through July 4, over 26,800 passengers are expected to process through Des Moines Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Checkpoint. Iowa’s largest […]
Iowa COVID-19 cases rise while hospitalization decreases
The state of Iowa has seen a 22% increase in reported COVID-19 cases in the past seven days, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Wednesday. A total of 4,787 Iowans have reported testing positive for COVID-19 over the past week — roughly 684 per day, the state agency reported. That is up from 3,919 […]
Iowa food pantries see high demand amid supply chain shortage
Bobby Chase’s income as a full-time cook at an Ames pizza restaurant forces him to choose between paying for groceries or rent for the month. “There are places that don’t want to give hours or a pay that actually makes sure people can pay their bills or for food,” Chase said. Local food pantries in […]
‘Field of Dreams’ TV series receives $6 million in state funding
Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office announced Monday that $16.5 million in grant money will be divided among multiple tourism and recreational projects, including the “Field of Dreams” television series. Universal Television is one of four organizations to receive the first batch of Destination Iowa funding awarded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Specifically, $6 million will fund […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa Republican representatives oppose gun reform bill due to constitutional concerns
Most of Iowa’s Republican federal representatives said they voted against bipartisan legislation to address gun violence because it might threaten Americans’ constitutional rights. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act increases background checks for people ages 18 to 21 who are buying a gun and allocates millions of dollars for mental health and school safety programs. “There […]
Reynolds appoints campaign donor to Iowa Board of Regents
Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Des Moines area businessman James “JC” Risewick to the Iowa Board of Regents Friday. Risewick is the president and chief operating officer of his family business, Seneca Companies, which specializes in petroleum dispensing and design solutions for gas stations. “I’m thankful that the Governor has appointed me to this position, and […]
State university students cite homelessness, debt in response to Regents’ proposed tuition increase
Iowa State graduate student Rachel Sorensen said Monday she is homeless for the summer because she’s not earning enough to cover the cost of living. She told members of the Iowa Board of Regents her situation isn’t unique and their plan to increase state university tuition and fees will make it worse. “My concern when […]
University student representatives raise concerns about potential tuition raise
Student leaders at Iowa’s state universities said proposed tuition increases and eroding state support will harm not only students but Iowa’s communities in the future. The Iowa Board of Regents will consider a proposal Monday to increase tuition for in-state graduates and undergraduates by 4.25%. The meeting will only be the first reading and the final […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa’s representatives join on legislation to bolster biofuels
Iowa’s federal representatives helped introduce and pass a legislative package this week aimed at controlling rising food and gas prices, that includes expanded ethanol sales. The Lower Food and Fuel Cost Act, which contains five bills, passed the House with bipartisan support Thursday. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra and Ashley Hinson introduced an act within […]
Iowa governor signs elder abuse penalties amid a flurry of new laws
Gov. Kim Reynolds sat down with a pile of pens Wednesday at Highland Ridge, a senior care facility in Williamsburg. She signed Senate File 522, a bill establishing criminal penalties for elder abuse. It passed unanimously in both chambers of the Iowa Statehouse. Supporters of the bill gathered around the desk where she signed the […]