News
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz files motion to oust McCarthy as U.S. House speaker
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House likely faces a decision this week on whether Kevin McCarthy should keep the role of speaker, after Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz on Monday night offered a motion to remove the California Republican. The so-called motion to vacate gives House GOP leaders up to two days to hold a vote […]
Luther College expands scholarship programs for incoming, transfer students
Luther College is expanding its scholarship offerings for incoming and transfer students starting in fall 2024. The Decorah-based college announced Monday that it would add two new scholarships, expand the reach of its Iowa and Minnesota Impact Award and increase the dollar amount provided by merit-based scholarships. “I’m extremely proud to work at an institution […]
Corn and soybean harvests continue ahead of schedule
About 16% of Iowa’s corn and 24% of its soybeans have been harvested so far this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For corn, that is about four days ahead of the five-year average. For soybeans, that is one day ahead of last year and even with the five-year average. Those figures about […]
Battery storage seen as ‘backbone’ of reliable electric grid but adoption uneven across US
SEARCY, Ark. — In the decarbonized future envisioned by many states, utilities and the federal government, expect more power plants like Entergy Arkansas’ facility here, where thousands of gleaming panels and banks of batteries spread across 800 acres about 50 miles northeast of Little Rock. The Searcy Solar Energy Center, a 100-megawatt solar and storage […]
Next battle in Congress over Ukraine aid, as Biden presses House speaker for vote
WASHINGTON — Republican and Democratic lawmakers are searching for a way to clear more aid for Ukraine, after Congress approved a short-term spending bill that didn’t include any additional money for the country. President Joe Biden on Sunday said U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to find the votes needed to pass a supplemental spending […]
After traffic-stop video goes viral, Newton police sue citizen for defamation
An Iowan whose online video of an allegedly unwarranted police traffic stop generated 2 million views is now being sued by the arresting officers for defamation and invasion of privacy. The legal claims by Newton Police Officer Nathan Winters and Lt. Christopher Wing are part a counterclaim to a federal lawsuit that was filed earlier […]
Federal panel seeks Iowa’s involvement to celebrate America’s 250th birthday
As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, federal organizers are asking Iowa and other states to start preparing for celebrations of American history. July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. While that date is still more than two […]
Trump blasts DeSantis, other rivals in Ottumwa
OTTUMWA – Former President Trump, rallying supporters in Ottumwa, focused on other 2024 presidential candidates, especially Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for much of his time on stage. Trump’s trip to Ottumwa is the first stop on his October tour around Iowa. According to fivethirtyeight.com, Trump leads national polls, with 55.1% support. The next closest is […]
Rural America a focus for bipartisan health caucus formed in U.S. House
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan congressional caucus aims to improve accessibility to quality health care and services in rural U.S. communities. The Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus had its first meeting Sept. 20 and serves as a forum for U.S. representatives to promote legislation and policy actions regarding rural health. Members came together to discuss the issues […]
Congress clears bill to avert shutdown, with vote promised later on Ukraine aid
WASHINGTON — Congress approved a bill Saturday night that would stave off a government shutdown until at least mid-November, though the measure doesn’t include Ukraine aid backed by both Republicans and Democrats. The bipartisan 88-9 vote in the U.S. Senate, just hours before a midnight deadline, took place after the U.S. House earlier in the […]
Nikki Haley rallies against 2024 rival Vivek Ramaswamy’s voting age proposal
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley rallied in Iowa Saturday against rival 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to raise the voting age to 25. “If you are old enough to go fight in a war, you should be able to vote, period,” Haley told the crowd of 250 gathered for her town hall at the […]
Navigator asks Iowa regulators to pause its pipeline permit request
Navigator CO2 wants to suspend its pipeline permit process in Iowa until utility regulators in Illinois approve the project, according to a motion it filed in Iowa. The company wants to build a carbon dioxide pipeline system that would transport the captured greenhouse gas from ethanol plants and other facilities to Illinois, where it will […]