This holiday weekend is the last extended period of time the U.S. Senators running for president have to speak directly to undecided Iowa Caucus-goers. The impeachment trial begins in the Senate tomorrow, so Senators Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren must be in … [Read more...]
Four 2020 candidates speak to Iowa State Education Association
One of the largest labor unions in Iowa hosted four of the Democratic presidential candidates today. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar was first to speak Saturday at the Iowa State Education Association event. "To have strong public schools, you must have a strong ISEA," Klobuchar said, to … [Read more...]
Leaders of Iowa Democratic Party, Iowa GOP defend Caucuses
The chairmen of Iowa's two major political parties are both defending Iowa's first-in-the-nation Caucuses against critics say the state's population isn't diverse enough. Iowa GOP chairman Jeff Kaufman says Iowa's Caucuses give candidates a fair shot that they wouldn't have if the process started … [Read more...]
State tax incentives approved for Conagra’s Fort Madison project
State officials have awarded tax breaks to Conagra Foods for expansion of its facility in Fort Madison. Conagra bought the Pinnacle Foods plant in Fort Madison in late 2018. The company now plans to spend nearly $32 million buying new machinery and equipment to produce canned beans at the plant. … [Read more...]
Last day to get fast pass for Iowa Democratic Party’s 2020 Caucuses
Today is the deadline to check-in early for the Iowa Democratic Party's February 3, 2020 Caucuses. Everyone who participates in the Caucuses must check-in with party officials in their neighborhood and show they're a registered Democrat who lives in the precinct. Iowa Democratic Party chairman … [Read more...]
Proposed amendment on abortion clears first hurdle in Iowa legislature
Republican lawmakers are proposing an amendment to the Iowa Constitution, in response to Iowa court rulings that struck down abortion restrictions. Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison gave a loud Marine Corps "oorah" on Tuesday when Governor Kim Reynolds mentioned it in her Condition … [Read more...]
Lawmaker wants to close potential loophole in Iowa’s life prison sentences
A state senator wants to make sure medical intervention doesn't help inmates escape the state's "life" prison sentence for first degree murder and other Class A felony convictions. Senator Roby Smith of Davenport is sponsoring a bill on the topic after an Iowa prisoner sued for release, … [Read more...]
Legislators ponder rumble strips, left-lane hogs, backseat belts
Three traffic-related bills have already emerged in the 2020 Iowa legislature. A bill to make seat belt use mandatory for back-seat passengers has cleared a subcommittee in the Iowa Senate. Senator Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake says federal statistics show nearly half of the people killed in motor … [Read more...]
Acting Iowa Supreme Court chief says the courts will endure
The Iowa Supreme Court's acting chief justice says the state's court system is going through a transition, but Justice David Wiggins downplays the idea there's any sort of conflict between the executive and judicial branches of state government. "The court's in pretty good shape and it's an … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor to DC to attend signing of China trade deal
Governor Kim Reynolds is headed to Washington, D.C. to attend the signing of "phase one" of a trade deal with China. "It's a really good first step for Iowa and for Iowa farmers," Reynolds told Radio Iowa late Tuesday afternoon. Reynolds said she was invited by the Trump Administration to send … [Read more...]