Des Moines police and state patrol troopers arrested 17 Black Lives Matter protesters at the Iowa Capitol Wednesday afternoon. Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek said officers arrested three activists inside the building on charges related to a June 20th protest at a Des Moines … [Read more...]
After years of work, new Iowa law boosts animal abuse penalties
A new state law that took effect yesterday enhances the penalties for those caught abusing, neglecting or torturing pets. The law makes it easier for prosecutors to pursue these cases. A person convicted of seriously injuring or killing a pet could be sentenced to up to two years in prison. A … [Read more...]
Legislative Council rehashes debate over absentee ballot forms
The Iowa Legislative Council has agreed to let Iowa soldiers who are deployed overseas vote electronically in seven special elections scheduled next Tuesday -- a step required by a new law forcing the secretary of state to get the legislative branch's permission for some election-related … [Read more...]
Governor approves data confirmation change for absentee ballot requests
Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on all the bills that cleared the 2020 legislative session -- and she approved changes in how county election officials verify the identity of Iowans asking to vote with an absentee ballot. Republican lawmakers say they want to prevent absentee ballot abuse. … [Read more...]
BLM protester hit by driver of governor’s SUV
The state trooper driving the governor's SUV Tuesday hit a Black Lives Matter activist who stood in front of the vehicle in an attempt to speak with Govenror Reynolds. Jaylen Cavil tweeted that he's "physically okay" and was hoping Reynolds would roll her window down and speak with the two dozen … [Read more...]
Judge temporarily blocks 24-hour waiting period for abortions
A district court judge has temporarily blocked a new abortion restriction Governor Reynolds approved Monday from going into effect tomorrow. The law that's on hold would require women to attend an additional appointment at least 24 hours before terminating a pregnancy. "I believe in this piece of … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley tweets on Fox News, president’s reelection issues
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley's recent tweets accuse Fox News of failing President Trump and recommend someone in the Oval Office read a Wall Street Journal editorial to Trump, which suggests why he may lose in November. One media outlet calls the tweets a call for an "intervention" at the White … [Read more...]
Governor approves changes in medical cannabis law, raises tobacco-buying age
Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on a host of bills, including three that deal with marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes. When bars and restaurants were closed this spring due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation allowing the sale of carry-out cocktails in addition to … [Read more...]
Reynolds approves 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a bill that creates a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa, but it may not go into effect as planned this Wednesday. On Monday, a district court judge heard opening arguments in the lawsuit the ACLU and Planned Parenthood filed to block the … [Read more...]
EPA consideration of oil refinery waivers key topic in Ernst-Greenfield race
Republican Senator Joni Ernst and Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield are both criticizing the EPA administrator's handling of federal ethanol policy -- and each questions the other's commitment to promoting the corn-based fuel. Greenfield said Ernst never should have voted to confirm a … [Read more...]