Governor Kim Reynolds says in-person classes are to be the primary mode of educating Iowa's K-12 students this school year and students will not get credit if their schooling is conducted online without state permission. "Schools that choose not to return to school for at least 50% in-person … [Read more...]
Wind turbines on private property a flash point for Iowa lawmakers
Three GOP members of a key committee say they plan to block state regulators from expanding their authority to turn over private property for wind energy developments. Some Iowa counties have passed local zoning ordinances restricting where wind turbines may be placed. Critics say those … [Read more...]
Trump camp, Iowa GOP seeking dismissal of lawsuit over absentee ballot requests
President Trump's campaign, along with state and national G-O-P groups are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit over new rules on how Iowa election officials correct problems on absentee ballot request forms. The new law forces county auditors to call, email or send a letter to voters if there's … [Read more...]
Biden says Iowa is ‘critical battleground’ in fall election
The Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for president is describing Iowa as a swing state that may be vital to an Electoral College victory this fall. Joe Biden delivered a short message to Iowa Democrats during the party's virtual fundraiser early this evening. "Iowa's a critical battleground … [Read more...]
Former Senator Tom Harkin marks anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
The woman who is the world's first and only armless pilot will be flying over the Washington, D.C. area this morning with former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin as her copilot. Jessica Cox, who was born without arms, is a motivational speaker and disability rights advocate. The 80-year-old Harkin served … [Read more...]
Berkley Bedell Memorial Boat Parade planned on West Okoboji
Friends, family, and community members will honor the late Congressman Berkley Bedell this weekend with an event on West Lake Okoboji. Bedell, a businessman who served in Congress for 12 years, died in December at the age of 98. Tom Bedell, his son, said a memorial service had been planned this … [Read more...]
Legislative Council OKs mailing ballot applications to all active Iowa voters
The Iowa Legislative Council has unanimously approved Secretary of State Paul Pate's plan to mail every active voter in the state an application for an absentee ballot for the November election. Pate did a similar mailing for the June 2nd Primary, but the Republican-led legislature voted in … [Read more...]
Secretary of State planning another absentee ballot request form mailing
Late tomorrow afternoon, the state's top election official will ask the Iowa Legislative Council for permission to mail absentee ballot request forms to every active Iowa voter. Secretary of State Paul Pate mailed the forms to voters before the June Primary, encouraging Iowans to vote-from-home … [Read more...]
Schumer touts polling on Ernst-Greenfield race
The top Democrat in the U.S. Senate addressed a virtual gathering of about 250 Polk County Democrats last night and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the group the party's agenda fits the moment. "The country is thirsting for real and dramatic change," Schumer said. Republicans are "on … [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...]