The Republican who challenged Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller in 2010 aims to run against the Democratic incumbent again. Brenna Bird told The Cedar Rapids Gazette she's running for attorney general this year. Bird is a former chief of staff for Congressman Steve King. She also served as legal … [Read more...]
Branstad says being called ‘old friend’ by China’s president ‘a good thing’
Former Governor Terry Branstad says as President Trump's ambassador to China, he routinely accepted criticism of the United States from Community Party officials in a formal setting. Branstad says the process has a name in diplomatic circles. It's called a demarche "A demarche is getting chewed … [Read more...]
Ex-Governor Branstad to be ambassador-in-residence at Drake University
Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will be "ambassador-in-residence" at Drake University, meeting with students and planning to host a yearly conference about U.S. and China relations. Branstad, who was President Donald Trump's Ambassador to China, graduated from Drake's law school 50 years … [Read more...]
Floyd of Rosedale sculpture dedicated ahead of battle for trophy
When the Iowa and Minnesota football teams meet tomorrow, the victors will take home the bronze Floyd of Rosedale Trophy. A larger-than-life iron sculpture of Floyd the Pig was dedicated in Fort Dodge this week. City council member Dave Flattery says that hog was raised on the Rosedale family … [Read more...]
Ernst and Reynolds say Iowa preparing to welcome Afghan refugees
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst say preparations are underway to help Afghan refugees settle in Iowa. Ernst has been working to secure Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans who helped the U.S. military. "We are pushing, pushing, pushing to get as many Afghans out of … [Read more...]
Iowa Supreme Court overturns $1.5 million jury award in Branstad case
The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned a lower court ruling awarding damages to the state Workers' Compensation Commissioner former Governor Terry Branstad tried to fire. In 2019, a district court jury awarded Christopher Godfrey $1.5 million. Godfrey argued he was pressured to resign and his pay … [Read more...]
Iowa unlikely to join 26 states with hands-free driving laws
House Speaker Pat Grassley today said it is unlikely the 2021 legislature will vote to make it illegal to drive while handling a smartphone. Grassley said some of the questions House Republicans have raised haven't been answered. "Just the enforcement, with law enforcement, how that would all … [Read more...]
Handful of Democrats join GOP in passing wide-ranging education bill
The Iowa House has approved changes in how schools may use state funding for the Teacher Leadership and Compensation program. Republican Representative Holly Brink of Oskaloosa said not every Iowa teacher wants to be in a leadership role. "Just like students learn differently, teachers may … [Read more...]
Supreme Court hears arguments in Branstad appeal
The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments today in the appeal of the discrimination lawsuit verdict against former Governor Terry Branstad. The jury found Branstad pushed out Workers Compensation Commissioner Christopher Godfrey in violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act because Godfrey was … [Read more...]
Branstad says President Trump aims to be record breaking for Iowa
President Trump is scheduled to rally with supporters at the Des Moines Airport this evening. "He wants to be record-breaking and record-setting for Iowa and Iowa farmers," says Eric Branstad, a senior advisor to the president's Iowa campaign, "and that's exactly what he's going to come and share … [Read more...]