A northwest Iowa school district has agreed to prohibit religious organizations from holding events at schools after receiving a complaint about a Christian group holding National Day of Prayer celebrations on school grounds. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a nonprofit organization advocating for the separation of church and state and for nonreligious people, sent […]
Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch
Posted inCommunity/News
Sen. Joni Ernst speaks in support of cuts to USAID, public broadcasting
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst praised the cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) included in the bill passed in the early hours of Thursday to cancel $9 billion in federal funding for foreign aid efforts and public broadcasting. Ernst spoke in support of the cuts made through the rescissions bill, requested by President […]
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Democrat Kathy Dolter launches bid for 2nd Congressional District; Rep. Lindsay James mulls a run
Democratic hopefuls are launching — or moving toward — bids to compete for the party’s nomination in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District for the 2026 election. State Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, said Tuesday she is considering a run for the 2nd District. The 44-year-old Presbyterian pastor, currently serving her fourth term in the Iowa House, said […]
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Bill requiring Iowa schools show material from anti-abortion groups depicting ‘humanity of the unborn child’ at fertilization heads to governor’s desk
Iowa schools would have to show ultrasound videos and computer-generated graphics on fetal development in Iowa classrooms under legislation sent to the governor’s desk Monday. SF 175, approved 33-16, would require human growth and development classes for Iowa students in grades 5-12 to include ultrasound video and computer-generated renderings or animations depicting “the humanity of the […]
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Proposed constitutional amendment would require supermajority to raise income tax
A Senate subcommittee moved forward with the second step in amending the state constitution Wednesday to require a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature for income tax increases. SSB 1221 is a follow-up from HJR 2006, passed in 2024 with the same language. To amend the Iowa Constitution, lawmakers must pass the amendment language in […]
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Sen. Chuck Grassley will hold Judiciary Committee hearing on courts blocking Trump actions
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is set to play a top role as the Senate Judiciary Committee chair in hearings next week on courts blocking President Donald Trump’s actions. Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation also introduced legislation to make English the official language of the nation and to address a shortage of truck drivers. The Senate […]
Posted inStatewide
Bill shuts Iowa’s largest counties out of economic development funds for three years
Iowa’s four most populous counties would not be able to access state economic development programs and their funds for three years under a bill advanced Wednesday by an Iowa House subcommittee. The legislation, HSB 310, would impose a three-year moratorium, from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, on all programs administered by the Iowa […]
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Gov. Tim Walz says at Iowa town hall he is ‘soul-searching’ after 2024
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told Iowans on his first stop of a national town hall tour that he wanted to give a voice to people who feel unheard by Republicans in Washington. But he said there was another motive for these events: he is “soul-searching” following the 2024 general election, when he and Vice President […]
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Bill cutting state funds for libraries belonging to the American Library Association and the Iowa Library Association advances
The Iowa House Education Committee voted 14-9 Tuesday to advance legislation removing state funding from public libraries that pay dues to state or national nonprofit organizations involved in government lobbying, like the Iowa Library Association or American Library Association. The legislation, HF 284, proposes changes for eligibility to receive Enrich Iowa funds through the State […]
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Iowa House subcommittee advances bill restricting political party changes before caucuses, primaries
A House proposal would require Iowa voters to be registered with a political party one month in advance of that party’s caucuses or primary elections in order to participate. HF 353 would require voters who want to participate in a party caucus or primary to be a registered member of the party at least 30 […]
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Bernie Sanders is bringing his ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour to Iowa City
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is heading back to Iowa this month as part of a new tour criticizing the Trump administration and associates like Elon Musk. Sanders, who won second place in the Iowa Caucuses as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2016 and 2020, announced Wednesday the launch of his “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go […]
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Property tax legislation expected in the 2025 session, legislative leaders say
Iowans should expect to see further property tax law changes brought up in the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers said Tuesday at the Greater Des Moines Partnership legislative leadership breakfast. Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst and Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, answered questions and talked about their […]
