Lead Story
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Heartland AEA begins dramatic restructuring following Republican’s AEA changes and cuts
A state agency that supports students from kindergarten to age 21 with special needs is anticipating major restructuring and reductions in the coming year. This after Iowa Republicans’ law redirecting their funding and scope of service. Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) is bracing staff for even larger reductions in staff and services in response to…
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Auditor Sand uncovers $430,000 fraud scheme in Iowa Workforce Development funded program
Embezzled federal funds paid a family member’s cell phone bills and non-existent daycare services. Auditor Rob Sand says the state needs to prioritize oversight in light of investigation. A special investigation by Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand found evidence of $426,000 in embezzled federal funds by an agency overseen by Iowa Workforce Development. The case…
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IA students question need for bill that allows for disrespecting names in school
A bill that would ensure there are no penalties for disrespecting students and school employees advanced through a House education subcommittee on Tuesday morning with support from Reps. Helena Hayes (R–New Sharon) and Henry Stone (R–Forest City). Rep. Heather Matson (D-Ankeny) did not support the legislation. The bill states that there should be no penalties…
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Special election is Tuesday for Clinton state Senate seat
Tuesday’s special election will decide who fills the vacancy left by Lieutenant Gov. Chris Cournoyer. The special election for the vacant state Senate seat in District 35 will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Polling places will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Two candidates are on the ballot:…
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Medical CBD expansion bill passes first hurdle
Iowa has one of the most restrictive medical cannabis programs in the country. There’s a push in the Iowa Legislature to double the number of cannabidiol dispensaries that can operate in the state. Iowa license plates have become a common site at weed dispensaries across state lines. The state only allows cannabis preparations in medical…
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“Win-Win” healthy food program passes first hurdle
More help could be coming to Iowans who need assistance to afford healthy foods. Iowa senators Wednesday discussed a bill to invest $1 million for 2025-2026 in the Double Up Food Bucks program
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Rep. Nunn says disaster aid should be conditional for California
Strings for thee, but not for me. The deadly Los Angeles blazes have upended lives and destroyed thousands of acres. To the calls for federal aid, US Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa went on TV saying he wants to make disaster aid conditional. This less than a year after the Biden Administration extended unconditional aid…
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Here’s what Trump promised to do on ‘Day One.’ Now that he and Republicans have total power in DC, will he?
The president-elect should be able to, in theory, implement his “Day One” plans. The big question is – will he actually do what he’s proposed? Or will he, as he’s indicated in recent weeks, walk back some of those promises, reverse course, or just ignore them altogether?
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Clinton County Republican gets help from former US Rep. Steve King in special election
Republican Katie Whittington is getting some help from a white nationalist former congressman in the special election to replace Sen. Chris Cournoyer’s District 35 seat. But Whittington is erasing that support from her Facebook. Before January ends, there will be a special election over in Clinton County to fill a vacant state Senate seat. And…
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Anti-hunger advocates still see options to fight IA’s hunger crisis
As the hunger crisis worsens in Iowa and Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds again rejected federal money for summer feeding programs, anti-hunger advocates say they’re not giving up on finding ways to get people help.
