Government & Politics

Renee Schulte, a former Cedar Rapids lawmaker and health care consultant, has been appointed chair of the Iowa Board of Parole.

Parental rights and transgender-affirming policies have become a rallying cry with conservatives and among those vying for the Republican presidential nomination in the early nominating state of Iowa. And the Linn-Mar Community School District once again found itself at the forefront of the national gender identity debate.

Residents of Ely will be asked on the Nov. 7 ballot to consider supporting a $7 million bond referendum for a new Community Center — a facility that would house City Hall, the library and other recreational services.

Also, Iowa City bus use up 53 percent in first month of fare free transit program

The races technically are nonpartisan, but they’ve become increasingly partisan in recent years as disagreements over school curriculum, transgender students and COVID-19 measures have galvanized education politics at the state and local level.

Iowa's four Republican U.S. representatives voted in favor of a House deal to fund the federal government for 45 days and avoid a shutdown.

The labor council also endorsed the Cedar Rapids Community School District bond referendum.

Iowa’s all-Republican U.S. House delegation voted Friday on a failed last-ditch plan to keep the federal government temporarily open as the funding deadline nears. Federal government funding expires after midnight on Saturday.