Government & Politics

Also, a grant will help schools get food from local farmers

Reynolds appears in strong position to win re-election as governor; challenger Deidre DeJear is traveling the state in hopes of making up ground

The Fact Checker is going to check a statement from Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann about whether Sen. Kevin Kinney, an Oxford Democrat, voted in “lock step with liberal progressives.” Kinney has been endorsed by retiring Republican Rep. Jarad Klein.

Iowa Republican U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks said the legislation went too far. The pair instead sponsored a bill that would allow people over age 18 to access FDA-approved birth control pills over-the-counter.

The IEDA board gave final approval to awarding Cedar Rapids $9 million to boost development in Cedar Rapids’ urban core, funding new recreational amenities and infrastructure that will support the area’s growth.

Amel Ali, who previously served as vice chair, was unanimously selected as the new chair of the city’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission also heard an updated facilitator proposal.

Democratic gubernatorial challenger Deidre DeJear said lagging poll numbers are a “barometer,” but don’t capture how Iowans feel about the state’s direction under Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Anastasia Basquin, the county’s chief victim liasison, proposed that sexual assault defendants go before a magistrate before making bail, so a no-contact order could be issued protecting the victim.