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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Tom Barton
I am The Gazette’s deputy Des Moines bureau chief covering Iowa politics, including the Iowa Legislature and campaigns. I was born and raised in Davenport and have previously worked for papers covering local and state government and politics in Iowa and South Carolina, including Dubuque and the Quad-Cities. I’m an Iowa State graduate and a die-hard Cyclone fan. When not reporting, you can likely find me on the golf course, burning something in the kitchen and nerding out about Star Wars with Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy.
Latest Articles by Tom Barton
Government & Politics Mar. 5, 2023 5:00 am21d ago
Among the bills that didn't survive Friday's “funnel” deadline were those dealing with abortion as the governor’s office and legislative leaders await an Iowa Supreme Court ruling on a “heartbeat” law that would ban abortions after 6 weeks.
State Government Mar. 3, 2023 9:56 am22d ago
State government reorganization, bills impacting LGBTQ students and youth, gun regulations and more were passed overnight Thursday into early Friday
Government & Politics Mar. 2, 2023 4:28 pm23d ago
The top two leading contenders in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination area headed to Iowa.
Government & Politics Mar. 1, 2023 7:11 pm24d ago
Iowa teens could work longer hours and more jobs, including those formerly off-limits as being hazardous, and serve alcohol under a controversial bill advanced Wednesday by House Republicans.
News Feb. 28, 2023 6:01 pm25d ago
Statehouse Republicans advance legislation that would add more restrictions and requirements to public assistance programs.
Government & Politics Feb. 28, 2023 12:00 pm25d ago
Union workers from across Iowa gathered at the State Capitol Monday to protest proposals loosening state child labor laws.
Health Care and Medicine Feb. 25, 2023 5:00 am29d ago
With a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections, the Sexual Health Alliance of Linn and Johnson Counties is brainstorming ways to reduce 10-year highs.
Government & Politics Feb. 24, 2023 5:49 pm29d ago
Republican state lawmakers continued to advance bills opponents say target and discriminate against Iowa’s LGBTQ community.
Government & Politics Feb. 22, 2023 4:08 pm31d ago
South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, a prospective 2024 Republican presidential candidate, stopped in Des Moines as part of his “Faith In America” listening tour.
Government & Politics Feb. 22, 2023 11:43 am31d ago
Newly announced Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said the party has “got to move forward” from former President Donald Trump.
Government & Politics Feb. 21, 2023 4:50 pm32d ago
A year after enacting stricter requirements for Iowans who receive unemployment, a new Republican bill would require Iowans to conduct more job searches in order to earn benefits.
Government & Politics Feb. 21, 2023 8:15 am32d ago
A hearing Monday on Iowa school districts’ processes for reviewing and removing school library books and materials some parents and community members deem obscene devolved into testy exchanges between Democrats and Republicans
Government & Politics Feb. 20, 2023 3:02 pm33d ago
Newly announced Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will host a town hall in Marion on Tuesday.
State Government Feb. 20, 2023 1:12 pm33d ago
While the proposal restates existing law, county attorneys worry it could enable the AG to undermine their work
Government & Politics Feb. 17, 2023 7:46 pm36d ago
The head of Iowa's Department of Education is stepping down next month to pursue other opportunities, the Iowa Governor’s Office announced Friday.