Tom Barton

Iowa lawmakers are expected to again consider a moratorium blocking the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission from awarding new gaming licenses in the state.

The governor, in her annual Condition of the State Address, also proposes $1 million to start new cancer research effort.

On the opening day of the 2025 session of the Iowa Legislature, statehouse Republicans pledged to continue leading state government as they have in previous years and address taxes, immigration, public safety, higher education and more.

Property tax cuts, changes to Iowa’s higher education system and a statewide policy over cellphone use in schools are among the priorities state lawmakers intend to tackle when the Iowa Legislature convenes Monday for the 2025 session.

From a casino moratorium to immigration policy to a hands-free driving law, here’s a look at the hot-button issues likely to resurface during this year’s Iowa legislative session, which begins Monday.

Two new market studies say a proposed Cedar Rapids casino would largely rely on pulling patrons from other Iowa casinos rather than bringing in new customers or significantly increasing statewide gaming revenue.

The new rules would reduce penalties for allowing teens to work longer hours, and do not change penalties for workplace safety or hazardous conditions violations.

The bill includes language to help accelerate progress on the Cedar River flood protection system.

Republican leadership in both the Iowa House and Senate said Iowans should expect to see further action to limit property tax collections by cities, counties, school districts and others during the upcoming legislative session.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart maintained her leadership position after facing multiple challenges to her seat following a rough election year for Democrats in the state.

The start of a new year also means the start of new laws in Iowa, including a new and lower state income tax rate, new restrictions for those convicted of drunken driving and a new data privacy law.

State officials have agreed to postpone enforcement a new Iowa law that would restrict vape sales in the state in response to a lawsuit claiming it is unconstitutional.

Iowa leaders praised former President Jimmy Carter as a dedicated public servant and global humanitarian who used the Iowa caucuses in 1976 to propel the little-known peanut farmer turned Georgia governor to the White House — putting both him and Iowa in the national spotlight.

The buildings at Westhill Village Apartments on Seminole Avenue NW remain vacant until repairs have been completed and a structural engineer has deemed the buildings safe to occupy again, a city official said.

A semi-truck collided with a train near Amana Thursday morning, temporarily blocking a busy highway. No injuries were reported. The semi-truck driver was cited for failing to stop at an active train crossing.