116 3rd St SE
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
Business News May. 20, 2024 7:54 am574d ago
New tax credit guidelines issued for producers of sustainable aviation fuel
Government & Politics May. 17, 2024 7:32 pm577d ago
The bill, which also passed the Senate, clarifies that public health agencies can use existing federal grant dollars earmarked for mothers and children for stillbirth prevention and research also.
Campaigns & Elections May. 17, 2024 8:01 am577d ago
Iowa House District 53 covers Poweshiek County and most of Tama County.
Campaigns & Elections May. 20, 2024 10:24 am574d ago
Learn how to vote early, where to vote on election day and which deadlines are approaching for voting in the June primary.
State Government May. 16, 2024 7:28 am579d ago
“For too long and for too many Iowans in need of help, navigating and accessing services across the system has been too difficult for patients and providers alike,” the governor said.
Campaigns & Elections May. 15, 2024 5:30 am580d ago
Williamsburg Mayor Adam Grier and Judd Lawler of Oxford will face off in a primary for Iowa House District 91, which covers Iowa County and western and northern Johnson County
Government & Politics May. 14, 2024 7:49 am580d ago
The chairs of the House and Senate agriculture committees earlier this month released competing frameworks for a new Farm Bill.
State Government May. 10, 2024 4:15 pm584d ago
A federal judge on Friday dismissed a class-action lawsuit over Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision to end pandemic-related unemployment benefits early.
State Government May. 10, 2024 7:48 am584d ago
The groups intend to ask a federal court for a preliminary injunction to block the law from being enforced and taking effect July 1.
Local Government May. 10, 2024 8:32 am584d ago
During the Cedar Rapids City Council’s 2024 goal-setting session Wednesday, members discussed the community's work in creating a desirable place to call home and the need for affordable housing options.
State Government May. 6, 2024 8:09 am588d ago
Bills limiting cellphone use while driving by mandating hands-free technology have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature since 2019, but all attempts at passage have been unsuccessful. More than 30 other states have passed such laws. Why won't Iowa?
State Government May. 3, 2024 3:09 pm591d ago
A top U.S. Department of Justice official says the department will sue to block a new Iowa immigration law criminalizing “illegal reentry.”
State Government May. 2, 2024 7:57 pm592d ago
Members of Iowa's Latino community, immigrant workers, advocates and allies marched and held candlelight vigils Thursday evening in Iowa City, Davenport, Waterloo and Des Moines in protest over a new law making illegal immigration a state crime.
Government & Politics May. 1, 2024 8:57 am593d ago
Iowa TikTok creators gathered for a discussion hosted by the social media platform’s safety leaders to discuss how they got their start on TikTok, how they built their communities and expanded their business on the platform, and what impact a U.S. ban could have.
Curious Iowa May. 21, 2024 9:44 am573d ago
How much are Iowa lawmakers paid? And what other perks do they receive as elected officials? Curious Iowa looks at what it’s like to serve in the Iowa Legislature, and how these citizen legislators balance careers and family with their responsibilities at the statehouse.

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