Cedar Rapids | featured news

DES MOINES — State Auditor Rob Sand and lawmakers are at odds over his proposal to change Iowa law to avoid paying penalties for what the federal government calls a discriminatory practice.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Iowa dropped below 300 for the first time since September, according to data from the state health department on Wednesday.

DES MOINES — Iowa senators pushed forward a number of hot-button issues in the legislative process Wednesday — including bills dealing with abortion restrictions, making daylight saving time permanent in Iowa and trying to halt drivers from using electronic devices while driving.

Iowa Republican U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst say greater transparency is needed from the Biden administration on the state’s allocation of COVID-19 vaccines, as reports suggest Iowa ranks near the bottom of states in vaccines delivered.

It’s Super Bowl Sunday and my column isn’t done. Actually, it isn’t even started. I’ve procrastinated. Again.

A Republican senator from western Iowa has proposed a bill requiring the Board of Regents to survey all university employees to determine each person’s political affiliation — adding to an onslaught of proposals this session seeking more government oversight of public higher education in Iowa.

JOHNSTON — Days after state officials met with White House staff to better understand why Iowa ranks “lower than expected” in getting allocations of the coveted COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Kim Reynolds said Wednesday her administration continues its efforts to accelerate the rate of inoculations.

DES MOINES — The House approved a legislative package that aims to address a workforce shortage by increasing the access and affordability of child care through a combination of grants and tax credits.The bills, passed with bipartisan support, are part of an effort the House began last year but was disrupted by COVID-19.

A new ad campaign led by the progressive group Tax March calls out U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, for her opposition to President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief package.Miller-Meeks last week voted against a budget resolution that could clear the way for Biden’s coronavirus relief package.

Gov. Kim Reynolds will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Wednesday to provide the latest news about the COVID-19 vaccine and virus in Iowa. Watch it live in the player above, broadcast by Iowa PBS.