There’s a fifth Democrat seeking the nomination for president. Former Virginia senator Jim Webb announced on his campaign website that he’s running for president…noting that he wants to bring focus to the election. Webb was last in Iowa on several stops last month…where he talked about his positive bipartisan track record while in Congress. Some…… MORE
Some state agencies have been spending tens of millions of dollars on information technology contractors…that’s the upshot of a state audit. They specifically looked at the Department of Corrections, the Department of Administrative services, and the Department of Revenue. The report found cost overruns, excessive use of contractors, large hourly payments and questionable relationships between…… MORE
In caucus news…potential presidential contender Scott Walker continues to lead the latest polls, but his lead is slipping in Iowa. According to today’s Quinnipiac University poll, Walker leads the pack with 18 percent of the Republican vote, with Donald Trump and Ben Carson behind at 10 percent. Recently-announced candidate Chris Christie brings up the rear…… MORE
Some central Iowa counties will be able to get state assistance for storm damage under the governor’s latest disaster proclamation. Polk, Dallas, Guthrie, Warren, Lucas and Marion counties are among 18 covered by the measure. USDA has more than 23-hundred workers helping Iowa farmers deal with the aftermath of the bird flu. There haven’t been…… MORE
Law enforcement across the state came together to meet in Des Moines yesterday, calling for Governor Branstad to sign a bill that would create the first statewide police radio system. Police say it’ll help them better communicate across agencies.… MORE
We may not have a budget yet, but we have begun a new year for state laws. One measure would allow sledding in more public parks next winter by protecting cities from liability if people are injured. Another would allow grocery stores to sell craft beer in refillable containers.… MORE
Local and state transportation and economic planning leaders met earlier today in Windsor Heights to talk about the future of Iowa’s transportation and city planning. Paul Trombino with the state Department of Transportation says the goal of the department in the future is to connect each mode of transportation. Trobino says he’d also like to see…… MORE
A federal jury has tossed out a bias suit against the former dean of U-I’s law school. Teresa Manning contended that Carolyn Jones rejected her for a faculty post because of her conservative political beliefs. A former University of Iowa student has been arrested in China for the murder of an ISU student last fall. …… MORE
Fleur Drive is now open. The street between Bell and MLK Junior Parkway had been closed since Thursday because of flooding. Des Moines parks and rec is also requesting volunteers to help clean up Grays Lake Park today and tomorrow so the park can reopen. They’ll be giving volunteers tools to pick up sticks and…… MORE
Des Moines’ firefighters’ union has censured its chief for lack of safety protocols and lack of respect for his workers. John TeKippe has been criticized for leaving positions open and for setting up a policy that puts new firefighters on probation for two years, unable to help with medical duties. Iowa’s Board of Regents is…… MORE
