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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

U.S Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, speaks with reporters during a press conference at Mercy Hospital on July 2, 2019.

Chuck Grassley will not cancel public meetings in Iowa amid novel coronavirus

Julia Shanahan, Politics Editor March 11, 2020

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told reporters in a conference call on Wednesday that he will not be taking self-isolation measures or canceling public meetings in Iowa at this time, amid a rising number...

Iowa medical cannabidiol patient John Fenner poses for a portrait on Feb. 25. Fenner enrolled in Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program in October 2019. He advocates for more options for medical cannabis patients.

Patients face roadblocks in medical marijuana program

Caleb McCullough, Assistant Politics Editor March 11, 2020

When he first joined Iowa’s medical marijuana program, 61-year-old Navy veteran John Fenner tried to treat the nerve damage in his left leg with the most potent THC product he could obtain. But the...

Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

Gov. Kim Reynolds announces three presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Iowa

Charles Peckman, Marissa Payne, and Sarah Watson March 8, 2020

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Sunday announced three presumptive positive cases of novel coronavirus in Johnson County. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported that one of the individuals is between...

Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

Appointment of DHS spokesman to public records board under fire

Jason Clayworth, Des Moines Register investigative reporter March 6, 2020

Originally published in the Des Moines Register, the Register has made this story available for other media outlets, including The Daily Iowan. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday appointed the spokesman...

The Iowa State Capitol building is seen in Des Moines on April 9, 2019.

Iowa Senate passes a bill to raise minimum age to purchase tobacco

Julia Shanahan and Rylee Wilson March 4, 2020

The Iowa Senate passed a bill 43-6 on Wednesday that would make the minimum age to buy tobacco and tobacco products to 21, while placing misdemeanor penalties on retailers who violate this provision. The...

Iowa Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, speaks at the Iowa State Capitol on Monday, January 13, 2020. The House convened and leaders in the Iowa House of Representatives gave opening remarks to preview their priorities for the 2020 session. (Katina Zentz/The Daily Iowan)

LGBTQ bills fail to advance in Iowa Legislature

Rylee Wilson, Politics Reporter February 28, 2020

Most LGBTQ-related bills in the Iowa Legislature failed to advance through the funnel deadline, including bills aimed at banning conversion therapy as well as bills placing regulations on LGBTQ topics...

Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, introduces Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell alongside Johnson Country sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek at Big Grove Brewery and Taproom on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.

Johnson County sheriff launches bid for Iowa House District 73 seat

Rin Swann, News Reporter February 27, 2020

After 35 years in law enforcement, Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek announced Thursday he will run for the Iowa House District 73 seat, which encompasses all of Cedar County and eastern Johnson...

Designed by Haley Triem

Final caucus results: Pete Buttigieg holds on to lead after caucus recount

Caleb McCullough, Politics Reporter February 27, 2020

The Iowa Democratic Party announced the results of the recount of 23 precincts in a press release on Thursday, solidifying and strengthening Pete Buttigieg’s slight lead over Bernie Sanders in state...

Design by Katina Zentz

Iowa House passes a bill to implement in-state admission requirements at University of Iowa Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry

Julia Shanahan, Politics Editor February 25, 2020

The Iowa House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance a bill that would require the University of Iowa medicine and dentistry schools to allocate at least 75 percent of its admissions to Iowa...

The Capitol building in Des Moines is pictured on April 29, 2019.

Which prominent bills survived the first legislative funnel?

Caleb McCullough, Politics Reporter February 24, 2020

The first “funnel” deadline in the Iowa Legislature passed Feb. 21, winnowing the number of bills lawmakers in Des Moines can consider. Bills had to be reported out of a committee by Feb. 21...

Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

How would a proposed constitutional amendment affect abortion laws in Iowa?

Rylee Wilson, Politics Reporter February 23, 2020

The proposed amendment to specify the Iowa constitution doesn't grant the right to an abortion is two years away from passage at the earliest — and the effects of the resolution passing are not totally...

Designed by Haley Triem

Iowa Democratic Party corrects 29 precinct results after recanvass

Caleb McCullough, Politics Reporter February 19, 2020

The Iowa Democratic Party announced the correction of 29 precinct caucus results after a recanvass that concluded Tuesday, the party said in a press release. Twenty-six results were changed because...