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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

The U.S. Capitol is seen on March 13, 2018.

Industrial hemp legalization gaining momentum in Iowa

Julia DiGiacomo, Politics Reporter December 13, 2018

In addition to being at the forefront of national agricultural conversation with the sprawling 2018 farm bill, industrial hemp legislation is likely on the horizon for the upcoming Iowa legislative session. Iowa...

A farmer harvests corn near Washington, Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017.

Congress passes farm bill, solidifying a 5-year budget for agriculture and food assistance programs

Julia Shanahan, Politics Reporter December 12, 2018

Nearly three months since its deadline passed, both chambers of Congress approved a finalized version of the 2018 Farm Bill. The farm bill is a sprawling piece of legislation renewed every five years that...

Women, politics, and change

Women, politics, and change

Emily Wangen, Politics Reporter December 11, 2018

As more Iowa women than ever move toward legislating and governing in the coming weeks, analysts say the “pink wave” that swept the state and nation in November may mean a shift in focus toward women-...

ACLU Legal Director Rita Bettis speaks to the press following a hearing on the fetal-heartbeat law at the Polk County Courthouse on Friday, December 7, 2018. The decision on whether or not to put the bill into effect that would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, around six weeks, could take up to 60 days. (Wyatt Dlouhy/The Daily Iowan)

Hearing over fetal-heartbeat law held in Polk County

Elianna Novitch, Politics Reporter December 7, 2018

Opponents of Iowa’s controversial “fetal-heartbeat” law, that would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, argued that “the law is patently unconstitutional and would gravely harm Iowa...

Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, speaks during the Eastern Iowa Legislator Forum at the Iowa City Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. The event, hosted by The Daily Iowan Ethics and Politics Initiative and Iowa Watch, featured a panel of five eastern Iowa state legislators.

Kaufmann: ‘Zero, nada, zilch’ support for changes to state employee retirement rules in 2019 session

Elianna Novitch, Politics Reporter December 6, 2018

Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, assured constituents and others in attendance during a forum Wednesday night that “there will be zero IPERs bills, period” in the upcoming legislative session. IPERS...

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

Iowa districts change hands in midterms

Emily Wangen, Politics Reporter December 4, 2018

While Republicans maintained their hold on the state Legislature, Iowa Democrats made gains in the midterm elections, with Democrats unseating Republican incumbents in four House seats and one Senate....

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

Johnson County legislators to address education in Iowa City

Julia DiGiacomo, Politics Reporter December 3, 2018

In the run-up to the upcoming legislative session, eastern Iowa legislators will meet to discuss education policy and other relevant topics with the public on Wednesday in the Iowa City Public Library,...

The Iowa State Capitol is shown on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015.

Iowa’s road to restoring the right to vote to felons

Julia DiGiacomo, Politics Reporter December 2, 2018

Iowa remains one of two states with a lifetime voting ban for all citizens convicted of felonies. As the trend toward restoring felons’ voting rights shifts throughout the country, an Iowa constitutional...

Cannabis Cup California has been either postponed or canceled. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Expansion of Iowa’s medical marijuana program a likely upcoming legislative issue

Elianna Novitch, Politics Reporter November 29, 2018

Five medical-marijuana dispensaries will soon open their doors for business as Iowa’s recently expanded medical-marijuana program gets underway. On Saturday, five state-approved dispensaries will begin...

People move to different spots of the barn to be counted at the Democratic caucus at the Celebration Farm in Iowa City on Monday, Feb. 1, 2015. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton came out with four delegates while Bernie Sanders came out with three delegates.

Iowa Democrats set sight on 2020 caucuses

Emily Wangen, Politics Reporter November 29, 2018

Iowa will once again hold its first-in-the-nation title with caucuses set for Feb. 3, 2020 — exactly one month before “Super Tuesday,” on which nine states will hold their primaries to select nominees...

Graphic by Lily Smith

Regents leave money trails in Iowa politics

Marissa Payne, Managing Editor November 27, 2018

Leaders of the state Board of Regents in recent years have been labeled Iowa “kingmakers” — influencers in Iowa politics given their financial backing and close ties to GOP candidates. Current Regent...

Iowa State Auditor-elect Rob Sand speaks to supporters during the statewide Democratic candidates' watch party at Embassy Suites in Des Moines on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

State Auditor’s office limited to investigations of Iowa Medicaid

Julia DiGiacomo, Politics Reporter November 26, 2018

The investigation into Iowa’s privatized Medicaid system has recently developed into a focus of the state Auditor’s Office. Auditor-elect Rob Sand was the only Democratic challenger to unseat a Republican...