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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
Liam Halawith

Liam Halawith, Elections Editor

(he/him/his)

Liam Halawith is a fourth-year student at the University of Iowa studying Journalism and Mass Communication and minoring in Public Policy. Before his role as Elections Editor Liam was a politics editor and reporter for the DI. Outside of the DI, Liam has interned at the Cedar Rapids Gazette and the Southeast Iowa Union. This is his third year working for the DI.

All content by Liam Halawith
Paula Scanlan, former teammate of transgender athlete Lia Thomas, speaks during a Young American’s for Freedom sponsored event at Iowa Memorial Union’s Black Box theatre on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Former UPenn swimmer Paula Scanlan lectures at UI

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
March 25, 2024
Speaker of the House, Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, looks over documents during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Grassley has been in the house since 2007.

House Republicans pass Area Education Agency overhaul omnibus in party-line vote

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 21, 2024
Polling booths at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2020. Few voters came as the evening approached 7:00 PM.

Round Two: Student voters disappointed in 2024 election candidates

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
March 19, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds responds to a question asked by a reporter at a press conference at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.

Iowa Senate passes Area Education Agency overhaul

Roxy Ekberg and Liam Halawith
March 18, 2024
Speaker of the House, Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, looks over documents during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Grassley has been in the house since 2007.

Some of Iowa governor’s priorities, big bills nixed in legislative funnel

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 17, 2024
Greg Ruth drinks a Climbing Kites cannabis infused sparkling water at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024.

Iowa House passes bill to regulate the amount of THC in consumable hemp products

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 12, 2024
Sen. Joni Ernst listens to questions from The Daily Iowan Politics Team in her office in the Russell Office Building in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Ernst to seek No. 3 spot in Senate Republican leadership

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 11, 2024
President Joe Biden speaks during his visit at the POET Bioprocessing ethanol plant in Menlo, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Iowa’s federal lawmakers respond to President Biden’s State of The Union

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 8, 2024
Sunlight shines through windows before during the “No Eminent Domain! No Carbon Pipelines!” Rally at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy did not qualify for the Republican presidential debate in Iowa later that night.

Iowa House passes bill to make ‘smuggling’ undocumented immigrants a new crime

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 7, 2024
Speaker of the House, Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, looks over documents during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Grassley has been in the house since 2007.

Iowa House passes bill to increase penalties for killing ‘unborn person’

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 7, 2024
State representatives stand for a moment of silence for the school shooting that happened in Perry, Iowa, during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The shooting took place on Jan. 4.

Bipartisan teacher pay bump passes in Iowa House

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 7, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds publicly endorses Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his 2024 presidential election bid at the River Center in Des Moines on Monday Nov. 6, 2023.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds shifts support to former President Donald Trump

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 6, 2024
Nikki Haley speaks during a watch party for the Iowa caucuses at the Marriott on Jordan Creek Pkwy in West Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Haley was optimistic and encouraged caucus-goers that America needs a new leader besides Joe Biden or Donald Trump

Nikki Haley drops presidential campaign

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 6, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Iowa House passes bill to allow felons to run for federal office

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 5, 2024
President Joe Biden speaks during his visit at the POET Bioprocessing ethanol plant in Menlo, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Joe Biden crowned winner in Iowa Democratic caucuses

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 5, 2024
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark celebrates after the senior recognition during a basketball game with No. 6 Iowa and No. 2 Ohio State inside a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, on Sunday, March 3, 2024. The Hawkeyes upset the Buckeyes, 93-83, on senior night.

Iowa’s federal delegation honors Caitlin Clark’s new record

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 5, 2024
Chasten Buttigieg speaks with CBS News correspondent David Begnaud at the 2023 Library of Congress National Book Festival, August 12. Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress.

UI Lecture Committee to host Chasten Buttigieg

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 4, 2024
State representatives stand for a moment of silence for the school shooting that happened in Perry, Iowa, during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The shooting took place on Jan. 4.

Iowa Poll finds majority of Iowans support Area Education Agencies

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
March 3, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Iowa Republicans plan to reform Area Education Agencies passes House vote

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 29, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

Religious freedom bill on its way to governor’s desk

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 29, 2024
The inside of the gold dome is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 34 seats in the senate and the Democrats have 16 seats.

Higher education overhaul passes Iowa House

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 29, 2024
The inside of the gold dome is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 34 seats in the senate and the Democrats have 16 seats.

Iowa House Republicans approve bill to arm teachers

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 29, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

Iowa House debates educational quality, standards late Wednesday night

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 29, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

‘Meet Baby Olivia’ could be coming to Iowa schools under Iowa House bill

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 28, 2024
The inside of the gold dome is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 34 seats in the senate and the Democrats have 16 seats.

Politics Notebook | Iowa Senate passes bill to regulate packaging for meat alternatives

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 27, 2024
Vince Everett Ellison holds up a photo of Iowa City activist graffiti during a guest lecture at the IMU on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Ellison is a conservative speaker invited by YAF who opposes DEI and abortion. Two dozen protesters played a “bingo board” made out of Ellison’s talking points.

Iowa YAF brings Vince Everett Ellison to IMU, protesters raise money for reproductive health care

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
February 26, 2024
State representatives stand for a moment of silence for the school shooting that happened in Perry, Iowa, during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The shooting took place on Jan. 4.

Politics Notebook | Iowa House lawmakers advance amended teacher pay proposal

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
February 26, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Politics Notebook | Iowa House Republicans approved 3 percent increase in school funding

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
February 22, 2024
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark celebrates a win during a women’s basketball game between No. 3 Iowa and Maryland at a sold-out Xfinity Center in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. The Hawkeyes defeated the Terrapins, 93-85.

Iowa House names Feb. 22 ‘Caitlin Clark Day’

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 22, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Iowans speak on House Area Education Agency reform

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 21, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

Senate lawmakers pass bill to ‘swiftly’ end ‘bad blood’ ticket hoarding

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 21, 2024
The inside of the gold dome is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 34 seats in the senate and the Democrats have 16 seats.

Politics Notebook | Iowa Senate lawmakers advance bill creating state legal vape registry

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 21, 2024
Speaker of the House, Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, looks over documents during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Grassley has been in the house since 2007.

Politics Notebook | Iowa Senate Republicans approve ‘religious freedom’ bill

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 20, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 90th Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

Death penalty, library bill among bills nixed by funnel deadline

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 20, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Politics Notebook | Iowa Senate passes bill to expand postpartum medicaid services

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 19, 2024
Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during Reynolds’ annual Harvest Festival at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

Reynolds’ income tax cut advances in Senate

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 19, 2024
A person exits the State Law Library during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 64 seats in the house and the Democrats have 36.

Governor’s legislative priorities dominate funnel week

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 18, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

Iowa House Area Education Agency overhaul advances

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 15, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Politics Notebook | Iowa lawmakers advance supplemental state aid proposal

Liam Halawith and Natalie Miller
February 15, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 90th Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. The session will end on April 28.

Politics Notebook | Iowa Senate Republicans advance bill to allow state departments to hire private auditors

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 14, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 90th Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

Iowa lawmakers advance Governor’s cuts to boards and commissions, mergers

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 14, 2024
A person exits the State Law Library during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 64 seats in the house and the Democrats have 36.

Iowa lawmakers advance governor’s K-12 teacher reading literacy bill

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 13, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Politics Notebook | Iowa House Lawmakers advance bill to allow felons to run for president

Liam Halawith, Alejandro Rojas, and Roxy Ekberg
February 13, 2024
Mandi Remington prepares breakfast with her daughter Arya Nichols on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds rejects summer food program as local resources strain

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
February 13, 2024
Lawmakers sit in the house chamber during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Iowans speak on bill to define ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in Iowa code

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 12, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds publicly endorses Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his 2024 presidential election bid at the River Center in Des Moines on Monday Nov. 6, 2023.

Iowa lawmakers quickly advance Gov. Reynolds’ bill defining men, women

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 6, 2024
Iowa lawmakers advance Reynolds' proposal to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage

Iowa lawmakers advance Reynolds’ proposal to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 5, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

Politics Notebook | Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds introduces bill to legally define men, women

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
February 1, 2024
Iowa Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, speaks during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Konfrst has served in the house since 2019.

Iowa House Democrats unveil plan to raise minimum wage by 2026

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
February 1, 2024
Colleen Elin a sepcial education specialist at Northwest Junior High in Coralville guides a student through an interactive book on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

Iowa Legislature split on governor’s AEA overhaul bill

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 31, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during Reynolds’ annual Harvest Festival at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

Reynolds pushes amended bill as hearing on AEA overhaul scheduled

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 30, 2024
National Democrats target two Iowa U.S. House districts to regain control

National Democrats target two Iowa U.S. House districts to regain control

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 29, 2024
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds talks with supporters after the 2023 Thanksgiving Family Forum hosted by The FAMiLY Leader, an organization dedicated to advancing the role of religious values in government, at the Marriott hotel in downtown Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Ramaswamy sat with his son, who ran onto the stage earlier in the event. The event began at 3:30 p.m. with a round table discussion, and was followed by meet-and-greet events with each of the candidates, which included Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley.

State reports almost 17,000 students used vouchers for private school in 2023

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 26, 2024
Lawmakers stand over the Rotunda during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans hold the majority in both the house and the senate.

Iowa lawmakers advance hefty fines for open meetings law violations

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 24, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' Caucus Night Watch Party at the Sheraton in West Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Republican voters assembled statewide to participate in the caucuses despite the cold and extreme winter weather across the state. Former President Donald Trump won the caucuses in a dominant and early fashion with 51 percent support from Republicans while DeSantis trailed in second with 21 percent as of 11:15 p.m. Around 250 people showed up to listen to DeSantis. (Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan)

Gov. Reynolds introduces bill to strengthen rules against foreign ownership of Iowa farmland

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 24, 2024
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Iowa lawmakers squabble over the definition of a woman

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 23, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds opens the Faith and Freedom Presidential Town Hall at the Iowa Events Center on Sept. 16, 2023. The event had ten Republican candidates speak for a crowd of over 1,000. Reynolds spoke to the audience about her work on changing laws around abortion and gender-affirming care.

Reynolds shifts AEA reform following feedback, backlash

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 18, 2024
The inside of the gold dome is seen during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The Republicans have 34 seats in the senate and the Democrats have 16 seats.

Iowa lawmakers advance bill to remove time limit on medical practice suits for concealment

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 17, 2024
Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson talks with members of the media after Gov. Kim Reynolds Fair-Side Chats during the Iowa State Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023.

Asa Hutchinson drops primary bid following disappointing caucus results

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 16, 2024
An attendee watches Fox News' coverage of the Iowa caucuses before a watch party for Nikki Haley at the Marriott on Jordan Creek Pkwy in West Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.

Despite legal woes, Trump crowned Iowa caucuses victor

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 16, 2024
Former President Donald Trump speaks during his caucus night watch party at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Republican voters assembled statewide to participate in the caucuses despite the cold and extreme winter weather across the state. Trump’s early victory and dominant position before the start of caucus night proved to be true as 51 percent of Republicans voted for Trump’s appearance in the 2024 presidential election as of 10:20 p.m. At the event, Trump spoke to over 300 supporters at his watch party about his goals and putting America first.

Trump trounces challengers with over 30 point lead in Iowa caucuses

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 16, 2024
Former President Donald Trump points at the camera after a 2024 presidential campaign rally in Johnson Hall at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids on Saturday Dec. 2, 2023.

Trump wins Iowa caucuses, AP calls race

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 15, 2024
Attendees wait for speakers to walk onto the stage during former President Donald Trump’s Commit to Caucus Rally at Des Moines Area Community College in Newton, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. The Iowa caucuses take place on Jan. 15. Supporters filled the back of the room as attendees without reserved seats were asked to watch in a separate room.

How to follow The Daily Iowan’s coverage of the Iowa caucuses

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 14, 2024
Former President Donald Trump speaks during Trump’s Commit to Caucus Rally at Des Moines Area Community College in Newton, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. The Iowa caucuses take place on Jan. 15. Three years earlier on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the capitol to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.

Trump dominates, Haley surges support in latest Iowa poll

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor
January 14, 2024
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley stand on stage during the fifth Republican Presidential Primary Debate in Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University in Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. The debate between Haley and DeSantis was broadcasted on CNN. Former President Donald Trump qualified for the debate but held a separate town hall at the same time on Fox News.

Haley, DeSantis take the stage at CNN Iowa debate ahead of caucuses

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 11, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds delivers her annual Condition of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.

Raising teacher pay, cutting taxes legislative priorities for Gov. Kim Reynolds

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
January 9, 2024
Iowa Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, speaks during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Konfrst has served in the house since 2019.

Iowa lawmakers pin tax reform, cost reduction as top priorities for 2024

Liam Halawith and Roxy Ekberg
January 8, 2024
Jordan Lee, 14, of Des Moines of East High School, holds a sign up at the March for Our Lives Demonstration during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The demonstration was held to call out lawmakers on the topic of gun violence following the school shooting in Perry, Iowa on Jan. 4.

Iowa students stage walkout to demand stricter gun laws after Perry shooting

Roxy Ekberg and Liam Halawith
January 8, 2024
State representatives stand for a moment of silence for the school shooting that happened in Perry, Iowa, during the first day of the 2024 Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The shooting took place on Jan. 4.

Iowa lawmakers prioritize gun safety, school security in opening remarks

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 8, 2024
Supporters watch Republican Presidential hopeful and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enter during a campaign event for Republican Presidential hopeful and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at Tommy’s Restaurant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. DeSantis emphasized his winning record in Florida and how that will carry over to the presidential race to a crowd of over a hundred supporters and restaurant-goers.

The Iowa caucuses: A race for second place

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 7, 2024
Supporters watch Republican Presidential hopeful and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enter during a campaign event for Republican Presidential hopeful and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at Tommy’s Restaurant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. DeSantis emphasized his winning record in Florida and how that will carry over to the presidential race to a crowd of over a hundred supporters and restaurant-goers.

Ramaswamy, DeSantis stop in Cedar Rapids amid pre-caucus barnstorm

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 6, 2024
Photo illustration by Avi Lapchick.

Iowa City schools pauses removal of 68 books

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 5, 2024
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during a watch party for Iowa Republicans on Election Day at the Hilton Downtown in Des Moines on Nov. 8, 2022.

Iowa politicians share condolences after Perry High School shooting

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
January 4, 2024
Photo Illustration.

Federal judge blocks some of Iowa book ban law

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 30, 2023
Nikki Haley speaks to the audience during a Women for Nikki town hall in Davenport on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. Haley spoke about her goals as president including veteran care, securing the border, and abortion laws

Haley vows to be ‘generational leader,’ talks abortion policy at Davenport event

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 21, 2023
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets his supporters after an event hosted by super PAC Never Back Down at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Southwest Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. In a crowd of 60 supporters, DeSantis emphasized his record as Governor of Florida and the legislative results he helped deliver in the state. “I don’t say things idly, when I’m doing it I think about how I’m going to actually get it accomplished,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis emphasizes record in closing pitch to Iowa voters

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 19, 2023
A Donald Trump bobble head is seen before a campaign event with 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the former President expected to speak around 6 p.m..

Trump visits Coralville for campaign rally, reiterates disapproval of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ endorsement of DeSantis

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 13, 2023
Community members watch Vivek Ramaswamy speak at Reunion Brewery in Iowa City on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. Ramaswamy focused on policy about foreign relations with Israel throughout his speech.

UI student caucusgoers share candidate predictions

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 12, 2023
Media members set up equipment during the 99th County Rally at the Thunderdome in Newton, Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 99th stop in Jasper County, Iowa rounds out the “full Grassley.”

CNN to hold presidential debate in Iowa on Jan. 10 ahead of Iowa caucuses

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 7, 2023
A child plays at the Arc of Southeast Iowa’s Bill Reagan Children’s Center in Iowa City on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The children’s center serves children ages 3 months to 5 years.

End of federal funding threatens child care access for 13,000 Iowa children

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 5, 2023
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, talks with constituents at an early morning meeting in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Majority of federal office buildings unoccupied, report finds

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 5, 2023
The U.S. Capitol is seen on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Iowa’s Republican Representatives vote to oust George Santos

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
December 1, 2023
The Iowa State Capitol is seen during the first day of the 90th Iowa legislative session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

Iowa City K-12 student lead plaintiff in lawsuit to block Iowa law

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 28, 2023
President of The FAMiLY Leader, Bob Vander Plaats introduces three republican presidential candidates during the 2023 Thanksgiving Family Forum hosted by The FAMiLY Leader, an organization dedicated to advancing the role of religious values in government, at the Marriott hotel in downtown Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The event, moderated by Vander Plaats, began at 3:30 p.m. with a round table discussion, and was followed by meet-and-greet events with each of the candidates, which included Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley.

Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 21, 2023
Republican presidential candidates Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Ron DeSantis, answer questions at a round table during the 2023 Thanksgiving Family Forum hosted by The FAMiLY Leader, an organization dedicated to advancing the role of religious values in government, at the Marriott hotel in Downtown Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The event was moderated by Bob Vander Plaats, the president of The FAMiLY Leader. The event began at 3:30 p.m. with a round table discussion, and was followed by meet-and-greet events with each of the candidates.

GOP presidential hopefuls get personal, talk abortion policy at Christian event

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 17, 2023
Second Democrat announces run in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District

Second Democrat announces run in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 16, 2023
Candidate for Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird delivers a speech after being elected during a watch party for Iowa Republicans on Election Day at the Hilton Downtown in Des Moines on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has been supportive of Bird. In May, Reynolds drew criticism for her support of Bird because she said: “I want my own [attorney general], please.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird leads challenge to Trump gag order

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 14, 2023
Calvin Moulton places flags in the shape of a star at a Young Americans for Freedom display of Israeli flags at Hubbard Park in support of Israeli hostages on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Members of the organization gathered at Hubbard Park to set up at 6 a.m. The display will be up all all day ending with the vigil at 6 p.m.

Conservative UI students demonstrate in support of Israel

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 13, 2023
Young Americans for Freedom Chairwoman Jasmyn Jordan opens lecture during a Young Americans for Freedom hosted event about Chloe Cole, an activist, in the Iowa Memorial Union's Blackbox Theather in lowa City on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Pro-Transgender activists protested outside the IMU and later blocked the North Madison Street and West Jefferson Street intersection. The protest concluded with protests in front of University of lowa president Barbara Wilson's residence on Church St.

UI YAF Chair Jasmyn Jordan testifies before U.S. House Judiciary Committee

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 8, 2023
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds publicly endorses Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his 2024 presidential election bid at the River Center in Des Moines on Monday Nov. 6, 2023.

Iowa enters argument in six-week abortion ban state Supreme Court case

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 8, 2023
Mazahir Salih smiles at her watch party at fix! Coffee on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Salih was reelected to her seat on the city council after receiving the highest number of votes.

Mazahir Salih and Josh Moe win At-Large Iowa City City Council seats

Liam Halawith and Shreya Reddy
November 7, 2023
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis say goodbye during “The Freedom Blueprint” a Republican hosted event in Davenport, Iowa on Friday, March 10, 2023. Reynolds and DeSantis received a standing ovation.

Reynolds endorses DeSantis at Des Moines rally

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 6, 2023
Young Americans for Freedom Chairwoman Jasmyn Jordan opens lecture during a Young Americans for Freedom hosted event about Chloe Cole, an activist, in the Iowa Memorial Union's Blackbox Theather in lowa City on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Pro-Transgender activists protested outside the IMU and later blocked the North Madison Street and West Jefferson Street intersection. The protest concluded with protests in front of University of lowa president Barbara Wilson's residence on Church St.

UI third-year Jasmyn Jordan to testify in front of US House Judiciary Committee next week

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 2, 2023
Democratic candidate for State Auditor Rob Sand speaks during the Progress Iowa Corn Feed in Bondurant Iowa on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Former Iowa Athletic Commission Program Planner linked to missing funds

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
November 1, 2023
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, speaks during Ashley Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.

U.S. Department of Education to update civil rights protections due to rise of antisemitism on college campuses

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
October 30, 2023
2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during “Joni’s Roast and Ride” a Republican-hosted event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Haley, DeSantis tie in new Iowa Poll showing increasing race for Trump rival

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
October 30, 2023
Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during Reynolds’ annual Harvest Festival at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

Iowa national guard, state troops return from US-Mexico border

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
October 25, 2023
Oct 25, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., delivers remarks as Republican House lawmakers gather on the Capitol steps after electing Johnson to the speakership in Washington. Mandatory Credit: Eric Kayne-USA TODAY

Iowa’s congressional delegation backs Mike Johnson speakership

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
October 25, 2023
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark shoots a 3-pointer during Crossover at Kinnick, a women’s exhibition basketball game between Iowa and DePaul, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. Clark shot 3-of-9 in 3-pointers. The Hawkeyes defeated the Blue Demons, 94-72.

Ernst introduces resolution to recognize Iowa women’s basketball for Crossover at Kinnick

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
October 24, 2023
Candidate for Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird delivers a speech after being elected during a watch party for Iowa Republicans on Election Day at the Hilton Downtown in Des Moines on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has been supportive of Bird. In May, Reynolds drew criticism for her support of Bird because she said: “I want my own [attorney general], please.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announces $35 million settlement with financing company

Liam Halawith, Senior News and Politics Editor
October 23, 2023
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