From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Governor Kim Reynolds wants to restrict cellphones in classrooms… the use of cellphones in vehicles… establishing work requirements for Iowans on Medicaid… and called for more government efficiency. In her Condition of the State Address last night, she said Iowa is doing DOGE before DOGE became a thing, referring to the Trump Administration’s plan for cutting federal government bureaucracy. Reynolds also called on lawmakers to approve $16 million in funding for a grant program for preschool and child care providers.
The governor is also ordering flags at the state capitol and at state buildings on Monday to be raised in honor of inauguration day for President-Elect Trump. Flags have been flying at half staff to mark the death of former President Jimmy Carter. The governor’s order would order flags lowered again on Tuesday, until January 29.
Two of eastern Iowa’s biggest newspapers are moving to only publishing three days a week. Both the Gazette, based in Cedar Rapids, and the Telegraph Herald, based in Dubuque, say these changes are to start in February. Both said they are facing rising production costs and declining readership and advertising.
The Cedar Rapids City Council approved tax incentives for a new project for the old Sears building at Lindale Mall. A Dallas-based developer wants to turn the space into a $25 million year-round sports field. The tax incentive would provide a 10-year, 100 percent rebate of increased taxes that the project could generate. Construction could start in August.
The man accused of stalking former Iowa Hawkeyes and WNBA star Caitlin Clark had several outbursts while in court yesterday. A judge issued a “not guilty” plea for Michael Lewis during his court appearance in Indiana. Court documents say Lewis sent several threats and sexually explicit messages to the Indiana Fever standout over X between December and January. A judge issued a no-contact order for Lewis.
The Iowa DNR says the coyote population in the state has been increasing slightly over the past five years. This time of the year is actually coyote mating season, so it’s not uncommon to see more of them out and about during the winter into the spring.
