DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Governor Kim Reynolds attended the first Iowa Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force meeting Wednesday. The department’s goal is to make state government operate more efficiently for Iowans. “I was honored to speak today at the first meeting of our Iowa DOGE Task Force,” Gov. Reynolds said. “This task force is yet another opportunity to apply Iowa’s proven formula of asking tough questions and making bold, transformative changes. I couldn’t have more confidence in the talented members of this group, under Emily Schmitt’s leadership, to build on our strong foundation and chart the course for more efficient government at all levels for Iowans.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KCRG) – U.S. Senator Charles Grassley released a statement Wednesday regarding Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs serve as an attempt to increase U.S. manufacturing while simultaneously bringing other countries’ tariffs down. Grassley states that if Trump is successful in his plan, then he will be grateful for his decision. However, he does not anticipate success. In his statement, Grassley promised to keep an eye on how tariffs will impact Iowans. He also stated he would serve as a loud voice for the state of Iowa.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Members of the Iowa Young Americans for Freedom chapter say they have had signs vandalized and online hostility over an upcoming event. The event brings conservative speaker Elisha Krauss, a former producer for The Sean Hannity Show and a founding member of The Daily Wire, to the University of Iowa. Organizers for the event say Krauss will give a lecture called, “What Women Want,” – a critique of modern feminism, which Krauss says harms all women and excludes conservatives from the conversation. Since announcing the lecture, organizers say a banner was torn in half, a chalk message had water poured over it (in violation of school policy), and they have received a threatening email from a student. Organizers said they would not be intimidated into silence. The event is set to take place at 7 p.m. on April 7 at the Black Box Theatre at the Iowa Memorial Union. The nonprofit said it is also hosting a “mom to mom” donation drive to support women in the community.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Falls RAGBRAI Committee announced this year’s theme for the ride’s overnight stay in Cedar Falls on July 24. “Ride the Wave” celebrates the new Gateway River Park, and encourages riders to dip their tires in the Cedar River. The logo for “Ride the Wave” features a bicycle to honor the riders and a surfboard to highlight the growing sport of river surfing. Additionally, the committee announced mobile games developer SciPlay is the sponsor for the overnight stay. Jennifer Pickar with the Cedar Falls RAGBRAI Advisory Committee said, “The theme and logo are a fantastic opportunity to bring attention to the new Gateway River Park and everything that makes Cedar Falls an incredible city for outdoor recreation.”
