The Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee elected Rep. Ross Wilburn of Ames as its new state party chair on Saturday. His election follows a number of blows for Democrats at the ballot box last November, including now-President Joe Biden losing to former President Donald Trump by about 8 points.

It’s been a historic week for the nation. Joe Biden was sworn in as president on Wednesday after beating single-term incumbent Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris became the first woman, Black American and Asian American to hold the vice presidency.

The Iowa House and Senate committees and subcommittees are available to the public using video conference systems but both have different rules. There are also changes to the House rules for this new Iowa General Assembly, but those changes do not include amendments from Democrats that would require masks to be worn at the Capitol.

As the 89th Iowa General Assembly begins, House Republicans have more seats from the November election and the party maintains a majority status in the Senate. With a Republican governor, this is the fifth year for the party’s trifecta. As is common in a session’s first week, leaders lay out their goals including the governor as she delivers her Condition of the State.

Facebook oversight board co-chair Jamal Greene tells NPR about what the board is considering as it weighs whether to allow Donald Trump back onto Facebook and Instagram.

The chamber has the power to expel or censure members for their conduct, though it's a rare occurrence. Only 24 have received such sanctions since 1780.