James Kelley
Eastern Iowa ReporterExpertise: Reporting writing and producing stories about communities across Iowa City and Eastern Iowa, all with an ear to help IPR listeners and readers understand their communities and the eastern portion of the state.
Education: Bachelors degree from Oregon State University
Favorite Iowa Destination: Stuff, Etc., and Iowa City's beautiful parks
Experience:
- Covered local and regional issues for IPR and for Jefferson Public Radio in Ashland, Ore.
- Has covered child care, the environment, politicians and public policy for IPR
- Has reported and written features across many topics, including hospital staffing shortages and service reductions, community power outages, Indigenous tribal customs and small business challenges
My Latest Stories
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A detailed report by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation on the 2023 collapse of a downtown Davenport apartment building has been made public. It reveals more about the extent to which the building’s owner knew about its rapidly deteriorating condition before the collapse that killed three people, and that a city inspector altered a report in its aftermath. -
A century-old apartment building in downtown Davenport collapsed May 28, 2023, killing three and critically injuring one. Two years later, there is uncertainty around the cause of the collapse, and no criminal charges have been filed against the building’s owner. Some concerned Quad Cities residents are still searching for answers. -
In recent decades, Iowa has seen growing numbers of young and educated people leaving the state, with far fewer coming in. As the gap grows, it becomes a pattern known as “brain drain,” which can lead to a loss of skilled workers and strain on public services. In response, a new taskforce in eastern Iowa is trying to plug the area’s brain drain. -
The University of Iowa Faculty Senate voted to sign a statement on “shared values of higher education” with other Big Ten universities. It’s one way that universities are holding the line against the Trump administration’s blitzkrieg on higher education institutions across the country. -
The Iowa Board of Regents wrapped up two days of meetings with discussions on tuition increases, civic engagement and new syllabi policies. The board is coming under increased scrutiny for its stance on DEI. Some students are calling on them to stand up against the Trump administration’s blitz on higher education.
