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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Cedar Falls city officials are considering adding zoning laws to potentially accommodate a proposed cryptocurrency mine. Nearby residents say they are worried about noise and potential adverse impacts on the environment and property values. -
All eyes are on the small city of Palo after Google shifted its plans to build a data center there. Some residents are worried about water use and question the tech giant's motivations. The mayor says he sees an upside to the new development but plans to put protections in place for the community. -
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law barring local governments from having broader civil rights protections than what is already written in state code. Some local leaders in places with existing protections against gender identity-based discrimination are deciding what to do next. -
Linn County officials say Google is now pursuing a data center through annexation with the city of Palo rather than building it in an unincorporated part of the county. The plans would allow the tech giant to bypass protections against excessive water use and noise pollution that county supervisors passed last month. -
The city of Coralville has terminated its contract with Flock Safety, a nationwide vendor of Automated License Plate Readers. Many Coralville residents are opposed to the technology and say they are relieved by the council’s recent actions but troubled by a lack of clarity on when the city’s two readers will be taken down.
