James Kelley
Expertise: 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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With U.S. electricity demand expected to grow significantly by the end of the decade, and the U.S. Department of Energy trying to achieve net-zero emissions in the power sector by 2035, more clean power will need to come online. In eastern Iowa, the potential restart of a nuclear plant could signal what’s ahead for the country. -
The Cedar Rapids school board voted to close six schools in an effort to right-size the district’s finances. District officials said they see it as an opportunity to give students the best chance at a high-quality public education as the district faces pressure from state-funded education savings accounts and new charter schools opening nearby. -
All over the country, tech giants are rushing to build massive data centers to support AI-driven demand, and it’s forcing local governments to reckon with how such resource-intensive projects could bring billions in regional investment. One proposed data center in eastern Iowa has become the subject of a standoff between two local jurisdictions. -
Police are investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the downtown Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus. Five people were taken to area hospitals. No arrests have been made. -
Independent candidate Michael Bridgford has launched a campaign in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. He plans to harness the support of a growing number of "no party" voters to send a message about the two-party system.
