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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The City of Coralville is considering revisiting its contract with Flock Safety, a company that operates controversial Automated License Plate Readers in the area. It comes after the city received a letter from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office that states part of its policy prohibiting the cameras from being used for immigration enforcement does not comply with state law.
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Farmers face a number of challenges these days, from higher input costs to fewer available resources. The stress of it all can take a toll, not only on their livelihood, but on their mental well-being.
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Muscatine Democrat Taylor Wettach launched a bid for Iowa state auditor, dropping out of the race for the 1st Congressional District. He hopes to stand up to corruption and ensure the office operates independently to root out waste, fraud and abuse.
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Hundreds gathered in downtown Iowa City over the weekend to mourn the death of Alex Pretti, the second Minnesota resident shot and killed by federal immigration enforcement officials this year. Many said they were horrified, disgusted and angered by what they saw in videos of the shooting.
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The Cedar Rapids school board is working toward reducing next year’s budget by nearly $13 million through salary and spending freezes, staffing reductions, and some school consolidations. Leaders are trying to right-size the district as it faces declining enrollment.