Governor

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced plans to ease some restrictions on federal education funding at a public school in western Iowa.

The Iowa Legislature gavels in for the 2026 session next week. On today's episode we take a closer look at the processes and people at the statehouse, starting with IPR reporters Katarina Sostaric and Isabella Luu to share their insights on reporting from the capitol. Then we talk about what's changed about the legislature over the decades with former state lawmaker Andy McKean and how Iowans can effectively get involved during the session with lobbyist Dustin Miller. Also, we talk with journalist and host of 'Iowa Press' on Iowa PBS O. Kay Henderson about Gov. Kim Reynolds' tenure and what's to come for her final year in office.

Starting Jan. 1, taxable foods and beverages in Iowa will no longer be eligible under SNAP. This includes candy, soda and sugary beverages with less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice – but also dried fruit leathers, flourless granola bars and some prepared items.

Democrat Rob Sand is trying to connect with Iowa voters through his Christian faith as he campaigns for governor. He weaves religious references into his stump speech as he explains his positions and values, and that has drawn a strong reaction from some Republicans.

Former governor and ambassador Terry Branstad was honored with the state's highest award for citizens on Thursday. Branstad is the country's longest serving governor in U.S. history.

The University of Iowa held an inaugural event over the weekend for the new Center for Intellectual Freedom. It featured prominent conservative voices and panel discussions about the future of the controversial center. UI President Barbara Wilson was not in attendance.

Republicans running for governor and the 4th Congressional District highlighted their conservative viewpoints during a forum in western Iowa. Some candidates expressed concern that U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is running for governor, didn’t attend.

State officials have denied The Satanic Temple Iowa’s request to hold a holiday event in the Iowa Capitol for the second year in a row, as the state faces a religious discrimination complaint related to last year’s denial.

Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen celebrated the expansion of bioindustrial manufacturing in Iowa as they joined executives of BioMADE at the ISU BioCentury Research Farm Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Zach Lahn is the fifth Republican to officially launch a campaign for Iowa governor. He said he is his "own biggest donor" who "can't be bought."