Local Government

Under a bill advanced by an Iowa House subcommittee Monday, local municipalities would be banned from adding their own civil rights protections beyond those in state law, including those prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.

On this Newsbuzz edition, 'Des Moines Register' Statehouse reporter Stephen Gruber Miller discusses the latest developments at the Capitol. IPR’s James Kelley reports on the growing mental health crisis among Iowa farmers — from financial stress to barriers in accessing care — and what resources may offer support during an especially vulnerable time for rural communities. Investigative reporter Tyler Jett of the 'Des Moines Register' explains new data showing a sharp drop in immigration to Iowa and what it means for the state’s population growth and workforce. Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, D-Des Moines, discusses the history, purpose and recent expansion of the Iowa Black and Brown Caucus, and how lawmakers are working to advance equity-focused policy.

The Iowa House voted to ban eminent domain for carbon pipelines, but the Senate has a different plan. We break down the divide and what it could mean for Iowa farmers and landowners. With IPR's Katarina Sostaric, we explore the House and Senate proposals. Two Iowa landowners share their perspective on the potential economic affect of the pipeline as well the affect on property rights. Then, Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, D-Hiawatha, and Rep. Chad Ingels, R-Randalia, explain their positions.

The Cedar Rapids School Board has approved deep budget cuts — and the consequences could ripple through classrooms, staff and students across the district. That story, plus a recap of this week's action in the Iowa Legislature, a look at this weekend's freezing temperatures and more on this Newsbuzz episode.

The longest government shutdown is nearing an end, but is it a fix or just a time-out?

Des Moines voters overwhelmingly passed a $265 million bond measure, while Cedar Rapids' school bond failed again to find enough support from voters.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 — the final day for Iowans to vote in the 2025 election. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday for in-person voting. The deadline for returning an absentee ballot is also on Tuesday.

Farmers are hoping for relief as President Donald Trump visits Asia to resolve a trade war over tariffs and what's at stake for next week's local elections.

Voters in three of eastern Iowa’s largest cities will see a question about a Local Option Sales Tax on their ballots this November. If approved, the revenue generated by the tax would fund affordable housing and various capital improvement projects in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty.

This week, Des Moines City Council members voted for stricter enforcement of the city’s camping ban. People experiencing homelessness can now be charged with a misdemeanor and fined even if shelters are full.