POLITICS

DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law dealing with the display of flags at half-staff on public buildings, along with a long list of other bills covering issues such as human trafficking, public records, child placements, window tint, nonresident deer licenses and social districts for alcoholic beverages.

DES MOINES — Early voting opened Wednesday, May 13, for Iowa’s June 2 primary election, giving voters the option to cast ballots before Election Day either in person at their county auditor’s office or by absentee ballot through the mail.

“After months of negotiations, we delivered a property tax reform package that finally puts the taxpayers first and delivers real, tangible relief for taxpayers to the tune of roughly $350 million next year and about $4 billion over 6 years,” said Rep. Henry Stone of Forest City. “SF 2472 delivers certainty for the taxpayer and real tax relief. This proposal contains provisions to …”

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds signed a diverse package of bills into law this week, addressing high-priority issues including public safety, victim rights, and mental health access for Iowa families.

Mason City Senator Doug Campbell marked the end of this session of the Iowa Legislature by noting some memorable bills that passed, including the Iowa Farm Act, a bill making companion animal torture a felony, a bill restricting a minor’s access to pornography, human trafficking law reform, and may others.

DES MOINES – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today announced the agency is investing $6.78 million in grants and $37.6 million in loans for critical rural water infrastructure projects in five Iowa counties.

NORTHWOOD – The Worth County Board of Supervisors addressed several infrastructure and administrative matters during their regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026. With Vice-chairperson A.J. Stone presiding and Supervisor Mark Smeby present, the board moved forward with a significant agenda focused on drainage maintenance and county facilities.

“This is a comprehensive property tax overhaul designed to provide roughly $4.2 billion in relief over the next six years,” Rep. Christian Hermanson of Mason City said. “We focused on delivering real, tangible relief for residential property owners by making the following changes…”

WASHINGTON — Under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, federal authorities have indefinitely suspended former Florida Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several associates following a major federal indictment. The suspension comes as part of a broad investigation into the alleged misappropriation of approximately $5.7 million in disaster relief funds intended for pandemic response.

According to DHS, the suspect “funneled millions of dollars from the FEMA Public Assistance program—originally allocated to support state-led COVID-19 vaccination efforts—toward personal enrichment and illegal campaign contributions.”

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds signed a significant batch of legislation into law this week, addressing a diverse array of issues impacting every Iowa resident, from the classroom and the ballot box to the emerging frontiers of artificial intelligence. The dozen new laws represent a comprehensive effort by the 91st General Assembly to modernize state regulations regarding public safety, education, and health care access.