Iowa

Rep. Zach Nunn first to give speech at Iowa State Fair

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2024

Rep. Zach Nunn first to give speech at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Friday the long-running Des Moines Register Political Soapbox speeches started at the Iowa State Fair.

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn is the first to take the stage this year and he’s the only Republican speaking.

Nunn’s speech centered on a range of issues voters say is important to them, and he laid out his “ABCs” that he says Washington needs to learn.

“A being first of all, America First Policy. One that really puts our priorities at the top of the line,” he said.

“B” is for the Border, which Nunn says is the most common issue he hears about when in the District. “We need to be able to protect our nation. That begins with border security. It’s the number one thing I hear about when I got to all 21 counties across the 3rd District,” Nunn said.

“C” stood for community. Nunn referenced his work in the Iowa Legislature to pass tax cuts and said Congress needed to stop spending more than it brings in.

Nunn skipped over “D”, but Economy was next up. Nunn says he’s cut taxes and spending in Congress.

Nunn also touted his bipartisan work and took pride in being named among the top 10 most bipartisan members of Congress.

Nunn didn’t go into much specific detail on his plans should Central Iowa voters send him back to Congress.

Social Security reserves will run out in 11 years if Congress doesn’t act. That means recipients would only get 83% of their full benefits. 50% of seniors get half of their monthly income from Social Security. One in four seniors rely on Social Security for 90% of their monthly income. Nunn said, “We want to make sure that Social Security and Medicare is 100% guaranteed because the folks who’ve paid into it have earned it and they deserve to be able to keep that.”

Nunn also called on the federal government to reduce spending. “We cannot have a situation where the federal government continues to spend more than it actually brings in,” Nunn said.

Nunn says his commitment to the community is that, “We want to make sure that we keep fighting for Iowa in a good way that helps lower taxes and allows you to reinvest in your economy.”

Nunn says he wants to make sure good communities have the opportunity to grow. “Having a secure border, fighting crime, tamping down on human trafficking, and the deadly fentanyl scourge that’s been fighting our area,” Nunn said.

Nunn didn’t take any questions from the audience while on the soapbox.

The number of registered Republicans slightly outnumbers the registered Democrats in the district, however it’s still expected to be a competitive race in the fall. On Monday, Nunn’s Democratic challenger Lanon Baccam will take this same stage and give his speech.

The schedule for speakers at the Iowa State Fair can be found by clicking here.

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Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Media-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV or on X/Twitter @ConnerReports.

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Iowa

Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights

Published

3 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights

Lawmakers have yet to agree on whether private companies should be allowed to use eminent domain for a proposed carbon capture pipeline, leaving landowners and industry groups waiting on an outcome that could have lasting impacts across the state.

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Iowa

3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t

The Iowa Legislature’s 2nd funnel deadline put an expiration date on dozens of bills that failed to advance far enough this session. Here’s a quick rundown:

The Iowa Legislature’s second funnel deadline has passed, closing the door on dozens of proposed bills.

The self-imposed deadline requires bills to have passed one chamber and be approved by a committee in the opposite chamber by March 20 or be relegated to the trash heap.

What Iowa bills missed the cut?

Among the casualties: bills that would have allowed community colleges to offer some four-year degrees and eliminated all school vaccination requirements.

What Iowa bills made the cut?

Other bills remain alive, including legislation restricting the governor’s emergency powers, allowing Iowans to buy ivermectin over the counter without a prescription and limiting tuition increases at Iowa’s public universities.

What big issues are hung up?

Republicans, who control the Iowa House and Senate, have yet to strike deals on two of the top issues of the legislative session: property tax relief and eminent domain restrictions.

“There are some heavy lifts obviously,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, told reporters. “Property taxes, eminent domain conversation, and budgeting.”

What was the fate of dozens of other Iowa bills?

If you’re looking for a more complete list of bills that lived and died, read our exhaustive roundup of education, health care, business, state government and law enforcement and courts legislation.

Portions of this article appeared in the Des Moines Register’s politics newsletter. Don’t miss out. Sign up here.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.

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Iowa

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

Published

1 day ago

March 22, 2026

Press Room

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

We have officially closed the book on the 2025-26 Iowa girls high school basketball season with the crowning of state champions and individual all-state and player of the year awards being handed out by High School on SI.

Now, we take a sneak peek towards 2026-27 with a look at some of the top junior players in Iowa girls high school basketball. All numbers are from those listed on Bound.

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

Melina Snoozy, Sioux City Bishop Heelan

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Snoozy was dominant this past winter again, averaging 21.2 points to lead all juniors while adding eight rebounds, three assists and over two steals per game.

Kylee Pexa, Dunkerton

In addition to her 19 points a game, Pexa contributed almost five steals, five assists and 3.5 rebounds a game.

Ainley Ulrich, North Union

Ulrich nearly helped the Warriors reach the state tournament this past year after posting 20 points with five rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.

Izzy Gilbertson, Mount Ayr

At nearly 21 points and over nine rebounds per game, Gilbertson is a tough opponent to slow down. She also blocked four shots a night with 3.6 assists and 3.6 steals.

Maryn Franken, Sioux Center

Franken posted 20 points per game with nearly nine rebounds while also averaging six steals, three assists and a block to her stat line.

Taryn Petersen, Exira-EHK

Petersen was just a shade under 20 points per game for her team, adding in over six steals, five assists and four rebounds.

Cora Sauer, Lake Mills

Lake Mills went as Sauer did, reaching the regional final before falling to Bishop Garrigan. She contributed 19.7 points, six rebounds, almost four steals and just under four assists a game.

Lizzy Frazell, Waverly-Shell Rock

Frazell and the Go-Hawks continue to make a strong statement, as she finished the year averaging 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

Addy Wolfswinkel, Cherokee Washington

Wolfswinkel recently committed to Omaha to play volleyball, but she is strong on the basketball court as well, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals.

Maggie McChesney, Glenwood

In addition to her 19.5 points per game, McChesney averaged eight rebounds, 3.5 steals, three assists and over a block.

KeaOnna Worley, Cedar Rapids Prairie

Watch out for a big senior season from Worley after producing 18 points, nearly five assists, over four rebounds and two steals.

Graclyn Eastman, Bishop Garrigan

Eastman and the Golden Bears reached the finals this past season in Class 1A, as she averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists.

Katie Muller, Dowling Catholic

The Maroons will lean heavily on Muller next year, as she steps in for sister Ellie Muller. This past year, she averaged 16.5 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and a steal.