News from The Des Moines Register

Gronstal says plan would shift $310 million in property taxes to homeowners

Feb 9, 2012 6:34 pm

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Michael Gronstal gave a thumbs down today on a newly drafted House Republican plan to slash commercial property taxes by 40 percent, raising questions whether one of Gov....

After a rise, corn swings to negative

Feb 9, 2012 6:23 pm

Corn futures prices rose 8 cents per bushel to $6.50 Thursday on the open at the Chicago Board of Trade, then dropped into negative territory down 6 cents per bushel to $6.34 at noon.

King bashes lightbulb-policing Stasi troops'

Feb 9, 2012 6:04 pm

Iowa's Steve King was toasted with whoops and cheers today for a blistering speech bashing the left, calling those who police for high-energy lightbulbs Stasi troops."

First lady dances, praises Iowa health initiative

Feb 9, 2012 4:45 pm

Michelle Obama touted vegetables, encouraged exercise and led thousands of Iowa children in a rousing version of the Interlude dance this morning in Des Moines.

Senate: Change law and resume Iowa care facility inspections

Feb 9, 2012 4:02 pm

Iowa would legally resume periodic inspections at care facilities for the disabled under a bill that unanimously passed the Senate this morning.

Updated: Iowa's portion of mortgage settlement is $40 million

Feb 9, 2012 3:58 pm

Iowa's attorney general estimates Iowa homeowners will receive $40 million from the $25 billion state-national settlement with the nation's largest mortgage servicers.

Obama to free 10 states from NCLB requirements; Iowa to apply later this month

Feb 9, 2012 3:42 pm

President Barack Obama today will reportedly free 10 states from the rigid requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind law, according to the White House press office.

School is missing 53 computers worth more than $27,000

Feb 9, 2012 3:37 pm

The Des Moines Public Charter School is reporting the theft of 53 laptop computers worth more than $27,000.

Iowa lawmakers to grieving teens: Sorry, but no helmet law this year

Feb 9, 2012 3:31 pm

A bill that would require children in Iowa to wear helmets on motorcycles was defeated in the Senate this morning despite the urgent cries from four Iowa City-area teenagers who lost a friend last yea...

Entertainment starts as thousands gather for first lady Michelle Obama's stop in Des Moines

Feb 9, 2012 3:09 pm

Dancers, a capella singers and jump rope superstars are providing entertainment to thousands of student gathered at Wells Fargo Arena this morning in anticipation of a 11:15 a.m. appearance by Michell...