Grant Gerlock

2 weeks ago | iowapublicradio.org | Grant Gerlock

A high level of nitrate in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers is threatening drinking water in the Des Moines area. Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW), a regional utility that supplies around 600,000 people, is prohibiting businesses and residents from watering their lawns so there is enough water available for necessities, such as drinking and bathing. The root of the problem is that nitrate levels in the rivers that supply the water system are at their highest since 2013.

4 weeks ago | iowapublicradio.org | Grant Gerlock

Out-of-date payment systems are leaving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal food assistance program for low-income households, vulnerable to theft. An Iowa member of the U.S. House is sponsoring legislation he says would strengthen investigations into SNAP fraud and restore payments to people whose benefits are stolen. Iowa's 3rd District Rep. Zach Nunn met with a recent victim of SNAP theft to introduce his proposal.

1 month ago | iowapublicradio.org | Katarina Sostaric |Grant Gerlock

State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat, announced Monday he is running for governor of Iowa in 2026. Sand was first elected as state auditor in 2018 and was reelected to a second term in 2022. He was the only Democrat to win a statewide office in Iowa that year. Sand, 42, is originally from Decorah and now lives in Des Moines.

2 months ago | holaamericanews.com | Hola Iowa |Grant Gerlock

EspañolBy Grant Gerlock, Iowa Public Radio Iowa-Nathan Sage is running to be the Democrat who challenges Republican Sen. Joni Ernst as she seeks a third term in the U.S. Senate. Sage is the first Democrat to officially declare his candidacy in the 2026 Senate race. It is the first time he has run for elected office. He said his campaign will be about repairing the party’s connection to working class voters. “From a Democratic side of things, I think that’s what we need.

2 months ago | iowapublicradio.org | Grant Gerlock |Katarina Sostaric |Caitlin Troutman

The second deadline of the 2025 legislative session has passed. Iowa Statehouse reporters talk about which bills are alive or dead after last week’s funnel week at the Statehouse. There are proposals targeting diversity programs at government agencies and in university classes, possible changes to those who can access Medicaid and ongoing debates over carbon pipelines and eminent domain. Guests:Erin Murphy, Des Moines Bureau Chief  Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register Statehouse reporter