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Articles by Devyn Leeson
Board of Regents approves first reading of 3.9 percent tuition hike
Tuition hikes for Iowa State and the University of Iowa passed through first reading unanimously at the Board of Regents special meeting Wednesday. The approved tuition increases would raise Iowa State resident undergraduate tuition by $302 or 3.9 percent. For non-resident undergraduates this number is $1,086 or a 4.9 percent increase. Iowa State resident and nonresident graduate students will see an increase in tuition of 4.9 percent if passed again in the board’s June meeting.
Board of Regents call for special meeting, make tuition proposals
The Board of Regents released its tuition proposals to be decided at Wednesday's special meeting. The proposed rates would increase resident undergraduate by 3.9 percent and non-resident undergraduate tuition by 4.9 percent, according to the meeting agenda. For graduate students this increase would be 4.9 percent for both resident and non-resident students. The proposal also increases mandatory fees for undergraduates by 2.4 percent and by 2.5 percent for graduate students.
State Legislative session nears end, final policy goals left to pass
Amber Gustafson is running for Iowa Senate District 19 which includes Ankeny, Saylorville and Alleman. The Iowa Senate meets in the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. Emily Blobaum/Iowa State Daily With the final push of legislative bills, Republicans in the Iowa Legislature are hoping to close out the 2019 legislative session Friday, but a large list of bills, budget proposals and debate time will make that goal unlikely.
California congressman makes Iowa State first presidential campaign stop in Iowa
Eric Swalwell, represenative of California’s 15th congressional district and 2020 presidential candidate, chose Iowa State as his first Iowa campaign stop Thursday. Swalwell, who announced his candidacy Monday, faces a tough primary between more than 18 Democratic candidates. He said he hopes his campaign strategy and slogan of “Go big. Be bold. Do good.” will help set himself apart from others in the race.
Reynolds signs controversial bill regarding religious liberties and free speech on campus
Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a "free speech" bill allowing student organizations at Iowa’s public universities to bar members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other identities from leadership positions. The bill would allow student groups at regent universities to enforce these policies only if it is the genuinely held belief of the group. The legislation passed on a party line vote in the House and a 35-11-3 vote in the Senate.
Trump executive order ties free speech issues to $164.6 million in federal funds at Iowa State
Donald Trump speaking to supporters at an immigration policy speech at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Courtesy of Gage Skidmore A recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump aims to threaten federal funding at any public university that does not support the first amendment. "Every year the federal government provides educational institutions with more than $35 billion dollars in research funding; all of that money is now at stake,” Trump said at the signing.
StuGov senators voted for bill without knowing consequences
Student Government endorsed two bills moving through the Iowa Legislature without many senators knowing the extent of the measures within the bills.
Two Iowa Legislature bills reemerge in the debate on campus free speech, religious liberties
The Iowa Legislature has brought back two bills that reignite a year-long debate over religious liberties and the free speech of student organizations at regent universities. House File 316 and Senate Study Bill 1099 are identical bills moving through their respective chambers that would allow a student organization at regent universities to enforce religious rules barring certain groups from taking leadership roles within its group. The Senate version of the bill has passed a subcommittee.
Move your vehicles: Snow ordinance to go into effect Monday at 6 p.m.
A snow ordinance will go into effect at 6 p.m. Monday, according to a press release from the city of Ames. “With the additional snow forecast, all Ames residents are asked to remove parked vehicles from residential streets, especially those parked on circles or cul-de-sacs,” according to the press release.
University seeks student input on campus climate results
The campus climate survey results highlighted problems with race-based harassment and procedures for reporting sexual assault when results were released in May 2018. Now the university is seeking input. The Campus Climate Undergraduate Student Experience Committee, in partnership with Student Government, will host an open forum on the campus climate survey results from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Carver Hall 0205.
Dangerously cold weather expected in Ames through Thursday
A potentially record-setting cold front is set to hit Ames and the rest of Iowa throughout the week. With wind chills expected as low as -40 degrees and with the ability to reach -50 degrees, Tuesday and Wednesday could be the coldest days on record in Iowa since February of 1996 when the record for all time coldest temperature in Iowa history was tied.
President Trump agrees to open government for three weeks without funding for a border wall
President Donald Trump has agreed to approve a funding measure that would reopen the government temporarily, ending the record-setting 35-day partial shutdown. Trump announced the decision to reopen the government until Feb. 15 at the White House Friday. Funding for the $5.7 billion wall was not part of the agreement Trump and lawmakers reached.
Caucus season is coming: Here is what Iowa can expect
The 2020 presidential election is less than two years away, but caucus season is fast approaching. For Iowa, this means a constant flow of political candidates will test their messages, speak to voters and some will even visit all 99 Iowa counties as they try to build momentum for the primary election. During this election cycle, all eyes will be on the fast-growing field of Democratic candidates.
The new normal: how modern political rhetoric has changed the way minorities live in America
A border wall, trade protectionism and so-called “fake news” were not common focuses among politicians when Donald Trump started running for president, but now people can hardly go a day without hearing something on one of these topics. Many of these policy goals — like the border wall — have been pushed for by a majority of members within the Republican Party, including state or local representatives who are not as affected by the implementation of the proposed wall.
Ames parking ticket data breach could have compromised 4,600 motorists payment information
A data breach could affect 4,600 people who paid for city-issued parking tickets through the City of Ames online payment system. Motorists who paid their tickets through the system over the time period of Aug. 10 to Nov. 19 may have been affected by the breach, according to a press release from the City of Ames. The city will be sending mail and email notifications to those potentially affected by the breach.
Student organizations struggle to find their identity in midst of trademark dispute
It can take years and even decades for a student club or organization to build its identity, brand recognition and overall place within the greater Ames community of which tens of thousands of students actively participate in. With many of these group's identities being built upon how they represent Iowa State, the implementation of new trademark guidelines, which forbid certain symbols and words within logos and names, have student groups scrambling to find a new identity.
University releases statement on trademark policy, students react negatively
After a controversial Resolution was introduced at student government last week, officials from the University Trademark and Licensing came to discuss the new trademark policy. Michael Norton, University Council, and Leesha Zimmerman, Director of Trademark Licensing, answered questions from senators.
Snow storm misses Ames, more snow possible later in week
While the first winter storm of the year just missed Ames, other areas across the state received upwards of 14 inches of snow. The snow storm was pushed more than 30 miles south and outside the range of Ames by “an underestimated southbound wind,” said Allan Curtis of the National Weather Service. “A lot of these winter weather paths have a degree of uncertainty,” Curtis said. “One thing that we know and has come to fruition is where the heavy snowfall has occurred.
Time to move your vehicles, Ames snow ordinance to go in effect Sunday morning
With snowfall expected between two and four inches, certain Ames residents will be required to move their vehicles to allow for snow to be cleared from roadways. Justin Clausen, operations manager for the Department of Public Works, said Ames could receive no snow if the storm expected to pass overnight migrates 20 to 30 miles south, but the city will be preparing for heavier snowfall anyway. “We are preparing for the worst though,” Clausen said.
Regents reveal 5-year tuition plan, guaranteed 3 percent undergraduate resident increase included
President Wendy Wintersteen sent an email to students Thursday explaining potential tuition increases coming to be implemented in future academic years. The Board of Regents Thursday meeting included a five-year plan for tuition presented by Board President Mike Richards that could address three scenarios.
Parking in downtown Ames burden on businesses, city council looks for solutions
The City of Ames moved towards parking solutions for downtown Ames at their Tuesday meeting. The council had raised the rates of parking meters by 500 percent — from 20 cents an hour to $1 dollar an hour — for the first time in 20 years in July, but business owners at the meeting said the decision has created trouble for them and their customers.
City council to discuss parking, rental caps
Residents of Ames gather at City Hall on Sept. 25. Sarah Henry/Iowa State Daily The Ames City Council directed staff to explore and create options relating to parking in downtown Ames at their Oct. 16 meeting. These options included looking into the costs associated with a comprehensive parking study, considering the different wants and needs of employee parking and evaluating parking rates.
Republican Kim Reynolds wins re-election bid for governor
Kim Reynolds, a fifth generation Iowan, has won her re-election bid for Iowa governor. Reynolds, a Republican, edged out opponent Fred Hubbell winning 50 percent of the vote compared to his 48 percent. With 88 percent of precincts reporting, Reynolds was leading by 25,000 votes when multiple news outlets called the election in her favor. Reynolds first took office in 2011 as lieutenant governor when Gov. Terry Branstad won his election.
Republican Kim Reynolds becomes first woman elected as Iowa governor
+1 Republicans cheer as the election is called in Governor Kim Reynolds favor at the GOP watch party on Nov. 6. Kennedy DeRaedt/Iowa State Daily Tuesday night, Kim Reynolds went from the first woman in Iowa to serve as governor to the first woman to be elected as governor. Reynolds, a Republican, edged out opponent Fred Hubbell by winning 50 percent of the vote compared to his 48 percent. With all but one of the precincts reporting, Reynolds was leading by 38,000 votes.
Despite low turnout, local elections have bigger impact on everyday life
The State Capitol Building's golden dome makes it easy to spot when nearing Iowa's largest city. Emily Blobaum/Iowa State Daily As voters look down the ballot — from federal, to state, to county and local elections — participation will inevitably decrease, but these “smaller” races oftentimes have a larger impact on people’s day-to-day lives. This phenomena is somewhat counter intuitive, said senior lecturer of political science Kelly Shaw.
Messages on campus linked to white nationalist groups
+1 Chalk messages saying "it's okay to be white" were found around campus. These messages have been found to be linked to white nationalist groups. Courtesy of Harley Nelson Messages saying “it’s okay to be white” have been posted around campus, prompting individuals and the university to react.The messages posted around campus were often coupled with words encouraging people to vote for congressional candidate Steve King, who in recent weeks has been in the news for endorsing white nationalists.
Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship met with strong opposition
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks to the crowd about Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's emails on Sep. 13 in Clive, Iowa. Tyler Coffey/Iowa State Daily President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is planning on ending birthright citizenship, a policy guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.Birthright citizenship ensures that any person born on U.S. soil is considered a citizen of the United States.
Hub renovations delayed until spring semester
The Hub, a popular location on campus for students to eat, drink and study, won’t have its renovations finished until the start of the spring semester.Iowa State Facilities Planning and Management hoped the Hub could reopen its venue after Thanksgiving, but unexpected conditions extended the construction project by two months. “This particular project is a renovation, it is a gut and replace kind of project,” said Scott Ayers, director of capital projects for FPM.
Meet the candidates: Kim Reynolds, Republican for governor
Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke at the 2014 Family Leadership Summit on Aug. 9 at Stephens Auditorium. Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Kim Reynolds, a fifth generation Iowan and incumbent Republican Governor, is in a close race with her opponent Fred Hubbell to see who the next Governor of Iowa will be.Reynolds first took office in 2011 as Lieutenant Governor when Gov. Terry Branstad won his election. Reynolds became the first female governor of Iowa when Branstad became ambassador to China in 2017.
ISU lecturer and mayor of Indianola considering resignation over toxic environment
Kelly Shaw, lecturer in political science, is running for mayor of Indianola, Iowa. His opponent, Jill Johnson, is the executive director of marking and public relations at Simpson College.
Three takeaways from the final Iowa gubernatorial debate
The final of three gubernatorial debates gave incumbent Republican Kim Reynolds and Democratic challenger Fred Hubbell a chance to finalize their arguments and tell voters why they should vote for them in November.Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s debate:State of economy main focus of debate by candidates, not moderators As questions about the MeToo movement, public safety, climate change, immigration reform and school safety were asked by moderators, Reynolds and Hubbell took every...
Gubernatorial candidates go head-to-head at second debate
Taxes, education and Medicaid privatization were main points of debate for gubernatorial candidates Fred Hubbell and Kim Reynolds Wednesday.Hubbell, a Democrat and fifth-generation Iowan, opened with a focus on ending Medicaid privatization, funding education and increasing wages, presenting himself as the candidate of change.“I love this state and am running for governor to change its direction by putting people first,” Hubbell said.
Collin Daniel Richards pleads not guilty in death of Celia Barquín Arozamena
Collin Richards, who is charged with first-degree murder, is led to his seat by attorney Paul Rounds before his first court appearance. Judge Bethany Currie ruled there will be an open trial. Danielle Gehr/Iowa State Daily The man charged with murder in the first-degree of Celia Barquín Arozamena pleaded not guilty, according to court documents.Collin Daniel Richards, 22, was charged with first-degree murder on Sept.
Gubernatorial candidates address mental healthcare at forum
If someone were to walk into a room with a broken arm, they would be told to get treatment and brought to the nearest hospital, but when someone walks into a room with a mental health issue, the same treatment isn’t given, said Gubernatorial candidate Jake Porter at a mental Health Forum.Candidates Fred Hubbell, Kim Reynolds and Jake Porter all attended this forum on Iowa’s mental health system which has become a growing issue on voter’s minds.The forum was moderated by the Des Moines...
Gubernatorial candidates have first of three debates, outline policy
Gubernatorial candidates Fred Hubbell and Kim Reynolds outlined their policy positions, plans and vision for Iowa’s future in their first of three debates Wednesday.The next two debates will take place on Oct. 17 in Sioux City and Oct. 21 in Davenport.
Welch Avenue reconstruction main topic of discussion for city council Tuesday
Welch Avenue serves as a passageway for students making their way to-and-from class by day and as a hotspot of student activity by night, but the most popular section — the 100 block between Lincoln Way and Chamberlain Avenue — is more than a century old and in need of repair.This problem is one that prompted city council to budget for reconstruction in the area, providing the opportunity to not just restore the section, but renovate it.
Brett Kavanaugh confirmed to the Supreme Court on 50-48 vote
In a close 50-48 vote Saturday afternoon, the Republican held senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.Kavanaugh’s confirmation marks the end of months of partisan feuding as he becomes the second Supreme Court justice nominated by Donald Trump to sit the bench.Before the confirmation was completed, protesters in the gallery of the Senate yelled as a last-moment plea to the Senators to deny Kavanaugh.
ISU Alert: Man reported with a knife headed towards Hilton
A man carrying a knife has been reported headed towards Hilton, according to an ISU alert sent today at 6:03 p.m."A college aged white male w/brown hair & a camo backpack armed with a knife has been reported headed toward Hilton," according to the ISU alert. "Avoid the area." The man reportedly headed towards Hilton after vandalizing a car in lot 63 near Maple-Willow-Larch Halls, according to an email sent to students.It is advised that people stay inside and seek a safe location.
ISU Alert: Man reported with a knife near Jack Trice apprehended
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ISU Alert: Man reported with a knife headed toward Lot S7 at Jack Trice Stadium
A man carrying a knife has been reported headed toward Hilton, according to an ISU alert sent Friday at 6:03 p.m.An ISU Alert sent at 6:33 p.m. provided an update to the situation:“The suspect was reported heading toward Lot S7 at Jack Trice Stadium. Avoid the area. Officers continue to search for the suspect.”6:03 ISU Alert:"A college aged white male w/brown hair & a camo backpack armed with a knife has been reported headed toward Hilton," according to the ISU alert.
News Engagement Day: What journalism means to me
I was in an introduction to journalism class when an old man who only identified himself as “Spoon” told me about the importance of journalism. While I had never thought about writing for a newspaper, especially a college one, I will never regret the decision I made to give it a try.The next day, I emailed Spoon and asked for a tour of the workplace. I was welcomed to the office and given the very scripted tour Spoon has.
Annual crime report: breakdown of 2015-2017 university crimes
An Iowa State Police officer at a traffic stop on Union Drive. Hannah Olson / Iowa State Daily Trends from the Iowa State Police Department’s annual report show incidents of sexual assault and alcohol violations are slightly up while other crimes remained consistent or went down.The 2018 annual report on university crime statistics was released Monday, showing the statistics for crimes handled by university police from 2015 to 2017.
Kavanaugh Hearing: Ford testifies on sexual assault allegations
Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault when they were both in high school in the 1980s, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday, recalling the events.A committee vote to move the confirmation of Kavanaugh to the full Senate will happen Friday.Ford testimony In her opening statement, Ford emphasized civic duty as the reason she felt compelled to come forward.“I am here today not because I want to be.
Iowa State named best college in Iowa by Time MONEY
Spring is in full force on the Iowa State University campus on April 25. Taylor Hagie/Iowa State Daily The age old question has been answered. Iowa State is the best college in Iowa, according to a Time MONEY.Time MONEY rated Iowa State 375 out of more than 700 nationally ranked colleges and universities. The study also ranked degrees from Iowa State within the top 10 most affordable in the country.
City Council discusses homelessness, public safety, mental health
The Ames City Council discussed public safety, mental health resources at their meeting Tuesday.Before the discussion began, Mayor John Haila said the city would be actively looking into safety improvements in the city as well as taking public feedback.“This one tragedy will not define us as an unsafe community,” Haila said. However, not everyone shared that belief.
Here's what you need to know about National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday is the focus of multiple groups on campus who will be registering and informing students on voting in the midterm elections.Eight non-partisan campus groups, including Student Government’s Civic Engagement Committee and the 'I Am a Voter' campaign, will be registering students to vote at three different locations on campus.Voter registration tables will be held at the Sloss House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., outside the UDCC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and...
Discussion on public safety scheduled for Tuesday's city council meeting
Cmdr. Geoff Huff, left, and Chief Charles Cychosz present at a press conference on Monday in Ames City Council chambers in relation to a body found at Coldwater Golf Links.
Barbecue cookout to be hosted in the MU Thursday before presidential installation
Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen met with Iowa State Daily editors on Aug. 16 to discuss the upcoming academic year, diversity and inclusion, tuition and the Campus Climate survey. Katlyn Campbell/Iowa State Daily A barbecue cookout will be held Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as a precursor to the Presidential Installation happening Friday.
Iowa Board of Regents passes three major funding requets
Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen speaks to the board about the new and different things Iowa State has begun to implement to make the school function better and more economically during the Board of Regents meeting Feb. 22.
Board of Regents discuses new research lab and center closures at Iowa State
A new Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, new majors and center closures were all approved for future votes on the first day of a two-day meeting being held at the University of Iowa.Pam Cain, interim senior vice president of the division of finance at Iowa State, led the presentation to request permission from the board to move forward with planning and later construction on the new lab.
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