DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds laid out priorities for the first of two years in the general assembly with the annual Condition of the State address Tuesday night. Reynolds highlighted her desire to see restrictions on electronic devices in classrooms, the creation of a “DOGE” task force similar to an advisory council set up by President-Elect Donald Trump, a call for work requirements tied to Medicaid, and significant property tax reform. Republicans hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers and widely support the Governor’s overall agenda.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Joni Ernst indicated her support for Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth. Ernst made a statement following a hearing held on Tuesday. Ernst received criticism from fellow Republicans during the lame-duck session in December due to hesitancy in supporting Hegseth, who has drawn criticism for sexual assault allegations, which he dismissed as a smear campaign.

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags in Iowa to resume full-staff on Inauguration Day. The Des Moines Register reports this is acting against a federal mandate that have them at half-staff for the death of President Jimmy Carter. Reynolds joins Texas Governor Greg Abbott in defying the federal call. Reynolds has ordered the half-staff order to resume following President-elect Donald Trump’s official swearing-in.