WASHINGTON D.C. – Governor Kim Reynolds was in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, as she testified in the U.S. House about government efficiency. The Des Moines Register reports Reynolds testified about Iowa’s deep tax cuts and reduction of state agencies. While Republicans on the panel were supportive of the direction of the state, Reynolds drew questions and criticism from Democratic lawmakers who asked about a bill she signed limiting State Auditor Rob Sand’s powers and ability to audit state agencies. Reynolds later attended the signing of an executive order by President Donald Trump banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

DES MOINES – Legislation that would allow schools to start before the Iowa State Fair has advanced through the Senate Education Committee. WHO-13 reports Senate File 205 would allow classes at both public and private schools to start as early as the second to last Monday in August. In 2015, Governor Terry Branstad signed a law that set August 23rd as the earliest day classes could begin, which was negotiated among multiple parties, including many state tourism groups. Adventureland, Okoboji Tourism, and Iowa Travel Industry Partners have listed as lobbyists against the measure, while the Iowa Association of School Boards and Association of Christian Schools are in support.

DES MOINES – Another main stage performance has been announced for the 2025 Iowa State Fair. KCCI-TV reports T-Pain is coming to the grandstand on Saturday, August 16th. Tickets go on sale Friday morning for the artist known for his pop, hip-hop and R&B catalog. T-Pain joins Forrest Frank, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Hairball, and Def Leppard as the main entertainers for the 2025 fair, which runs August 7th through the 17th.