Well, it has been a week since I published my last round-up. I have been blogging, but I haven’t been so great at blogging here. Here are my submissions at Caffeinated Thoughts and Truth in American Education over the last week.
From Caffeinated Thoughts:
1. Reynolds Sets Special Election for Iowa Senate District 25
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds set the date for a special election in Iowa Senate District 25 for Tuesday, April 10, 2018. This follows the resignation of former Iowa Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock).
2. Five Reasons Iowa Democrats Hope for a Blue Wave in 2018
Iowa Democrats hope for a historic blue wave in 2018 due to President Trump’s unpopularity, a competitive gubernatorial race, a good turnout for the mid-term Iowa Caucuses, the potential to flip Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, and the number of Republican state legislators retiring.
3. Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Ban Advances in Iowa House, Survives Funnel
The Iowa House Human Resources Committee passed the fetal heartbeat abortion ban by a 12 to 9 vote just before the second funnel deadline of the 2018 legislative session.
4. Iowa Legislature Rejects the Iowa Department of Education’s Assessment Choice
Both chambers of the Iowa Legislature in bipartisan fashion rejected the Iowa Department of Education’s choice for a statewide assessment in favor of one developed by the University of Iowa’s Iowa Testing Program.
5. Leading Democrat in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District Race Fails to Make Ballot
Theresa Greenfield, a leading Democrat candidate in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District race, failed to make the June 5th primary ballot after attempting to resubmit her nomination petition upon learning her campaign manager forged some signatures.
6. Twenty-One Iowa Legislators to Retire in 2018
Twenty-one Iowa Legislators have decided not to run for reelection in 2018. The Iowa House will have 16 members retire after this session. Twelve Republicans and four Democrats will leave the House. The Iowa Senate Republicans will have two retirements and Democrats will see three.
7. Bruce Hunter’s Freudian Slip During Iowa House Debate
Before State Representative Bruce Hunter (D-Des Moines) hurls insults at Iowa House Republicans it would be wise for him to 1. remember what chamber he is in, and 2. remember what party he is in.
8. Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment Passes Iowa House
The Iowa House passed HJR 2009, a “right to keep and bear arms” amendment that would amend the Iowa Constitution to add language affirming the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, by a 54 to 42 vote.
9. Iowa Republicans Will Have 19 Contested Primaries for Iowa House and Senate
The Iowa Secretary of State released the final uncertified list of candidates that will appear on the June 5th primary ballot. Iowa Republicans wil11.l have 19 contested primaries with five incumbents receiving a challenge.
10. Caffeinated Thoughts Podcast (Episode 33): Trail Life USA and Boys in Crisis
Boys are in crisis. On the Caffeinated Thoughts Podcast, I discuss this with Mark Hancock, the CEO of Trail Life USA, who explains how his ministry helps to address this crisis and the good it does for the boys it serves, as well as, the men who lead local chapters.
11. Jeff Flake’s Faux Constitutional Crisis
U.S. Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) said President Trump would cause a constitutional crisis if he fired Special Counsel Robert Mueller and then Congress would have no recourse but to impeach. Senator Flake has that backward, Congress would be the cause, not President Trump.
12. Ron Corbett’s Place on the Iowa GOP Gubernatorial Primary Ballot in Doubt
Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett’s nomination petition signatures for Iowa’s June 5th Republican Gubernatorial Primary have been formally challenged putting his place on the ballot in doubt.
From Truth in American Education:
1. Louisiana Elementary Schools Are Teaching Cursive Again
This year, Louisiana elementary schools are now required to teach cursive. Louisiana joins 15 other states that require the same and their students will be better off.
With the standards and accountability movement in education, along with its hyper-focus on testing, recess has become a luxury instead of a necessity for elementary school students.
3. South Dakota Adopts New Standards, Media Reports Zero Interest From General Public
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted new academic standards in subjects such as math and ELA after no public comment during their last four public meetings held at 9:00a in various parts of the state.