The former President dropped his federal lawsuit against pollster Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register before refiling it in state court, which allows the lawsuit to bypass an “Anti-SLAPP” measure that would take effect Tuesday. The refiling was likely intended to avoid the newspaper’s pending motion to dismiss the amended complaint, as the original lawsuit was based on a poll that showed Kamala Harris leading in Iowa. The Des Moines Register has stated the suit is without merit and believes it will be successful in defending its First Amendment rights regardless of the forum. This lawsuit, along with another against Paramount, is one of many filed by Trump over campaign coverage.
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Senator Joni Ernst’s dismissive response to concerns over Medicaid cuts, stating “we are all going to die,” was not only insensitive but was doubled down upon on social media. Instead of apologizing sincerely, she offered a sarcastic clarification and suggested religious faith as a solution to mortality concerns. This response reflects a prioritization of tax cuts over the potential loss of healthcare coverage for millions, as projected by the Congressional Budget Office. Ernst’s justification included blaming the “left” for the reaction and falsely claiming undocumented immigrants are receiving undeserved benefits.
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Eastern Iowa food banks, such as the North Liberty Community Pantry, report a significant surge in demand, exceeding last year’s numbers by 54,000 pounds of food and 150 families. This increase is attributed to economic pressures, including fluctuating tariff policies that have raised prices and left many families, already living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford food. Consequently, pantries are appealing for increased donations of non-perishable and perishable goods, as well as more volunteers. A county-wide food insecurity assessment is planned this summer to better understand the growing need.
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John Q. Hosedrinker