Feds sent in big gun to prosecute abusive ex-cop.

The government wasn’t taking any chances in the second — and successful — trial of former Des Moines cop Colin Boone last week. The feds sent in Barbara (Bobbi) Bernstein [...]

Judge list is cut to 11; Eric Branstad buys a house.

Eleven people apparently have made the cut for second interviews with the Grassley pals who are screening applicants to advise him on whom to back for two open federal judgeships [...]

Civic Skinny has taken a much needed vacation and will be back next week.

Some questions and some answers about AIB deal. State stops some refunds. Channel 8 deserves credit.

Some questions: Who owns AIB? Every Iowan. What if the AIB-University of Iowa deal falls through? Who knows. Does the AIB board have to keep the school alive? No. Can [...]

Bob Mahaffey won’t seek re-election to the city council.

Bob Mahaffey is not going to seek re-election this fall to the Des Moines City Council. His decision — which had not been made public until now — could set [...]

41 apply to Grassley for Iowa federal judgeships.

A screening committee set up by Sen. Charles Grassley has received 41 applications from Iowans hoping for one of the two federal judgeships that soon will open in Iowa. It’s [...]

Rastetter and Fred Hubbell led political givers of 2014.

Gleanings from the final round of campaign reports from state and local candidates: Bruce Rastetter appears to have given more money to state and local candidates last year than any [...]

Gortz Haus settles complaints, now welcomes gays

The couple who own the Gortz Haus Gallery have agreed that gay people now can rent the facility for weddings. The couple has dropped its lawsuit against the Iowa Civil [...]

Creditors Get 12 Cents on Every Dollar Tirrell Owes.

If Marty Tirrell owes you money — and if he does, you’re not alone — here’s the good news: You will be paid. Here’s the not-so-good news: You will be [...]

Vilsack Wants Iowa Dems to Shape Up — But Why?

Tom Vilsack is stepping back into Iowa politics. He has asked a couple of big hitters — Tim and Toni Urban and Fred and Charlotte Hubbell — to gather some [...]