Category: DU in the News

Despite growing populations, Iowa will lose a seat in the U.S. House when districts are redrawn next year. "It's not like Iowa swings a lot of weight in the house," says Drake politics professor Dennis Goldford. "So whatever weight Iowa swings is through seniority."

Blogger Ronald Wesley Maly writes of his appreciation for Iowa collegiate basketball games, especially during the month of December.

The alternative magazine Cityview named Drake Law School alumna Ashley Tousley one of Des Moines "sexiest people." Tousley graduated with honors and was admitted to legal practice in September 2009.

Three lawyers who challenged the results of Iowa's Supreme Court retention vote could have raised questions about the ballot before the election, Drake University law professor Mark Kende says.

Larry James, a 2001 Drake Law School alumnus, and his wife Jennifer bought and restored an abandoned 1886 Victorian house on the campus of Drake University. The Jameses appeared on an episode of HGTV's "If Walls Could Talk."

Republican political leaders, speaking at a forum this morning at Drake University, said it is "questionable" whether preschool is of value to all students. The forum was co-sponsored by IowaPolitics.com.

A freelance travel writer based in Des Moines writes a blog entry about Urban Plains, the all-digital publication launched Dec. 9 by a group of Drake senior magazine majors. Urban Plains is online at http://www.urbanplainsmag-digital.com.

Senior Erin Bramhall says the repeal of tax credits that "American energy companies depend on" would result in increased energy prices for businesses and consumers. She says such a repeal would force companies to layoff staff and/or not hire new employees.

Drake law prof. Robert Rigg says the Nov. 2 election that ousted three Iowa Supreme Court justices may have a chilling effect on new candidates. He also says a different set of candidates may apply.

Drake alumna Brenna Findley, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science, will serve as legal counsel in the administration of Iowa Gov.-elect Terry Branstad, a Drake Law School alumnus. Branstad said, "Brenna Findley has a talented, sharp legal mind and her knowledge and work ethic will be valued in my administration."