Grassley Encourages Iowa Students to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program

All together, 102 student delegates from the 50 states and the District of Columbia will participate in this program’s 52nd annual Washington Week next March 8-15.

Giovannetti to Share Best Practices for Local Service Delivery with Central Iowa Taxpayers

Panel will explore innovative ideas on creating successful public-private partnerships.

City Officials Consider Special Census to Bring in More Road Use Tax Fund

Having an accurate headcount potentially means more dollars, but also makes it easier for officials to project infrastructure needs and plan for construction projects.

Urbandale’s Zaun Says It’s Time for Sorenson to Go

Another Republican lawmaker calls state senator from Milo “a cancer within our party” and said he should resign as ethics violations probe continues.

Seized Cash Makes Small Dent in Urbandale Developer’s $1.16 Million Restitution Bill

Authorities sized $9,800 from a safe in developer's home during an arson investigation.

Longtime Urbandale Mayor Says Leadership Isn't a Calling, but the Result of Listening to People's Needs

Politics versus public service: “It’s not a difference,” longtime Urbandale mayor and Polk County Superviosr E.J. Giovannetti says. “It’s the difference.”

After Ethics Dust-Up, MSNBC Host Rachel Maddow Questions Iowa Caucuses' Role

Allegations that an Iowa state senator took $208,000 from the Ron Paul campaign to support his presidential bid aren't "a caucus thing," one pol said, but "a greed thing."

Trump to Iowa Evangelicals: Hillary Clinton Will be Tough to Beat (Video)

Donald Trump told Iowa evangelical Christians gathered at the Family Leadership Forum he thinks former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton will be the Democrats' nominee – and a tough opponent for the GOP.

Community Update

Parentalrights.org at Family Leadership Summit

Founder's Bible At Family Leadership Summit

Community Update

UPDATE: Trump Says Republicans 'Have to Get it Right' in 2016

Iowa’s influential “God squad” gets a chance to size up possible contenders in the 2016 Iowa Caucuses. But as the GOP moves away from the fringe, does its vote matter?

Ten Economic Advisors Appointed by Urbandale Council

The Urbandale business leaders and residents will share their perspectives on economic development.

Andeweg Touts Low Taxes in Re-Election Announcement

More work need to be done, Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg said, including maintaining adequate emergency services staffing and maintaining city infrastructure.

Election 2016 Watch: Tea Party Star and GOP Senator Cruz Set for Key Iowa Event - Ronald Reagan Dinner

Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, has been announced as a headliner for the Ronald Reagan Commemorative Dinner on Oct. 25 at the Iowa State Fairground in Des Moines.

If Convicted of Sex Abuse, What’s Right Sentence for Middle School Teacher? Iowa Patch Poll

If Urbandale teacher accused of sexually abusing two teen girls is convicted, sentencing is mandatory, but there is no minimum sentence. Should there be?

Do You Think the Polk County Court System Needs a Makeover?

On Nov. 5, Polk County residents will vote yes or no on this very question, deciding whether or not they’re willing to boost property taxes to pay for $81 million worth of improvements to the court system.

Urbandale Mayor, Others Voice Support of Multi-Million Dollar Project Through Letter to the Editor

Bob Andeweg was among 13 local city mayors who signed the letter submitted to the Dallas County News, encouraging community support for a $16.85 referendum needed to finance a new Dallas County administrative building and jail.

Forget Long Lines at the Iowa DOT – Governor Unveils Online System to Renew Driver's Licenses

Gov. Terry Branstad's office revealed the new system Monday, which will allow Iowa drivers to skip the DOT office every other renewal period.

Another GOP Contender Enters Race for Harkin's Senate Seat

State Sen. Joni Ernst of Red Oak is seeking the GOP nomination for United States Senate, according to her website.

3 Iowa Counties Issue Nearly Half of State's Gay Marriage Licenses

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad still wants a public referendum here in Iowa - just the third state where gays could marry. The interactive maps help show the prevalence of gay marriage in Iowa.

Branstad Running for Re-Election? Tweet Says 'It Starts Today'

The Republican governor is touting increased school aid and a tax cut in his apparent kickoff for re-election.

BREAKING Report: Michele Bachmann and Johnston Woman Settle Lawsuit Over Homeschool Records

A lawsuit between Barb Heki, of Johnston, and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has been dismissed with prejudice, according to a report.

City of Urbandale Spraying for Mosquitoes This Week

What you can do to help.

Officials Want to Educate Public on New Dallas County Law Enforcement Center

Four public meetings will be held in the next four weeks, giving residents an opportunity to learn about a proposed administration and law enforcement center going before voters on Aug. 6.

Urbandale Taking Team Approach to Nurturing Businesses

Business leaders and residents will be asked to advise elected officials on how to strengthen Urbandale's economic development efforts.

Is West Nile Virus Coming to Polk County?

Patch offers mosquito prevention tips, and the map below shows the number of West Nile cases last summer.

Top 9: Big Bank Blamed in $215M Theft, Buzzers to Block School Intruders, City Bans Controversial Surveillance Tactic

Court Date Set for Lawsuit Against Former Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann

The suit against the Minnesota Congresswoman, whose campaign headquarters was based in Urbandale, alleges that a supporter stole an email list from a Johnston volunteer.

FBI Now Investigating Claims of Alleged Illegal Activity During Bachmann Presidential Campaign

The Minnesota Congresswoman's former presidential campaign is facing a lawsuit that claims a supporter stole an email list from a Johnston volunteer.

Urbandale Among Suburbs That May Drop Homeland Security Team

The three cities now have their own tactical team and officials are now questioning whether the service is worth their investment.

Woman Says GOP Activist Supports Her Claim That Bachmann Campaign Stole Email List

A Johnston GOP volunteer says statements last week in an Iowa Senate investigation back up her charge that State Sen. Ken Sorenson stole an email list from her computer and gave it to the Michele Bachmann campaign.

Urbandale Plans to Annex 80 More Acres for Residential Development

The parcel adjoins both Urbandale and Grimes, which have annexation agreements in place.

Zaun Legislative Update: Session Drags on Another Week

The budget battle continues between Iowa Senate Republicans and Democrats. But in good news, Urbandale student Marissa Frost is a finalist in a Google contest, and needs your votes.

Zaun, Senate Republicans Fall Short on Traffic Camera Ban

Brad Zaun had sponsored a bill to ban traffic enforcement cameras, but it fell short.

New Lakeview Park Shelter Dedication is Saturday

Project was completed in partnership with Iowa State University architecture students.

Urbandale’s Zaun Backs Fetal ‘Personhood’ Amendment

Effort has little chance of passage in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Zaun Legislative Update: Education Reform Moves to Conference Committee

Republicans and Democrats continue to haggle over education funding, says State Sen. Brad Zaun of Urbandale.

Bachmann Aide to Break Silence on Sorenson Allegations

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann’s former chief of staff is expected to provide testimony alleging Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson was illegally paid $7,500 a month to work on the campaign, in violation of Senate ethics rules.