2026/01/26

Eye Opener: Legislative session heats up; RAGBRAI route announced

It's Monday, January 26.

Today's emoji forecast: 🥶🥶 We're staying cool this week. Jon Rivas has your forecast.

What people are talking about:

Iowans are battling dangerous cold here at home, but others have also traveled south to assist our neighbors as they face their own dangerous conditions.
The massive winter storm also caused problems at the Des Moines International Airport, where some flights were delayed or canceled.
An Urbandale tattoo artist is facing sexual exploitation charges after he allegedly tried to meet with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old.

TOP STORY: Familiar topics arise early in Iowa legislative session

THE 101: As the legislative session continues, Iowans are seeing some of the same issues on the table.

WHAT TO KNOW: Property taxes and eminent domain have been two regular topics.

Right now, lawmakers are weighing four different property tax proposals, all promising property tax relief but taking very different paths to get there. Both parties agree that property taxes are rising faster than many families can afford. They also agree it's one of the hardest issues to fix. Last year, lawmakers made the same promise but no plan made it across the finish line.

The standoff over eminent domain is once again front and center. Lawmakers are weighing when, if ever, the state should be allowed to take private land for a proposed carbon capture pipeline.

Tap the button below to watch this week's edition of Close Up:

KCCI CLOSE UP

4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

🚨 Death of Alex Pretti: A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by federal immigration officers Saturday morning in Minneapolis. Here's what to know.

🎓 Religion in schools: Iowa legislators are moving forward with a bill that would allow high school social studies classes to teach religion. Read more

📢 Trump in Iowa: President Donald Trump will speak in Clive tomorrow. Read more

🥇 Hawkeyes cruise to another W: Iowa is now 9-0 in Big Ten play after Addie Deal, Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden led the team to a 21-point victory over No. 12 Ohio State. Read more

RAGBRAI 2026

Riders, start planning — and training — because the RAGBRAI route is out.

Organizers of the annual bicycle ride across Iowa announced the route Saturday night during a release party at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee.

This year's ride starts Sunday, July 19 in Onawa and ends 391 miles later on Saturday, July 25 in Dubuque. It's the shortest of all time and 10th-hilliest, with 16,027 feet of climb.

"We're excited to revisit some towns we haven't passed through in years, and some seasoned towns who are already ahead of the planning process," RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen said in a news release. "Stay tuned for more surprises as we release the full route including pass through towns in April."

2026 route:

Sunday, July 19: Onawa to Harlan: 58.5 miles, 3,465 feet of climb
Monday, July 20: Harlan to Guthrie Center: 53.9 miles, 3,554 feet of climb
Tuesday, July 21: Guthrie Center to Boone: 59.5 miles, 1,503 feet of climb
Wednesday, July 22: Boone to Marshalltown: 62.2 miles, 1,563 feet of climb
Thursday, July 23: Marshalltown to Independence: 81.4 miles, 2,713 feet of climb
Friday, July 24: Independence to Dyersville: 42.2 miles, 1,441 feet of climb
Saturday, July 25: Dyersville to Dubuque: 33.7 miles, 1,788 feet of climb