President Obama Announces $500 Million Gun Violence Legislation Package, Enacts 23 Executive Measures: Iowa City Daily News Links, Jan. 16

Too many links today. No time for pithy sayings.

On to the Links!

Gregg Hennigan of the Gazette has a story about last night's controversial school board meeting and the debate about the diversity policy.

Adam Sullivan of the Press-Citizen reports that despite the fact that the special election for the Revenue Purpose Statement is intended to benefit pretty much everyone in the district, support for the measure is "mixed" so far.

Here's one person who thinks you should vote "Yes" for it. (Press-Citizen)

The board reinstated a district faculty member and coach Michael Sabers after he was suspended due to a BB gun incident last fall, overturning a decision by Superintendent Steve Murley. (Press-Citizen)

President Barack Obama today announced a comprehensive package of executive orders and proposed legislation intended to curb gun violence, which he urged congress to pass. (Press-Citizen via Associated Press)

The Press-Citizen has an obituary story for Richard Taylor, an ex-City High principal.

Lee Hermiston of the Iowa City Press-Citizen writes that a mild winter has led to fewer potholes in the area this year.

Medicaid costs continue to rise, but Gov. Terry Branstad is currently still unwilling to accept expanded coverage, writes Tony Leys of the Des Moines Register. 

Branstad gave a thumbs up to funding that will help the state's Regents Universities freeze their tuition next year. So where does his budget stand on community colleges? (Des Moines Register)

A state panel has put forth a new policy for environmental rule enforcement in the state. (Des Moines Register)

Daily Links Excerpt of the Day:

Braced for a fight, President Barack Obama on Wednesday unveiled the most sweeping proposals for curbing gun violence in two decades, pressing a reluctant Congress to pass universal background checks and bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines like the ones used in the Newtown, Conn., school shooting.

A month after that horrific massacre, Obama also used his presidential powers to enact 23 measures that don't require the backing of lawmakers. The president's executive actions include ordering federal agencies to make more data available for background checks, appointing a director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and directing the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence.

Daily Links Featured Listing of the Day: University of Iowa Memorial Union