Governor Kim Reynolds has approved legislation that reduces the state tax on gas with an ethanol blend of 15 percent or higher. It applies the same six-cent per gallon break to 20 percent or higher blends of biodiesel. "It's going to make higher blend biofuels even cheaper at the pump, making it … [Read more...]
2020 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion cancelled
For the first time in 69 years, there will not be a Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant. The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers board of directors has decided to cancel the event, held for five days every year, always ending on Labor Day. The Reunion draws thousands of people from all … [Read more...]
Governor approves changes in medical cannabis law, raises tobacco-buying age
Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on a host of bills, including three that deal with marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes. When bars and restaurants were closed this spring due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation allowing the sale of carry-out cocktails in addition to … [Read more...]
Reynolds approves 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a bill that creates a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa, but it may not go into effect as planned this Wednesday. On Monday, a district court judge heard opening arguments in the lawsuit the ACLU and Planned Parenthood filed to block the … [Read more...]
EPA consideration of oil refinery waivers key topic in Ernst-Greenfield race
Republican Senator Joni Ernst and Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield are both criticizing the EPA administrator's handling of federal ethanol policy -- and each questions the other's commitment to promoting the corn-based fuel. Greenfield said Ernst never should have voted to confirm a … [Read more...]
State to award $85 million in federal funds for broadband expansion
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that changes the rules for awarding state grants to businesses that promise to expand broadband service and a spokesman for the governor says $5 million will be awarded over the next year. The state will also use $85 million in federal pandemic … [Read more...]
AARP calls for COVID-19 testing, tracking in Iowa nursing homes
AARP Iowa is calling for mandatory testing of all residents and staff in Iowa nursing homes after a case of COVID-19 has been identified. "Today testing in nursing homes is encouraged, but frankly encouraged is not good enough," AARP Iowa state director Brad Anderson says. "Testing needs to be … [Read more...]
New limits on state, county election officials’ authority
A new state law will force the top election official in state government to get legislators' permission to mail Iowans an absentee ballot request form. Secretary of State Paul Pate mailed every Iowan a form this spring. A record number of Iowans filled it out, mailed it to their county auditor … [Read more...]
58 cats rescued from hoarding situation in northern Iowa
Nearly 60 cats have been rescued from a home in northern Iowa's Mitchell County. Stephanie Filer of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa says the cats were very sick and reproducing rapidly. "Without a doubt, had the situation continued even for a few more weeks, we would be talking about many more … [Read more...]
No masks required in guidance for Iowa school reopenings
New state guidelines for reopening Iowa schools this fall say face coverings should be allowed, but not required. Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association -- the state teacher's union, said that doesn't make sense. "With the explosion of cases being identified in various … [Read more...]