Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer thinks Governor Reynolds isn't going far enough in restricting the movement of Iowans to address the coronavirus outbreak. The Democrat from Dubuque has sent a letter to the governor, asking her to issue a statewide stay at home order. "Honestly we are past the point … [Read more...]
Iowa Utilities Board approves increase in oil flow in Dakota Access pipeline
The Iowa Utilities Board has approved a request from Dakota Access to up the amount of oil pumped through the Bakken pipeline. The order allows the pipeline company to increase the flow of oil from the current limit of 550,000 barrels each day to up to 1.1 million barrels. There were objections … [Read more...]
Reynolds responds to critics who say COVID threat overblown
Iowa's governor grew emotional today when addressing claims that the threat of COVID-19 is being overblown. Governor Kim Reynolds told reporters she's well aware of those claims. "Iowans are scared and they're nervous and I appreciate that, but we're going to get through it and if you keep doing … [Read more...]
Volunteers create protective face shields using 3-D printers
Volunteers across Iowa are making face shields with 3-D printers to restock health care providers and first responders who are short on personal protective equipment. Earlier this week, Eric Engelmann of Cedar Rapids used social media to ask for help making the plastic shields and the response … [Read more...]
State officials, hospitals review ‘surge capacity’ in prep for COVID-19 patients
A few other states have announced hotels and convention centers are being converted into triage centers to deal with COVID-19 patients and a top public health administrator in Iowa says discussions are underway here to determine how to manage patient flow. "We are currently working within each of … [Read more...]
Monticello pianist entertains those sheltering at home with online sessions
Musicians across Iowa are using the internet to reach their fans -- and to find new audiences -- since many of us are staying in our houses due to the pandemic. Professional pianist Jim McDonough of Monticello is offering free, live performances at noon twice a week on his Facebook page, drawing … [Read more...]
Two more coronavirus deaths reported in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health reports two more people in the state have died from coronavirus. The two latest deaths are a person in Allamakee County between 61 and 80 and another in Poweshiek County who was 81 or older. That's now 3 deaths in the state from covid-19 State health … [Read more...]
Supreme Court upholds legal costs for Wapello County swine operations in lawsuits
The Iowa Supreme Court says two people who filed, then dropped lawsuits against the owners of animal confinement operations have to pay the company's legal costs. Michael Merrill of Batavia and Karen Jo Frescoln of Libertyville, were part of a group of 70 people who filed nuisance lawsuits … [Read more...]
Sioux City opening drive up lab for coronavirus tests
A new drive-through lab is opening today in the Sioux City area to test residents for coronavirus, but you can't just drop by. Siouxland District Health Director Kevin Grieme says the lab is in an undisclosed location so it's not overrun by people who want to be tested. He says you need to see … [Read more...]
State officials tout federal help for self-employed
The state grant program unveiled this week for many small businesses is not available to Iowans who work alone, as the only employee in their business. Iowa Workforce Development Authority director Beth Townsend says new federal benefits will be available. "The stimulus bill would provide … [Read more...]