The Dubuque City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors have voted to mandate the use of face coverings in public spaces, while the governor continues to say city and county officials lack the authority to enforce mask mandates. Earlier this week, the Dubuque chamber of commerce … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst invites president Trump to accept nomination in Iowa
President Donald Trump's idea of giving his acceptance speech for the Republican nomination for president from the White House has drawn some criticism. Republican Senator Joni Ernst was asked about it today on her conference call with reporters. "I really think it should be done in Des Moines, … [Read more...]
Des Moines BLM group reacts to governor’s order on felon voting
Des Moines Black Lives Matter activists held their own celebration about six hours after Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order automatically restoring voting rights to most released felons who've completed parole and probation. Black Lives Matter organizers Matthew Bruce said the order … [Read more...]
Governor signs executive order on voting rights for paroled felons
Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order this morning to automatically restore voting rights to most paroled felons. "This is a cause on which so many Iowans have worked on for years. It boils down to our fundamental belief of redemption and second chances," Reynolds says. The order … [Read more...]
Cities and counties to receive millions in federal aid for pandemic expenses
Governor Kim Reynolds has set aside $60 million in federal aid for eligible Iowa cities and $40 million for counties to cover pandemic-related expenses. "These funds can be used to reimburse for expenditures such as Covid-19 medical supplies and equipment -- PPE, sanitizing products, testing … [Read more...]
Salary boost approved for doctor who’s top medical advisor in state government
The state medical director whose public profile has been elevated during the pandemic has gotten a big pay boost. Dr. Caitlin Pedati's boss is Department of Human Services director Kelly Garcia, who is now the interim director of the Public Health Department, too. Garcia told Radio Iowa she … [Read more...]
Wind turbines on private property a flash point for Iowa lawmakers
Three GOP members of a key committee say they plan to block state regulators from expanding their authority to turn over private property for wind energy developments. Some Iowa counties have passed local zoning ordinances restricting where wind turbines may be placed. Critics say those … [Read more...]
Iowa doctors rally for statewide mask mandate
Physicians from around the state gathered on the Iowa Capitol steps this weekend to call on Governor Reynolds to either issue a statewide mask mandate -- or at least allow local officials to require face coverings in public places. Dr. Brian Privett, an ophthalmologist in Cedar Rapids, president of … [Read more...]
Bars, restaurants failing to enforce social distancing face state sanctions
A state agency will take "additional steps" to enforce social distancing in Iowa bars and restaurants and that includes shutting a business down for violations. The announcement from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division includes a warning from its director that businesses need to help mitigate … [Read more...]
Regents approve cutting $65.4M from UI, ISU, UNI budgets
The board that governs the three state universities has approved $65.4 million in budget cuts. Board of Regents president Michael Richards warned this may not be the end of the cuts. "We certainly anticipate that the detailed plans that our universities have made public for the fall 2020 semester … [Read more...]