A key advisor on the White House Coronavirus Task Force says Iowa is among a group of states where mitigation efforts should increase. Dr. Deborah Birx sad the concern is rising infection rates among 20 and 30 years old in Iowa, coupled with the fact between five and 10 percent of those being … [Read more...]
A third Fort Dodge prisoner dies of COVID-19 complications
The Iowa Department of Corrections website indicates a third inmate from the state prison in Fort Dodge has died after contracting COVID-19. During the month of July, 336 inmates and 30 members of the staff at the Fort Dodge prison have tested positive for the virus. The Iowa Department of … [Read more...]
New pandemic relief bill includes another round of $1,200 checks
Republicans in the U.S. Senate are considering yet another incarnation of the CARES Act which Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says is designed to address continuing problems with the public health crisis. Grassley, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says he was directly involved in several key … [Read more...]
Trump camp, Iowa GOP seeking dismissal of lawsuit over absentee ballot requests
President Trump's campaign, along with state and national G-O-P groups are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit over new rules on how Iowa election officials correct problems on absentee ballot request forms. The new law forces county auditors to call, email or send a letter to voters if there's … [Read more...]
Sand survey finds dissatisfaction with privatized Iowa Medicaid
State Auditor Rob Sand has released a survey showing two-thirds of health care providers consider Medicaid privatization an impediment to their ability to provide services. "A great number of providers felt that the process had become more complex," Sand said this morning during a news conference … [Read more...]
Iowa advocate for people with disabilities discusses updates to ADA
A member of the city council in Sioux City says it's time to revisit parts of the Americans with Disabilities Act that exempt certain structures from accessibility requirements. Alex Watters says he never anticipated becoming an advocate for disabled people. "I actually had an accident 16 years, … [Read more...]
Biden says Iowa is ‘critical battleground’ in fall election
The Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for president is describing Iowa as a swing state that may be vital to an Electoral College victory this fall. Joe Biden delivered a short message to Iowa Democrats during the party's virtual fundraiser early this evening. "Iowa's a critical battleground … [Read more...]
Johnson County Supervisors pass mask resolution knowing it can’t be enforced
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution mandating residents wear face coverings in public, despite legal advice from the county attorney that the order is unenforceable. County Attorney Janet Lyness told the supervisors the best approach would be for the board of health to … [Read more...]
Johnson County supervisors to consider a mask mandate
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is poised to approve their own local mask mandate after the mayor of Iowa City issued a proclamation Monday on the issue. The supervisors were unanimous in supporting a face covering order during discussion Wednesday. That’s despite the county attorney’s … [Read more...]
Iowa City mayor issues proclamation requiring face coverings
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague has issued a proclamation requiring every person in the city to wear a face-covering when in a public place. Teague wore a plastic face shield as he read a proclamation Tuesday in an online broadcast. "With more than 30,000 college students set to return to Iowa City … [Read more...]