Weather experts are analyzing a wealth of data about Monday's powerful storm that carved a destructive path across Iowa's midsection, wiping out trees, power lines and crops. Most of us now know the term "derecho," a fast-moving, severe wind event, but State Climatologist Justin Glisan says it's … [Read more...]
Millions of bushels of stored grain damaged in Iowa storm
State Ag Secretary Mike Naig says some of the corn that was flattened by Monday's storm will bounce back, but it's anybody's guess as to what percentage of damaged Iowa crops may be harvested. Grain bins, silos and elevators were damaged as well, so losses extend to the 2019 crop. "Tens of … [Read more...]
43% of Iowa corn, soybean crop hit by Monday’s storm
Governor Kim Reynolds says an initial estimate indicates 10 million acres of Iowa cropland "was impacted" by yesterday's storm. "This morning I had a farmer reach out to me to say that this was the worst wind damage to crops and farm buildings that he has ever seen across the state in such a wide … [Read more...]
Derecho cuts a path of damage from west to east across state
A storm packing big winds left a lot of the state without power today. National Weather Service meteorlogist Jeff Zogg, says it was a derecho. "And that is a line of severe storms that produces widespread damaging winds as we saw across much of central Iowa. Also, derechos tend to move very fast … [Read more...]
State regulators pass new rules on restraints and seclusion rooms for schools
The State Board of Education today approved new rules for the use of restraints and seclusion rooms in the state's schools. The Board of Ed had prepared rules about one year ago, but decided to hold more forums on the issue after getting a large amount of response. Department Attorney Thomas … [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...]
Iowa governor says no credit for online instruction without state permission
Governor Kim Reynolds says in-person classes are to be the primary mode of educating Iowa's K-12 students this school year and students will not get credit if their schooling is conducted online without state permission. "Schools that choose not to return to school for at least 50% in-person … [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...]
Coronavirus drug trial volunteers needed
Testing is now underway on a potential coronavirus vaccine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The first batch of volunteer patients was given doses of the experimental drug on Thursday. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer developed the drug and is testing it in Iowa City and about 120 other … [Read more...]
State waivers for remote learning will be of 14-day duration only
Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowa school districts given permission to conduct all classes online due to high Covid-19 case counts may do so for 14 days. Districts will have to again get state officials' permission for subsequent weeks. "We need to keep our next generation learning, growing and … [Read more...]