Three traffic-related bills have already emerged in the 2020 Iowa legislature. A bill to make seat belt use mandatory for back-seat passengers has cleared a subcommittee in the Iowa Senate. Senator Zach Whiting of Spirit Lake says federal statistics show nearly half of the people killed in motor … [Read more...]
Iowa Pork Producers consider possible threat from plant-based ‘Impossible Pork’ (audio)
A plant-based product called Impossible Pork debuted at a trade show in Las Vegas this week, and officials with the Iowa Pork Producers Association are considering any potential threats. Just as the dairy industry has targeted soy milk products with legal action for using the word "milk," Pork … [Read more...]
State Health Department sees flu spreading much faster this year
The medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health confirms the flu is spreading much faster than usual this season. Doctor Caitlin Pedati says there were nearly 700 confirmed flu cases statewide through the end of December, compared to only about 150 a year ago. Dr. Pedati says the … [Read more...]
Iowa law enforcement issues another warning about Illinois marijuana
With recreational marijuana now legal just over the Mississippi River in Illinois, Iowa officials are warning residents to comply with state law. Iowans can now buy pot in Illinois but it’s still illegal to transport the drug across state lines or to drive under the influence. Sergeant Alex … [Read more...]
DNR celebrates 100 years of state parks
Iowa's first state park was founded 100 years ago and the Department of Natural Resources plans 100 events throughout 2020 to mark the occasion. The kick-off was held on New Year's Day with so-called First Day Hikes at more than four-dozen state parks. Todd Coffelt, chief of the DNR's Parks … [Read more...]
Supreme Court reverses ruling in Ottumwa speed camera case
The Iowa Supreme Court has reversed a district court ruling that required the city of Ottumwa to turn over information on drivers who were caught speeding by the city's automated traffic camera system -- but didn't get a ticket. Former Ottumwa police sergeant Mark Milligan sought the information … [Read more...]
The Decade: Iowa’s population has grown 3.6% since 2010
The end of the 20-teens is just days away and the tally isn't yet final, but the state has gained population in the last decade and at a slightly stronger pace than some neighbors. Iowa is in the midst of its longest period of population growth according to Gary Krob. He's the coordinator of the … [Read more...]
Former Iowa Hawkeye coach Hayden Fry dies
Legendary former Iowa football coach Hayden Fry died today at the age of 90. Fry's family released a statement saying that Fry died with his family at his side following a lengthy battle with cancer. The statement from the family says "We are proud to know that our father’s life had a positive … [Read more...]
Pro-impeachment rallies held in six Iowa cities on eve of House vote
Supporters of impeachment held outdoor rallies in six Iowa cities tonight. A few hundred gathered near the steps to the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines, chanting and singing songs. Kristin Peyton of Ames came with a hand-made sign. "I dropped everything to be here," Peyton said. "I'm here for the … [Read more...]
Anti-impeachment rally held at Iowa GOP headquarters
Republican Congressman Steve King has made it clear he'll vote against impeaching President Trump this week, but the three Democrats from Iowa who serve in the U.S. House have not announced how they'll vote. About two dozen people gathered at the Iowa Republican Party headquarters this weekend to … [Read more...]