The Iowa businesses that Governor Kim Reynolds ordered to close last month must remain closed during the month of April. "I am also ordering that school closures are extended through April 30th," she said this afternoon at her daily news conference. "Keeping Iowa students out of classrooms is a … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature’s top Democrats call for statewide shelter-in-place order
Iowa is among the five states which do not have some sort of a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order within its borders. The top two Democrats in the legislature are urging Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to join change that. Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen of Des Moines and House … [Read more...]
Medical cannabis businesses in Council Bluffs, Davenport close
Two of the state's five medical cannabis dispensaries have abruptly closed. The "Have a Heart Compassionate Care" dispensaries in Council Bluffs and Davenport are permanently closed. A news release from the Iowa Department of Public Health says state officials were "made aware today" of the … [Read more...]
Task force examines online learning amid Iowa school closures
Governor Kim Reynolds says she is not yet ready to recommend Iowa's K-12 school closures be extended due to coronavirus concerns. "Initially, we recommended schools closing for four weeks (and) said we would reassess it, too," Reynolds said this afternoon, "so we continue to, every day, evaluate … [Read more...]
Iowa Capitol building now closed to the public
The Iowa Capitol building in Des Moines opened to visitors 134 years ago. It is now closed to the public, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Capitol is being deep-cleaned and it is closed through at least March 31st. A spokesman for House Speaker Pat Grassley says legislative leaders will … [Read more...]
It’s not a normal Tuesday, March 17 at Iowa Capitol
At the Iowa Capitol, it is not business as usual for a Tuesday in the month of March. The legislature is not in session -- for at least 30 days -- after giving the governor new spending authority to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl made this announcement at … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature gives governor new powers for COVID-19 response
The Iowa Legislature has suspended its 2020 session for at least 30 days and given Governor Kim Reynolds new authority to use nearly $20 million from the state's Economic Emergency Fund to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican from Ankeny, said … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature convenes for unprecedented session
Legislators are gathered at the Iowa Capitol today with an unprecedented agenda. The plan is to as quickly as possible pass bills that will keep the government operating, give schools authority to teach students online and grant the governor new powers to act during the COVID-19 emergency. The … [Read more...]
New health screening in place for entry to Iowa Capitol
The Iowa Capitol Building opens at 11 o'clock this morning, but visitors must undergo new health screening and events planned inside the Capitol have been canceled until further notice. The 2020 Iowa Legislative session will be suspended for at least 30 days - after lawmakers convene today and … [Read more...]
Iowa Legislature to suspend action as a COVID-19 precaution
The 2020 Iowa legislative session will be suspended for at least 30 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Leaders of the Iowa House and Senate made the announcement late this afternoon. According to a news release, the decision was made to protect older people and those with underlying health … [Read more...]