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Iowa Legislature passes legislation to outlaw most abortions after six weeks
The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature, in a daylong special legislative session, passed legislation late Tuesday to outlaw most abortions in Iowa after six weeks of gestation. The House adjourned just after 9 p.m. Tuesday after sending House File 732 to the Senate with a vote of 56-34. Rep. Zach Dieken, R-Granville, and Rep. Mark Cisneros, R-Muscatine, […]
What to expect from the Legislature’s abortion-focused special session
Lawmakers will convene at the Capitol on Tuesday in a rare special session. On the agenda is a bill to restrict abortion, one nearly identical to the so-called “fetal heartbeat bill” from 2018. The bill would ban abortion once embryonic cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks after conception, with some exceptions. Per Gov. […]
Republicans ask each other for more accountability to stop carbon pipelines
FORT DODGE — Republicans, constituents and politicians called each other to action Saturday to fight against pipeline companies using eminent domain to acquire farmland, saying some GOP officials are not doing enough to stop the companies. The Midwestern Coalition to Protect Private Property Rights hosted an event in Fort Dodge to unite farmers, community members […]
Five additional counties qualify for disaster proclamation after summer storms
Five more southern Iowa counties have received disaster proclamations from Gov. Kim Reynolds, a result of a June 29 storm. Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Monroe and Union counties qualified for disaster assistance from the storm that also qualified nearby Wapello, Jefferson, Lee and Ringgold counties for proclamations, issued June 30. The storms had straight-line winds, hail […]
Planned Parenthood plans expansion amid talk of anti-abortion legislation
Planned Parenthood plans to continue expanding, despite the Iowa Legislature’s special session next week which aims to enact anti-abortion legislation. Ruth Richardson, president of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said Iowa has been classified as a reproductive health care desert, disproportionately affecting marginalized people who cannot afford to travel to another state for care. She […]
Pence says he doesn’t buy argument that the rich don’t pay ‘fair share’ of taxes
LE MARS — Former Vice President Mike Pence told Iowa voters Wednesday that he “doesn’t buy” the argument that the wealthiest Americans do not pay their fair share of taxes. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and the Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor hosted Pence and about 50 attendees at a meet-and-greet Le Mars. Pence […]
Four Iowa counties qualify for disaster proclamations after severe weather
Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued disaster proclamations for southern Iowa counties ravaged by storms last week. The actions cover three southeast Iowa counties — Jefferson, Lee and Wapello — plus Ringgold in southwest Iowa. Melissia Stark, emergency management coordinator for Ringgold County, said damage in the county was primarily in the southwest corner, caused by […]
Events to celebrate Fourth of July in Iowa
With Independence Day landing on a Tuesday this year, many Iowans took to the lake, backyard or community amphitheater to celebrate America’s independence over the weekend. However, communities across Iowa are hosting community events, parades and fireworks on July 4. Check below to see some events happening Tuesday. Altoona Parade: 10 a.m. at Venbury Drive […]
D.C. Dispatch: Court rulings, conservation and broadband
With both chambers away from D.C. until after Independence Day, lawmakers were in Iowa meeting with constituents, visiting businesses and weighing in on recent rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court. Reps. Randy Feenstra announced legislation to expand high-speed internet access and Ashley Hinson worked to renew a voluntary conservation program that would affect her district. […]
Researcher warns of health risks related to concentrated livestock production
A researcher told a group of Iowa farmers Thursday that concentrated livestock production is putting their health at risk and endangering the planet. Researcher Elise Pohl, who works in public health and holds a master’s degree in global public health from Queen Mary University of London, told attendees of an Iowa Farmers Union meeting there […]
Iowa businesses show ‘robust’ increase in optimism about economy for 2023
Iowa businesses have an optimistic outlook due to a 2022 tax-cut package, diverse industries, and other factors, according to an Iowa business organization’s quarterly survey. The Iowa Business Council’s (IBC) quarter two economic outlook survey indicates “strong confidence” in Iowa’s economy, with the index rising since quarter one. The survey, taken quarterly by 21 chief […]
D.C. Dispatch: Broadband access, military accountability and foreign ownership of farmland
After celebrating Juneteenth, Iowa’s congressional delegation was back at work this past week, tackling a range of issues that include broadband access, telehealth, tax credits for expecting mothers, and regulations on veterans working for foreign governments. Rep. Zach Nunn introduced legislation intended to increase affordable broadband internet and improve access in rural communities. “During my […]