Iowa News & Current Events | Public News Service

Aside from health risks, environmental officials say harmful algae blooms pose a threat to Iowa's water recreation industry. When beaches and other access points are temporarily shut down, it discourages plans for boating or swimming. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 27, 2022

Going Swimming? Be Mindful of Not-So-Clean Water

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of water recreation season, and before putting on a swimsuit, Iowa environmental experts say being mindful …

According to Pew Research, 53% of Americans support stricter gun laws. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

IA Gun-Reform Backers: Public Pressure Crucial After TX Shooting

This week's school shooting in Texas has evoked feelings of hopelessness in the public sphere about avoiding future tragedies in the U.S. But gun …

Mutual Aid groups, which have been around for generations, say they do not view themselves as providing charity, but rather injecting a wave of neighborly help that cannot easily be applied by larger institutions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Mutual Aid Groups Stand Ready as Excessive Heat, Blackouts Lurk

Regulators have put the Midwest on high alert for energy shortfalls this summer, while forecasters say most areas will be hotter than usual. In Iowa…

Beyond school counselors, parents and private providers, mental-health advocates urge faith-based and other community groups to provide safe spaces for kids dealing with stress and anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

IA Mental Health Voices: The Kids Aren't All Right

As the school year winds down, education leaders are shedding light on increased mental-health demands among students, including thoughts of suicide…

The Degrees When Due initiative has identified more than 39,000 Iowa students who earned college credits, but outside factors forced them to put their education on hold. (Adobe Stock)

'Degrees When Due' Helps IA College Students Get Back on Track

Iowa has seen a 5% increase in the number of college students who left school without a degree. But some campuses are making it a priority to help …

A governor's race and U.S. congressional seats are among the many contests Iowans will be deciding this year. (Adobe Stock)

IA County Auditors: Plan Big, Plan Now for Primary Vote

It's been a year since Iowa adopted sweeping election law changes. For those who haven't voted since then, local administrators say going in without …

The Cardinal-Hickory Creek power line is a nearly $500 million project, stretching more than 100 miles. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Refuge Concerns at Heart of Power-Line Controversy

Work continues on a proposed power-line system that would cross into Iowa from Wisconsin, even as court battles play out about the project. …

Farmers face pressure to reduce harmful runoff through conservation practices. But a new report warns that, as factory farmers eat up more cost-sharing funds, smaller producers will be reluctant to apply for aid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Farmers Shut Out by Conservation Programs

By Bryce Oates Broadcast version by Mike Moen Reporting for the Daily Yonder-Iowa News Service Collaboration Many farmers who apply for federal fund…

Roughly 20 million Americans rely on the Mississippi River for drinking water. (Adobe Stock)

Following River Report, Action Pursued to Protect the Mississippi

The Great Lakes, Puget Sound and other notable watersheds are afforded massive federal support to coordinate and fund pollution-reduction efforts…

A fundraiser for Ukraine, organized by a student from Luther College, has received several thousand dollars in donations ahead of a centerpiece event this weekend. (Adobe Stock)

IA College Student Organizes Bike Ride for Ukraine

An Iowa college student is organizing a fundraiser and a message of peace for Ukraine, in an effort stretching 75 miles long. Anita Tamang, a senior …

Companies like Vestas have established a goal of zero-waste wind turbines by the year 2040. (Adobe Stock)

You Can Recycle a Plastic Bottle. What About Wind-Turbine Blades?

This Earth Day, Americans will be reminded of the need to take steps to protect the environment. Wind turbines are a leading clean-energy source…

While some national party leaders might no longer view Iowa as a battleground state, political experts say it still has "swing state" potential in a presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

Caucus Shakeup Prompts Concern about Candidate Vetting

When the 2024 presidential primary season kicks off, there's a good chance Iowa's caucuses won't be in the spotlight as much. Last week, the …

Iowa's Black population now stands at more than 130,000, with growth being seen in places like Iowa City. Local community leaders are trying to foster an environment that inspires more civic engagement. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa City Grows in Diversity, Prompting More Voter Outreach

Some areas in Iowa are seeing bigger population growth among certain racial groups, and community leaders in one city want to make sure democracy …

The Sierra Club says more than 180 cities have issued 100% clean-energy commitments. (Adobe Stock)

Patchwork of Local Carbon Free Pledges Takes Shape in IA

Iowa is among the top states for wind energy, but it doesn't have a statewide goal to significantly reduce carbon emissions. So, local governments …

Private landowners in farming communities and environmental groups have mounted heavy opposition to proposed carbon-capture pipelines in Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

As IA Session Winds Down, Eminent-Domain Question Lingers

Iowa's legislative session could wrap up this month, but one of the unresolved issues surrounds landowner rights that intersect with proposed …

The latest bird flu outbreak in the United States has forced farmers to kill several million chickens across the country. (Adobe Stock)

From Big Farms to Smaller Producers, Tracing the Bird Flu Impact

At least two dozen states are seeing the bird flu virus quickly spread through commercial flocks on poultry-producing farms. Iowa is at the center …

If confirmed, Ketanji Brown Jackson would be the 116th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and the first Black woman to serve on that bench. (senate.gov)

IA Group: Jackson Confirmation Will Rise Above Political Fray

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is on the cusp of being confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. While Iowa's senior U.S. senator plans to vote against …

A new interactive tool estimates that nearly a half million Iowans have several risk factors that would make it much more difficult for them to recover from a natural disaster. (Adobe Stock)

Nearly a Quarter of Iowans Extremely Vulnerable to Disasters

From historic floods to the 2020 derecho, Iowans are familiar with natural disasters. With the spring storm season underway, local governments are …

Research at the national level has shown that nearly 70% of women describe at least one physical problem in the first year of the postpartum period. (Adobe Stock)

Health Coverage Extension Seen as Reducing Risks for New Moms in IA

As maternal death rates go up, states are considering whether to extend postpartum coverage through Medicaid. Supporters in Iowa hope lawmakers take …

Supporters of Iowa's Watershed Management Authorities say they empower local leaders to make the best decisions for their communities when it comes to flood mitigation and conservation. (Adobe Stock)

Without State Help, IA Loses Local Flood-Prevention Staff

Iowa is in danger of losing momentum for local coordination of flood prevention projects. That's the prediction of groups with ties to Watershed …

Like other states, Iowa faced a rushed redistricting process last year due to sentencing delays, but a political expert feels it did not hurt the overall results in establishing new boundaries. (Adobe Stock)

IA Redistricting Leads to Expected Turnover

In the wake of last year's redistricting, nearly three dozen state lawmakers in Iowa have announced retirement plans or are pursuing other …

In recent years, Iowa has roughly 6,000 children receiving foster care on an annual basis. (Adobe Stock)

IA Navigates Foster-Care Challenges

Iowa's child welfare system is feeling the weight of the pandemic, with some counties in urgent need of foster-care families. At the same time…

A photograph of the Iowa state capitol taken by Adam Reynolds, an aspiring photographer and Des Moines resident who has cerebral palsy. (Adobe Stock)

From Poetry to Photography, Iowans With Disabilities Show Creative Side

"Worlds Imagined" is the theme of this year's campaign for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - which is March. Iowans with disabilities and …

In addition to property damage, last weekend's tornadoes that swept through Iowa left seven people dead. (Adobe Stock)

In Wake of Recent Storms, IA Appraisal Bill Draws Concern

Cleanup continues from last weekend's deadly tornadoes in Iowa. A bill in the legislature would place restrictions on using appraisals for future …

Since 2017, Iowa communities have received more than $165,000 in Community Challenge grants. (Adobe Stock)

As Infrastructure Work Ramps Up, IA Communities Can Pitch In

Iowa is poised to receive $5 billion from the new federal infrastructure law. And separate grant opportunities are available to help spur smaller…

In the United States, one in five adults has a mental-health condition, according to NAMI. (Adobe Stock)

Weaving Personal Stories into IA Mental-Health Policy Debates

Iowa is considering proposals to address access issues for people seeking mental-health care. And it isn't just lobbyists meeting with lawmakers; …

In 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court decided the landmark Clark v. The Board of Directors, declaring segregated schools were inherently unequal. (Adobe Stock)

IA's History on Civil Liberties at a Crossroads

In the past two years, Iowa has adopted or proposed policies that stoke debate on whether the state is moving away from prioritizing the rights and …

Summit Carbon Solutions is proposing what's been described as one of the world's largest carbon capture projects in the world. (Adobe Stock)

Landowner Rights at Center of IA's Carbon Pipeline Debate

Eminent-domain concerns are a focal point as Iowa considers the idea of allowing underground pipelines to transfer carbon dioxide for storage…

A number of law-enforcement groups in Iowa have joined calls for state laws that make it easier for them to investigate cases of financial abuse against older residents. (Adobe Stock)

As IA Session Moves Forward, Elder-Abuse Law Still Pursued

A groundswell of senior advocates and law enforcement say Iowa has gone far too long without an elder-abuse law that has real teeth to it. With the …

Iowa currently has 27 Watershed Management Authorities. These local coalitions map out solutions to flooding and other water issues. (Adobe Stock)

Filling IA's Empty Resources Fund Could Aid Local Flood Work

A little-known Iowa program continues to pave the way for local coordination for flood-prevention strategies, and backers of the initiative are …

Health professionals say trans youth attempt suicide at much higher rates than their peers, and that sports serve as a way to cope with any trauma they've dealt with because of their gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

IA Transgender Sports Bill Moves Forward

Iowa has entered the fray of states debating the issue of restricting transgender students from competing in girls' sports. Backers of a ban said …

Republican leaders in Iowa have phased in tax cuts in recent years, and are again making it one of their key priorities for the current session. (Adobe Stock)

Economic Relief or Budget Pain? IA Tax-Cut Plans Debated

Iowa's legislative session is nearly a month old and the state income tax remains a focal point. Republicans want tax cuts by establishing a flat tax …

Hundreds of Iowans have formally called on state leaders to display respectful behavior, suggesting that extremism has become too much a part of public debate. (Adobe Stock)

Faith Group: IA Leaders Need to Stomp Out Extremism

Iowa policymakers are debating a number of politically divisive issues, and as the legislative process plays out, they are being urged to avoid …

While Iowans absorb competing rhetoric surrounding vaccines and mask mandates, some health-care workers say they're seeing death rates higher than they have. They say that's why it's important to keep urging preventive steps against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Fighting COVID Information Fatigue in Iowa

By Lyle Muller for IowaWatch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Iowa News Service reporting for the IowaWatch-Public News Service Collaboration Rache…

Before this fall's midterm vote, Iowa has a primary election on June 7. Election officials hope to recruit as many poll workers as possible before then. (Adobe Stock)

IA Asks for More 'Local Heroes' to Work Elections

Election authorities in Iowa and around the country are calling attention to the need for more poll workers. Tuesday was National Poll Worker …

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make a host of investments, including tax cuts for direct support professionals, to ensure that people living with disabilities have more access to caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans with Disabilities: Key Support Areas Need Investment

Groups advocating for Iowans with disabilities say 2022 is a crucial year to lay groundwork for individuals to gain more independence and live stronge…

While such issues as tax cuts are getting attention in the Iowa Legislature, some advocacy groups hope policymakers don't lose sight of programs they say would improve health outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

'Day of Action' to Highlight Health-Policy Priorities for IA

If Iowa wants to create healthier outcomes for its residents, advocates say there are steps policymakers can take right now to make it happen…

Republicans in Congress blocked legislation to expand voting rights three times in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Business Community Warns of Fallout from Voting-Access Roadblocks

More than 200 business owners are calling on others to support federal reforms to strengthen election laws, after U.S. Senate Democrats were unable …

Iowa's Solar Energy System Tax Credit, which expired last year, offset the cost of a residential installation project by an average of 13%. (Adobe Stock)

With IA Solar Tax Credit Expired, Focus Shifts to Payment Backlog

Iowa's tax credit for installing solar-energy systems is no longer in place, but lawmakers still face pressure to provide payments to those who were …

Iowa's Republican leaders say the state should pursue more tax cuts with a budget surplus in hand. But some groups say that approach would end up leaving working families behind. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Urged to Prioritize Equity Over Controversy

Education reform and tax cuts were among the ideas in Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address on Tuesday, but advocates for marginalized …

Last year, Iowa was one of several states to see conservative lawmakers push for voting restrictions in light of the 2020 presidential election. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — Last year, Iowa was one of several states to see conservative lawmakers push for voting restrictions in light of the 2020 presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

Will IA Revisit Election Law Changes?

The latest legislative session in Iowa is under way. Workforce issues and tax cuts are among the common priorities listed by lawmakers as they begin …

Health coverage enrollment under the Affordable Care Act usually runs through mid-December but has been extended to January 15th this year. (Adobe Stock)

ACA Enrollment Deadline and COVID Surge Collide

The deadline to enroll for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act is fast approaching. The latest COVID surge might be interrupting plans to …

A number of leading economists have said a lack of investment in child=care infrastructure has hurt the U.S. economy by keeping more women out of the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders: Economic Planning Must Be More Inclusive

When plans come together for new retail centers and office buildings, policy experts and local leaders in Iowa said municipal and real-estate …

Groups that who question the environmental benefits of carbon capture and storage say the process would expend even more energy just to operate. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon Pipeline Plan Spurs Organized Opposition from Tribes

An Iowa company is trying to gain support for a multi-state project involving capturing carbon from ethanol plants and moving it underground for stora…

A body of research has found frequent family visits and family phone calls to someone who's incarcerated not only reduces recidivism, but also strengthens family relationships. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: Family Contact Vital for People in Jail or Prison

As holiday celebrations continue, groups that study issues in prisons say families with a loved one who's incarcerated should make attempts to …

The American Heart Association says survival rates for cardiac arrest can triple when bystanders perform CPR. (Adobe Stock)

Even During COVID, Iowans Should Feel Comfortable Knowing CPR

COVID might be disrupting certain holiday plans, but with more people getting together this year, the importance of CPR training is being touted…

Mental-health professionals say staying hydrated or exercising during the holidays can help relieve some of the stress that comes around this time of year. (Adobe Stock)

Overwhelmed? Don't Shrug It Off as Normal Holiday Stress

Extra stress and the holiday season sometimes go hand in hand. But as Iowans gather for festivities, you're being reminded to take seriously any …

The 2022 legislative session in Iowa kicks off January 10th and is scheduled to carry over into April. (Adobe Stock)

Disability Advocates: You CAN Navigate the Policy Maze

In a few weeks, Iowa lawmakers return for the 2022 legislative session. Disability advocates say there are ways to rise above the divisive nature of …

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