2021

Six Iowans—including a mother and son—have been charged, so far, with federal crimes for their roles in the Capitol insurrection on Jan 6. Daryl Johnson of St. Ansgar was the latest Iowan charged when he was arrested on June 11. His charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in…

A bill that passed the US House of Representatives on Wednesday aims to track dangerous chemicals impacting water quality. The PFAS Action Act passed 241-183 and US Rep. Cindy Axne was the only Iowan to vote in favor. The Democrat, who represents Iowa’s Third Congressional District, was joined by 23 Republican colleagues who voted with…

One Iowa community literally painted the town to tell its story. Rock Rapids is home to 36 murals that depict notable events and people from the Lyon County seat situated in Iowa’s northwest-most corner. The community is so proud of these accomplishments that one of its nicknames is the “City of Murals.” The Rock Rapids…

There were 4,058 abortions performed in Iowa in 2020, a trend that’s increased over the last three years. In 2018, there were 2,849 abortions, followed by 3,566 abortions in 2019, according to state data. The data came from the Iowa Department of Public Health and was released to legislative staff. State Sen. Janet Petersen shared…

Here are some answers to common questions Iowans might have about the new, expanded child tax credit, payments for which began hitting bank accounts last week. What is the child tax credit? A federal tax benefit to help families who are raising children. How long has it been around? The child tax credit has been…

In preparation of the upcoming Iowa State Fair and in light of the dominant Delta variant, Polk County officials want to make sure more people are protected from COVID-19. To do that, they’ve set up a new incentive. Today, if someone gets their first or second dose of the vaccine, they will also get two…

Less than half of Iowa’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and health officials across the state are bracing for the consequences as the Delta variant gains steam. Two Iowa health officials said vaccination will be the key to curb the worst of those outcomes. Dr. Daniel Diekema, a clinical professor of internal medicine and…

While searching for a job over the last few months, Maylene Gonzalez had two strikes against her: she had spent time in prison and she was a single mother. “Being a single mom is another door or obstacle that you have to overcome because they see single parents as a liability,” Gonzalez said. “OK, so…

Officials hope electric vehicles can drive an economic and environmental spark in Iowa. State officials gathered Thursday to talk about the ways Iowa can change its infrastructure to combat climate change and its devastating consequences. Electric vehicles were the key to the conversation. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, State Rep. Marti Anderson, Des Moines City…

While opening my mail a few days ago, I noticed a letter from the White House signed by President Joe Biden explaining the American Rescue Plan that was passed on March 11. This plan is intended to help millions of American families fight public health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic. Besides the stimulus…