DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Brazil has reinstated a tariff on ethanol, and Senators want a quick response. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is leading a bipartisan group of legislators urging trade representatives to respond to the 20 percent tariff on all imports after the first 158 million gallons sold. In 2016, the U.S. exported 264 million gallons to Brazil, which is set to increase this year. Ethanol producers call the tariff a trade barrier threatening 750 million dollars in U.S. exports.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says she supports the latest Republican effort in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Reynolds says the bill gives Iowa flexibility and “empowers consumers.” Many health care advocacy groups oppose the measure, warning that millions would lose coverage and others would face skimpier insurance policies and higher premiums for pregnancy and pre-existing conditions.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Missouri state trooper was sentenced Tuesday in connection with the death of Brandon Ellingson of Clive. KCCI-TV reports Anthony Piercy was sentenced to ten days in jail, probation and community service. Ellingson died in Piercy’s custody in 2014 after Piercy arrested him on suspicion of drunk boating. Piercy did not properly secure Ellingson’s life vest, and he drowned after Piercy put him in handcuffs. Ellingson’s father called the verdict a joke.
CEDAR FALLS, IA (IRN) – Cedar Falls Police are investigating the death of a teenage boy, according to KWWL-TV. Police Chief Jeff Olson says a 17-year-old killed himself this week and they are investigating whether bullying played a factor in his death. Posts from multiple people on the boy’s Facebook page tell him he’s a loser and should go kill himself. Olson says they are working with the County Attorney to see if there is a criminal case.
CLAY COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A statewide Amber Alert Tuesday for three girls missing out of Clay County has been cancelled. Danica Arzaga returned the girls to a family member before fleeing. Police are now searching for Arzaga. She’s 5’3″ inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, with a large eagle tattoo on her chest.
ANKENY, IA (IRN) – Teachers at a middle school in Ankeny have grown tired of watching students go hungry at lunch because they have negative account balances, according to the Des Moines Register. To help, teachers are pitching in money to help feed the kids. One 8th grade teacher says, “we know it’s going to help them through their day and be a more productive student, rather than think about how hungry they are.”