DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A proposal from the American Cancer Society could more than double Iowa’s cigarette tax. Governor Kim Reynolds heard the proposal Tuesday, which includes a $1.50 tax increase. Currently, Iowa has the 29th lowest cigarette tax in the nation. Reynolds declined to comment on the proposal, saying her staff would need time to review the request before any decisions would be made.
HANCOCK COUNTY, IA (IRN) – High winds blew a grain bin over near Britt, according to KIMT-TV. Approximately 11 semi loads of corn were in the bin. The National Weather Service says winds were a sustained 35-40 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph.
DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – A Davenport student is recovering after being hit by a bus Wednesday. WQAD-TV reports the 14-year-old boy was using a marked crosswalk when he was hit. The bus driver was cited.
ANKENY, IA (IRN) – A suspicious activity investigation is underway in Ankeny, according to KCCI-TV. Police received a report Tuesday of suspicious activity involving a woman driving a black van. The vehicle approached two children walking home from school.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A Cedar Rapids organization says parents need to be aware of a newer legal drug that could mimic the effects of opioids. KCRG-TV reports the Area Substance Abuse Council is warning parents about Kratom. It’s a plant-based drug from southeast Asia. A safe dose of Kratom is one gram. Experts warn it can be dangerous in larger amounts or if mixed with cough syrup or caffeine. Thirty-six people have died from the substance worldwide. The group is concerned that Kratom is often sold at malls at gift stores teens frequent.
WASHINGTON, IA (IRN) – Sports Illustrated Kids recently released its 2017 SportsKid of the Year and Washington’s Trashaun Willis was one of five finalists. KCII-radio reports he is a normal 14-year-old kid with outstanding athletic abilities who dominates anything he plays–and he does it with one arm. Despite the national accolades, Washington head coach Collin Stark has been most impressed with Willis’ ability to stay grounded. He described the freshman as a “kid that is not about himself who is going to continue to work extremely hard for his teammates.”