IOWA (IRN) – A cold front is sweeping through the state, changing rain into freezing rain and snow. Blizzard conditions exist in north central and central Iowa, particularly in rural areas, as strong northwest winds gust up to 45 miles per hour. Blowing snow and blizzard conditions have made travel dangerous. Expect snowfall amounts from 1-3 inches through much of central and eastern Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A state lawmaker wore jeans on the floor of the Iowa House to draw attention to Republicans’ refusal to mandate masks in the chamber while they ban members from wearing jeans. Democratic Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell of Ames wore jeans Tuesday. House speaker Pat Grassley has said he couldn’t enforce a mask mandate, but he didn’t allow Wessel-Kroeschell to speak during floor debate, saying she had violated house rules.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – Congresswoman Cindy Axne’s office announced Wednesday that despite exposure to a staff member with COVID-19, she has tested negative.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The first dog with COVID-19 in Iowa lives in Cedar Rapids. Eden, a four year old boxer, likely caught the virus from her family, who all had tested positive earlier. In the U.S. only 41 cases of covid have been reported in dogs, and 58 cases in cats.