DES MOINES – The final gavel fell on the Iowa Legislative Session early this morning as lawmakers wrapped up a two-year general assembly. Several priorities of Republicans and Governor Kim Reynolds passed in the last few hours, including a 3.8% flat income tax, a bill that authorizes school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons, and an additional $32.5 million cut to Area Education Agencies.

IOWA – Iowa’s Congressional delegation and Governor Kim Reynolds announced their support of the Environmental Protection Agency granting a waiver for year-round E-15 sales Friday. The group were all critical of the EPA and what they felt were unnecessary delays in the process. Earlier this year, a full waiver had been granted for E-15 starting in 2025, and the group of Iowa’s congressional representatives and senators had called for that move a year sooner.

IOWA – The National Weather Service reports eight confirmed tornadoes formed on Tuesday. A strong low pressure system brought several warnings to many communities across the state. Among the locations with storm damage were Adams County, Anita, Minburn, Rockwell City, and three tornadoes in Pocahontas County. At least ten Iowa communities also reported win gusts greater than 50 MPH outside of the severe storms.

BOONE – Daisy Brand, the largest manufacturer of sour cream and cottage cheese in the nation, has announced a $626.5 million expansion in Boone. The Iowa Economic Development Authority reports 255 new jobs are being created with construction of a 750,000 square foot facility.