IOWA – As part of House File 2681 passed during the 2024 legislative session, the Iowa DOT has the authority to approve or deny the use of automated traffic enforcement on Iowa roads. As a result of the law, all jurisdictions who were using, or wishing to use cameras on their roads were required to apply for a permit to the Iowa DOT by July 1st. The Iowa DOT received applications for 348 automated traffic enforcement locations from 28 jurisdictions. Of the 348 location applications received, 154 locations were approved and 194 were denied. A full list of locations, their status, and the reasoning, if they were denied, can be found at the Iowa DOT website.

IOWA – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released its first fall color report of 2024 this week. The annual update from the DNR highlights the best areas to see the annual changing of the leaves. For the vast majority of the state, the best viewing will take place in the middle of this month, with warmer weather delaying some of the color changes. The most vibrant areas right now are in northeast and southwest Iowa, according to the first report.

IOWA – An Iowa native and co-host of the popular American Pickers TV show has died. KWQC-TV reports Frank Fritz died surrounded by family, friends, and co-star Mike Wolfe in Davenport Monday night. Fritz suffered a stroke in 2022 and faced several setbacks in recovery since. Wolfe starred on the History Channel show from 2010 to 2021, appearing in over 300 episodes. The show’s home store remains in LeClaire.