DES MOINES – Following a 2 a.m. Thursday vote by the U.S. Senate to pull back already approved funding for public broadcasting, Iowa PBS indicated the cuts could impact 20% of the station’s budget. KCCI-TV reports Iowa PBS General Manager says if the bill is again approved by the U.S. House, 25 staff members could be cut this fall. The recissions package requires just a simple majority, based on a request by the Trump Administration. It would ultimately cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8 billion in international programs that have already been approved by Congress.

MADISON COUNTY – A group has officially filed a petition for a special election in Madison County for the county auditor’s seat. WHO-3 reports former auditor Teri Kaczinski resigned following several attempts to hire her former campaign manager in various county roles. The Madison County Board of Supervisors appointed new auditor Matthew Schwarz earlier this month, but the public was not property notified about his appointment and their right to petition. The Madison County Civic Alliance, a group of citizens, challenged the appointment and collected signatures for a special election.

IOWA – Federal election reports show Incumbent Senator Joni Ernst raised $722,000 in the most recent quarter, much less than her first quarter numbers. KCRG-TV reports the Republican has less than $3 million in her campaign funds. Ernst has not formally declared if she will run for another term. Democratic Opponents Nathan Sage and State Senator Zach Wahls both were close, but slightly behind, Ernst’s numbers for the most recent quarter.