GREENFIELD – An Adair County man died on Thursday afternoon following an explosion near Greenfield. KCCI-TV reports emergency crews responded at approximately 1:15 p.m. in rural Adair County to what appeared to be an explosion. Authorities have identified 51-yearold John David Christensen as the sole occupant of the structure.

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds is defending her use of an Iowa State Patrol aircraft. The Des Moines Register reports Reynolds claims she only uses it for official business and allows her to reach more people across the state. A Register report indicates Reynolds has been using the aircraft purchased with COVID-19 relief funds, which is different from her predecessor, Governor Terry Branstad.

DES MOINES – Attorney General Brenna Bird announced that the State of Iowa is suing both General Motors and OnStar for alleged collecting and selling of data from Iowans without consent. KIMT-TV reports the suit is filed in Polk County District Court. It claims that the vehicle manufacturer misled consumers by misrepresenting OnStar services and implying that enrollment was critical for basic safety.

DES MOINES – Iowa Democrats wrote a letter and say they are trying to stop Whirlpool from laying off nearly 350 employees from their Amana location. WHO-13 reports 341 employees will be let go on March 9th, even as dozens of jobs have been posted in Mexico. Iowa Democrats sent a letter to leadership, asking to reconsider the decision. Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowa Workforce Development resources will be deployed in Amana for the 341 employees losing their jobs.