DES MOINES – The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference projected an additional decrease in funding for the current fiscal year. Iowa Capital Dispatch shows that funds coming into the state will drop by an additional $46 million, driven by both state and federal tax cuts. The budget projections are part of the puzzle for Iowa Lawmakers in the final weeks of the Legislative Session as the dollars are allocated ahead of the November elections.
IOWA – March’s weather roller coaster continues this weekend with a potential late-season winter storm. According to the National Weather Service, blustery winds up to 50 MPH, coupled with accumulating snow, may cause travel issues heading into spring break for many schools on Sunday night into Monday, especially in northern Iowa. This comes in a week where tornadoes and baseball sized were officially reported in the southern and eastern portions of the state, as well as record temperatures on Monday.
COUNCIL BLUFFS – An Emerson man was sentenced this week to just over 18 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that a social media account, later determined to be associated with 37-year-old Andrew Joseph Branigan, uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Branigan admitted he sent and received child sexual abuse material with other users on social media applications. After completing his term of imprisonment, Branigan will be required to serve a 15-year term of supervised release.