DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill that reduces collections for unemployment taxes in the state. KCRG-TV reports the measure could save businesses $1 billion over the next five years in collections used to pay workers laid off from employment. Critics of the measure claim the fund was overcollecting after Republicans shortened the unemployment eligibility window from 26 to 16 weeks, and that the bill only benefits large corporations already making layoffs. SHELBY COUNTY – A federal appeals court has ruled county ordinances placing regulations on constructing pipelines is not allowed. The Des Moines Register reports Story and Shelby Counties both attempted to restrict pipelines in response to a proposal from Summit Carbon Solutions and their proposed $9 billion project. The pipeline would carry liquified carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to underground storage in North Dakota. A federal court ruled the county regulations can’t exceed state or federal regulations. CLIVE – Police have arrested a West Des Moines man for a bomb threat made at a MercyOne medical facility in Clive. WHO-13 reports the Clive Police Department traced a call back to 59-year-old Kevin Sanders. The threat was made just before noon on Thursday. Sanders told police he was frustrated with the length of time he was placed on hold during a phone call.

GARNER – A Garner resident was killed in a semi vs. motorcycle crash near Charles City. The Iowa State Patrol reports 66-year-old Ruby May Golnick pulled out on Highway 18 in front of a freightliner. Golnick died from injuries suffered in the collision. Several agencies from Floyd County assisted. DES MOINES – One idea floated in front of Iowa’s Department of Government Efficiency is to reduce the number of counties in the state. KCCI-TV reports Chief Administrative Officer of Sukup Emily Schmitt says they intend to gather feedback before making a recommendation to Governor Kim Reynolds. The Iowa State Association of Counties released a statement, saying they want to provide resources to the Iowa DOGE Board about the idea. The group is expected to make a recommendation in August. IOWA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has requested that five Iowa communities change local policies related to drag performances. The Des Moines Register reports the ACLU claims that Carroll, Harlan, Mount Pleasant, Polk City, and Webster City have zoning ordinances that are unconstitutional related to First Amendment expression. The ACLU requested the cities acknowledge their plans to attempt to change those laws targeting male and female impersonators within 14 days. Other communities, including Knoxville, Pella, Newton, Waukee, and Grinnell, made changes to their laws after ACLU requests.

IOWA – An air quality alert remains in place for the entire state through Thursday morning. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends avoided prolonged outdoor activities until the advisory is lifted. Wildfire smoke from Canada has been filtering into the state periodically since this past weekend.CLIVE – Two children were saved at Des Moines metro area pools earlier this week. KCCI-TV reports a young boy was saved by a teenage lifeguard Monday at the Clive Aquatic Center, and later that day, another five-year-old was rescued by a lifeguard in Ankeny. Both community fire departments stress that while the events are rare, parents should continue to practice extra vigilance near bodies of water with children. WASHINGTON D.C. – A bank that serves as the Des Moines metro’s largest employer received relief from a cap on its assets. The Des Moines Register reports the U.S. Federal Reserve released a punitive regulatory move that was made after the bank was found to have been opening millions of unauthorized accounts for customers in for multiple years. The Federal board voted unanimously to lift a cap on assets for future growth this week.

IOWA – Dry weather with isolated showers led to 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 1st, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Primary field activities included planting, cutting hay and spraying emerging crops. Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 23 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Corn planted reached 97 percent and emerged reached 87 percent, six days ahead of last year’s pace and one day ahead of normal. ALTOONA – The former owners of Adventureland settled with the family of a boy who died in the theme park in 2021. KCCI-TV reports a trial that was planned to start this week had been removed from the schedule in relation to the death of 11-year-old Michael Jarmillo. He died on the Raging River ride one day after it had passed an inspection. The family’s attorney released a statement, mentioning a settlement had been reached, and citing ongoing concerns about safety in the amusement park industry as a whole. SIOUX CITY – Comments made by Senator Joni Ernst last week in a town hall prompted a Democrat to announce his intent to run for U.S. Senate. KCRG-TV reports State Representative J.D. Scholten plans to run against Ernst if he wins the Democratic primary in 2026. Scholten cited comments Ernst made that everyone dies in her response to criticism that proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid would kill people. Scholten earned recognition for nearly defeating Republican Steve King in 2018 in one of the most conservative districts in the country. He joins Nathan Sage as two Democrats who have publicly announced campaigns for U.S. Senate.

CENTERVILLE – A Centerville physician has had his license suspended for accusations of sexual misconduct with a patient. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Dr. Joshwa Tromblee exchanged messages with a female he first interacted with in 2021. The two exchanged several sexually explicit messages multiple times over the next few years. Tromblee was let go from MercyOne following an investigation. The Iowa Board of Medicine charged him with sexual misconduct, and agreed to a settlement in the case. IOWA – Following a weekend filled with haze, warmer temperatures today will give way to scattered storms Tuesday, some of which may be severe. The National Weather Service is monitoring multiple rounds of precipitation that may bring some hail and wind to the state, as well as the possibility for localized flooding. The rainfall will remain welcome for many, as 56% of the state remains abnormally dry in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. DES MOINES – Thousands of people gathered to watch an event highlighting the best soapbox cars in the Midwest. WHO-13 reports the Red Bull event first started in Iowa, and was last held in the state three years ago. Teams were judged based on speed, creativity, and showmanship. Several entries included a giant toilet paper roll, a cart that threw out wood chips, a Mystery Machine-themed ride, and a wooden shoe based on those worn in Pella during Tulip Time. Rolling Fish Heads from Ohio was the winner following a 26-second finish on the course.