IOWA – While some producers were able to get into their fields, precipitation continued to delay planting in many parts of the state, allowing only roughly three days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 4th, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn planted reached 49 percent, 3 days ahead of last year but 2 days behind the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 10 percent, 2 days ahead of last year’s pace and 3 days ahead of normal. Thirty-eight percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted.CHARLES CITY – An Iowa nonprofit organization that works with immigrants announced it received a letter from a state lawmaker demanding information from the group. The Des Moines Register reports the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice was asked to turn over a membership list and tax documents by Representative Charley Thomson. The group was warned not to discuss the letter with anyone, and it appears the letter was an official request from the Iowa House Government Oversight Committee, who has declined to comment. WEST DES MOINES – A Democratic state senator has announced a bid for Iowa’s third congressional district. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Sarah Trone Garriott will prepare a run against Representative Zach Nunn, an incumbent Republican since 2022. Trone Garriott has won two narrow races to keep her seat in the Iowa Legislature.

IOWA CITY – The reigning WBNA player of the year made a homecoming return Sunday to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Caitlin Clark dazzled in a preseason game with the Indiana Fever in Iowa City, scoring 16 points and hitting a signature “logo” three behind the spot marked on the gym floor with her number, according to the Des Moines Register. Clark and her teammates played against Brazil in exhibition in front of a sold-out crowd. WAUKEE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fuel spill in Dallas County. KCCI-TV reports an agricultural site reported an issue over the weekend, as a storage tank began leaking nearly 4,000 gallons of diesel. The Iowa DNR reports residents in Waukee complaining of a fuel smell near Little Walnut Creek. FREMONT COUNTY – A Kansas City man was killed after he was hit while walking on Interstate 29 in Fremont County on Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol reports 46-year-old David McClean was in the travel portion of the northbound lanes when he was struck by a semi truck and trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the vehicle was unharmed.

HUMBOLDT – A former Iowa-based middle school teacher has admitted to sexual exploitation of a child. The Des Moines Register reports 32-year-old Samantha Meyer-Davis has pleaded guilty to the accusations, in which she exchanged dozens of photos and videos with a 16-year-old in November 2023. Meyer-Davis could be in prison for up to 30 years, and sentencing has not been scheduled.DES MOINES – Lawmakers in Iowa are now working beyond the May 1st date that marks the scheduled end of the 2025 legislative session. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports that disagreements on how to handle pipeline projects with eminent domain and fund pay for paraeducators are keeping Iowa House and Senate members in Des Moines beyond their per diem. DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has signed into law a measure that allows dental assistance to work in Iowa without registration. KCRG-TV reports House File 805 creates different tiers of the profession, and many dentist offices in the state are short on staff.

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 782 on Thursday. The bill creates restrictions to use of electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans and including effective date provisions. House File 782 prohibits cell phones during instructional time and includes exceptions to accommodate students with disabilities, English language learners, and those with individual education plans. The bill is effective upon enactment. LINN COUNTY – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office found two people dead in a mobile home on Thursday. KGAN-TV reports deputies found a man and a woman during a welfare check. The sheriff believes there is no additional danger to the public. Both individuals have been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office. ANKENY – The former leader of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce has pleaded guilty to several felony charges for stealing thousands of dollars and altering records. WHO-13 reports 47-year-old Melisa Cox reached an agreement with the prosecution to be convicted of money laundering, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a credit card, and an additional count of second-degree theft. Eight other charges were dismissed. Cox was accused of stealing $250,000 from the chamber over a two-year span.

CEDAR RAPIDS – Iowa Democrats have won a special election to fill a vacancy in the Iowa House of Representatives. The Gazette reports Angel Ramirez is now representing House District 78 after receiving nearly 80 percent of votes. She replaces Sami Scheetz, who resigned from the role to serve on the Linn County Board of Supervisors. DES MOINES – The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa is suing the governor to try and force the state’s top executive to release government records. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports the effort is underway after the state ultimately decided to cancel the Iowa Satanic Temple winter celebration at the Iowa State Capitol. The move in Polk County District Court comes just a few days after Reynold announced a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register to protect executive privilege in reference to communications among administrative branch staff.PELLA – Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to south central Iowa this Thursday through Saturday as Pella celebrates a milestone for its community. The 90th annual Tulip Time celebration includes parades, thousands of tulips in bloom, and more. The event will include a visit from the Dutch ambassador to the United States and a special float from Pella Corporation, who is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.