IOWA – Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is the lead state attorney on a lawsuit challenging a federal rule that changes the Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Car Facilities. The Des Moines Register reports Bird is joining 17 other Republican-led states in a challenge that increase standings for nursing care in facilities that receiving Medicare and Medicaid. The rule requires those places to have a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day. Bird alleges that facilities lack the staffing to meet those requirements and that it would require the hiring of 100,000 full-time employees that don’t currently exist.TAMPA – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has responded to a request from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for National Guard aid. KETV reports Reynolds is deploying the Iowa National Guard for hurricane relief as Milton moves off-shore. This is the second major hurricane in just a few weeks to hit the Sunshine State. IOWA – The peak of fall colors in 2024 is still more than a week away for the majority of Iowans, according to the DNR’s weekly update. Prime viewing season has started in northern Iowa and should reach the best color by October 15th; most of the southern half of the state is projected to do so closer to October 19th and 20th.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments about a law that allows a carbon pipeline company to enter and survey a landowner’s property. The Iowa Capital Dispatch says a large audience was in attendance for the hearing on Tuesday in the Iowa Supreme Courtroom at the Capitol. This follows a district court decision that ruled that landowner Kent Kasichke could not interfere with Summit Carbon Solutions and their attempts to enter his property for a land survey in Hardin County. He is appealing that decision, claiming it is unconstitutional for the company to enter his property before a project is approved through eminent domain. STORY COUNTY – One of four family members accused of torturing fifth person in their household is heading toward a guilty plea. WHO-13 reports Aaron Williams has a hearing scheduled on October 15th to potentially plead down to lesser charges. The other three family members charged, including Gary Graham, Danielle Graham, and Kaitlynn Williams, all have trials scheduled as of now over the next several months. The four are accused of abusing another son of Danielle Graham, who was found in Zearing with several life-threatening injuries and severe malnourishment this past March. BOONEVILLE – A couple in Booneville was arrested for alleged child endangerment. KCCI-TV reports Jacob Mitchell and Ariel Paul are out of custody now but were charged after Dallas County deputies found six children, ranging from 11 months to 13 years old, covered in feces and the home to be in disarray. Those kids have been placed in foster care.

CLINTON COUNTY – Three children were killed in a rear-end crash along Highway 30 in Clinton County Monday. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Jeep Grand Cherokee was stationary in the outside lane of the U.S. Highway just after 9 a.m. for an unknown reason, and was rear-ended by a 2023 Dodge Ram tow truck. Three children under the age of five lost their lives according to the Clinton Herald, and were occupants in the stationary jeep — none of whom were wearing a seat belt, according to the report. The crash remains under investigation. Three other injuries were reported to adults. WINNESHIEK COUNTY – Investigators are looking into why a tractor and train collided Monday afternoon, resulting in one death. WHO-13 reports the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at 2:32 p.m. along Highway 24. The collision resulted in a fatality. IOWA – Iowa experienced another week of dry and windy conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s weekly report. Corn and soybean harvest continued to be the primary field activities for the week. Combine and other equipment fires were reported as weather conditions increased the risk of such fires. Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 42 percent short, 36 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 16 percent very short, 44 percent short, 39 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Corn maturation reached 90 percent, six days behind last year but 5 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvested for grain reached 22 percent. Livestock water resources continue to be a concern.

IOWA – A dry streak will likely continue deeper into October after at least one record high was reported to the National Weather Service Saturday. Many Iowans experienced highs around 90 degrees over the weekend, which included the record for October 5th in Cedar Rapids, breaking a 61 year old mark of 89. Long term forecasts continue to show well-above average warmth and well below average precipitation expected to last through the remainder of the month. NEVADA – A Nevada, Iowa man was arrested for excessive speed on Saturday, claiming he “wanted to have a little fun” while topping 144 MPH. WHO-13 reports the Iowa State Patrol was working on a speed project near Ankeny. Thomas Peterson was allegedly traveling more than twice the speed limit on Interstate 35. AMES – A white-out crowd cheered on the Iowa State Cyclones Saturday, with the football program off to arguably its best start in school history. Following a 43-21 victory over Baylor, Iowa State was voted in as the #11 team in the nation by the Associated Press. Their 5-0 undefeated start is the school’s best since 1980.

DES MOINES— Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Monday, October 7, and remain at half-staff until sunset, to honor 1,200 lives lost – including at least 40 Americans – in the attacks committed against Israel. Seven known American hostages are still being held by the terror group. Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.      IOWA – Several thermometers are set to top 90 degrees today across the state, according to the National Weather Service. The warmth will come with sustained winds of 25 to 30 MPH, with gusts up to 40 MPH possible. Fire danger will be elevated and burning is not encouraged throughout most of Iowa, especially with drought spreading.