Iowa Radio News

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa’s dog breeders had the worst record of compliance with federal regulations in 2022, accounting for 36% of all violations cited nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited dog and cat breeders and brokers for 795 violations in 2022. Of the 795 cited violations, Iowa breeders were responsible for 286. In addition, six Iowa breeders received official warnings from the USDA in 2022. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines Public Schools officials could close buildings to balance next year’s budget. They’re also exploring the potential for staff cuts. The Des Moines School Board is in the beginning stages of planning a budget amid new legislation that uses taxpayer money to help send students to private schools and a 3% state funding increase that lags behind sky-high inflation. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Despite bi-partisan opposition, a bill was passed in the Iowa legislature that limits awards in medical malpractice lawsuits. The proposal would impose a $1 million dollar pain and suffering limit on lawsuits directed towards clinics or doctors, or $2 million if a hospital is involved. JOHNSTON, IA (IRN) – A Johnston Community School District student filed a federal lawsuit against the district, district administrators and a teacher. The student was sent out of class and suspended after wearing a T-shirt to school on Sep. 1 that had a second amendment quote and a picture of a gun. This came two days after a discussion in Government class about free speech. The teacher told the class the right to free speech was limited on school grounds.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – In a 59-40 vote, the Iowa House on Tuesday passed a 3% increase in public school funding. The increase represents about $107 million that would go to Iowa schools. On Tuesday evening, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law. The increase is less than half the increase in inflation. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Republicans are making a new push to get books they deem inappropriate out of the classroom and out of school libraries. One of many new proposals from Governor Kim Reynolds could end up putting restrictions on controversial books state-wide. Reynolds says material that’s removed by any Iowa school district should require consent in every district before being shared with children. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines Public Schools and Drake University’s stadium under construction next to the Knapp Center now has a name: Mediacom Stadium. Mediacom Stadium will be Des Moines Public Schools’ main venue for football and soccer. IOWA (IRN) – A possible winter storm is heading our way, arriving tonight through Thursday morning. As the low-pressure system moves in, moisture will enter the state, bringing a mix of rain and snow. A 1-2 degree difference in temperature will make the difference between all rain and all snow. Travel impacts are expected Thursday, especially in the morning.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – In a 59-40 vote, the Iowa House on Tuesday passed a 3% increase in public school funding. The increase represents about $107 million that would go to Iowa schools. The plan now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. This increase is less than half the rate of inflation. DICKENSON COUNTY, IA (IRN) – After a Jeep fell through the ice Saturday in Dickensen County, 17-year-old Joe Salmon jumped into the water to save Thomas Lee, 83, and his dog Cooper, 6, who were trapped. Salmon, a wrestler, football player, and track athlete, rushed to the scene after he saw the incident while ice fishing with his mother and led the rescue efforts. DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – Dubuque Police responded to an anonymous call yesterday shortly before noon reporting that there was a possible explosive device at Hempstead High School. Students and staff were relocated for their safety within the school while officers searched the premises. No dangerous or explosive materials were found. SHEFFIELD, IA (IRN) – At a meeting with first responders in Sheffield, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg pitched a plan he likens to “Uber for EMS” to address the state’s worsening problems with rural ambulance services. Rather than provide more state funding for ambulances or drivers, Gregg wants to find a community that would serve as a pilot project for a program where volunteers with emergency equipment would use their own vehicles to respond to calls. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A fifth-grader from Des Moines is headed to the Super Bowl to interview Patrick Mahomes and other players after winning the Panini Super Bowl Kid Reporter Sweepstakes. Adel Waage won the sweepstakes with his video showing off his reporting skills. Waage is a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan and can’t wait to interview his favorite player.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Amid a worker shortage, some lawmakers in Iowa’s Republican-controlled Legislature and business groups are backing a bill that would make broad changes to Iowa’s child-labor laws, allowing teens to work in a wide variety of jobs they currently are banned from doing. Opponents say the jobs are too dangerous for teens. PHILADELPHIA, PA (IRN) – Iowa officially lost its first-in-the-nation status for Democratic caucuses after the Democratic National Committee meeting Saturday. After hours of testimony, the DNC rules and bylaws committee approved the change. South Carolina will be going first on Feb. 3, 2024, followed by New Hampshire and Nevada three days later. Iowa Democrats may hold caucuses regardless. GRUNDY COUNTY, IA (IRN) – One person was killed and two others were injured in a UTV accident near Reinbeck Saturday. The driver of the UTV lost control and it rolled. Lori Knaack, 53, was killed. The two others injured in the accident are expected to make a full recovery. SUMNER, IA (IRN) – One person was killed in a crash Sunday near Sumner. The Bremer County Sheriff’s Office says a car driven by 22-year-old Carter Harris of St. Cloud, Florida blew through a stop sign and hit a car driven by 22-year-old Derrius Taylor-Ly of Altoona. Taylor-Ly was killed. WINTERSET, IA (IRN) – People around the Winterset and Truro area may have noticed some film cameras in the area recently. The film is called “Winterset” and it’s the creation of writer, producer, and director Michael P. Blevins who lives in Beverly Hills, but grew up in Kansas City. He spent summers coming to Truro and Winterset to visit grandparents. It’s a crime drama.

OONE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – Two people died in a car accident in Boone Friday evening. Pamela Mary Borkowski, 55, was stopped at a stop sign when she allegedly pulled out in front of a Ford F250 Super Duty truck. Pamela and her passenger Stephanie Jeanne Borkowski, 32, both passed away from the injuries they sustained during the crash. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A naked man armed with a toilet plunger terrorized guests at the downtown Marriott last week. Naked and armed with a toilet plunger. Trevyn Hill, from Las Vegas, chased victims, destroyed a sprinkler system, and pulled multiple fire alarms around the hotel. He was restrained by firefighters. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) said she intends to lower the state’s income tax rate to 2% while trying to get to 0%. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa legislature is considering a bill that aims to limit the use of electronic devices while driving. A bill advanced Monday that would only allow hands-free or voice-activated use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.