A U-S Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act means more than 34-thousand Iowans won’t be losing their subsidies. The high court ruled that the IRS can grant tax breaks to those who buy health care coverage through exchanges run in part or in full by the feds
Governor Branstad is among 250 people planning to testify today at an EPA hearing in Kansas City on the impact of changes in the Renewable Fuel Standard. Opponents of the changes say they would have a stifling impact on the ethanol industry, and go against standards set by Congress eight years ago.
The U-S senate has joined the house in approving the renewal of the Trade Promotion Authority bill intended to fast-track trade agreements between the U-S and other nations. Senator Joni Ernst said she cast a yes vote for the sake of Iowa exports.
Another Iowa farm equipment manufacturer is having to lay off workers because of low grain prices. Kinze Manufacturing is pink-slipping 215 workers at its plant near Williamsburg. Deere and Company had to lay off 910 workers at its Iowa factories in January.
Torrential downpours last night in the metro have caused some problems for residents….a Clive apartment complex had to be evacuated because of rising water in low-lying areas…and in West Des Moines, Walnut Creek flooded up to the bottom of the bridge near Grand Ave and 63rd Street.
The city of Des Moines is getting a 111-million dollar grant to help ward off future flooding problems. The money will be used to improve pump stations and levees, and to raise bridges above flood threat levels. City engineers are checking to see where the levee system is most vulnerable.
Junk gets its due this weekend in Story, Hamilton and Boone counties. The Junkin’ in June event includes local and area barns, sheds and antique shops throughout the area.
A Delta pilot flying in from Minneapolis got a scare this week when a bright green laser burst into the cockpit on their approach. The crew says the light came from the ground, possibly near the state capitol. The laser lights can create eye damage and endanger the flight.
A Des Moines pharmacy whose former owner was busted for illegally selling hundreds of pain pills to drug addicts will soon be allowed to sell medications again. The state Board of Pharmacy has agreed to restore Bauder’s Pharmacy’s prescriptions permit.
How to build strong neighborhoods is one of the themes next Tuesday for the Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series at Windsor Heights Community Center. The talk starts at 9:30 AM.