It’s a political star-packed weekend in Iowa, with the Iowa Democratic Hall of Fame dinner tonight in Cedar Rapids. And the Family Leadership Summit in Ames tomorrow draws in the Republican presidential hopefuls.
Iowa lawmakers have been concerned about the governor eliminating the state’s mental health hospitals…but it appears a Tennessee-based company may bring a for-profit facility to the state. The president of Strategic Behavioral Health told the Register they’re examining central Iowa to see if a facility would work here.
The State has rested its Hot Lotto fraud case against Eddie Tipton. One of Tipton’s coworkers testified that she would not have questioned any work he did on the lottery computers. Prosecutors said Tipton installed a self-destructing rootkit while he was changing times on the computers within her line of sight.
An undercover operation from Congress’ auditing agency turned up fake people on the Affordable Care Act’s coverage list, according to Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley is concerned that the marketplace system isn’t using proper identity verification.
A major project is in the works for Altoona…one that stretches over 230 acres. Prairie Crossing will include single and multi-family housing, along with stores and a possible water feature. The development currently includes Bass Pro Shops.
A Des Moines manufacturing company is making an 18-million dollar move to the city’s south side…but it will need to raise the property up 6 feet to mitigate its flood risk. Electrical Power Products employs 300 people at its current location on Hull Ave.
The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors is making a ground-breaking move…it’s setting up new safety rules for realtors. The steps include prospective buyers showing their drivers’ licenses when first meeting a realtor, and meeting in a public place before a showing.
The Blank Park Zoo was forced to humanely euthanize Goldy the Tiger, because of an age-related illness. The 18-year-old tiger had been with the zoo since 1999. The zoo says she’ll be remembered for her playful spirit.
A statewide move to get students to take a civics test before graduating high school has kicked off this week. The Civics Education Initiative wants to get a bill passed next legislative session that would require high school seniors to answer civics-based questions before getting a diploma. Eight states have passed similar legislation.
The IndyCar series will run for a ninth straight year at Iowa Speedway tomorrow night. The Iowa Corn 300 is set for 8 PM in Newton.
Iowa’s medical pot oil program is costing the state 115-thousand dollars so far. That’s what it paid Morpho Trust to design and create the cards needed to register for the program. The card program has faced criticism that it’s cumbersome and largely useless.
Waukee’s first ever Arts Festival is happening on Sunday. The one-day event will feature artists, live music, and food vendors…as well as jazz bands throughout the day.
