The Americans with Disabilities Act gets a salute today at the Hoover Building near the Statehouse, as supporters celebrate the 25th anniversary of the measure. Today’s event starts at noon, with a walk to the State Supreme Court Building.
A coalition of groups from Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota and South Dakota are speaking out against the proposed Bakken Oil Pipeline project. They want utility regulators in each state to consider testimony and evidence from the other affected states and to look at the financial status of Energy Transfer Partners. They’re particularly concerned that ETP is self-insured, and may not have the money they’d need to pay off claims in a disaster.
The nation’s military leaders told a panel of governors that advise the Pentagon on military issues that they’ll make recommendations on beefing up protection for the National Guard. Governor Branstad co-chairs that panel, and was in Washington DC yesterday. Branstad says there may well be action in Congress on the issue as well.
Dozens of senators and three former generals are throwing their support behind increasing the Renewable Fuel Standard. Senator Joni Ernst says the standards will be finalized by the EPA in November.
Iowa’s economy is getting another thumbs up from the Iowa Bankers Association. Its second Economic Forecast for 2015 suggests moderate growth for the state, with a positive jobs outlook.
Store owners and proponents of the Southwest 9th area in Des Moines want to turn it into a special taxing zone to pay for improvements along the 4-mile stretch. While some commercial property owners would have to agree to a tax increase, they’d also get more business in the area.
An Iowa court says you can drink alcohol in your car, as long as you’re parked on private property. The Court of Appeals ruled in a Des Moines case that a state law banning open alcohol containers in vehicles doesn’t apply to people parked in private lots or driveways.
Des Moines’ former public schools superintendent is back in court today over her confidential emails lawsuit. Nancy Sebring was leaving the district three years ago to take a job in Omaha when it was revealed she wrote sexually-charged emails using her school computer. Sebring sued the district, saying they failed to keep the emails confidential.
A juvenile justice reform bill pushed by Senator Check Grassley made it through the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. The measure prevents states from locking up kids for running away, curfew violations or truancy,.and it revises and extends authorization for juvenile justice programs.
The Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa is happening today and tomorrow at Western Gateway Park. Enjoy Italian-American cuisine, and all kinds of cultural demonstrations and activities.
And RAGBRAI wraps up its weeklong cycling adventure tomorrow night, with a party in Coralville featuring an outdoor showing of the movie “Field of Dreams.”
