The price of gas continues to dip in Iowa. GasBuddy says prices are down more than 9 cents per gallon from a week ago, and more than 37 cents from this time last month. Prices in greater Des Moines are hovering around 2-27 per gallon. Analysts say that while crude oil prices have been picking up strength, supply has outweighed demand.
Looks like the economy is hitting the brakes in the Western and Plains states. The latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows weak crop and energy prices hurting profits in the region. It went from a 50 rating in August to 49 in September. Anything below 50 is considered a decline.
An Iowa religious college and several other faith-based institutions have won in a Missouri Federal Appeals Court in their fight against the Affordable Care Act. They objected to having to partially pay for healthcare plans that covered certain contraceptives.
Billions of dollars have been spent in the past decade to make sure National Guard units can carry out missions around the world, and it would be a waste if they’re restricted to the U-S… that’s what Governor Branstad told the National Commission on the Future of the Army. Branstad said it makes more sense to keep more strength in the guard because it’s more economical.
Opponents of Des Moines Water Works’ suit against three upriver counties are requesting details on the utility’s rising legal costs. The Iowa Partnership for Clean Water is asking for the information. Water Works says it will comply with the request.
The state utilities board will begin hearings on whether to approve the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline on November 12th at the Boone County Fairgrounds. The board will consider the eminent domain requests from the Texas company but is unlikely to make a ruling at the conclusion of the hearing. A final ruling on the permit request for the pipeline is expected in December or January.
Two Iowa state senators have shot off letters to the Obama administration, asking those considering waivers for managed care for Iowa’s Medicaid program to slow down the process. Amanda Ragan and Liz Mathis say they want any changes phased in, rather than have an abrupt switch on January 1st.
Urbandale High School students are going to be learning a little bit more about presidential campaigning tomorrow night. Donald Trump accepted an invitation to attend their homecoming dance. The school’s senior government class sent invites to both Trump and Bernie Sanders.
The musical Dirty Dancing is on stage tonight at the Des Moines Civic Center. The Des Moines Performing Arts production runs through Sunday.
