Senator Joni Ernst and fellow Senate Republicans are urging members of both parties to support a bill that would defund Planned Parenthood. Ernst said during a press conference on the bill earlier today that this is not just a one-party issue. The legislation is in response to videos that depict Planned Parenthood leaders discussing the harvesting…… MORE
Today is Day 2 of the bird flu summit in downtown Des Moines. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack told poultry producers, state officials and businessmen they have a bird flu vaccine that works on chickens, and they’re testing it on turkeys. Vilsack says they’ll leave it up to the state to decide whether to use the…… MORE
The dates for Iowa’s annual tax free holiday for back to school shopping have been set…families can start shopping tax-free on August 7th and 8th…they’ll get discounts on everything from school supplies to backpacks.… MORE
There could be a 100 percent effective bird flu vaccine coming to Iowa poultry producers…that’s the word from Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack…he said his department is working with a private company to develop the vaccine. Vilsack said another wave of the bird flu will probably hit this fall. The U.S. Senate will vote on…… MORE
As the month of Donald Trump’s continuous wheel of outspoken remarks winds down, Governor Branstad is putting his two-cents worth on the GOP presidential candidate. ““I don’t think he’s going to be the nominee, but you know he, like any other candidate, has an opportunity to express their viewpoint,” Branstad said in a press conference…… MORE
Poultry industry officials and government researchers will gather today and tomorrow in Des Moines to discuss next steps if the bird flu virus returns this fall or next spring. The virus resulted in the deaths of 48 million birds, decimating flocks in Iowa. IDOT is keeping an eye on Congress this week, to see what…… MORE
Des Moines Water Works has spent a record amount this year trying to keep nitrates out of the city’s drinking water. CEO Bill Stowe tells the Torch more than one-and-a-half million dollars has gone into nitrate removal so far this year. They haven’t figured out yet exactly how much more it will cost customers, but it’s…… MORE
The morning after posting a video outlining her plans to put America back into the renewable energy business and a fighter of climate change, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton toured the DART facility in downtown Des Moines today, further pushing her energy policies. “We’re all going to have to do our part, but…… MORE
Expect to see your water bills go up by at least ten percent each year, starting this spring…at least, if your water comes from Des Moines. Des Moines Water Works’ CEO says the rates still have to be approved by the utility’s board of directors, but the double-digit increase is anticipated with the costs of…… MORE
Des Moines Water Works customers can expect to see their bills go up by double digits this spring. Details are still in the works, and the budget still have to be approved by the utility’s board, but Water Works’ CEO says annual rate increases of more than ten percent are likely for the foreseeable future. …… MORE
