School Says Student Started Bathroom Fire At Waukee Elementary School
(Waukee, IA) — A student is believed to have started a fire at a Waukee elementary school. It happened at Eason Elementary in a bathroom stall around 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. Students were evacuated from the building for about 30 minutes. School officials say they are working with law enforcement in their investigation.
Iowa Lawmakers Sent Vape Bill To Senate Committee
(Des Moines, IA ) — Iowa lawmakers are moving to tighten rules on vaping and nicotine products. A bill has been sent to a Senate committee that would increase taxes on e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine items, like pouches. Supporters say it brings these products in line with traditional tobacco regulations and could discourage use by young people. The revenue would go into the state’s healthcare trust fund, with up to three million dollars a year supporting pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa.
Iowa Lawmakers Race to Finish Budget, Property Tax Deals Before Session Ends
(Des Moines, IA) — With the end of the 2026 legislative session approaching, Iowa lawmakers are still working to resolve several major issues, including property taxes and the state budget. Three different property tax proposals remain under discussion. Two plans include a two percent revenue cap, while the Senate’s proposal includes a “soft cap” that would adjust based on inflation. Budget negotiations are also unfinished. Governor Kim Reynolds has proposed a nine-point-six-seven billion dollar budget, while lawmakers are pushing for a slightly smaller nine-point-six-two billion dollar plan. The legislative session is scheduled to end April 21st.
Data Breach Affects 6,700 Iowa Medicaid Members
(Des Moines, IA ) — The state of Iowa says the information of thousands of Medicaid members was affected by a data breach. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says a file was accidentally posted online for several days in February before being removed. The data included 67-hundred subscriber I-D numbers, program details, and assessment dates, but no names, addresses, or health information. Officials say affected individuals are being notified.
Gas Prices Jump 20 Cents Across Iowa in One Week
(Iowa) — Gas prices across Iowa have jumped by about 20 cents over the past week. According to a survey by GasBuddy, the statewide average rose from three-47 a gallon last Monday to about three-69 today. Prices are now roughly 35 cents higher than they were one month ago. Even with the increase, Iowa drivers are still paying less than the national average, which is currently around four-oh-seven a gallon.
