Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Holds Steady In April
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa’s unemployment rate held steady at three-point-three percent in April. Iowa Workforce Development says manufacturing, the state’s largest industry, added jobs after several months of losses. Iowa’s health care, construction, retail, hospitality, and social assistance sectors also saw gains. Losses were reported in trade, professional, and business services, as well as transportation and warehousing. Iowa Workforce Development says there are almost 55-thousand job openings statewide.
Iowa Mandates Parental Consent for Sexually Transmitted Disease Vaccines
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa children will soon be barred from getting vaccinated against STDs without parental permission. The change was included in one of 13 bills signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds this week. The bill also allows doctors and hospitals to refuse certain healthcare services based on moral or ethical objections. The restriction includes a vaccine for HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that the CDC says causes 9 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer. The law goes into effect on July 1.
Iowa Budget Bill Could Add New College Course Requirement
(Des Moines, IA) — University of Iowa students could soon have a new six-credit requirement through the Center for Intellectual Freedom. A provision in the state budget bill would require undergraduate students at Iowa’s three regent universities to complete six credit hours in American history and government to graduate. Students at Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa could meet the requirement through existing civic education centers. Still, the bill states that the Center for Intellectual Freedom would be the sole unit authorized to offer the required courses at the University of Iowa. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Iowa Democrats Elect New Senate Democratic Whip
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa Democrats have elected a new whip in the state Senate. State Senator Matt Blake will serve as the Senate Democratic Whip. Blake was elected to the Senate in 2024 and represents District 22, which includes parts of Urbandale, Johnston, Des Moines, Saylor Township, and Crocker Township. Blake is a member of the Iowa National Guard and a practicing attorney in Des Moines.
Audit Finds No Issues With Iowa State Fair Finances
(Des Moines, IA) — 2025 was a good year for the Iowa State Fair. An audit by the state found that last year’s Fair brought in more than $ 47 million in revenue, up 4% from 2024. That’s thanks to record Grandstand ticket sales, good weather, and high attendance. Expenses rose to about $ 45 million, largely due to booking big-name performers. The report also highlights completed projects to improve the fairgrounds, including upgrades to the Sheep Barn, Shivers Plaza, and Ye Old Mill. This year’s fair runs from August 13 to 23rd.
