Iowa Democrat Slams Fellow Dems
(Washington, DC) — Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek is criticizing fellow Democrats for blocking the farm bill in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Turek says the legislation should have advanced, arguing Iowa farmers have waited too long for an updated farm bill and pledging to work across the aisle if elected. Democrats opposed the measure over disagreements about proposed changes to SNAP food assistance, while Republicans accused them of delaying much-needed relief for farmers. Committee leaders say they’ll revisit the legislation after the Senate returns from its August recess.
272 Cyclosporiasis Cases Now Reported In Iowa, Almost 50 More Than Last Week
(Des Moines, IA) — Cyclosporiasis cases are continuing to rise in Iowa. Iowa Health and Human Services says 272 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed this year in 55 Iowa counties. That’s almost 50 more cases than last week’s report, and over 200 more than this time last year. The CDC has linked Iowa to a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce. HHS says Dallas County has the highest number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in the state, followed by Polk and Warren Counties.
Des Moines Police Union Warns Of Planned Budget Cuts To Department
(Des Moines, IA) — The Des Moines Police union is warning proposed budget cuts could compromise safety. In a letter sent to the city, the union warned plans to eliminate six investigators and six patrol officers would result in longer emergency response times, delay investigations and reduce community policing. The City of Des Moines is trying to fill a twelve-billion-dollar budget hole created in part because property tax caps approved by the legislature. The union claims the police department is already 80 officers short and the demand for its services continues to grow. The Des Moines City Council will consider the proposed budget cuts at its August 16th meeting.
Defense Attorneys In Iowa Realtor Case Ask For What They Claim Is Missing Evidence
(Adel, IA) — Defense attorneys for the woman charged in the 2011 shooting death of a Central Iowa realtor claim some evidence in the case is missing. A new court filing on behalf of Kristin Ramsey maintains prosecutors failed to turn over all the evidence. They claim one of those items is a 2018 written confession, but the filing doesn’t specify who made it. They also claim leads in the case generated after Ramsey’s March arrest are also missing. She’s is charged with killing Ashley Okland during a West Des Moines open house. A status hearing in the Ramsey murder case is scheduled August 21st in Dallas County.
