Poll: Majority Of Iowans Support Raising Tobacco Taxes
(Des Moines, IA) — A majority of likely Iowa voters support raising tobacco taxes to help combat rising cancer rates in the state. A new poll by the American Cancer Society shows 65-percent of Iowans surveyed back a cigarette tax increase if the revenue is dedicated to programs that prevent tobacco use. The cigarette tax has not been raised in Iowa since 2007 and the state has the second-highest cancer rate nationally. The poll surveyed 417 voters between June 30th and July 12th and has a margin of error of plus or minus four-point-two points.
Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Four Iowa Counties
(Des Moines, IA) — President Trump has approved Iowa’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties recovering from severe weather damage earlier this year. Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program has now been activated for Jasper, Polk, Story, and Warren counties. The program makes funds available to be used for debris removal, utility repair, shelter, movement of emergency supplies, and other emergency protective measures in response to severe weather between July 1st and July 4th of this year.
Investigation Finds $122,000 Of Unsupported Spending At Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce
(Guttenberg, IA) — A state investigation found more than 122-thousand-dollars in improper and unsupported spending at the Guttenberg [[ GUT-en-berg ]] Chamber of Commerce. The investigation was requested after concerns were raised about financial transactions handled by former Chamber Director Brandie Tomkins between October 2020 and October 2024. The report found more than 116-thousand in spending that auditors could not verify because records were missing, including more than 51-thousand in unsupported payroll payments to Tompkins and more than 30-thousand in unsupported cash withdrawals. The report has been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further review.
Potential Chemical Exposure At Newton Correctional Facility Sends 17 To Local Hospitals
(Newton, IA) — A potential chemical exposure at the Newton Correctional Facility sent 17 people to area hospitals Wednesday. The Iowa Department of Corrections says the people were taken for medical treatment out of an abundance of caution, and the affected area has been secured. Eight people got treatment for non-life threatening medical conditions, and the conditions of the other nine patients aren’t known. The nature of the exposure and what caused it is still being investigated.
Gameday Procedures Shifting At Kinnick Due To High Temperatures Forecast During Season Opener
(Iowa City, IA) — Gameday procedures are shifting at Kinnick this weekend due to high temperatures forecast during the football season opener. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s on Saturday. University of Iowa Athletics says fans will be allowed to bring as many sealed water bottles as they want into the stadium, along with empty refillable water bottles. There will also be more first aid resources and medical staff at the stadium than normal. The Hawkeyes will face off against Northern Illinois September 5 with kickoff scheduled at 3:15 p.m.
