Here First

Members of Iowa’s revenue estimating panel say an economic recession isn’t imminent in Iowa. But they’re not sure how long that’ll last. Iowa legal organizations are partnering to address the urgent need to secure a more permanent immigration status for Afghan arrivals. Plus, the entire state of Iowa is abnormally dry or in a state of drought, according to the Iowa Drought monitor.

The state of Iowa is planning to dramatically scale back the routine inspection of restaurants. Bird flu cases are resurfacing in states near Iowa. Plus, the candidates in Iowa's new second congressional district revived their strong disagreements over abortion policy during a TV debate Wednesday night.

Law enforcement leaders in Linn County are asking Iowans to vote NO on a constitutional amendment that could make it harder to pass gun control laws. The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments over a California law that would require breeding pigs be housed with a certain amount of space in order for their pork to be sold in the state. Plus, Sioux City mayor Bob Scott is calling upon the governors of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota to prevent Tyson Foods from moving more than 500 jobs out of the area.

The Des Moines International Airport was one of at least a dozen around the country whose websites were targeted by pro-Russian hackers. Woodbury County is reporting a decline in requests for absentee ballots, just a week ahead of early voting beginning in Iowa. Plus, the Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday over a California animal cruelty law that could raise the cost of bacon and other pork products nationwide.

A recent report has found the average rate of family premiums for health insurance offered by private employers has increased significantly in Iowa. Climate change is causing warmer and wetter winters in the Midwest. Plus, a look at the history of abortion in Iowa and how it’s become politicized.

There were two debates in Des Moines last night – for the candidates for U.S. Senate, and the 3rd Congressional District. Abortion restrictions came up in both of them. Sioux City hosted a community conversation about Latino and Indigenous experiences last night, and the Sioux City area prepares for the loss of about 500 Tyson Foods corporate jobs, which are moving to Arkansas.

Iowa election officials are in the process of testing vote counting machines ahead of Election Day. A western Iowa county will consider an ordinance that would establish setbacks for carbon capture pipelines. Plus, a recent report has found child poverty rates have fallen dramatically in the past quarter century.

The treated drinking water of Burlington and Davenport are again contaminated by cancer-causing chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment. A research center at the University of Iowa is focusing attention on the impact trees have on climate. Plus, a conversation with Iowa Democratic Governor candidate Deidre DeJear.

Creighton University’s Mid-America Business Index continues to suggest only slow growth in the region. Iowa’s attorney general says 12 people have died from domestic violence in the state so far this year. And Sheldon says next year could bring mandatory water use restrictions if drought conditions don’t improve.

Republican Governor Kim Reynolds is suggesting that further tax reductions would be part of her agenda if she wins reelection in November. The Dubuque Chamber of Commerce is trying to negotiate a deal to return weekly service to the Dubuque Airport. Plus, there are numerous federal programs aimed at helping low-income communities access food but some employees of those programs are paid so little they've also faced food insecurity or had to work another job.