Local, State & Ag News
Iowa unemployment unchanged in February
Iowa’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in February. Iowa Workforce Development director Beth Townsend says there are some signs of tightening in sections of the economy. “Employers shed about
New Iowa FFA officer team elected
The new Iowa FFA State Officer team was elected at the conclusion of the 2026 state convention. Nora Pickhinke of Ridge View FFA will serve as president, Erica Driscoll of
Uncertainty remains on farm bill and year-round E15 push
The senior director of national affairs with the Nebraska Farm Bureau says there are a lot of questions surrounding two pieces of ag legislation. Jordan Dux says the U.S. House
Fertilizer supply disruptions could cause acreage shifts for upcoming crop year in Brazil
An ag economist at Purdue University says the conflict in Iran could impact crop production in Brazil for the 2026-2027 growing season. Joana Colussi says the country has become more
Religious beliefs of some Iowa foster care parents subject of bill
A bill that’s cleared the legislature says Iowans cannot be excluded from adopting or becoming foster parents due to their beliefs about sexual orientation or gender identity. Representative Craig Williams,
Kennedy says HHS will closely monitor lab-grown protein products
Federal lawmakers are asking the Food and Drug Administration to provide more oversight of lab-grown protein products. During a hearing on Tuesday, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds gave an example
Corn Belt Ports partnering with higher education to strengthen workforce development
The director of operations for the Corn Belt Ports says a new partnership with Western Illinois University is set to make it easier for the next generation to find careers
Bill ensures tax exemption for The Family Leader’s headquarters
A bill introduced in the Iowa House would ensure a politically influential evangelical Christian group that’s building a new campus near Bondurant doesn’t have to pay property taxes on the
Hawarden Man Faces Child Contact, Domestic Assault Charges
Authorities say a Hawarden man is facing multiple charges following a domestic incident earlier this month where children were present. According to court records, 43-year-old Fidel Hernandez-Trejo was arrested on
Money to improve Sioux City airport runway approve by U.S. House Committee
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has approved money in the 2027 fiscal year to help the 185th refueling wing in Sioux City. Fourth District Congressman Randy Feenstra is one of
