Category: Iowa

Crime, Iowa, JusticeLeave a comment
Sticky post

Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony

Gary Dickson

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced support for a constitutional amendment enabling child victims to testify via closed-circuit video to avoid facing their alleged abusers in court. Following a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling reversing such protections, Bird emphasized the importance of this amendment for child safety and encouraging testimony in criminal cases. Continue reading Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony

Iowa, Justice7 Comments

State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s state librarian has been arrested on a charge of disseminating obscene material to a person he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Clive police announced Friday that as part of an ongoing investigation, they arrested 53-year-old Michael Lynn Scott of Clive, the state librarian, on a misdemeanor charge of dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Continue reading State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor

Healthcare, IowaLeave a comment

Iowa revokes license of nurse imprisoned for massive insurance-fraud scheme

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Board of Nursing revoked Elizabeth Hernandez’s nursing license after her indictment for a Medicare fraud scheme that cost insurers $192 million. Convicted of multiple federal charges, she collected $1.6 million through fraudulent telemedicine practices. Another nurse, Ashley Brown, settled allegations involving unnecessary prescriptions and kickbacks. Continue reading Iowa revokes license of nurse imprisoned for massive insurance-fraud scheme

Government, Iowa, PoliticsLeave a comment

Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned to prioritize family, praised by Gov. Reynolds and Iowa AG Bird. Reynolds to appoint replacement. Graduated from Central College and Drake University Law School. Previously ran for Attorney General of Iowa and served as Iowa State Public Defender. Married to Cari, with two children. Resignation effective September 3, 2024. Continue reading Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Government, Iowa, PoliticsLeave a comment

As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

Gary Dickson

A majority of the 300 overdose deaths in Iowa in 2022 involved fentanyl. Activists are pushing for the legalization of fentanyl test strips to prevent accidental overdoses. Despite concerns, supporters believe these strips can save lives and provide valuable information about drug supply. Legalization faces resistance due to stigma and fear of enabling drug use. Continue reading As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

Iowa, TransportationLeave a comment

Three-vehicle accident near Kingsley sends two to hospital in serious condition

Gary Dickson

A three-vehicle accident involving an SUV, a pickup, and a semi-truck occurred in Woodbury County. The SUV failed to yield at a stop sign, resulting in a collision. The SUV driver and passenger sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital, while no other injuries were reported. Emergency personnel responded to the scene. Continue reading Three-vehicle accident near Kingsley sends two to hospital in serious condition

Government, Iowa, PoliticsLeave a comment

Iowa Lottery announces record annual sales

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Lottery reported a record $489.9 million in sales for the 2024 fiscal year, representing a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Despite a slight decrease in proceeds to the state, prizes to players reached a record $312.6 million, and lottery sales commissions to Iowa businesses grew by 2%. The highest-selling lottery products were scratch games, followed by Powerball and Mega Millions. Proceeds support important state causes, including the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund and programs for law enforcement and firefighters. Dana Wingert, Des Moines chief of police, commended the lottery’s efforts to promote National Gambling Awareness Month and provide services for gambling addiction disorders. Continue reading Iowa Lottery announces record annual sales

IowaLeave a comment

Iowa pheasant population survey begins Aug. 1

Gary Dickson

Iowa DNR staff will conduct a statewide pheasant survey between Aug. 1-15. The fall forecast will be based on this annual roadside count, predicting lower numbers this year. The survey, conducted since 1962, covers over 6,000 miles of rural, gravel roads and includes data on various wildlife species. Results will be available online in early September. Iowa’s pheasant season begins Oct. 26. Continue reading Iowa pheasant population survey begins Aug. 1

Education, Iowa, JusticeLeave a comment

WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits

Gary Dickson

Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled two federal lawsuits alleging human trafficking, paying a total of $5.3 million to students from Brazil and Chile. The college’s president took responsibility for problems with the J-1 visa program, which allegedly led to students working in meat processing plants. Defendants include the college, employees, and companies. Continue reading WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits