Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Governor Terry Branstad says he doesn’t expect to see any significant changes to Iowa’s gun laws. Speaking yesterday during a taping of the public television program, “Iowa Press,” Branstad stressed his support of the second amendment. President Barack Obama this week proposed a major overhaul of the nation’s gun laws, including renewing a ban on assault weapons, limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines and requiring background checks for all gun buyers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Women’s magazine publisher Meredith Corporation has cut 60 jobs, half in New York City and seven in Des Moines. Company spokesman Art Slusark says the layoffs represent less than 2 percent of the company’s 3,400 workers. The company releases second quarter results on January 24th.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state Board of Educational Examiners wants more time to discuss a proposal that would let business and military leaders become Iowa school superintendents. A work session is planned for early March following Thursday’s board meeting. Iowa Education Department staffers also were asked to prepare other proposals for creating alternative paths for superintendents.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A preliminary federal report suggests that icy conditions will be among the factors checked by investigators trying to determine what caused the fatal crash of a medical helicopter in northern Iowa. KIMT TV in Mason City reports the document released Wednesday didn’t include any conclusion about the crash cause. The pilot and two others on board died on the night of January 2nd.