(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says every issue in Congress doesn’t have to be tied up in partisan politics as the new year is underway. “I think there are a lot of issues that we can focus on that do unite us,” Hinson says.

The Republican from Marion says she’s worked with Democrats on things like renewable fuels. And she says when she talks with her constituents — they want to see things get done. “It’s very clear that people back home in the district want Washington to focus on the priorities that affect the lives of the American people every day….those kitchen table conversations that are happening that really impact lives. So, I am hoping we can come back to center on this — some of these priorities that they realize haven’t gone anywhere,” Hinson says.

Hinson made her comments during a conference call with reporters.

(Des Moines, Iowa (via KCCI) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reports the state’s 14-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is now close to 20%. IDPH released new virus data Monday, showing 32,732 positive tests in the last seven days. That’s up from 24,935 at the last report on Friday. The state’s 14-day positivity rate is now 19.9%, up from 17.5% at the last report.

IDPH data shows those between the ages of 18-29 make up the largest percentage of positive cases at 27% of the total. Those aged 30-39 make up 19% of the positive cases and 40-49-year-old Iowans make up 15% of the cases. The health department reports hospitalizations are down slightly from Friday. There are currently 886 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Iowa, down from 898.

Of those hospitalized with COVID-19, 73.6% are unvaccinated. IDPH reports 81.7% of those listed in intensive care are unvaccinated. The number of Iowa’s long-term care facilities reporting an outbreak climbed from 27 to 32 since Friday.

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds is calling for bold, yet practical tax cuts as the 2022 legislative session begins. Reynolds was among the speakers at an Iowa G-O-P fundraiser this (Monday) morning.

Senate President Jake Chapman, a Republican from Adel, called for complete elimination of the state income tax, but other G-O-P legislators who addressed the crowd did not talk specifics. House Speaker Pat Grassley of New Hartford says the G-O-P has a lot to be happy about.

The House and Senate convened shortly after 10 a.m.

Police in Glenwood, Saturday, arrested an 18-year-old on an assault charge. Authorities say Michael Monson, of Glenwood, was taken into custody for Domestic Abuse Assault. His cash or surety bond was set at $1,000.

(Radio Iowa) – An Iowa State University study finds immigrant entrepreneurs are less likely to choose Iowa as their place of business. I-S-U economics professor John Winters says one main reason Iowa is being avoided is the state’s cold climate, especially during the winter. “Immigrant entrepreneurs are certainly an important part of the U.S. economy and the entrepreneur ecosystem,” Winters says, “and they’re not equally dispersed across the U.S. and to be quite honest, parts the Midwest, Iowa may never have the level of immigrant entrepreneurship that California has.”

Winter says it’s harder for immigrants to imagine running a successful business long-term in a state with such cold weather. He adds, that doesn’t mean Iowa should disregard immigrants who want to open their own businesses. “But it does mean that we have to be especially aware that outsiders are not just going to flock to Iowa,” Winters says, “that maybe we need to think about some of these challenges, and say, ‘Okay, how can we make the state more attractive to people?’”

Winters says Iowa -can- lure in those potential business owners by offering more incentives like expanding outreach and training programs to reach more immigrants in the state.

(byKassidy Arena, Iowa Public Radio)

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, are expected to act on multiple appointments. To start, the Board will appoint 28 or more members to serve in Condemnation in Eminent Domain proceedings. Other appointments include:

• 3 Commissioners to the Cass County Zoning Board
• Trustees for the: Franklin, Brighton  and Pleasant Townships.

The Board will also discuss, and take possible action on, budgetary considerations. They’ll also received a weekly report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken. Their meeting takes place in the Supervisors’ Board Room inside the Cass County Courthouse, beginning at 9-a.m., Tuesday.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports a man from Davenport was arrested on drug charges at around 3-a.m., Saturday. Officials say 20-year-old Keontay Shylee Gavanny Taylor was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance-Meth/1st offense; Unauthorized Poss. of an Offensive weapon; Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia; Poss. of Marijuana/1st offense; Interference with Official Acts, and Conspiracy to deliver under 50 kg of marijuana. Taylor was later released on bond.

A little after 10-p.m., Saturday, 25-year-old Taran Paul Alexander Austin, of Creston, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. He too, was later released on bond. Two people from Creston were arrested early today (Monday), for Violation of a No Contact Order. 77-year-old Richard Lee Ray and 56-year-old Lilian Rose Ray were arrested at the intersection of Sumner and Townline Streets in Creston, and held without bond, pending an appearance before the magistrate. Lilian Ray was being held in the Adams County Jail.

And, at around 2:45-a.m. today (Monday), 37-year-old Curtis Lee Lamasters, of Nebraska, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center in Creston, on a charge of OWI/1st offense. He was being held on bond in the jail.

With Ric Hanson.

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