(Radio Iowa) – There was a wealth of rain for several areas of the state in June, but State Climatologist Justin Glisan says the statewide average was pretty close to normal. “Overall precipitation for the state was about six inches, and that’s about three-quarters of an inch above average,” Glisan says. He says many areas saw totals well beyond the statewide average. “There were pockets anywhere from 150 to 180 percent of normal. So think widespread one to three inch above average totals across the state, particularly in Western Iowa, North Central Iowa as well,” he says.

Glisan says northeast Iowa was the one area that remained below normal. June ended up a little warmer than normal. “Statewide average temperature, about 72 degrees, and that’s a little over two degrees above average,” Glisan says. Glisan says a stretch of days from June 21st to the 23rd tipped the temperature scale for the month.

“Very high temperatures up in the 90s, also very strong winds out of the south and dew points up in the 70s,” he says. “So those three things don’t really come together, but they did push the average a little higher given those three days of warmth.” Glisan says some of the rain totals for June will be in the top 25 for records in those areas.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Democrats are criticizing Senator Joni Ernst’s vote in support of the bill that lays out President Trump’s priorities and suggesting it will be a major issue as she seeks reelection in 2026. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart says tax cuts in the bill will make the lives of the top one percent a little more luxurious, while most Iowans will have a harder time keeping up with rising energy costs.

The candidates campaigning for the Iowa Democratic Party’s 2026 U-S Senate nomination are posting video statements online. Candidate Zach Wahls, a state senator from Coralville, points to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform that indicates 20 rural Iowa hospitals already are at risk of closure — before cuts the Medicaid make survival even harder. “We need a senator who’s going to fight for us, not just toe the party line.” Candidate Nathan Sage, the executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, says the bill is an attack on working class people.

“We’re going to have Iowans losing Medicaid benefits and SNAP benefits,” Sage said. “We are going to have Iowans dying over this ‘big beautiful bill.'” J.D. Scholten of Sioux City, a member of the Iowa House who’s running for the U-S Senate, calls it the “Billionaire Bailout Bill.” Scholten says Ernst betrayed Iowans with her vote for the legislation, which Scholten says will transfer wealth from the working class to the top one percent and endanger rural hospitals and nursing homes.

(Radio Iowa) – Inflation is rising, trade numbers are falling, and the overall Midwestern economy is slowing, according to a monthly survey of supply managers in Iowa and eight other states. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says a score of 50 is considered growth neutral on the zero-to-100 scale, and the region may soon be seeing the numbers contract.

“The overall reading from the June survey was down to 50.7 from May’s reading of 51.0,” Goss says. “Now, this is still above growth neutral, but the direction of the manufacturing economy, according to our index, is slowing down, getting slower and slower and slower.” The regional manufacturing employment score for June stayed below growth neutral, while imports are spiraling, down to a score of just 30 on the zero-to-100 scale, which Goss says is a real concern.

“The export reading was also not good, it was 43.4 and that’s just not where we want to see it,” Goss says. “In other words, the trade numbers, we’re looking like more of a mercantilist society where each nation is trying to be more self-sufficient, and we economists don’t support that movement.” Manufacturers stocked up on supplies earlier in the year, before the threatened tariffs were implemented and now, Goss says, trade in both directions is drying up.

Ernie Goss

Goss says he’s also worried about housing, which is a key indicator of an economy’s health. “The housing sector is slowing down much, much, much faster, slowing down faster, and that’s a real concern of mine going forward,” he says. “The Federal Reserve has indicated they’re not going to move on interest rates in July. That is foolish. They should be reducing interest rates at their July 30th meeting. That should be done and it will probably not be done.”

Iowa’s overall score for June fell further below growth neutral to 48, a drop of nearly two full points since May. Goss says a federal report shows Iowa’s manufacturing sector exported five-billion dollars in goods during the first four months of the year, compared to five-point-four billion for the same period last year, a drop of more than eight-percent.

(Radio Iowa) – Police conducting traffic stops in Iowa can now issue fines if they find an open container of a beverage containing T-H-C in the passenger area of the vehicle. It’s a new law that went into effect today (Tuesday) and those caught violating it are to be fined 260 dollars. Representative Zach Dieken of Granville is a state trooper who led debate of the policy this spring.

“We actually run into this quite frequently,” Dieken said, “so I think this is a good change in the law.” It has long been illegal to have an open or unsealed bottle, can or jar of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Iowa law now extends to open containers of beverages that contain any amount of T-H-C derived from hemp, a chemical which has intoxicating effects. Representative Jerome Amos Junior of Waterloo says it’s an important change.

“Ensuring that individuals that are driving on the road also, like with alcohol, are not driving impaired,” Amos said. This latest policy on T-H-C drinks passed the legislature with only one “no” vote. Last year the legislature limited the amount of T-H-C from hemp that can be in consumable products produced and sold in Iowa.

CRESTON, Iowa – July 1, 2025 – If you travel on eastbound Interstate 80 west of Des Moines you need to be aware of an upcoming project that may slow down your trip, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston construction office.

Eastbound I-80 between Grand Prairie Parkway (exit 118) and the I-35/I-80 West Mixmaster will be fully closed from 8 p.m. on Monday, July 7, until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8.

When the roadway is closed, you will follow a marked detour route (see map below) using Grand Prairie Parkway (exit 118) up to University Avenue, and I-80/I-35 (exit 124).

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

(Radio Iowa) – Both of Iowa’s U-S Senators have joined 48 other Republicans in voting to pass a bill to enact President Trump’s policy priorities on taxes and spending. Senator Chuck Grassley says voters in November gave Trump a mandate to fix the economy and secure the border and Grassley says the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” enacts the America First policies Trump and congressional Republicans promised.

Grassley says it prevents the largest tax increase in history by preserving the tax cuts Trump signed in 2017. Senator Joni Ernst authored an amendment to the bill to prevent people who are laid off — but have over a million dollars in income from other sources — from getting unemployment benefits. I-R-S records show over 21-thousand millionaires got unemployment checks in 2021 and 2022.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa State University Presidential Search committee met for the first time today (Tuesday) as it starts the process of replacing Wendy Wintersteen when she retires. The committee discussed confidentiality and the leader of the search firm, Rod McDavis, says it is important before and after the process.  “Afterward, whatever we have talked about should stay with the with the search process, and never be discussed publicly or privately well into the future,” he says. McDavis says they will start the process with listening sessions to get input on what students, faculty, staff and others want in a new president. “Listening sessions will be held in the next few weeks and we want to launch the search if we possibly can by July 23rd,”McDavis says.

Members of the Iowa Board of Regents spoke with the managing principal of the search firm selected to help find a replacement for ISU President Wendy Wintersteen. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

McDavis says they will reach out to a variety of different candidates and will set a cutoff for applications in late September. “This is when we will say the candidates that if they are serious about the position and really want to be considered, we’re encouraging them,” he says. “We will encourage them to have their application submitted. September the 19th.” McDavis says the committee will then weed out the candidates to get to finalists. “The number of semifinals interviews and then after those interviews, your finalists will be identified. Those finalists will be scheduled for campus visits November the 3rd through the 7th,” he says.

The names of the finalists will be released once their visit to campus is scheduled. McDavis says the goal is for the Board of Regents to chose the president-elect at the board meetings on November 11th through the 13th. Wintersteen plans to retire in January.

(Radio Iowa) – The U.S. Senate has approved an amendment Iowa Senator Joni Ernst offered on the massive tax and spending bill senators have been debating since Sunday. “My amendment ends freebies for free loading fat cats by disqualifying anyone making a million dollars or more from being eligible for unemployment income support,” Ernst said. Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously approved a bill to implement the policy and the Ernst amendment easily passed overnight by a voice vote. “Too many of the idle rich are living high off the hog, collecting government checks for not working,” Ernst said, “while at the same time earning a million dollars or more from some other side venture.”

Ernst, who has been proposing this policy since 2023, said during the first two years of the Biden Administration thousands of millionaires were paid $271 million in unemployment assistance. Nearly 15,000 millionaires got unemployment checks in 2021 according to the IRS. “In 2022, the most recent year data is available, nearly 6000 millionaires were paid almost $58 million in jobless benefits. That’s about $10,000 each for each millionaire not to work,” Ernst said. “…Able-bodied millionaires shouldn’t expect handouts made possible by the overtaxed and overworked Americans.”

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak, Iowa) speaks during debate on bill to implement Trump’s tax and spending plans.

Another Ernst amendment would remove a new tax on wind and solar energy projects from the bill. That amendment has the support of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, but it is not yet on the senate’s schedule for a vote. Critics say taxing wind and solar projects would lead to higher electric bills and fewer construction jobs in the renewable energy sector.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), discussed and then acted on a motion to approve a request for funds from the Valley Business Park (VBP) to help the Anita Economic Development Corporation, with regard to their housing development project. Supervisor Mark O’Brien made the motion.

The project is expected to transform a former, currently dilapidated trailer park, into what was described during the Board’s meeting June 17th, as potentially “one of the best areas of town.” Two members of the non-profit Anita Economic Development Corporation (ADC) appeared before the Cass County Board of Supervisors during the meeting on June 17th, asking for a loan to make the project a reality. ADC representative Darrell Hockenberry said previously, they had acquired about 80-percent of the property intended for the construction of new homes. Hockenberry told the Board during their meeting today (Tuesday), that they don’t need the County to commit to the funds for another four-to six-months.

Cass County Supervisors mtg. 7-1-25

Before the Board’s vote, Supervisor Wendy Richter asked if the County could use funds from the sale of farmland instead of the VBP economic development fund.

During the June 17th meeting, Hockenberry said that they have a great deal of support for the project from the City of Anita, Anita Municipal Utilities and CADCO (Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation), which has agreed to provide a $100,000 interest-free loan. He said the County would likely get its money back within about two-years, or when the first constructed home is sold. The homes will be built with a crawlspace foundation and will include a detached two-car garage. Local builders will construct the homes. Hockenberry had previously asked the county if they would be interested in backing a loan of about $250,000 so the AEDC can place their order for two of the homes. He said “We’re not looking for a hand-out. We’re just looking for some help to fund the project.”

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors passed resolutions approving the contracts for two bridge projects. County Engineer Trent Wolken said bids for the bridges 73 and 133 projects were let last month.

Dixon Construction out of Correctionville was awarded the bridge projects in the amount of $837,106.10. Christensen Brothers from Cherokee was awarded the F-M road contract, in the amount of $669,706.50. Wolken then provided an update on Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities. He mentioned work on County Road N-28 is 90-percent complete.

He said also, crews are working on the north abuttment to bridge 269 by the landfill. Three other bridges are in the design phase.

The Board approved issuing a County credit card to Deputy Assessor Stacy Huss. The card will have a $2,500 limit. And, they passed a resolution canceling outstanding warrants (those more than 1-year old). In a final order of business, the Board approved the Safety Manual, as recommended by the County Safety Committe.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Pottawattamie County during a closed session on Monday, formally voted 3-to-2 to deny a grievance filed by County Engineer John Rasmussen.

Their decision not to renew Rasmussen’s fiscal year 2026 contract last month and place him on administrative leave through June 30^th, came on the heels of a special meeting last week, during which no action was taken on a request by Rasmussen and his attorney to reinstate Rasmussen’s contract for a period of no less than three years, to uphold the grievance, and have the details of the contract hashed out between the attorneys.

Supervisors Scott Belt, Jeff Jorgensen, and Tim Wichman voted in favor, while Supervisors Susan Miller and Brian Shea dissented. Shea, who has also been supportive of retaining Rasmussen as the county engineer, feels the move will cost the county financially. Rasmussen’s attorney Raymond Aranza had argued that Rasmussen’s termination was in retaliation from when he “went to bat” for his department’s two female employees earlier this year, asking for higher pay from the board. Aranza says that retaliation would not be legal, floating the potential for a lawsuit.

Rasmussen had served as the Pottawattamie County engineer for more than 20 years.