(Radio Iowa) – A particularly nasty flu season is peaking in Iowa and several hospitals in the state report admissions spikes and flooded emergency rooms. One Des Moines hospital even postponed all elective surgeries that require overnight stays. Brian Simmons, infection preventionist at Emplify Health by Gundersen, is urging Iowans to learn how to identify the key symptoms of the flu versus a cold so they’re not unnecessarily contributing to overcrowded E-Rs.

“The main difference when you’re looking at — do I have influenza, do I have the common cold — is going to be that fever, having a high fever or the chills or body aches,” Simmons says. “Usually if you have those body aches and a fever along with a sore throat, cough, runny nose, that seems to be more of having the influenza.” If there’s just a sore throat, runny nose and sneezing, it’s likely just a cold. While some areas are seeing a rise in cases of R-S-V and COVID-19, Simmons says colds and the flu seem to be the worst, at the moment.

“The best thing really to do if you get either one is stay home and rest,” Simmons says. “Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids, just lay low for a little bit and rest your body, let your body’s immune system take over and fight those illnesses.” The four UnityPoint hospitals in the Des Moines metro area report a tenfold increase in the number of patients testing positive for the flu in recent weeks, with several hundred cases confirmed since late December.

A C-D-C report says about 300-thousand Iowans get the flu every year and, along with complications from pneumonia, it kills about one-thousand of them each year.

Emplify Health by Gundersen has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

(Radio Iowa) – Federal health officials say an untold number of Iowans have gotten sick after using a weight loss powder that’s now subject of a nationwide recall. Reports say at least 45 people have come down with salmonella food poisoning in Iowa and 20 other states. The Associated Press says at least a dozen had to be hospitalized, but there were no deaths reported, and there’s no break-down by state.

The A-P story says the F-D-A and C-D-C attribute the poisonings to the Super Greens brand of diet supplement powder. Superfoods Inc., which makes Live it Up-brand Super Greens powder, is recalling some of its products. That includes the original and wild berry flavors with expiration dates of August 2026 to January 2028.

Related illnesses are reported in 21 states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

(Radio Iowa) – G-O-P activists in two Iowa counties are rising to the defense of Republican Senator Doug Campbell of Mason City, one of a dozen senators who refused to vote on budget bills last year until carbon pipeline restrictions were debated in the senate. The legislature’s website shows Campbell has been removed from all five senate committees he served on last year. John Rosenfeld is chairman of the Cerro Gordo County Republicans — in Senator Campbell’s home county.

“He was stripped of his committee assignment on Health and Human Services. He’s a retired pharmacist,” Rosenfeld said. “His knowledge is vital not only for the residents of Senate District 30, but also the residents of the state of Iowa.” The Republican Party of Cerro County has passed a resolution urging Senate Republican Leader Mike Klimesh to reconsider Campbell’s removal from senate committees. The Plymouth County Republican Party — in northwest Iowa — has also passed a resolution accusing Klimesh of what it calls “a brazen act of political retribution” against Campbell.

Don Kass is chairman of Plymouth County Republicans. “Who do you work for, Mr. Klimesh? Do you work for the people of Iowa or do you work for Bruce Rastetter? Answer the question,” Kass said. “Let us know who you actually work for because this is outrageous.” Rastetter owns Summit Carbon Solutions, the company planning to build a pipeline to collect carbon from Midwest ethanol plans. A spokesperson for Senator Klimesh was not immediately available for comment.

Senator Campbell gave a brief speech on the Senate floor yesterday (Wednesday), but did not mention he’d been stripped of all committee assignments. Instead, Campbell quoted from the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in explaining his opposition to the use of eminent domain for the pipeline. “Citizens of the United States have the rights to free property ownership, not encumbered by unconstitutional government interventions,” Campbell said. It apears three other senators who pressed for a pipeline bill last year have had changes in their committee assignments, but are still serving on senate committees.

Senator David Sires, a Republican from Waterloo, posted a statement on Facebook about his removal from one of the committees he served on last year. Sires says under Senate rules, committee slots can be used as rewards or punishments — and Sires says “sometimes doing the right thing comes with consequences, but in my book standing up for the constitution and the rights of Iowans is always worth it!”

Senators Kevin Alons of Salix and Sandy Salmon of Janesville are the other senators impacted by removal from committees, but they still have committee assignments for the 2026 legislative session.

(Atlantic, IA) –  The Atlantic Police Department has issued a report on arrests occurring between Dec. 10, 2025 and Jan. 11, 2026. All subjects were arrested and taken the the Cass County Jail.

1/11/26: Paytyn Klahn, 19 of Atlantic, was arrested for Interference With Official Acts, Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility, and Violation of a No Contact Order; And, Jesse Carlton, 25 of Audubon, was arrested for Interference with Official Acts and Violation of a No Contact Order.

1/10/26: Jeremiah Jacob, 45 of Atlantic, was arrested for Harassment 3rd Degree; Jessica Blumberg, 38 of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault 1st Offense and Attempted Burglary 1st Degree.

1/4/26: Patrick Lockard, 35 of Atlantic, was arrested for Driving While License Denied of Revoked.

1/3/26: Yunier Suarez-Rodriguez, 38 of Oakland, was arrested in Atlantic for OWI 1st Offense.

12/30/25: Benard Mcgee, 24 of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Burglary 2nd Degree.

12/28/25: The following were arrested in Atlantic – Franklin Deion, 20 of Atlantic, for Possession of Paraphernalia and Harassment 1st Degree; Zachary Watkins, 46 of Atlantic, for Public Intoxication and Interference with Official Acts; and Mason Jordan, 21 of Atlantic, for Domestic Abuse 1st offense.

12/18/25: Mixon Founa, 30 of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI 1st Offense.

12/16/25: Tiffany Ray, 35 of Atlantic was arrested on a Pott. County Warrant; Nathan Johnson, 46 of Atlantic, Keeping Vehicle or Premises for Controlled Substance,  Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd of Subsequent Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Gathering where Controlled Substances are used, and Dominion/Control of Firearm/Offensive weapon by a Felon.

12/15/25: Jeff Knight, 38 of Atlantic, Public Intoxication.

12/13/25: Taylor Montgomer, 21 of Atlantic, Assault Causing Serious Injury.

12/12/25: Alex Keeler, 19 of Clarinda, Violation of a No Contact Order.

12/11/25: Milton Etomara, 31 of Atlantic, Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury.

12/10/25: Alex Keeler, 19 of Clarinda, Harboring a runaway; Nathan Johnson, 46 of Atlantic, Domestic Abuse 3rd of Subsequent, False Imprisonment, Harassment 3rd Degree, and Obstructing Emergency Communication; Dorothy Tatashy, 35 of Atlantic, Assault Causing Bodily Injury.

The A-PD reports also, 19-year-old Caleb Fulk, of Atlantic, was cited into court on Jan. 11th, for OWI/1st Offense.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office today (Thursday) reports three recent arrests:

On January 8th: 19-year-old Gunner Michael Namanny, of Anita, turned himself in on an active Cass County Sheriff’s warrant for Possession-Marijuana 1st, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Namanny was booked into the Cass County Jail where he was later released on bond; And, 40-year-old Randon Daniel Phelps, of Red Oak, was arrested on the charge of Possession-Marijuana 2nd. Phelps was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and later released on his own recognizance.

On January 14th, 2026, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested 48-year-old David Paul Wallace, of Des Moines, on the charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Wallace was transported to the Cass County jail where he was booked and later released after he pled guilty.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa National Guard Major General Stephen Osborn used this year’s “Condition of the Guard” speech to explain why Iowa Guardsmen are deployed to Syria and honor the two Iowa soldiers killed there a month ago. “Even in this time of sorrow, we have witnessed something powerful,” Osborn said, “the strength, unity, and compassion of the State of Iowa. On behalf of the entire Iowa National Guard, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of care and respect shown to our fallen heroes and to their families.”

Osborn says the loss of Staff Sergeants Nate Howard, of Marshalltown, and Edgar Torres-Tovar, of Des Moines, is felt deeply within the Iowa Guard. “From our largest cities to our smallest towns-you stood together. You lined the streets. You waved the American flag. You stood in silent, patriotic tribute as we brought our Soldiers home to their final resting place,” Osborn said. “Your actions spoke volumes,
Over 18-hundred Iowa Guard soldiers and airmen are currently deployed to the Middle East. The two Iowans who were killed — and three others who were wounded — were among about 250 soldiers from a Boone-based unit assigned to a counter-terrorism mission in Syria.

“In the days following these most recent events, one of the most common questions we heard was simple, but important. Why is the Guard in Syria? And that’s a fair question,” Osborn said. “…Thee National Guard is a core component of our nation’s ‘Total Force,’ providing 40% of the Army and 30% of the Air Force operational force.” The Sioux City-based 185th Air Refueling Wing has nearly 200 Airmen deployed in the Middle East and has supported the “Operation Hawkeye” strike missions President Trump ordered against ISIS in Syria, as retaliation for the ambush that killed the two Iowans. Osborn says the National Guard is no longer a strategic reserve deployed only during state or national emergencies, but it’s now the primary combat reserve for the U.S. Army and Air Force.

“Our men and women understand this. They embrace this,” Osborn said. “They joined the Iowa National Guard to serve their state, to serve their nation and to be a part of something honorable and enduring.” Over 80 soldiers from the 734th Regional Support Group, which is based on Johnston, will deploy to Poland this summer. “This nine-month deployment will support base operations across NATO sites in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region,” Osborn said, “reinforcing allied readiness and providing a credible deterrent to Russian aggression.”

Osborn told lawmakers the Iowa Guard has currently filled over 100 percent of its authorized slots and retained 82 percent of soldiers who had the choice of leaving the Guard or re-enlisting last year.

(Atlantic, IA) – Nishna Valley YMCA Member Services Coordinator Jesse Oswalt reports, Emporia State University, Creighton University and the Nishna Valley Family YMCA are teaming up to provide free memberships to the surrounding area. According to the news release, the 4-month study not only provides 4 months of a free YMCA membership, but it also includes a 16-week training plan, a fitness tracker and health & fitness assessments, through Emporia State University and Creighton University.

To initially qualify, participants must be:

• 40-90 years old
• Not currently exercising
• Have a smart phone to download the app
• Live in rural Iowa, Kansas or Nebraska

Oswalt says “This program provides an opportunity for people that are looking to start an exercise program, but don’t quite know where to start. They are provided with tools to help them get started and continue with their healthy living goals. We encourage anyone that meets the initial criteria to take the survey to see if they qualify for this study.” Interested participants can fill out a paper survey at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA front desk or scan a QR code to take the survey online to see if they qualify. Participants have until Feb. 6th to complete the survey and sign up for the study.

For questions or to have the QR code emailed to you, please call 712-243-3934.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is celebrating the signing of a bill she co-sponsored that overturns an Obama era restriction against serving whole milk in schools. “Now Iowans can have access to whole or two percent milk, which gives us the full nutritional benefits of milk,” Ernst says. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law Wednesday.

“I’m ‘udderly’ thrilled that choice has been made available for our Iowa schools,” she says.

Ernst says the change will help the U-S dairy industry.

IOWA — In a press release this (Thursday) morning, officials with Google said the tech/search engine company – “As part of its annual giving,” awarded more than $1 million to Iowa non-profit organizations across the state last year to support education and community initiatives.  In this area, the recipients and projects include:

• The Community Foundation of Western Iowa: As the exclusive hourly prize sponsor, Google is amplifying local philanthropy by providing matching incentives that help dozens of Western Iowa nonprofits reach their annual fundraising goals.
• Glenwood Community School District: Funding to expand hands-on STEM education and competitive robotics opportunities for students, fostering the technical skills necessary for the future digital workforce.
• Advance Southwest Iowa: Funding to support a new entrepreneurial hub in Council Bluffs, providing small businesses and startups with the physical infrastructure and digital training needed to accelerate the local economy.
• Together Omaha: Funding to help establish digital access points and technical resources for under-resourced families in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
• Iowa Western Community College: Funding to help launch a multi-year initiative at Iowa Western Community College to address critical labor shortages in the skilled trades, establishing a sustainable pipeline of certified professionals through registered apprenticeships, hands-on training, and long-term workforce development across Southwest Iowa.
• Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce: Funding for membership and event support
• Avenue Scholars SW Iowa: Funding to support 75 students to attend an IT boot camp, and two camp tracks focusing on information technology.
• MICAH House: Funding to support the critical technology infrastructure and IT upgrades necessary for MICAH House to provide case management, security, and digital educational tools for families experiencing homelessness.
• United Way of the Midlands: Funding to help provide hygiene kits for Council Bluffs, Papillon and Omaha students.

Other recipients from across the State, include:

• Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center Inc.: Funding to support the Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center, ensuring that Southwest Iowa families have continued access to free, vital emotional and mental health resources.
• iJAG: Funding to help equip 11th and 12th-grade students with career-readiness skills and industry-recognized micro credentials to bridge the gap between education and high-demand employment in rural Iowa.
• KidWind: Funding to support hands-on renewable energy education and student challenges, introducing K-12 students to the clean energy infrastructure and skilled trades pathways essential for a sustainable future.
• Kirkwood Community College: Funding to help launch a rapid-response Innovation Fund to create new degree and certificate programs that align student training with the specific technical needs of the regional data center industry.
• Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa: Funding to support three Junior Achievement initiatives—JA BizTown® Mobile, JA Finance Park® Mobile, and JA Career Inspire®—to introduce 10,355 students from over 25 schools to digital economy concepts, financial literacy, and high-demand STEM career pathways.

Google says it’s “Community giving program supports eligible organizations and initiatives directly impacting the immediate community surrounding a Google data center, along with other initiatives around the state.” The funds are awarded to nonprofits working on issues like STEM education, efforts to bridge the digital divide, sustainability, efforts to strengthen the startup or small business ecosystem, and more.  Collectively, the projects supported by this year’s funding will enable these organizations to serve hundreds of thousands of Iowans through educational programming. In addition to grant funding, Google has supported numerous organizations through event sponsorships this year.

Google first broke ground on its Council Bluffs data center in 2007, and has established a long-term commitment to the state since then. Last spring, Google announced $7B of new investment in the state, including a new data center in Cedar Rapids. In 2024, Google helped provide $2.1 billion of economic activity for thousands of Iowa businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators, and developers. To learn more about Google’s commitment to Iowa, visit https://economicimpact.google/state/ia/.