DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge temporarily blocked a federal rule in 24 states that is intended to protect thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways. U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Wednesday halted the regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the 24 states. The regulations were finalized in December 2022, repealing a rule implemented during President Donald Trump’s administration but thrown out by federal courts. The regulations define which “waters of the United States” are protected by the Clean Water Act. Opponents have called the rules an example of federal overreach and argued they unfairly burden farmers and ranchers.
MARION, Iowa (AP) — Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina says conservatives are “starved for hope,” as he tries to present a more positive vision for the future than his potential rivals for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Scott told The Associated Press on Wednesday that voters he has spoken with respond favorably to his optimistic outlook for the country and his conservative ideals. He announced earlier Wednesday that he would be forming an exploratory committee for president. Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, was in Iowa on Wednesday for a day of political meetings with with evangelical pastors and Christian home-school parents, both subsets of the leadoff Iowa caucuses’ influential Christian conservative base.
MARION, Iowa (AP) — When Republicans eyeing the White House visit Iowa, they will navigate an evangelical community that is faithful to Donald Trump. The thrice-married former president who once supported abortion rights and boasted of his sexual prowess retains a strong standing among many of Iowa’s evangelical leaders. As the 2024 campaign begins, they say they are grateful for Trump’s judicial appointments that resulted in reversing a constitutional right to abortion. They shrug off the 34-count New York felony indictment stemming from a payment made to porn actor Stormy Daniels and other controversy. Some evangelical leaders say Trump’s action on policy they hold dear may erase questions about his moral character.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – Police in Cedar Falls are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man potentially connected to an alleged home invasion. At around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10, police were sent to a report of the incident in the 1900 block of College Street. The person who made the report said that a man had entered their home through an unlocked window while they were inside. A confrontation took place in the home, where the person in the home was allegedly assaulted. The man then ran away from the home with some of the person’s items. Security camera footage of a man who matched the description given by the person in the home was obtained from nearby homes in the neighborhood. The identity of the person is not yet known. Police are requesting that anybody with information should call the Cedar Falls Police investigative unit at (319) 268-5139, or Cedar Valley CrimeStoppers at (319) 855-TIPS. A reward is available.
