From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Statewide restrictions on abortion is Iowa are expected to take effect later today. The “heartbeat bill” is expected to be signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds when she attends the Family Leader Summit this afternoon. The bill prohibits abortions once cardiac activity has been detected. That’s usually around the six week mark. The bill does allow for limited exceptions in the case of rape, incest, or if the mother’s health is at risk. Planned Parenthood and other groups are challenging the bill in state court.
A lawsuit claims two teenagers were drag racing in an Iowa City neighborhood back in May just before a fatal crash. The Iowa State Patrol says two cars ran a stop sign and slammed into 22-year-old Jennifer Russell’s car. Russell, who was from Waterloo, died in the crash. Her parents filed the lawsuit against the two 17-year-olds driving the other cars. The two 17-year-olds have not been charged in that crash but police say it is still under investigation.
A new medical emergency department will soon be coming to Marion. UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony at its new Armar Drive location. It will be open 24-7, year-round once it opens next summer.
For the second time this week, the Eastern Iowa Airport is adding a new non-stop destination. American Airlines will start offering flights to Miami International Airport. The Saturday flights will be seasonal, starting in November and running through the winter. The Director at the Eastern Iowa Airport says this new destination will provide many options for people looking to fly to other places, including the Caribbean. Just this week, Allegiant Airlines announced it was also starting a non-stop flight to Fort Lauderdale’s airport starting in November.
And Powerball has another big jackpot heading into the weekend. The jackpot is up to $875 million dollars for Saturday’s drawing. That would be the third largest jackpot in Powerball history. The largest was $2 billion last November.
