From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A new report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows almost 600 bodies of water across the state aren’t healthy enough to sustain aquatic life, recreational activity, and even drinking water. Out of about 1,400 tested segments of rivers, streams, and lakes across Iowa, almost half are considered ‘impaired’ according to the latest water report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. That means they don’t meet the required criteria for their designated use.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says it’s investigating after untreated sewage leaked into the Wapsipinicon River in Anamosa. The DNR says the city notified them yesterday morning about an equipment failure at a waste-water facility. An estimated 50,000 gallons of waste-water is believed to have made its way into a storm drain. The DNR says clean up is underway. It’s asking people to stay out of the river in the meantime.
Testimony started yesterday afternoon in the racially charged trial of a Cedar Rapids man, Shane Teslik. The first witness called to the stand is the woman Shane Teslik lived with at the time of the stabbing.
Governor Reynolds signed a measure into law yesterday that will bring changes to the state’s area education agencies. Among the changes are increased teacher salaries, $14 million dollars in funding for education support personnel, and school districts would be required to send 90 percent of special education funds to AEAs.
State Auditor Rob Sand is calling out Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for delaying payments for contraception for victims of sexual assault. Bird’s office says it’s evaluating whether it’s an appropriate use of public funds, but Sand says it’s not taxpayer money being used, it’s not an actual audit, and even if it were, the payments could continue. Attorney General Bird’s office says the State Auditor is playing politics and spreading misinformation. But Bird’s office gave no timeline as to when the investigation will be complete.
