From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A major piece of legislation for Iowa’s top industry is moving through Washington. The Farm Bill passed by the House includes support for crop insurance and beginning farmers, but it is still far from becoming law. The bill includes investments in crop insurance, conservation, and support for beginning farmers—priorities that could have real impacts here in Iowa. Many House Democrats voted against the bill because it preserves deep cuts to food assistance programs like SNAP.
Year-round E-15 was not included in the Farm Bill. The Trump and previously the Biden Administrations had issued emergency waivers allowing nationwide E-15 sales in the summer.
The USDA has confirmed cases of pseudo-rabies in swine herds in Iowa, and the state says it’s working quickly to address the issue. This disease can be particularly dangerous for piglets and sows causing reproductive issues, nervous system issues, and death. Pseudo-rabies was eradicated from commercial herds in 2004. But it’s still found in wild populations, so domestic pigs can be exposed. Iowa officials say this is not a food safety concern and there is no threat to the general public.
Another group of Iowa National Guard soldiers returned to eastern Iowa after a nearly year-long deployment. 107 soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, returned from deployment in the Middle East to support Operation Inherent Resolve. They were part of a coalition to reduce the capabilities of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Local politicians and members of Escucha Mi Voz rallied yesterday afternoon for the release of a man detained by the federal government at the Linn County Correctional Center. Jose Yugar Cruz came to the United States from Bolivia and sought asylum here, but after about a year and a half of detention and legal battles, he now faces deportation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. People at the rally spoke out saying they don’t want to see someone deported to a place they’ve never been. Escucha Mi Voz members said they would donate money for Cruz’s legal fees and for financial support when he is sent to the Congo.
A major milestone for Eastern Iowa’s Hindu community is happening this week with the opening of a new temple in Robins. The old temple, built in 2005, could no longer keep up with the area’s growing Hindu population. The new temple and cultural center includes a large community hall and plans for a library to help teach future generations about Indian culture.
