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Iowa Lawmakers Laud HALT Fentanyl Act Signing

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says President Trump’s signature on a bill that classifies fentanyl-related drugs as more dangerous substances “will save lives.”

The new federal law will require prison sentences for people convicted of making or selling synthetic drugs that are similar to fentanyl. Grassley, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the law will “prevent these deadly fentanyl knockoffs from making their way into Iowa communities.”

Grassley attended the bill signing at the White House. Other Republican elected officials from Iowa were there, too. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird called it “a pivotal moment” in the fight against fentanyl. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks said the bill gives law enforcement the tools to “stop fentanyl and copy-cat drugs from claiming more lives.” Congressman Randy Feenstra said too many families have lost loved ones to an overdose “and this law will strengthen efforts to keep drugs out of our communities and away from our kids.”

Fentanyl is an opioid and opioids and synthetic opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.  The HALT Fentanyl Act passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.

3,900 New Workers in June Boosts Iowa’s Labor Force Participation Rate to 67.4 Percent

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES, IOWA – In June, for the second consecutive month, 3,900 Iowans entered the labor force in June. The increase in workers brought Iowa’s labor force participation rate to 67.4 percent, up from 67.3 percent in May. At the same time, Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly in June to 3.7 percent (up from 3.6 percent in May), and the U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 4.1 percent.

The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,671,800 in June. This figure is 2,700 higher than May and 8,800 higher than one year ago.

The total number of unemployed Iowans increased to 63,700 in June from 62,400 in May.

“More Iowans joined the workforce in June, increasing the state’s labor force by 3,900, with significant participation increases among women 45 and older,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Healthcare and construction accounted for more than 3,700 of the new jobs following a trend for both industries in 2025.  With over 51,000 jobs posted on IowaWORKS.gov, anyone looking for a new or better job remains in a good position to find one.”

Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment

Iowa businesses shed 2,700 jobs in June, lowering total nonfarm employment to 1,590,700. Private service industries were responsible for all the movement as both goods-producing industries and government entities changed little since May. June’s loss follows a drop of 5,100 jobs in May with the largest declines being in leisure and hospitality, administrative support and waste management, and manufacturing. However, these losses were partially offset by gains in health care and construction. Following this June report, total nonfarm employment trails last June’s mark by 6,800 jobs. Private industry has fueled these annual losses.

Leisure and hospitality shed the most jobs in June (-5,200). Arts, entertainment, and recreation shed 2,800 jobs, and accommodations and food services lost 2,400 jobs. This super sector has pared jobs in three of the last four months and may be evidence of consumers reigning in discretionary spending. Administrative support and waste management shed 900 jobs following a loss of 1,500 in May. This sector has shed 2,800 jobs since February. Manufacturing continued to decline in June, dropping by 800 jobs. These losses were evenly split between durable and non-durable goods factories. On the other hand, job gains were highest in health care and social assistance (+2,800). This sector continues to expand, and the gains were highest in ambulatory health care services – chiefly offices of physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners. Construction continues to expand and gained 1,000 jobs since May. This sector has now added 6,100 jobs since January. Smaller gains in June included retail trade (+500) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+400).

Over the past 12 months, health care and social assistance has gained the most jobs (+7,500). Gains were highest in nursing and residential facilities along with social assistance. Construction is up 3,700 jobs following the June gain. This sector has trended up since January, gaining 6,100 jobs during that span. Alternatively, job losses continue to be highest in manufacturing (-9,100). Those subsectors most affected are machinery manufacturing, fabricated metal production, and food production. Leisure and hospitality trails last year’s level by 6,700 jobs. Losses in arts, entertainment and recreational industries were responsible for a majority of the jobs shed (-3,500).

Mahaska Chamber to Host Buyer’s Breakfast at Southern Iowa Fair Tomorrow

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska Chamber & Development Group Diplomats invite Chamber members and friends of the Southern Iowa Fair to the next Mahaska Mixer for pancakes, sausage and drink served by Chris Cakes. Also known as the Buyers’ Breakfast, the event is hosted by the Fair Board and the Chamber Diplomats on Saturday, July 19, from 6:30-8:00 a.m. The event will be held in the Wash Rack Building at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds just south of the Pavilion. 

Following a full week enjoying the fair, plan to join others for breakfast and show your appreciation to all who continue to make the Southern Iowa Fair new and exciting year after year. Appreciation is extended to the Fair Board, 4-H, FFA, participants, leaders, sponsors, and anyone responsible for making the fair possible. The livestock ribbon auction begins at 8 am in the pavilion.

Jelly Roll/Logan Paul Fight Moves From Smackdown To “Jimmy Kimmel Live”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Fans who tuned in to watch Jelly Roll guest-host “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” got a lot more than they bargained for Wednesday night. Jelly was interviewing his future WWE tag team partner Randy Orton when Drew McIntyre showed up, and much like at Smackdown last weekend, the two got into it. As they brawled, Jelly tried to go to commercial…only to be interrupted by Logan Paul, who did some damage to Jelly during that same Smackdown. Paul had words for the singer. “I told you this, Mr. Dummy Roll…stay in your lane, stupid, cuz I’ll tell you what you are…you, my friend, are a greasy redneck prison rat.” He then delivered a smack to Jelly’s face, and the singer took a moment to collect himself as Paul addressed the audience. As Paul claimed the show was his now, Jelly stepped up and choke-slammed him through the desk, ending the confrontation…for now. The two will meet up again at Summerslam August 2 and 3: Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1960, “I’m Sorry” by Brenda Lee topped the singles charts.
  • Today in 1981, the single, “Seven Year Ache,” by Rosanne Cash peaked at #22 on the pop singles chart. More recently, Rosanne re-worked the tune with Trisha Yearwood, who covers it on her “Inside Out,” album. Rosanne also provided background vocals.
  • Today in 1986, after 28 years with Columbia Records, Johnny Cash was dropped from the label. Here’s the kicker – he learned about his contract’s cancellation in the newspapers.
  • Today in 1989, Tanya Tucker’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1992, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus peaked at #4 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1995, Jeff Foxworthy’s “Games Rednecks Play” album was released.
  • Today in 1997, the single, “All the Good Ones are Gone” by Pam Tillis peaked at #6 on the charts.
  • Today in 2000, the album, “Kinleys II,” arrived in stores. Darryl Worley also celebrated the arrival of his debut album, “Hard Rain Don’t Last.”
  • Today in 2000, Travis Tritt was tapped as a celebrity spokesperson for Goodwill Industries.
  • Today in 2001, Lonestar enjoyed their sixth week at the top of the charts with their single, “I’m Already There.”
  • Today in 2002, “Redbook” magazine revealed that 2,500 of their readers had some definite ideas about what celebrity enjoys the most balanced life. In fact, an astounding 63% of “Redbook” readers say they’re most impressed with the way that Faith Hill balances her personal and professional lives. 31% preferred a life like Oprah Winfrey’s and only 3% wished to be adored by millions like Julia
  • Today in 2006, Rodney Atkins’ album, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” and Eric Church’s debut album, “Sinners Like Me,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2008, Garth Brooks – clad in a Mets jersey – was a surprise guest at the final concert at New York’s Shea Stadium, singing “Shameless” with the night’s attraction, Billy Joel. Also making appearances: Steven Tyler, Roger Daltrey and Paul McCartney.
  • Today in 2014, Jason Aldean performed “Burnin’ It Down” live for the first time while headlining a stadium date at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. A drunk fan died tragically at the show, which also features Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr.
  • Today in 2016, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Vice,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Luke Bryan’s single “Move.”
  • Today in 2019, the video, “One Thing Right,” by Marshmello & Kane Brown was released.
  • Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert’s single, “It All Comes Out In The Wash,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2019, Alabama cancelled two shows in Canada as Randy Owen battles migraines and vertigo.
  • Today in 2021, Blake Shelton’s concert at the Country Thunder Music Festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, included a surprise guest: wife Gwen Stefani, who performs the classic No Doubt hit, “Don’t Speak.”

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: STELLA

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Stella”, a lovely and spirited 3 year old American Pit Bull mix. Stella gets along fine with older kids and adults, but small children make her nervous, and she’s not crazy about other dogs. She also is a bit of a cat-chaser. Stella would be a great only-pet for an adult family, or a family with older kids. Stella loves being outdoors and loves walks. Stella is fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and would love to meet you!

And since Stella is the Pet of the Week, this week her adoption fee is only $100!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Stella or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.

Check out our visit about Stella with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Judge won’t rule this week on releasing Kilmar Abrego Garcia from jail

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia on Wednesday tried to poke holes in the human smuggling case the government is pursuing against him in Tennessee, while a federal judge said he won’t rule this week on freeing Abrego Garcia from jail, a decision that could precipitate his deportation.

Abrego Garcia became a flashpoint in the debate over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies when he was wrongfully deported to his native El Salvador in March. That expulsion violated a U.S. immigration judge’s 2019 order that shields Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faces threats of gang violence there.

Facing mounting pressure and a U.S. Supreme Court order, the Republican administration returned Abrego Garcia to the U.S. last month to face the smuggling charges, which his attorneys have called “preposterous.” That case relies on the testimony of cooperating witnesses, several of whom have either requested or received help with immigration and criminal matters in return for their statements, according to earlier testimony.

Under questioning on Wednesday, Homeland Security special agent Peter Joseph said he was unaware that a lead witness against Abrego Garcia was calling other witnesses from jail. Asked whether there was reason to believe they might have coordinated their testimony, Joseph noted that three of the witnesses are related.

“That’s always a possibility,” he said.

The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding, during which Abrego Garcia was driving a vehicle with nine passengers. Police in Tennessee suspected human smuggling, but he was allowed to drive on.

The Trump administration has claimed Abrego Garcia was in the MS-13 gang, but that is not part of the charges against him and he has repeatedly denied the allegation. Abrego Garcia has said in court documents that he was beaten and subjected to psychological torture in a notorious El Salvador prison, while El Salvador’s president has denied those allegations.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville ruled last month that Abrego Garcia is eligible for release but has kept Abrego Garcia in jail at the request of his own lawyers after U.S. officials said he would be immediately detained and targeted for expulsion for the second time. At Wednesday’s hearing, prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw to revoke Holmes’ opinion and rule that Abrego Garcia cannot be released. Crenshaw said he would likely rule on the matter next week.

Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia’s immigration attorneys have asked U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland to order the government to send him to that state if he’s released, a request that aims to prevent his expulsion before trial.

Xinis is overseeing a lawsuit against the Trump administration that was filed by Abrego Garcia’s American wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, over his wrongful deportation in March. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland, just outside of Washington, for more than a decade, working construction and raising a family.

In court last Friday, Abrego Garcia’s attorneys also asked Xinis to prevent his immediate deportation if he were released from jail by ordering a hold of at least 72-hours. Xinis has not ruled on the matter.

If Abrego Garcia is released into ICE custody, his lawyers have vowed to fight expulsion efforts within the U.S. immigration court system, which is part of the Justice Department.

Reba McEntire Pleads With Fans To Help Save PBS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Reba McEntire has some history with PBS, from “Austin City Limits” in 1987, to “South Pacific in Concert” from Carnegie Hall in 2006, to her appearance on “Sesame Street” in 2021. Now that there is a very real possibility federal funding for the network may be slashed, Reba has put out a plea to her fans for support. In a video clip shared by the PBS social media accounts, the singer says, “Hey, it’s Reba. From my appearances on Austin City Limits in 1987, to South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall in 2006, I’ve had a long relationship with PBS. Now, PBS needs our help. In just a few short days, the Senate is going to vote on a bill that would remove federal funding from PBS….If you believe in PBS like I do, check out ProtectMyPublicMedia.org to find out how you can help. Let’s help keep PBS keep delivering the incredible programming that we all love so much.” The funding now rests in the hands of the Senate, as the House of Representatives approved the package.

 

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Weekly Fuel Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline remained unchanged from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.93 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.02 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $66.55.
  • Brent crude oil fell by $1.67 and is currently priced at $68.67.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $81.92 and Brent crude was $86.60.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.93 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices remained unchanged from last week’s price and are down 36 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.16, remaining unchanged from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.53.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.55 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 20 cents lower than the national average of $3.73.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.00 for U87-E10, $2.34 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.48 for ULSD#2, $2.73 for ULSD#1, and $1.94 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were up 37 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.53 MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ hit single, “The River,” remained at #1 on the country music chart for the second week.
  • Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” hit #1 on the charts and stayed for an entire month.
  • Today in 1997, Clay Walker’s “Rumor Has It” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, Terri Clark scored her first #1 single with “Now That I Found You.”
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood’s “Intimate Portrait” premiered on Lifetime Television.
  • Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was performing at the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition when he got the surprise of a lifetime. Gov. Cecil H. Underwood showed up to hear Brad’s music and to present him with the “Distinguished West Virginian Award.” The honor is presented to native West Virginians who have shown a lifetime commitment to community service and excellence in their respective career fields. Past award recipients include Kathy Mattea and astronaut John McBride. This date was also dubbed “Brad Paisley Day” in his home state.
  • Today in 2001, Travis Tritt sold out his September 21st show at the Great Frederick Fair in Fredericksburg, Maryland. Why was that so unique? Well, the Fair released pre-sale tickets by mail order and they sold the entire 4,650 by mail!
  • Today in 2002, Andy Griggs’ long-awaited sophomore album, “Freedom,” made an impressive chart debut. The project nailed the #7 spot on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
  • Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks appeared in the “Nancy” comic strip for the sixth time. Creator Guy Gilchrist has been a long-time supporter of the group and an avid country music fan. The ladies appeared on the cover of a magazine titled “New Music.”
  • Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” spent the first of seven weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2006, American Idol alum Kellie Pickler was officially signed to a recording contract.
  • Today in 2012, Brantley Gilbert made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2017, Kane Brown’s single, “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina, scored a gold single from the RIAA.
  • Today in 2017, Luke Bryan’s “Kill The Lights” album went double platinum.
  • Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” went gold.

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