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Steve Martin, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn are among stars paying tribute to Diane Keaton

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscar winning actor Diane Keaton, who died at 79, was known for her performances and style that helped shaped some of the most indelible films of all time, including “The Godfather,” “Annie Hall,” “Father of the Bride” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”

She was beloved by fans and fellow actors, many of whom paid tribute Saturday after news of Keaton’s death broke. They included co-stars such as Bette Midler, Mandy Moore and Steve Martin, who shared an excerpt of an interview with Keaton and Martin Short that he said “sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”

Here is a roundup of some notable reaction to Keaton’s death and legacy:

Bette Midler

“She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was … oh, la, lala!” — On Instagram. Middler co-starred with Keaton in “The First Wives Club.”

Francis Ford Coppola

“I saw her in the film ‘Lovers and Other Strangers’ and knew I had to have her play Kay in The Godfather, (which she told me she based on my wife Ellie) and her wonderful work in ‘Annie Hall’ while simultaneously setting a new fashion trend. Everything about Diane was creativity personified.” – On Instagram.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley

“Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.” — On Instagram. Williams-Paisley played Keaton’s daughter in the “Father of the Bride” films.

Steve Martin

“Loved!” — On the social platform X. Martin, who co-starred with Keaton in “Father of the Bride,” also posted on Instagram an interview exchange in which Short asked Keaton who was sexier, him or Martin. Keaton’s response: “I mean, you’re both idiots.”

Goldie Hawn

“How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to “shut up” honey. There was, and will be, no one like you.” – in an Instagram post.

Amanda Seyfried

“I think she was just really outspoken and I think it was kind of beautiful the way she saw the world, the way she talked about it and the way that she communicated through it. I don’t know, I felt like she always said what was on her mind which is important and impossible not to rub off on one who’s with her. But she was always very optimistic, really. It’s really sad. She seemed very vital, very young.” — in an interview with The Associated Press.

Carly Simon

“Diane had a warmth and wit that drew you in, and a courage in her work that left you in awe. I’ve always believed she was one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen. Losing her feels deeply personal. I’ll miss her light, her laughter, and the connection we shared.” – On Instagram. Simon said they were “almost like sisters.”

Cynthia Nixon

“When I was a kid, Diane Keaton was my absolute idol. I loved her acting. I loved her vibe. I loved her everything.” — On Instagram. Nixon also recalled working with Keaton on the film “Five Flights Up” as a “dream come true.”

Mandy Moore

“They say don’t meet your heros but I got to work with one of mine and even call her ‘mom’ for a few months. An honor of a lifetime. What an incandescent human Di is and was.” — On Instagram. Moore starred opposite Keaton in the 2007 film “Because I Said So.”

Octavia Spencer

“Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that authenticity never goes out of fashion.” — On Instagram.

Ben Stiller

“One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.” — On X.

A woman serving as an Iowa sheriff for first time in 104 years

By Sheila Brummer (Radio Iowa)

For the first time in over a century, a woman is serving as a county sheriff in Iowa.

The Sac County Board of Supervisors picked Katie Stange to be the new sheriff last month. The deadline for citizens to ask for a county-wide vote has ended — so the job is officially hers. “It’s really an honor to be a trailblazer in this position,” she said. “…I hope that it’s known that I didn’t get this spot just because I’m a woman. It’s because of the skills that I have as a law enforcement officer.”

Stange started with the department seven years ago and was the deputy sheriff. “I was appointed to this position not just because, ‘Oh, you know, it would be a good idea to finally put a woman in a position like this.’ It was because I’ve proven myself,” she said.

One of her top priorities is persuading voters to approve building a new jail. Sac County residents will be voting a bond measure to build a new county jail in November. Last year, a $10 million bond proposal to build a new Sac County Jail fell 1% short of reaching the needed 60% support for passage. “I can feel, like, the anxiety rising, knowing that vote is coming up here shortly,” she said. “That’s going to be a really pivotal point for this office. I hope the community decides that it’s a necessity not only for the Sac County Sheriff’s Office and the other law enforcement agencies in our county, but also for the community as a whole.”

The current jail is more than 80 years old and officials say it doesn’t meet current safety standards.

Stange is the first woman to serve as sheriff since Gunda Martindale. She was appointed in Allamakee County in 1921 when her husband, who was sheriff, died in office. That was common practice at the time because sheriffs didn’t have pensions that transferred to survivors.

Stange replaces Jonathan Meyer, who had been appointed Sac County Sheriff in July when the county’s long-time sheriff announced his retirement. In early September, Meyer resigned and asked to return to his position as sergeant.

October Gardening Tips presentation to be Held Tomorrow

OSKALOOSA — Several Mahaska County Master Gardeners will present October Gardening Tips on Tuesday, October 14 , 2025 at 7 pm.  The presentation will be held at the Mahaska County Extension Office, 212 North I Street Oskaloosa.

Gardening season is not over yet, the Master GArdeners will cover tasks to complete in October for Lawn, Fruits, Trees & Shrubs, Flowers, Herbs, Hosueplants, and Vegetables.
This event is open to the public and for anyone wishing to learn about the topic- both adults and youth.  There is no fee to attend, due to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Mahaska County and Mahaska County Master Gardener support.  Prior registration is NOT required, but appreciated.  To register please call the Mahaska County Extension office 641-673-5841 or email Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension Horticulturist at  striegel@iastate.edu.

Mahaska Health Invites Community to Annual Women’s Health Night Tomorrow

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is inviting the community to their annual Women’s Health Night.

This year’s Women’s Health Night will take place on Tuesday, October 14th, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Gateway Church in Oskaloosa, IA. The Health Fair for attendees will be 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm with dinner seating and program to begin at 6:15 pm. Dr. Jesse Van Maanen, Mahaska Health Surgery Medical Director, will be serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Women are invited to join an evening of fellowship, food, health information, and community. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Experts from Mahaska Health will present on topics such as mammography, medical imaging, general surgery, surgical oncology, cancer care, ob-gyn, and family medicine. The evening will begin with a dinner followed by presentations, after which guests will have the opportunity to receive free cholesterol and blood sugar checks. 

“Women’s Health Night is one of my favorite events of the year because it gives us the chance to connect with women in our community outside of the clinic,” said Dr. Taylar Swartz Summers, OB and Co-Medical Director of the Mahaska Health Birthing Center & GYN. “It’s a time for us to share important health information, answer questions, and remind women that their health and well-being matter. We hope every guest leaves feeling encouraged, supported, and empowered in their health journey.”

The expert panel will include medical leaders from Mahaska Health, Dr. Kiron Nair, Medical Oncology and Hematology specialist, Dr. Tim Breon, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Daniel Kollmorgen, Oncology Medical Director, Dr. Jesse Van Maanen, Surgery Medical Director, Dr. John Pargulski, Cardiology Medical Director, Dr. Taylar Swartz Summers, OB, Birthing Center & GYN Co-Medical Director, Dr. Jordan Hamilton, Family Medicine Specialist and Obstetrics practitioner, and Dr. Jared Nelson, Radiologic Medical Services specialist.

Nationally recognized with award-winning care, Mahaska Health is the first Iowa Critical Access Hospital to be awarded four designated Centers of Excellence in Maternity Care & Birthing Center, Cardiology, General Surgery, and Surgical and Medical Oncology. 

More information on Women’s Health Night and pre-registration is available at mahaskahealth.org/womens-health-night. Visits with a Mahaska Health specialist can be made by calling 641-672-3360.

Judge tosses out Drake’s defamation lawsuit against label over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

NEW YORK (AP) — A defamation lawsuit that Drake brought against Universal Music Group was tossed out Thursday by a federal judge who said the lyrics in Kendrick Lamar’s dis track “Not Like Us” were opinion.

The feud between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars erupted in the spring of 2024, with the pair trading a series of vitriolic tracks that culminated in Lamar landing the “metaphorical killing blow” with his megahit that May, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas said in her written opinion.

While the track’s lyrics explicitly branded Drake as a pedophile, Vargas said, a reasonable listener could not have concluded that “Not Like Us” was conveying objective facts about the Canadian superstar.

“Although the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about Plaintiff,” Vargas wrote.

After the decision Drake’s legal team said in a statement: “We intend to appeal today’s ruling, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.”

“Not Like Us” — described by Vargas as having a “catchy beat and propulsive bassline” — was one of 2024’s biggest songs.

It won record of the year and song of the year at the Grammys and helped make this year’s Super Bowl halftime show the most watched ever, as fans speculated on whether Lamar would actually perform it. (He did, but with altered lyrics.)

The track, which calls out Canadian-born Drake by name, attacks him as “a colonizer” of rap culture, in addition to making insinuations about his sex life, including, “I hear you like ’em young” — implications that Drake rejects.

Filed in January, the lawsuit — which does not name Lamar — alleged that Universal Music Group intentionally published and promoted the track despite knowing that it contained false and defamatory allegations against Drake and suggested listeners should resort to vigilante justice. The track tarnished his reputation and decreased the value of his brand, the suit said.

UMG, the parent record label for both artists, denied the allegations.

“From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day,” it said in a statement. “We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”

In the suit, Drake also blamed the tune for attempted break-ins and the shooting of a security guard at his Toronto home.

The mansion was depicted in an aerial photo in the song’s cover art, with what Vargas described as “an overlay of more than a dozen sex offender markers” — which, she said, was “obviously exaggerated and doctored.”

“No reasonable person would view the Image and believe that in fact law enforcement had designated thirteen residents in Drake’s home as sex offenders,” she wrote.

Recapping “perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history,” Vargas noted that prior to “Not Like Us,” Drake mocked Lamar’s height and shoe size and questioned his success in an April 2024 track called “Push Ups,” while Lamar insulted Drake’s fashion sense that same month in “Euphoria.”

From there, Vargas wrote, the insults escalated, becoming “vicious, personal.”

The judge said she considered the forum in which the insults occurred and concluded that the average listener does not think a dis track “is the product of a thoughtful or disinterested investigation, conveying to the public factchecked verifiable content.”

Vargas wrote that “Not Like Us” was “replete with profanity, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language, all of which are indicia of opinion.”

A reasonable listener, she added, “would conclude that Lamar is rapping hyperbolic vituperations.”

Water Summary Update: Iowa sees drought-free streak end after dry September

DES MOINES – Iowa saw gradually degrading conditions through September, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Iowa’s nine-week drought-free streak came to an end with the release of the latest U.S. Drought map for early October. Although the state avoided drought throughout September, reduced rainfall in August and September finally took a toll. Drought has returned to eastern Iowa this week, accompanied by the expansion of dry conditions across the northwestern, southern, and eastern parts of the state.

At the end of September, Iowa’s statewide precipitation totaled 1.70 inches, or 1.78 inches below normal. Some reporting stations showed deficits of two inches or more for the month. Statewide temperatures averaged 67.1 degrees, or 3.4 degrees above normal, with the warmest conditions found in areas of central and northwest Iowa.

According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, conditions degraded across most of the state except in north central Iowa, where conditions remained stable. All drought regions carry a normal drought designation based on September’s data. According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), half of Iowa is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with a small area of eastern Iowa carrying a moderate drought designation.

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s October outlook indicates an equal chance for above, below, or near-average precipitation and warmer temperatures across the entire state. Warmer air holds more moisture and could increase concerns for drought returning, especially in southeastern Iowa, if the state experiences below-normal rainfall during October.

“Dry conditions have returned to half of the state, and the drought-free streak broke in early October as we head into the typically drier seasons. While there are no drought watch designations in effect currently, the latest seasonal outlooks indicate the potential for drought development in southeastern Iowa this fall,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

Mahaska Health Welcomes Dr. Marissa Haubrich to the Family Medicine Team

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is proud to welcome Marissa Haubrich, DO, to its Family Medicine team. Dr. Haubrich is a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who specializes in Family Medicine and is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the community.

Dr. Haubrich received her medical degree from Des Moines University in Des Moines and completed her residency at UnityPoint Family Medicine in Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Her clinical experience includes scheduling elective rotations at Allen’s Women’s Health Center & OB/GYN clinic with a focus on preventative screenings, and family planning. Dr. Haubrich provides compassionate, patient-centered care by prioritizing shared decision-making and working together as a team to develop an effective treatment plan.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Haubrich to our Family Medicine team,” shared Dr. Richmond, Mahaska Health Family Medicine Director. “Her dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care aligns perfectly with our mission to support families across every stage of life.”

One Week Left to Register for 2025 Young Ambassador Contest

OSKALOOSA — One week remains for registration for Oskaloosa Main Street’s Young Ambassador Contest. One young man and one young lady will once again be chosen as Oskaloosa’s Young Ambassadors. If you have a three-year-old to kindergarten-age child, enter them now!

The Young Ambassador contestants will all be introduced, and the winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 1 at 6:00 pm at a gala event at Penn Central Mall held for the winners, their fam­ily, and local media. All participants will receive the same great prizes and will have the opportunity to participate in the “Holiday Joys and Toys” Lighted Christmas Parade, on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 pm.
To enter submit the following to Oskaloosa Main Street, 222 1st Ave. East, Oskaloosa. (2nd floor of the MidWestOne Drive-thru building): A photograph of your child no larger than 3×5, $5 registration fee, Child’s name, birthdate, parent’s name, address, phone, school attending, favorite activity, and what they want for Christmas. If you have a preference on canister location, you must get permission from that business. Entries will be accepted until 3:00 pm, Friday, October 17.
Business sponsors are needed to display a secure bank that will be provided for collecting monetary votes for the candidates. Voting begins Monday, October 27 and ends the morning of December 1. The Young Ambassadors will be determined based upon amount of money they receive in their canisters. Proceeds from event will enable a contribution to a local preschool and go towards Christmas parade expenses.  For more information call 641.672.2591.

Federal government shutdown grinds into a week two as tempers flare at the Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tours at the Capitol have come to a standstill. The House is keeping its doors closed, while the Senate repeated its loop Wednesday of failed votes to reopen the government. President Donald Trump is threatening to mass fire federal workers and refuse back pay for the rest.

As the government shutdown entered a second week, there’s no discernible endgame in sight.

“Congress, do your damn job,” said Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, with other top union leaders near the Capitol.

No negotiations, at least publicly, are underway, but behind the scenes quiet talks are emerging. Clusters of lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, are meeting privately, searching for ways out of the impasse, which hinges on striking a deal for preserving health care subsidies.

Signs of discomfort are apparent: Military personnel and federal employees are set to miss paychecks, flights are being delayed at airports nationwide and federal programs are disrupted. Confrontations erupted at the Capitol.

Two dueling bills, one from Republicans and the other from Democrats, failed again in the Senate.

Shutdown grinds on and tempers flare

The Republicans who have majority control in Congress believe they have the upper hand politically, as they fend off Democratic demands to quickly fund health insurance subsidies as part of any plan to end the shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson appears so confident he is preparing to take live questions from callers on C-SPAN’s Thursday morning public affairs show.

But so have Democrats dug in, convinced that Americans are on their side in the fight to prevent the looming health care price spikes and blaming Trump for the shutdown.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer insisted it was Republicans who are “feeling the heat.”

Tensions rose Wednesday to a boil.

Outside the speaker’s office, Arizona’s two Democratic senators who were demanding that Johnson re-open the House to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. She won a special election to the state’s Tucson-area seat last month and has said she would sign on to releasing the files on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, but has yet to be seated in Congress.

Johnson, facing a diminished GOP majority once the new Democrat takes office, declined.

A short time later House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York was confronted by home state GOP Rep. Mike Lawler. He was demanding the leader’s support for a one-year extension of the expiring health care subsidies, as Democrats pushed for a better deal. The encounter quickly digressed.

“You shut the government down,” Lawler railed.

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” Jeffries retorted.

Health insurance for millions is at stake

At its core, the debate is over the health care issue that has tangled Congress for years, and in particular, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, that Trump tried, and failed, to repeal and replace during his first term at the White House.

Congress increased the federal subsidies that help people purchase private insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal aid was popular, and it boosted ACA enrollment to a record 24 million people. Those enhanced subsidies are set to expire at year’s end.

Republicans say Congress can deal with the health insurance issue in the months ahead. Democrats are fighting to resolve the problem now, as people are receiving notices of higher policy rates for the new year.

Two prominent Republicans, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, have broken from their party, saying something must be done to help Americans pay for the coming health insurance rate hikes.

Trump wants to make a health care deal

A loosely formed collection of senators, Republicans and Democrats, have bantered about options for addressing the health insurance problem. Some of them met over Thai food dinner.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has offered her own plan for kickstarting talks. It involves re-opening the government now, but with a “commitment,” she said, to discussing the health care issue.

Another option floated by GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, a former state governor, is a temporary extension of the subsidies, for one year, and then a phase out.

And Trump himself signaled he was open to negotiating with Democrats over their demands to save health care subsidies. Earlier this week, the president said that talks were already underway as he wants “great health care” for the people, only to shift his tone hours later to say the government must reopen first.

“I’m pretty discouraged,” Rounds said Wednesday. “My sense is that’s probably past the point of getting anything done.”

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., sounded a similarly sour note.

“I’m an optimist, but wow are we not making much progress,” Coons said.

But GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who is close to Trump, said, “There’s always a group talking,”

Missed paychecks for workers, and more failed votes

While federal employees have often missed paychecks during shutdowns, Trump is now threatening to do away with guaranteed back pay, which would be a stark departure from what is normal. The White House budget office, under Russ Vought, argues the law says back pay is not automatic, and Congress would need to approve it.

The union leaders warned Trump against using the federal workers as “political pawns” in the political brawl.

“And president, you better start obeying the Constitution,” Erwin said.

Part of the reason the parties are so unwilling to budge from their positions is because their internal data is encouraging them not to cave.

Senate Democrats have been briefed on information suggesting their health care messaging was resonating with voters. A memo from Senate Majority PAC was also circulated to House Democrats and campaigns nationwide on Tuesday, with a clear directive: hold the line.

Republicans, meanwhile, are sticking to their own playbook. A memo from the House GOP’s campaign arm urged candidates to focus on the shutdown’s economic impact, including a district-level breakdown of who would be affected by a government shutdown.

Each side has framed the shutdown fight as a precursor to the 2026 midterm elections.

Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.82 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by 7 cents per barrel and is currently priced at $62.53.
  • Brent crude oil rose by 54 cents and is currently priced at $66.20.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $85.89 and Brent crude was $78.19.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.82 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 4 cents from last week’s price and are down 12 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.12, down 4 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.46.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.35 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.68.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.86 for U87-E10, $2.07 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.36 for ULSD#2, $2.75 for ULSD#1, and $2.02 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down 5 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.32 MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.52 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.88 per gallon.

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

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