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Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna’s application for a new flu vaccine made with Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology, the company announced Tuesday.

The news is the latest sign of the FDA’s heightened scrutiny of vaccines under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly those using mRNA technology, which he has criticized before and after becoming the nation’s top health official.

Moderna received what’s called a “refusal-to-file” letter from the FDA that objected to how it conducted a 40,000-person clinical trial comparing its new vaccine to one of the standard flu shots used today. That trial concluded the new vaccine was somewhat more effective in adults 50 and older than that standard shot.

The letter from FDA vaccine director Dr. Vinay Prasad said the agency doesn’t consider the application to contain an “adequate and well-controlled trial” because it didn’t compare the new shot to “the best-available standard of care in the United States at the time of the study.” Prasad’s letter pointed to some advice FDA officials gave Moderna in 2024, under the Biden administration, which Moderna didn’t follow.

According to Moderna, that feedback said it was acceptable to use the standard-dose flu shot the company had chosen — but that another brand specifically recommended for seniors would be preferred for anyone 65 and older in the study. Still, Moderna said, the FDA did agree to let the study proceed as originally planned.

The company said it also had shared with FDA additional data from a separate trial comparing the new vaccine against a licensed high-dose shot used for seniors.

The FDA “did not identify any safety or efficacy concerns with our product” and “does not further our shared goal of enhancing America’s leadership in developing innovative medicines,” Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement.

It’s rare that FDA refuses to file an application, particularly for a new vaccine, which requires companies and FDA staff to engage in months or years of discussions.

Moderna has requested an urgent meeting with FDA, and noted that it has applied for the vaccine’s approval in Europe, Canada and Australia.

In the last year, FDA officials working under Kennedy have rolled back recommendations around COVID-19 shots, added extra warnings to the two leading COVID vaccines — which are made with mRNA technology — and removed critics of the administration’s approach from an FDA advisory panel.

Kennedy announced last year that his department would cancel more than $500 million in contracts and funding for the development of vaccines using mRNA.

FDA for decades has allowed vaccine makers to quickly update their annual flu shots to target the latest strains by showing that they trigger an immune response in patients. That’s a far more efficient approach than running long-term studies tracking whether patients get the flu and how they fare. In an internal memo last year, Prasad wrote that the streamlined method would no longer be permitted – leading more than a dozen former FDA commissioners to pen an editorial condemning the statements.

Bill seeks to expand mental health treatment services in Iowa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Katarina Sostaric (Radio Iowa)

A bill that aims to expand access to intensive mental health services outside of a hospital setting has advanced through a House subcommittee.

So-called “subacute” facilities help stabilize people in crisis and begin treatment until providers decide on a longer-term plan for the patient. Mary Neubauer, a mental health advocate who lost her son to suicide several years ago, said the bill would remove limits on the duration of subacute care and require more insurance coverage.

“It was the level of care we so desperately needed for our son but could not find when he was in crisis, so I’m incredibly grateful that the bill we’re discussing here today, House File 2220, makes numerous comprehensive changes that can help subacute mental health care programs be established and expanded in our state,” Neubauer said during today’s subcommittee hearing.

Many insurance companies are opposed to the bill. A lobbyist for a Medicaid managed care organization says it would require them to cover subacute care for much longer than is typical or even useful for patients.

DNR to recap hunting seasons, discuss possible rule changes at March 3 public meeting

Posted on by Sam Parsons

BLOOMFIELD – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

Locally, the Iowa DNR will be at the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, 1339 Hwy. 63, north of Bloomfield, on March 3. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“We want people to come out, listen to the hunting seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.

Comments received during previous listening sessions have resulted in regulation changes, including modifying and removing areas closed to Canada goose hunting, establishing later goose season dates and increased bag limit, expanding the raccoon hunting and trapping season on private land, modifying Iowa’s antlerless deer quotas in north central and western Iowa, and extending the regular trapping season through the end of February.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

Oskaloosa FFA Officers Take Learning Beyond the Classroom at Iowa Capitol

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Before the school day even began, a group of Oskaloosa FFA student leaders boarded a school-branded suburban with a mission that stretched far beyond textbooks and chapter meetings. Their destination was the Iowa Capitol, where they would step into the heart of state government to learn firsthand how laws are made, meet with elected officials, and advocate for the future of agricultural education.

Led by FFA adviser Andrew Swope, six Oskaloosa FFA officers traveled to Des Moines to participate in the Iowa Legislative Symposium, an annual event designed to connect students with state leaders and the legislative process. The day began with sessions featuring state agriculture leaders at a downtown hotel, then moved to the Capitol, where students met with several representatives and senators.

Among those they spoke with were Sen. Adrian Dickey and Sen. Ken Rozenboom. The students also received a behind-the-scenes experience, including a guided tour to the top of the Capitol dome and a historical tour of the building.

“They discussed the problem or crisis of the lack of ag educators in the state,” Swope said. “That was the topic they chose to bring to their legislators. They talked about the barriers to entry and, in their words, the pay.”

Swope said the trip served several purposes, including team building for the officer group and providing real-world leadership experience.

“My big takeaway was that I wanted them to learn how they could speak with their legislators and learn how the legislative process works in the state,” he said. “They learned how to have those discussions, and then they were able to see the House of Representatives in session and voting on a bill.”

Students were able to sit in the House chambers as lawmakers debated and voted on legislation related to carbon pipelines and eminent domain, offering a rare, up-close look at government in action.

For Audrey Kauzlarich, Oskaloosa FFA chapter president, the visit was about timing and amplifying agriculture’s voice.

“We went this year to talk about the need for more ag teachers with our senators,” Kauzlarich said. “Going to the Capitol during this session is an important time to talk about agriculture and why it’s important to fight for it, and just showing that FFA is still a huge part of our state.”

Dominick Carman, the chapter treasurer, said the issue hit close to home.

“It was a struggle just to get Mr. Swope,” Carman said. “We just wanted to go up to the Capitol and show them how difficult it is to find an FFA adviser.”

 

The conversations with legislators proved meaningful, with students sharing data and real examples from across the state. Kauzlarich said Sen. Rozenboom was unaware of the depth of the issue.

“Bringing that to his attention, he was grateful for it. We even had a whole paper to give him about wages and about another chapter in Des Moines where their ag program had been shut down”, she said.

Sen. Dickey, who has a background in agriculture, acknowledged the workforce challenges facing both education and industry.

“He does understand the struggles of trying to get people involved in agriculture and how hard it is to find people to go into teaching,” Kauzlarich said.

Swope said all three legislators recognized the shortage of agricultural educators as a serious issue, though none had immediate solutions.

“They all agreed it’s a problem and they’re working to find solutions,” Swope said. “But nobody has quick answers.”

Beyond advocacy, students were struck by the pace and professionalism inside the Capitol.

“When you walk into the House room, there were a lot of people there doing their own jobs,” said Tyler Whitlatch, the chapter sentinel. “Even though there were a lot of distractions, everyone was still focused on their work.”

Carman noted that the structure of legislative sessions felt familiar.

“It kind of ran like how most of our meetings go,” he said. “The speaker stands up and announces business, but their topics were a lot more serious than ours.”

The experience also opened students’ eyes to potential career opportunities connected to government and agriculture.

“The senators had clerks with them who were around our age or a little older,” Kauzlarich said. “They get to do this as jobs or as part of college work experience. That was really cool to see.”

She added that Sen. Dickey even spoke with students and offered the boys welding opportunities at his business.

“That was very considerate and interesting,” she said.

For Swope, the trip aligned directly with FFA’s mission of leadership and career readiness.

“We took the leaders of our chapter to go see how the leaders of our state operate,” he said. “They were able to see a much larger step beyond FFA and examples of what leadership can look like.”

He also praised the students’ engagement throughout the day.

“They were all very excited to learn about our Capitol’s history, our state’s history, and how the future is shaped with the passing of laws,” Swope said.

The visit also shifted how some students viewed government.

“Being able to go see how it’s running right now was nice,” Kauzlarich said. “It gave me perspective on how they see agriculture and how we can make a stronger connection with them.”

Carman said the group hoped their conversations would leave a lasting impression.

“I think we put a thought in the back of their minds about agriculture and FFA and trying to help the community,” he said.

Social media ‘addicting the brains of children,’ plaintiff’s lawyer argues in landmark trial

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Comparing social media platforms to casinos and addictive drugs, lawyer Mark Lanier delivered opening statements Monday in a landmark trial in Los Angeles that seeks to hold Instagram owner Meta and Google’s YouTube responsible for harms to children who use their products.

Instagram’s parent company Meta and Google’s YouTube face claims that their platforms addict children through deliberate design choices that keep kids glued to their screens. TikTok and Snap, which were originally named in the lawsuit, settled for undisclosed sums.

Jurors got their first glimpse into what will be a lengthy trial characterized by dueling narratives from the plaintiffs and the two remaining defendants.

Meta lawyer Paul Schmidt spoke of the disagreement within the scientific community over social media addiction, with some researchers believing it doesn’t exist, or that addiction is not the most appropriate way to describe heavy social media use.

Lawyers representing YouTube will begin their opening statement on Tuesday.

‘Addicting the brains of children’

Lanier, the plaintiff’s lawyer, delivered lively first remarks where he said the case will be as “easy as ABC” — which stands for “addicting the brains of children.” He said Meta and Google, “two of the richest corporations in history,” have “engineered addiction in children’s brains.”

He presented jurors with a slew of internal emails, documents and studies conducted by Meta and YouTube, as well as YouTube’s parent company, Google. He emphasized the findings of a study Meta conducted called “Project Myst” in which they surveyed 1,000 teens and their parents about their social media use. The two major findings, Lanier said, were that Meta knew children who experienced “adverse events” like trauma and stress were particularly vulnerable for addiction; and that parental supervision and controls made little impact.

He also highlighted internal Google documents that likened some company products to a casino, and internal communication between Meta employees in which one person said Instagram is “like a drug” and they are “basically pushers.”

At the core of the Los Angeles case is a 20-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury.

Plaintiff grew up using YouTube, Instagram

KGM made a brief appearance after a break during Lanier’s statement and she will return to testify later in the trial. Lanier spent time describing KGM’s childhood, focusing particularly on what her personality was like before she began using social media. She started using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, Lanier said. Before she graduated elementary school, she had posted 284 videos on YouTube.

The outcome of the trial could have profound effects on the companies’ businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms.

Lanier said the companies’ lawyers will “try to blame the little girl and her parents for the trap they built,” referencing the plaintiff. She was a minor when she said she became addicted to social media, which she claims had a detrimental impact on her mental health.

Lanier said that despite the public position of Meta and YouTube being that they work to protect children, their internal documents show an entirely different position, with explicit references to young children being listed as their target audiences.

The attorney also drew comparisons between the social media companies and tobacco firms, citing internal communication between Meta employees who were concerned about the company’s lack of proactive action about the potential harm their platforms can have on children and teens.

“For a teenager, social validation is survival,” Lanier said. The defendants “engineered a feature that caters to a minor’s craving for social validation,” he added, speaking about “like” buttons and similar features.

Meta pushes back

In his opening statement representing Meta, Schmidt said the core question in the case is whether the platforms were a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles. He spent much of his time going through the plaintiff’s health records, emphasizing that she had experienced many difficult circumstances in her childhood, including emotional abuse, body image issues and bullying.

Schmidt presented a clip from a video deposition from one of KGM‘s mental health providers, Dr. Thomas Suberman, who said social media was “not the through-line of what I recall being her main issues,” adding that her struggles seemed to largely stem from interpersonal conflicts and relationships. He painted a picture — with KGM’s own text messages and testimony pointing to a volatile home life — of a particularly troubled relationship with her mother.

Schmidt acknowledged that many mental health professionals do believe social media addiction can exist, but said three of KGM’s providers — all of whom believe in the form of addiction — have never diagnosed her with it, or treated her for it.

Schmidt emphasized to the jurors that the case is not about whether social media is a good thing or whether teens spend too much time on their phones or whether the jurors like or dislike Meta, but whether social media was a substantial factor in KGM’s mental health struggles.

A reckoning for social media and youth harms

A slew of trials beginning this year seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children’s mental well-being. Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the Los Angeles trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors.

A separate trial in New Mexico, meanwhile, also kicked off with opening statements on Monday. In that trial, Meta is accused of failing to protect young users from sexual exploitation, following an undercover online investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez in late 2023 sued Meta and Zuckerberg, who was later dropped from the suit.

A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children.

In addition, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states.

TikTok also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states.

Caution is advised as ice conditions rapidly deteriorate

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — With temperatures warming up this week, ice conditions at many Iowa lakes are changing quickly. DNR conservation officers urge caution as conditions for ice- related activities, such as fishing and OHV riding, deteriorate.

“Ice conditions have been changing by the day, and even by the hour in some places,” said Craig Cutts, Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau Chief.

Lack of snow cover, which typically slows winter ice melt even on slightly warmer days, means sunshine and warm temps will cause the ice to crack and contract, making ice unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

According to Cutts, when there is no snow cover, areas closest to the bank of the lake will become dangerous first. “This is where you can go through quickly, so be sure and check ice thickness every step of the way.”

Use caution if heading out and keep plenty of distance from open water. The standard safety practices of checking ice thickness frequently, and including a life jacket, throwable floatation and 50 feet of rope with your fishing equipment is encouraged.

“We emphasize that ice thickness varies on each body of water. It’s a good reminder that no ice is 100 percent safe – and to trust your instincts – if it doesn’t look right, stay off,” Cutts said.

Construction Worker Airlifted Following Highway 34 Accident

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WAPELLO COUNTY – An accident on Highway 34 in Wapello County that sent a construction worker to the hospital is now under investigation.

According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the accident took place yesterday afternoon at approximately 3:55pm. Law enforcement responded to the 24000 block of Highway 34 for a motor vehicle accident involving injuries. During the investigation, it was determined that a construction worker was struck by a motor vehicle.

The victim was airlifted from the scene by MercyOne and the extent of their injuries is currently unknown. The names of the driver and the victim are being withheld pending notification, and more information will be released at a later time. KBOE/KMZN will have more updates on this story as they are announced.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Blakesburg Fire & Rescue, ORMICS, MercyOne, and Wapello County Emergency Management.

Newton Woman Arrested for Assault, Death Threats

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEWTON – A Newton woman was arrested for an incident in which she allegedly made death threats toward a man and assaulted him with a stun gun.

The Newton Police Department reports that on February 6, at around 10:53pm, officers responded to a reported assault in the 2500 block of South 3rd Avenue East. Following an investigation, officers determined that 67-year-old Debra Moore of Newton threatened to kill a man and assaulted him with a stun gun device. The male victim sustained burn marks from the device, and police determined that the device was brought to the residence with the belief that it would be used against the victim.

Moore was arrested and charged with Going Armed with Intent (class D felony), Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (aggravated misdemeanor), and 1st Degree Harassment (aggravated misdemeanor). She has since been released on a $9,000 bond.

Oskaloosa Main Street to Conduct Community Survey

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa Main Street, in conjunction with Main Street Iowa, is excited to announce the launch of a community input survey aimed at gathering valuable feedback from residents and business/building owners in the Main Street district. The survey will help shape the strategic plan for the Main Street program, ensuring it meets the needs and aspirations of the community.

The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Oskaloosa_CommunitySurvey and will be open until February 22nd. We encourage everyone to participate and share their thoughts on how we can improve and revitalize our Main Street district.

Following the survey, a public input session will be held at Bridget’s Public House on March 30th at 5:30pm. This session will provide an opportunity for the community to hear about the survey results and offer further input on the strategic plan.

“We believe the best way to create a vibrant and thriving Main Street district is by involving the community in the planning process,” said Angella Foster, Oskaloosa Main Street Director. “Your feedback is crucial in helping us define a strategic plan that reflects the community’s vision and priorities.”

For more information, please contact Angella Foster at mainstreet@mahaskachamber.org or 641-672-2591.

Great Prairie AEA and Sigourney CSD Enter Leadership Sharing Partnership; Nathan Wood Named Superintendent

Posted on by Sam Parsons

SIGOURNEY, IA — Sigourney Community School District and Great Prairie Area Education Agency (AEA) have agreed to a new partnership designed to strengthen leadership and services for students and schools. As part of this agreement, Nathan Wood will serve in a dual role as Chief Administrator of Great Prairie AEA and part-time Superintendent of Sigourney Community School District.

Wood will serve Sigourney approximately two days per week while continuing to lead Great Prairie AEA. Both boards will take official action on the agreement at their upcoming board meetings next week. He will begin his duties with Sigourney CSD on July 1, 2026, succeeding Superintendent Kevin Hatfield, who is retiring at the end of June after 38 years in education, including the past four years serving Sigourney.

Sigourney School Board President Mike Bensmiller said the board is confident in Wood’s ability to lead the district.

“Nathan has the experience and qualifications to guide our district forward. He has the proven ability to improve schools and promote a positive culture. As an alumnus and community member, he is invested in our district’s future. We look forward to working with him and the leadership he will provide.”

Current Sigourney Superintendent Kevin Hatfield expressed excitement about the district’s future, noting that Mr. Wood will serve as the next Superintendent of Schools.

“Following a comprehensive, stakeholder-driven interview process, Mr. Wood emerged as the clear choice to lead the SCSD. His extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and deep familiarity with our district make him an excellent fit for this role.”

Wood has served as Chief Administrator of Great Prairie AEA since July 2023, where he leads more than 240 staff members who support approximately 33,000 students and 2,000 educators across southeast Iowa. His career includes experience as a superintendent, district and building-level administrator, and educator. Earlier in his career, he served Sigourney CSD as a PK–6 school administration manager, middle school science teacher, and special education teacher.

In 2024, Wood was named Iowa’s Workplace Top Executive Leader. He also serves on the Rural Schools of Iowa executive board and the School Administrators of Iowa Representative Council.

A 2003 graduate of Sigourney High School, Wood holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and earned his superintendent licensure through the University of Northern Iowa. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree, with anticipated completion in 2026.

Wood and his wife, Sarah, have three children who attend Sigourney CSD: Brayden, a senior; Masen, a fourth grader; and Ainslee, a third grader. He enjoys coaching local youth sports, working on the family farm, and racing dirt track cars across the area.

Great Prairie AEA Board President Dr. Joy Prothero said the partnership reflects a forward-thinking approach to leadership.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both organizations. We are confident this partnership will benefit both Great Prairie AEA and Sigourney CSD and have a positive impact for the students, educators, and communities we serve.”

Mr. Wood said he is honored to serve the Sigourney community in this new role.

“Having the opportunity to serve my home school community as their next superintendent is both exciting and humbling. I look forward to building upon strong relationships, and continuing the great work already happening everyday in Sigourney’s school buildings. I am committed long term to ensuring all schools in our area remain strong, supportive, and fiscally responsible as we serve our students and families.”

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