The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service deregulated Monsanto GM soybean and cotton varieties in January. Organic farmers and environmental advocates say they are concerned the seeds may prompt an increase in costly herbicide drift.
To help farmers win the war on herbicide-resistant weeds, Monsanto is working on new varieties of genetically engineered soybean and cotton. Many farmers look forward to the GMOs, but some critics argue the varieties are shortsighted solutions to a long-term problem.
Months after a handful of senators called for better food-safety regulations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed new standards for cut up poultry. Currently, agencies only monitor whole poultry carcasses for pathogens.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources finalized fracking rule in November after a nearly year-long process. The Chicago Tribune recently reported, however, that not a single company has filed for a fracking permit in the past three months.
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers official withdrew a piece of the Waters of the U.S. rule. The interpretive rule sought to clarify farming exemptions under Section 404 of the Clean water Act.
The national focus has been on health care reform, but studies show that here in Iowa, African Americans and Latinos are more likely to need medical care, but less likely than Asian or white Iowans to actually receive it.
'Ethical Perspectives on the News,' a public affairs program produced by the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County for KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids examined the ethics of news gathering during its Feb. 1 program. IowaWatch Executive Director-Editor Lyle Muller was one of the guests.
The growth of fracking sparked new industries, and not just in oil-producing regions of the United States. Test your knowledge on how the fracking industry effects Iowa and neighboring states.
The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, through support from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and The Poynter Institute, is seeking applications for an all-expense paid workshop covering the U.S. visa system. Deadline to apply is March 22 (apply online).
The Iowa legislature is back in session. We'll talk with lawmakers from both parties, from around the state, about their priorities for this year's session, and hear from analysts about what they expect.
The Iowa Lottery hits its 30th anniversary this year. During its three-decade existence gamblers have spent $6 billion on the lottery, with $1.3 billion going to the general fund that supports Iowa’s state government. How else has that $6 billion been spent? Take the news quiz and find out.
We love our pets, but plenty of people are concerned about why some who raise dogs for sale to us get to keep animals, after being cited repeatedly for harming the dogs' health.
