Gazette Daily News Briefing, December 16 and 17, 2023
Welcome to the weekend!
This is Stephen Colbert from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I’m here with your update for Saturday, December 16th, and Sunday, December 17th, 2023.
According to the National Weather Service, Saturday will be rainy with areas of fog and a high near 45. Saturday night will have more rain and fog with a low around 36.
Sunday will be cloudy in the morning and gradually clear up with a high near 45. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 25.
Iowans in Congress renew push for year-round E15
Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation are renewing their push for federal officials to allow the sale of E15 in Iowa year-round.
U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, along with Reps. Randy Feenstra, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson, signed onto a bipartisan letter Thursday urging Biden administration officials to finalize a rule that would allow the sale of E15 — gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol — during the summer months in some Midwestern states.
It’s the latest beat in a battle stretching over a year from several Midwestern states to make the year-round sale of the fuel permanent. Federal rules limit the sale of E15 between June 1 and Sept. 15 because of concerns that it contributes to smog.
New Cedar Rapids school bond referendum could go to voters in 2025
Cedar Rapids school leaders are planning to go back to district voters in November 2025 with a plan to fund improvements to middle and high schools after a $220 million bond referendum failed last month.
First, however, voters in the district will be asked to consider extending the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy for an additional 10 years. That’s an existing capital projects fund for the purchase and improvement of grounds, construction and remodeling of buildings, major equipment purchases including technology. This vote will go to voters in September 2024.
A Cedar Rapids schools’ master facility plan oversight committee is expected to discuss improvements that would be funded by PPEL and how district officials could work with residents and city officials to develop and educate the community on a new bond plan.
Nikki Haley commits to CNN Iowa debate after Ron DeSantis attacks
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s campaign announced she has accepted the invitation to CNN’s GOP presidential debate in Des Moines on Jan. 10.
The criteria for the debate, just five days before the caucuses, will likely limit eligibility to Haley, former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis’ campaign confirmed it will attend, but Trump is not likely to participate.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
