Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) – Severe weather in eastern Iowa has caused significant damage in the city of Muscatine and injured one person. The National Weather Service says a spotter reported a tornado on the ground around 3:30 p.m. yesterday on the north side of the city near Highway 61. A survey team will inspect the region today to determine if the damage was caused by the reported tornado. Reported damage includes overturned semi-trailers and buildings with roofs blown off. There are no reports of fatalities.
SOLON, Iowa (AP) – There have been reports of multiple tornadoes in eastern Iowa. The National Weather Service says a confirmed tornado was located near Solon shortly before 3 p.m. yesterday. There are reports of a confirmed tornado six miles southwest of Mechanicsville as well as one near Stanwood. A tornado was later reported southeast of Olin moving northeast at 40 mph.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad is defending his decision to veto some funding for public safety pensions and mental health services. He says he vetoed a provision backed by the General Assembly to put about $91 million into the public safety retirement fund because he wants to see changes to the system. He also vetoed a plan to provide $13 million to counties for mental health services as they transition to a new regional system.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Des Moines has another option for paying off nearly $40 million the courts say it owes utility ratepayers who were charged excess franchise fees by the city. Gov. Terry Branstad last week signed a bill that permits the city to ask voters to OK an increase in the fee charged electricity and gas customers of MidAmerican Energy to 7 1/2 percent from the current 5 percent. The Legislature passed the measure as part of a larger government funding bill.