RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s conservative Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says going to jail may be an effective way to protest a federal mandate for employers to cover contraception in insurance plans. On Iowa conservative radio host Steve Deace’s (DACE) Wednesday night show, the Republican gubernatorial candidate said civil disobedience is one way to attack the federal healthcare requirement being challenged in a federal lawsuit by Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby stores.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — School officials in Des Moines have reversed a decision to hold classes on Martin Luther King Junior Day. The Des Moines school district unanimously voted yesterday to cancel its plans to hold classes on January 21st.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Health officials in central Iowa are asking people with minor illnesses to avoid hospital emergency rooms because of an influx of flu-related cases. Officials at several hospitals in the Des Moines area said yesterday that local emergency rooms are experiencing heavy volumes of patients and wait times due to flu cases. They recommend that people with non-life-threatening illnesses visit their primary health care provider, a local urgent care or walk-in clinic.

GALVA, Iowa (AP) — The CEO of a processing plant in northwest Iowa has released more details about an explosion that caused a small fire. Mark Schuett of American Natural Processors said Wednesday’s fire happened after material being tested by employees at the American Natural Soy plant near Galva caught fire.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Council Bluffs officials have lifted a boil advisory after bacteria tests on the city’s water returned negative. Council Bluffs Water Works director Doug Drummey announced the lift at a news conference Thursday. He says the tests confirmed the water system was not compromised or contaminated. A water main break early Wednesday caused a drop in pressure. Officials worried it could have allowed contaminants to enter the lines, posing a danger to health. Schools, businesses and city residents took extra precautions during the advisory, including drinking bottled water and boiling water for a certain period of time.

GALVA, Iowa (AP) — The CEO of a processing plant in northwest Iowa has released more details about an explosion that caused a small fire. KTIV-TV in Sioux City Reports Mark Schuett of American Natural Processors says Wednesday’s fire happened after material being tested by employees at the American Natural Soy plant near Galva caught fire. Schuett says the equipment was being prepped for oil seed processing and soy protein production. The fire department was contacted as a precaution although employees were able to contain the flames. No injuries were reported and fire damage is estimated at less than $1,000. The plant sits about three miles south of Galva, in Ida County.