A former employee of the juvenile court system in northeast Iowa is facing criminal charges for allegedly racking up more than $130,000 in improper and unsupported credit card charges. A state investigation found Nicole Foelske used department funds to buy hundreds of gift cards which she routed into her personal bank account.

Polk County health officials say they do not anticipate moving on to Phase 1B, Tier Two until at least next month, contrary to the predictions of state officials.

Bills that would expand charter schools in Iowa and create scholarships that could be spent on tuition at private schools are advancing as separate proposals in the Iowa House.

Mobile home residents are encouraging Iowa lawmakers to approve a bill that would offer them more protections from some rent increases and evictions by mobile home park owners.