Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Friday, April 02, 2010  A judge in Burlington has upheld the constitutionality of Iowa's Smokefree Air Act, which bans smoking in most public places.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009  Sun Prairie and Vista Court Apartments in West Des Moines, which are next to each other, have 40 buildings and nearly 1,100 apartments.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009  Trial date set for June in smoking ban lawsuit

Friday, October 31, 2008  A lawyer for a West Burlington bar is claiming that Iowa's smoking ban violates the state's constitution.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008  We showed you on KHQA's News at Five about how almost all of indoor Iowa is now smoke-free. The new law, which went into effect Tuesday, bans smoking in bars, restaurants and outdoor sporting venues. The Iowa State Fairgrounds, casinos and the Veterans Home are exempt from the law.  But there are some bar and restaurant owners who are still uncertain about some of the regulations. KHQA's Bret Buganski shows you their concerns for this KHQA FactFinder report.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008  The state of Iowa is now officially snuffed out. Tuesday is the first day of smoking ban across Iowa. For this KHQA FactFinder Report, we found you can't smoke in any restaurants, bars and outdoor sporting venues.

Thursday, February 28, 2008  The Senate has passed a bill that bans smoking in most businesses and public places, including casinos and veterans halls. Those were exempted under a House version passed last week.The measure will return to the House for more debate and possibly more revisions.

Monday, February 25, 2008  Iowa lawmakers are expected to focus on smoking this week.Meanwhile, a new poll shows Iowans are split on the state's role in banning smoking.The survey by the Des Moines Register shows 43 percent favor a statewide ban. Thirty-two percent favor local governments making the decision, and 23 percent oppose any ban.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008  The House has approved a bill that bans indoor smoking in most businesses and public places but exempts casinos.The measure was approved 56-44 Tuesday night and goes to the Senate where its future is uncertain.

Thursday, February 14, 2008  Iowa House leaders have canceled Thursday's debate on proposal to ban smoking in most public places because of a filing error.House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines says the debate will be rescheduled next week.

Thursday, February 14, 2008  A bill that bans smoking from Iowa restaurants and bars but allows it in casinos and small private clubs is up for debate Thursday in the House.Anti-tobacco activists are pushing to allow counties and cities to enact local control, saying those bans would less likely include exemptions.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008  Some Iowa Republicans are taking issue with ads by the state health department promoting a smoking ban for restaurants and bars.The Iowa Department of Public Health spent nearly $600,000 on the ads, which are running as the Legislature debates bills that would outlaw smoking in most public places.

Monday, February 11, 2008  A severe crackdown on smokers will move to center stage at the Legislature this week.

Friday, January 11, 2008  Banning smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places in Iowa could soon be up to local governments.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007  The University of Iowa could be going smoke-free.