Latest news with #Reynolds
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Advocates seek governor's consideration on eminent domain, PBM, 911 service boards
The Iowa Capitol on May 8, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capitol Dispatch) As Gov. Kim Reynolds weighs which bills to sign into law from the 2025 legislative session, some organizations and local officials are asking the governor to reject certain measures approved by lawmakers. The governor has until June 14 to sign into law bills passed during the 2025 session. If she does not sign or veto a measure, it is considered a 'pocket veto' and is not enacted. Although there's still a little over two weeks until the deadline, advocates are asking Reynolds to consider 'pocket' or full vetos for several bills on her desk. The highest profile bill receiving this post-session attention is House File 639, the bill relating to the use of eminent domain in carbon capture pipeline projects. Though the measure passed the Senate following a contentious debate, Reynolds has not said whether she plans to sign the bill into law. When asked about the measure on Iowa Press last week, Reynolds said her team and legal counsel are currently in the process of evaluating the bill. She said she is hearing from people on both sides of the issue about how the legislation will impact Iowa. The bill will make multiple changes to regulations and requirements for the Iowa Utilities Commission, as well as allow more people to intervene in IUC proceedings. It also changes the definition of a 'common carrier' in Iowa law and increases insurance requirements for property damage coverage and reimbursements for landowners who face higher premiums because of a pipeline on their property. 'I want to make sure that I have given individual stakeholders the opportunity to weigh in, so that I can, again, make the best-informed decision that I can, based on information I've heard,' Reynolds said. While lawmakers in support of the measure and landowners who have called for more restrictions on the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines — particularly related to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project — opponents to the bill said the language in the bill is too broad and could create legal problems for people who have already signed easement contracts if a project like Summit cannot be completed. This is not the only bill for which organizations are seeking further consideration: The governor has the ability to line-item veto certain elements within budget bills — a step some public safety advocates are asking for with regard to Senate File 659, this year's standings appropriations bill. The legislation is largely a budget bill dealing with various state spending obligations, but it also includes several policy components that were not passed as standalone measures during the legislative session. One of the policies including in this year's standings bill relates to costs from local 911 service boards. The measure would allow the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) to request reimbursement for 'reasonable costs' from local 911 service boards related to the delivery of 911 call traffic to public safety answering points, or PSAPs. Two organizations, the Iowa Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials and the state's National Emergency Number Association, have asked for Reynolds to veto this element of the bill, arguing it could add significant costs to local first responders that would impact their ability to perform public safety duties for Iowa communities. Chris Jasper, president of the Iowa National Emergency Number Association, said the bill's language is 'so broad' that it is difficult to tell the actual fiscal impact the measure would have on local 911 service boards. There is not a definition included in the legislation on what constitutes 'reasonable costs,' and there are not specifications on dollar amounts or how often local boards can be billed by the state under the provision. Jasper said his organization has requested clarification from the state on these questions but has not received answers. Though there are no financial estimates yet, funding coming from local first responders to the Iowa HSEMD would have to be compensated for through 'cut services, potentially cut staffing, or we would have to make up for that in raising taxes,' Jasper said. 'HSEMD sends a bill for $50,000 to a county to cover their expenses, that's $50,000 less that they have to use to purchase radio equipment for their public safety entities or to work on a project,' Jasper said. 'So they would either have to scrap that project, scrap purchasing new equipment, scrap updating their equipment, or they would have to take that $50,000 and get it from a tax increase.' Reynolds said on Iowa Press her staff is currently working on evaluating the legislation. Her office has received multiple letters and requests to veto the measure, she said, but she noted that many 911 service boards have money that is currently unspent. 'It's a critical system,' Reynolds said. 'We want to make sure that we sustain it. It's really important to keep Iowans safe. A component of this also is that they are sitting on a $66 million surplus. So, we have to take all of that into account and make sure we understand what their concerns are, what Homeland is looking at, and find a compromise that works for everyone, but most importantly that keeps that system sustainable and make sure that we are taking into account the safety of Iowans.' Jasper disputed Reynolds' characterization that the money was a 'surplus.' The figure of more than $60 million is divided between Iowa's 99 counties, and many of the projects these county boards are taking on cost millions of dollars, he said, that require savings to pursue. 'When we're talking about equipment, you know, a (computer-aided dispatch) system is a million dollars plus,' Jasper said. 'We just did a radio project here in Muscatine County that was $3.9 million — I know Scott County just did one that was $8 million. And so when you think of these counties having $600,000 in the bank, they're doing exactly what they should be doing in their planning and accounting for projects, and saving that money to cover those costs. And so it may give this perception that we're sitting on a surplus of money, but when you break it down, we're really not.' Pharmacists and health care advocates have called for Reynolds to sign Senate File 383, a bill setting new regulations and requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, the entities negotiating prescription drug prices between pharmacies, drug manufacturers and insurance providers. The legislation would make multiple changes aimed at restricting certain PBM business practices that supporters of the bill say hurt rural pharmacists, like providing financial incentives or penalties for the use of mail-order or certain pharmacies to fill prescriptions. The measure also requires PBMs reimburse prescription drug costs at the national or Iowa average acquisition cost — a higher rate than some pharmacists say they currently receive — and sets a dispensing fee of $10.68 from PBMs to pharmacists for each prescription filled at rural and small pharmacies. In a letter to Reynolds Wednesday, a group of health care organizations and advocates including the Iowa Pharmacy Association, Iowa Association of Rural Health Clinics and Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, urged the governor to sign the bill, saying it will help pharmacies in rural Iowa stay in business. Kate Gainer, executive vice president and CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, said in a statement the measure is needed to support Iowa health care providers across the state by addressing PBM practices 'that drive up costs and limit patient choice.' 'It is this imperative that has brought many of Iowa's top healthcare organizations and rural community advocates together to support the signing of SF 383 into law,' Gainer said in a statement. 'Iowa patients can't afford to wait any longer.' Pharmacists and advocates in support of the bill have said PBM practices have contributed to the closure more than 200 pharmacies across Iowa, including 31 pharmacies that closed in 2024. But some business and insurance entities have said the bill will increase health care costs for Iowans. In a statement on the bill as it went through the legislature, organizations including the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and Iowa Business Council said the legislation would increase health care costs for both businesses and individuals. A release from ABI said the bill would add an estimated $340 million in costs to private-sector health plans statewide in addition to raising costs by roughly $169 per insured Iowan each year. Joe Murphy, president of the Iowa Business Council, said in a statement the measure 'will substantially increase costs for Iowa businesses and their employees' during a period of economic uncertainty. 'At a time when inflationary pressures from tariffs and other economic headwinds are bearing down on our state, we cannot afford to add further cost burdens through legislative action,' Murphy said. 'We remain committed to a thoughtful, targeted approach to PBM reform—one that supports small, independent pharmacies serving Iowa.'
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Best fans in the world' – Dawson Devoy vows to use ‘Dalymount Park effect' in Bohemians' crunch clash versus Derry City
DAWSON DEVOY believes that Dalymount Park is now Bohemians' not-so-secret weapon. Alan Reynolds' men welcome Derry City to Dublin 7 on Friday night looking for a victory that would send the Gypsies into the top three in the table, at least, at the season's halfway point. 2 Bohemians face Derry City on Friday night Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile 2 Bohemians will go into the Premier Division top three if they win Credit: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile Victory would also make it seven wins in nine games — after losing six of their opening nine — and their fifth win in six home matches as Dalymount has become something of a fortress. That had not always been the case. The stat led Reynolds to acknowledge that some of his players found it difficult to perform at home where expectations are high. Read More on League of Ireland Patience wore thin during that time. But Devoy believes that the flip side is there is no more daunting venue for opponents when Bohs are flying high. The 23-year-old said: 'We're in Dalymount, we're going to take the game to Derry and use Dalymount . . . the fans get behind us from the start. 'It's not an easy place for away teams to come so we're going to use that. Most read in Sport 'When we were struggling at the start of the year, the fans are probably understandably frustrated and that's normal. Every club is probably like that. But when things are going well, they're the best fans in the country. It's important we use that to our advantage.' When Bohs were labouring earlier this year, Devoy could understand the supporters' exasperation. Colm Whelan shakes fourth official's hand during Bohemians clash against Shamrock Rovers The Ashbourne native said: 'Where I am from, there are a few Bohs fans. When I do be walking my dog, there are a few fans. That's just part of it. 'The fans have every right to be annoyed when we're not getting results, that's what it is about. 'I think we were all hurting, we've got a few good results and we've got to keep pushing on. 'When we do get beaten, it probably affects the players, it affects your weekend and stuff like that. It's obviously a lot better when you win. 'When results are going your way, it's great, the atmosphere . . . things like that. 'But we're also not stupid, we're only a few results away from struggling again. We've got to continue the good form.' LATE LATE SHOWS The past series of games has seen some big moments — boss Reynolds reckons their only losses to Waterford and Drogheda were undeserved. And Devoy points to Easter Monday against Shamrock Rovers when, having trailed 2-0 at the break, the Gypsies rose from the dead as the midfielder scored the opener and That was followed by a comeback win over St Pat's, with two late, late goals wrapping up all three points. Devoy said: 'Something started to click, sometimes all it takes is one or two games. The game in Tallaght was massive for us, it gave us belief coming from two goals down. 'And that following Friday, beating Pat's when we're 1-0 down. So it gives you massive belief and since then we've been playing with a lot of confidence. 'We know what we're capable of as a group and we want to get the best out of everyone. We just want to keep going and pushing up the table.' Devoy, who returned to Bohemians from MK Dons last July, is also keen to live up to Reynolds' claim that he is one of the best in the country. He said: 'I think most players will tell you that they want to be spoken about. I believe I'm good enough to be like that. 'Once I just let my football do the talking on the pitch, I'll let other people speak like that. Of course I want to be good, but once we're winning, that's the most important thing.'
Sunday World
10 hours ago
- Sunday World
Dad of two ‘caught red-handed' driving directly at garda on stolen motorbike, court told
'He was caught red-handed,' the garda said. A MOTORBIKE rider drove 'directly' and dangerously at a garda, knocking him down and leaving him with a dislocated ankle, it has been alleged. Christopher Reynolds (24) was on a high-powered bike that was suspected to be stolen when he drove it into an investigating officer in an attempt to escape, a court was told. The father-of-two was refused bail when he appeared in court today charged with dangerously driving a stolen motorbike and assault causing harm to a garda in north Dublin yesterday. Mr Reynolds, a community employment scheme worker from Heatley Place, Malahide Road, Dublin 17 is also charged with unlawful possession of a screwdriver, and cocaine, on May 28. The CCJ in Dublin. News in 90 Seconds - May 29th At Blanchardstown District Court, Judge Aine Clancy remanded him in custody to a date next week, for DPP directions. Garda Declan Meehan said Mr Reynolds made no reply to any of the charges after caution at Finglas station at 11.10pm last night. Objecting to bail, he said he was among gardai attached to the district drug unit on patrol at North Road, Finglas when they saw two motorbikes driving into the forecourt of the Circle K garage. Believing the bikes to be stolen, the gardai approached on foot. The drivers observed them and tried to drive out of the forecourt, Gda Meehan said. He alleged the motorbike riders then drove dangerously at the gardai in an attempt to evade them and one made good his escape. The other - Mr Reynolds - drove directly at a garda, colliding with him and causing him to fall to the ground, it was alleged. Gda Meehan said the accused then ran off, against oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the dual carriageway. The garda followed him and Mr Reynolds took off his helmet and threw it at him as he attempted to evade him, he said. The accused was apprehended. The injured garda was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital by ambulance. The motorbike was a high-powered Husqvarna that had been stolen from an address in Raheny on April 18, the garda said. The accused had two small bags of cocaine and a screwdriver in his possession that he allegedly used to start the bike, he alleged. 'He was caught red-handed,' the garda said. 'He drove at gardai in a reckless manner with no regard to the safety of members of the gardai or the public. He attempted to evade justice by absconding from the gardai and evading capture.' A further charge of endangerment could be brought by the prosecution, Gda Meehan for bail, defence barrister Mark McMahon said the case would likely go to the circuit court and the accused who was presumed innocent would be in custody for at least two years awaiting trial. He was prepared to abide by bail conditions including not driving any vehicle. Gda Meehan said he did not believe Mr Reynolds would abide by bail conditions. Judge Clancy said she believed it was reasonably necessary to refuse bail and remanded the accused in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on June 4.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Dan Reynolds waves Palestinian flag at Milan concert during Imagine Dragons tour
Dan Reynolds, lead singer of Imagine Dragons, drew widespread attention during the band's recent concert in Milan by draping a Palestinian flag over his shoulders onstage—a gesture that prompted cheers from the audience but has since sparked mixed reactions online. The flag was reportedly thrown onto the stage during the May 27 performance. Reynolds picked it up, held it aloft to loud applause, and then placed it around his shoulders as the band continued playing. Videos of the moment quickly went viral on platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram, shared widely by pro-Palestinian accounts such as @humantiproject and photojournalist Motaz Azaiza. The move marks a notable shift for the band, which faced criticism in 2023 for performing in Israel and Azerbaijan despite public calls for boycotts. At the time, many fans and human rights advocates urged the group to cancel those shows. Reynolds defended their decision in a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, stating, 'I don't believe in depriving our fans… because of the acts of their leaders and their governments,' calling such choices a 'slippery slope.' Now, the Milan concert gesture is being interpreted by some as a possible reconsideration of that stance, while others view it as symbolic but lacking follow-through. You know it's moments like these where I genuinely don't know what to do with myself anymore... I actually really liked Imagine Dragons, But now it seems they genuinely hate my people. It's disgusting how people still view Palestine as a moral virtue when it's all a myth. — Thunder Kid🎗️ (@ThunderKidOG) May 29, 2025 The incident comes amid rising global scrutiny of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As public awareness grows, artists are increasingly expected to take a stand on political and humanitarian issues. Imagine Dragons now joins a growing list of musicians—such as Green Day, who recently expressed solidarity during their Coachella set—who are visibly engaging with the issue of Palestine amid ongoing conflict and calls for international attention.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Alan Reynolds reveals Bohemians' new strategy for upcoming transfer window, a different approach to last season
ALAN REYNOLDS revealed that any summer shopping is likely to be done at home rather than abroad. Bohemians host Derry City tomorrow looking for a win that would mean at least third place by the midway point in the Premier Division campaign. 2 A lot of work for Alan Reynolds over the 'break' 2 Bohs will be without Sean Grehan who is returning to Crystal Palace after his loan And with the transfer window just a month away, Rennie acknowledged that his phone will start buzzing soon. Bohs already know that on-loan defender Seán Grehan will be returning to Crystal Palace, and Reynolds predicts others may also depart. But while keen to strengthen, he admitted that he will look around the League of Ireland as players arriving from the UK are out of season and take time to get fit. That proved an issue last term when Bohemians' form suffered, though they are reaping the benefits this term instead. Read more on irish football Reynolds said: 'We signed four or five and it was extremely difficult for them. 'Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy being two, Leigh Kavanagh — it took us ages to get them up to speed and then they were breaking down with niggles and the season ends. "It's only when we got a big pre-season into them . . . and that's why we came back early, for the likes of those. It's a challenge and something you need to be careful of. 'I'd also say that the players want to stay in the UK first before coming, so we'll see then if players in this country become available.' Most read in Football But the boss knows the work will begin soon if it has the potential to ruin his short mid-season holiday. Rennie joked: 'It's nice to go away but the f***ing phone will be going non-stop! Painful moment cheeky Chelsea star grabs team-mate's privates in X-rated celebration after Conference League triumph 'Last year we were trying to sign Ross Tierney, so this was all going on over this period and everyone was cracking up. 'We got it done eventually but that was nearly my full summer break last year — but it was worth it.' And while he suspects his phone will keep ringing, he has told his own players to switch off and recharge — but not overdo it either. His squad may have six days off after tomorrow, but there are demands. The players will be weighed before they depart and will still have fitness programmes to keep up. Drill sergeant Reynolds explained: 'We have spoken to them about these things. I suppose it's just to threaten them a little bit and behave themselves. 'They are young lads. I think we have all done it, so they need to relax.' And the Dalymount supremo admits his ideas of fitness have changed since he was a player. BACK IN MY DAY Reynolds, 50, said: 'When I was playing for Waterford, I was working on the drinks lorry, delivering drink. 'It was like my gym exercise, going upstairs with crates of drink, beer, whatever. That was my gym stuff and I didn't know it at the time! 'But now it's changed so much. In fairness when I signed for Shelbourne with Pat Fenlon, it was starting to come in, gym stuff and whatever. 'You have to read the room as well as a manager, reading the room to see what works and what doesn't.' But before Bohs head off, he is keen that they wrap up the first half of the season with a victory that would make it seven wins from the last nine, after just three in the opening nine. Rennie, a former Derry City No 2, added: 'The first series of games wasn't good enough. We played well at times and we were bad at times. The points total wasn't good enough with three wins. 'We have improved and I think confidence is everything. 'We have a way of playing and players have grown into it and have had a good second series of games — but it will be a really good one if we win on Friday. 'We are finding that level of consistency but Derry are a tough test looking at a lot of their games. 'They are really good and we know what we're facing.'
