DES MOINES, IOWA (December 7, 2022) — Complaints and information requests to the Iowa Office of Ombudsman rose for the eighth consecutive year in fiscal year 2022, eclipsing a record high number received just a year earlier.

In total, Iowa’s good-government office fielded 6,484 contacts in FY 2022 — an increase of almost sixty percent since FY2014. During that same period of time, complaints from inmates in Iowa’s state prisons and county jails have tripled.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (December 7, 2022) — This winter, the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge will be held at 24 locations throughout the state. These events will support the thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities served by Special Olympics Illinois.

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (December 7, 2022) — The Kiwanis Club of Moline, IL, recently issued grants to five local organizations, with each receiving $450 towards their needs. The funds are collected weekly, during Kiwanis member “happy and sad” announcements. Donations are placed into an actual piggy bank during weekly meetings. This is a long-standing tradition, and members continue to be generous with their contributions to the fund, lovingly called “Porky Pig.”

DAVENPORT, IOWA (December 7, 2022) — Household waste in the United States increases by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Do you have extra “stuff” to get rid of this time of year? ‘Tis the season to recycle right.