By invoking the Defense Production Act, which "authorizes the President to require acceptance and priority performance of contracts or orders and to allocate materials, services, and facilities to promote the national defense or to maximize domestic energy supplies," US president Donald Trump has declared himself America's economic dictator.

PRESS RELEASE (March 18, 2020) — In partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Rock Island and Scott County Health Departments and Rock Island and Scott County Emergency Management Agencies are encouraging businesses and organizations to donate extra personal protective equipment (PPE) to assist health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19.

Any type of PPE is welcomed:

LENEXA, KANSAS (March 17, 2020) — The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing amendments to the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule that reduce the burden for certain CDR reporters, improve the quality of CDR data collected, and align reporting requirements with the Lautenberg Act amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

JOHNSTON, IOWA (March 16, 2020) — For 100 years, Iowans have enjoyed and explored their state's natural beauty through the state parks system. To commemorate this milestone, Iowa Outdoors, Iowa PBS's series centered on outdoor recreation and Iowa's natural resources, will feature three new episodes honoring the history and beauty of Iowa's state parks. The 30-minute episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in April, premiering on statewide Iowa PBS beginning April 1.