CA, US & World
Federal Court Clears Way for Iowa Vape Registry Law Enforcement
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Iowa to begin enforcing its vape registry law after lifting an injunction that previously blocked the legislation. The decision allows state authorities to enforce regulations limiting which e-cigarette products can be legally sold, a move supporters hope will curb youth vaping but local business owners warn could force vape shops across the state to close.
The ruling directly affects the availability of e-cigarettes currently lining retail store shelves, particularly non-FDA-approved disposable products. Under the law, products must receive authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to remain on the market, which means many popular items will soon be removed from store displays.
Local shop owners say the law poses an existential threat to independent retailers. Brandon Gaines, owner of Uptown Vapors, said that if the current restrictions remain unchanged and stores can only sell six approved products, his business and an estimated 95 to 99 percent of vape shops across Iowa will be forced to close their doors. Brock Reddish, a store manager at Uptown Vapors, noted that the impacted products comprise nearly an entire wall of disposable items in their store.
Health officials view the ruling as a critical step toward protecting teenagers from nicotine addiction. Vianka Herrera, a community tobacco consultant with the Scott County Health Department, explained that local school districts have seen a noticeable rise in teen vaping, largely driven by the wide variety of flavored products available on the market. Health advocates hope that reducing product availability will directly lead to fewer young people using nicotine.
Vape shop owners maintain that while they support industry oversight, the state law goes too far by eliminating mom-and-pop businesses and allowing major tobacco companies to dominate the market. Retailers urge state officials to consider expanding the list of approved products rather than removing the majority of inventory, pointing to states like Georgia that have placed hundreds of products on their official registry.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
August 4, 2026
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Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
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☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason