Here First

Federal health officials have recently given the go ahead to vaccinate children ages six months to four years using either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations. Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed a law that eliminates a test requirement for new teachers from Iowa colleges and universities. It’s part of an effort to ease a statewide teacher shortage. Plus, Iowa deer hunters will be allowed to use semi-automatic weapons including AR-15 rifles to kill deer in more parts of the state during a newly created antlerless season in January under a bill signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Students at Iowa’s three public universities may be paying more for tuition starting in the fall. The leader of the group pushing for a casino license for Cedar Rapids says they aren't giving up. Plus, three lower court judges and two attorneys have applied for the upcoming vacancy on the Iowa Supreme Court.

Abortion rights supporters say Friday’s decision from the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a 2018 abortion ruling is a “devastating reversal.” Food banks across Iowa are struggling to keep up with increased demand as pandemic aid ends. Plus, Side Effects Public Media explores how sickle cell disease can affect both fertility, in both men and women, yet many find they are unable to access fertility treatments to be able to have children.

The Iowa Supreme Court is expected to release a decision today on a case that could affect the future of abortion access for Iowans. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law cutting unemployment benefits. Plus, The city of Hornick broke ground on a flood-protection project yesterday. The small western Iowa town of a little more than 250 people is beginning construction on a berm to prevent future floods.

The family of Michael Williams is calling for reform of Iowa’s hate crime laws. In 2020, Williams, a Black man, was murdered and his remains were set on fire by Steve Vogel, a white man. Almost two years later, his loved ones still are fighting for his death to be recognized as a lynching. There are now stronger penalties for elder abuse under a bill Governor Kim Reynolds has signed into law. Plus, The Board of Regents will meet Monday and consider an increase in tuition and fees at the three state universities.

Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a law that prohibits state-licensed child care centers, K-through-12 schools and Iowa colleges and universities from having Covid-19 vaccination mandates for enrollment. Gov. Reynolds will use federal COVID-relief funds to create a new school safety bureau at the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Plus, Iowa’s largest abortion provider has condemned a recent attack on a crisis pregnancy center by abortion rights activists.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a couple of bills aimed at improving access to mental health services in Iowa. Drake University is partnering with a local hospital on a new clinic that will serve students and the community around its campus. And the Iowa owners of the Belmont Stakes’ winning horse are celebrating with free ice cream for kids in downtown Des Moines this afternoon.

Governor Kim Reynolds told her party convention over the weekend she will try again to give state support to parents who want to send their kids to private schools. The Cedar Rapids School Board later today considers a new contract for police in schools. And, Iowa nonprofits are getting $20 million to help expand their services.

Iowa’s largest drinking water utility says it has started operation of its nitrate removal facility this week. That’s because nitrate levels in raw water sources have increased. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was seen in student achievement, according to figures shared today (Thursday) with the State Board of Education. Plus, a handful of protest marches calling for action on gun related legislation in Iowa is taking place in six cities across the state.

Iowa health officials are reporting today (Wednesday) a jump in the number of positive COVID-19 tests confirmed in the past week. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ousted four Republican state lawmakers in last night’s (Tuesday’s) primary elections after they didn’t support her plan to create state-funded scholarships for private school expenses. Iowa hasn’t seen a new avian flu case in more than a month. Iowa’s top agriculture official says recovery will take some time as producers get the go-ahead to bring in new birds.