Here First

House Republicans advanced a bill that would reduce the maximum time Iowans can receive unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 16. Republican lawmakers in the Iowa legislature are proposing ideas to fill a shortage of teachers across the state but Democrats argue that a larger increase in state funding is what would help schools attract more educators. Plus, a Madison County music and camping festival has expanded its days in August.

A new report by the state auditor has analyzed how accurately Iowa reported COVID-19 data during the first part of the pandemic. Iowa lawmakers are preparing to work though several proposals aimed at easing the state’s teacher shortage. Plus, a bill advanced by an Iowa Senate panel would remove the time limit on child sex abuse survivors’ ability to sue their abuser.

Tuesday is the deadline for education groups hoping to launch new state-funded charter schools to apply with the Iowa Department of Education. National Democrats who set the rules for the presidential nominating calendar took aim at the Iowa caucuses over the weekend. Plus, IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric runs down the differences in the House, Senate and Governor's tax plans.

Some school districts have stopped requiring masks in response to an appeals court ruling on Iowa’s ban on school mask mandates. But attorneys for the families that challenged the law say that’s the wrong response. Iowa House Republicans have released their tax cut plan that mirrors Governor Kim Reynolds’ call for phasing in a 4% flat personal income tax. Plus, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has named Kimberly Hunter to be its interim CEO.

Iowa health officials are reporting COVID-19 hospitalizations have once again dropped as test positivity rates remain high. Iowa Senate Republicans have released a tax plan. The state is searching for solutions for the workforce shortage. IPR’s Catherine Wheeler brings us the voices of Iowans talking about what they’re looking for in their next gig.

A federal appeals court has allowed the state to enforce a law that prevents local schools from imposing mask mandates in districts where no disabled students need masks to protect them. A House subcommittee has advanced a bill along party lines that would allow FDA approved drugs for off-label use on patients who are terminally ill or on life support. Plus, IPR’s Grant Gerlock explains how utilities across the Des Moines metro area could soon begin negotiations to change how decisions are made about the region’s water supply.

State health officials have report COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped, as test positivity rates remain high. Republicans in the Iowa Senate have advanced a bill that would remove the chief district judge from local judicial nominating commissions. Plus, refugee resettlement agencies have been tasked with helping more than 600 Afghan refugees find homes in Iowa and finding affordable housing has been a challenge for many.

Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says now is the time for the U.S. to impose sanctions on Russia, to try to prevent an invasion of Ukraine. The Sioux City school board votes on Monday on a proposal to give the district superintendent the authority to implement a temporary mask requirement in classrooms. Plus, IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric gives an update on the legislative session.

Governor Kim Reynolds released the details of her tax cut plan this week. Health experts say they’re alarmed by an increasing number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Iowa. Plus, Sioux City school officials are considering giving their district’s superintendent the authority to institute a temporary mask mandate for schools.

Iowa health officials are reporting COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing one thousand. A bill moving through the Iowa Senate would allow families to continue to claim medical and religious exemptions to school vaccinations during a public health emergency. Plus, the Iowa Utilities Board hosted a virtual public meeting Wednesday night on a Texas company’s proposal to build a carbon capture pipeline through 36 Iowa counties.