Here First

Iowa is going into Christmas week with continued high levels of coronavirus activity and no significant gains in vaccination. An outside review of Iowa corrections facilities finds security has improved in Iowa prisons but staffing and overcrowding are still serious issues. Plus, Woodbury County law enforcement is encouraging parents to monitor students’ social media after threats of school violence.

U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller Meeks says she expects a tough bid for re-election in Iowa’s new First Congressional District. Iowa State Extension plans meetings in the new years to find ways to help cow and calf producers who took a hit from this year’s drought. And, poinsettias might not be as toxic as you think.

Three media organizations and their reporters are suing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, alleging she has repeatedly violated the state's open records laws. The COVID-19 outbreaks at meat processing facilities affected more than just workers. They also affected the communities they live in. Plus, IPR’s Kate Payne reports on social justice advocates calling for prison reform in Iowa.

Tens of thousands of Alliant and Mid-American Energy customers are without power Thursday morning after a rare December thunderstorm blasted across Iowa. Davenport-based Lee Enterprises is being sued by the New York-based hedge fund that attempted to buy the company. Lee owns 10 newspapers in Iowa and dozens more across the country. Plus, IPR’s Natalie Krebs reports on how the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the meatpacking industry’s diverse workforce.

High winds and the potential for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are expected across Iowa. The top Republican in the Iowa Senate says tax changes are his number one priority for the legislative session that starts next month. Plus, IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs begins a three-part series on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the meatpacking industry.

Tuesday marks one year since the first group of Iowans started getting vaccinated against COVID-19. State Republican leaders say they’ll pursue “significant tax cuts” after a state panel of financial experts predicted Iowa will continue to see revenue growth. Plus, Sioux City Council has voted to reallocate federal coronavirus relief funds to provide city employees with a $300 bonus.

A representative of the 19 state-licensed casinos in Iowa says lawmakers may debate legalizing online casino gambling, but not during the 2022 legislative session. Large farms increased their dominance over the past ten years. Plus, how shaky research studies overseas have wreaked havoc across the U.S. during the pandemic.

State health officials say they have confirmed the first case of the omicron COVID-19 variant in Iowa. Disability Rights Iowa held a town hall in Sioux City this week to hear residents’ concerns on accessibility issues in the area. Plus, Davenport-based Lee Enterprises has rejected a bid from a New York- based hedge fund to take over its newspapers.

Iowa state health officials have confirmed more than 13 thousand new COVID-19 infections in the past week. That’s as hospitalizations continue to hit record highs for this year. A federal investigation has concluded there is reasonable cause to believe the state violated the Americans with Disabilities Act at the Woodward and Glenwood Resource Centers. Plus, more counties in Iowa are pushing local leaders to adopt a pandemic relief fund for excluded workers.

State Auditor Rob Sand announced Tuesday that he is running for re-election, putting an end to speculation the he might run for governor in 2022. The top Democrat in the Iowa Senate says Republicans’ desire to get rid of the state income tax could be “catastrophic” for the state. Plus, masks are no longer required at Ankeny schools.