Here First

Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law that raises penalties for protest-related offenses and expands some police protections. IPR’s Katarina Sostaric tells us that Black Democratic leaders in Iowa say the governor’s signing of a policing bill on Thursday is a step backward for the state. Organizers for a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth event in Des Moines say this year’s celebration holds special meaning. Plus, many people learn about farming by growing up on a farm or in school. Some people learn by playing and watching video games. Harvest Public Media’s Jonathan Ahl reports on the growing world of the game Farming Simulator.

Governor Kim Reynolds signed a wide-ranging tax bill into law on Wednesday. IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric explains that it allows more income tax cuts to kick in, phases out backfill payments to local governments, and shifts mental health funding from local property taxes to the state. IPR’s Kate Payne tells us about an Iowa advocacy group that is providing support to teachers who feel targeted by a new state law that limits certain teachings and trainings dealing with racism and sexism. Plus, Iowa is ending its coronavirus testing program next month saying demand has fallen for testing at the state-funded drive-thru and clinic sites.

Democrat Ras Smith formally launched his campaign for governor at an event in his hometown of Waterloo on Tuesday. IPR’s Kate Payne has the details from his campaign kickoff. The new minority leader in the Iowa House of Representatives spoke with reporters for the first time following her election to lead the Democrats in that chamber. Plus, the Polk County Board of Supervisors has approved a lottery to incentivize residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs explains that officials hope to get 75% of that county’s eligible residents vaccinated by the end of the State Fair on August 22.

The largest water utility is asking its customers to cut its water usage back by 25% because of low river levels. Iowa House Democrats voted yesterday (Monday) to elect Representative Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights as the new House Minority leader. Another Iowan has been arrested and charged for their alleged role in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Plus, IPR’s Kassidy Arena says many Iowa music venues are still waiting for federal funding to help them keep their doors open during the pandemic.

Demand for COVID-19 vaccines continues to lag in Iowa, especially in the state’s rural counties. IPR’s Kate Payne tells us that vaccination rates in southern and northwestern Iowa trail those in more urban areas. The former head of the Iowa Department of Human Services is suing Governor Kim Reynolds over his ouster in 2019. Plus, this week is the first week Iowans will no longer receive an additional 300 dollars in weekly federal unemployment benefits. IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs says Iowa is one of the first four states to end the federal pandemic-related benefit.

Governor Kim Reynolds demands a congressional hearing after migrant children were brought to Iowa in April for unification with their sponsors without notification. Two Democratic candidates have already announced they’re running to replace longtime Polk County Attorney John Sarcone just a day after he said he would not seek re-election. IPR’s Kate Payne tells us one of the declared candidates formerly ran for U.S. Senate in Iowa. The Midwest region has some of the highest rates of rented farmland in the country and that can have environmental consequences. Harvest Public Media offers an analysis of the environmental impact of tenant farming.

Demand for vaccines in Iowa continues is continuing to decline. Iowa counties can now recognize emergency medical services as “essential”, under a bill signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday. IPR’s Kate Payne says that unlike fire and police services, local governments in Iowa have not been required to provide EMS. Plus, we get a report from Side Effects Public Media about Black Lives Matter and how it’s more than a movement to fight violence against Black people. It’s also involved in health and feeding programs.

Governor Kim Reynolds signed a lot of bills into law on Tuesday including budget bills, one that restricts who can help Iowa voters return their absentee ballot and another one that puts limits on government agency diversity trainings and school lessons related to racism and sexism. Plus, IPR’s Health reporter Natalie Krebs gives the details of a new report which finds Iowa’s seniors are at low risk for social isolation as compared to the rest of the nation.

State health officials announced on Monday that they have launched a multi-media marketing campaign to encourage more Iowans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-West Des Moines) says this is a make-or-break moment for the country and now is not the time to give up on election reform legislation that cleared the U.S. House earlier this year and stalling in the Senate. She spoke at a townhall on Monday in West Des Moines. Plus, IPR’s Kassidy Arena reports on an Iowa State University project that is working to highlight Latino experiences as the pandemic subsides.

Iowa prison officials plan to resume in-person visits with incarcerated individuals beginning next month. But IPR’s Kate Payne explains that the department will limit visits to only those inmates who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. A new facility for barge traffic has opened along the Missouri River in western Iowa. IPR’s Katie Peikes tells us about NEW Cooperative that’s built an $11 million port near Blencoe in Monona County. Plus, The Red Cross is reminding Iowans they can still give blood donations if they’re vaccinated against COVID-19.