Here First

The names of the two Iowa State University students who died during a school crew club boat accident on Sunday have been released. A charter school expansion bill that passed the Iowa House last week is now advancing in the Senate. A Senate subcommittee advanced a bill on Tuesday that would allow nonprofit groups to establish tax-funded charter schools without input from a local school board. Plus, Some COVID-19 survivors are still suffering from persistent symptoms, weeks or even months after they first tested positive. IPR’s Kate Payne tells us that early estimates suggest there could be thousands of these “long-haulers” in Iowa.

Officials have recovered the body of a second Iowa State University student who had been missing after a school crew club boat capsized during practice on a lake north of Ames. The Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill unanimously on Monday that aims to expand high-speed internet throughout the state. IPR's Katarina Sostaric explains that the bill establishes matching grants for companies that expand broadband in underserved areas. Plus, a report from Harvest Public Media on how Black farmers and other disadvantaged groups are getting billions of dollars in debt relief and help.

Officials have recovered the body of a second Iowa State University student who had been missing after a school crew club boat capsized during practice on a lake north of Ames. The Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill unanimously on Monday that aims to expand high-speed internet throughout the state. IPR's Katarina Sostaric explains that the bill establishes matching grants for companies that expand broadband in underserved areas. Plus, a report from Harvest Public Media on how Black farmers and other disadvantaged groups are getting billions of dollars in debt relief and help.

Iowa State University officials say a boat with five members of ISU's Crew Club capsized Sunday morning on Little Wall Lake. Three members were rescued and a dive team recovered one body while a fifth member is still missing. The hospitality industry continues to be hard hit by the pandemic but some businesses are beginning to see a route to recovery. IPR’s Grant Gerlock discusses recent numbers from Iowa Workforce Development. Plus, a conversation with IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric about proposals moving through the legislature as another deadline approaches for state lawmakers.

Iowa State University officials say a boat with five members of ISU's Crew Club capsized Sunday morning on Little Wall Lake. Three members were rescued and a dive team recovered one body while a fifth member is still missing. The hospitality industry continues to be hard hit by the pandemic but some businesses are beginning to see a route to recovery. IPR’s Grant Gerlock discusses recent numbers from Iowa Workforce Development. Plus, a conversation with IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric about proposals moving through the legislature as another deadline approaches for state lawmakers.

The University of Iowa has named an interim president until they fill the post that Bruce Harreld is leaving in May. Renters outside of Polk County can apply for federally-funded assistance starting next week. IPR’s Kassidy Arena explains that the Iowa Finance Authority will administer $195 million for people who have experienced any financial hardships due to COVID-19. Plus, more shoppers are buying Impossible Burgers, Beyond Meat and other meat alternatives made from plants. But we hear from Harvest Public Media’s Seth Bodine the industry still faces barriers.

The University of Iowa has named an interim president until they fill the post that Bruce Harreld is leaving in May. Renters outside of Polk County can apply for federally-funded assistance starting next week. IPR’s Kassidy Arena explains that the Iowa Finance Authority will administer $195 million for people who have experienced any financial hardships due to COVID-19. Plus, more shoppers are buying Impossible Burgers, Beyond Meat and other meat alternatives made from plants. But we hear from Harvest Public Media’s Seth Bodine the industry still faces barriers.

Two incarcerated individuals face multiple charges in killings of a nurse and a correctional officer at the Anamosa State Penitentiary that happened on Tuesday. IPR’s Kate Payne was in Anamosa Wednesday when investigators briefed reporters and the community and has the details. Governor Kim Reynolds says the state is on track to open COVID-19 vaccine appointments to all eligible Iowans on April 5. Plus, the Iowa House has passed a bill that would expand the state’s publicly-funded charter school system.

Two incarcerated individuals face multiple charges in killings of a nurse and a correctional officer at the Anamosa State Penitentiary that happened on Tuesday. IPR’s Kate Payne was in Anamosa Wednesday when investigators briefed reporters and the community and has the details. Governor Kim Reynolds says the state is on track to open COVID-19 vaccine appointments to all eligible Iowans on April 5. Plus, the Iowa House has passed a bill that would expand the state’s publicly-funded charter school system.

The Iowa Department of Corrections has announced that two staffers at the Anamosa State Penitentiary have died Tuesday following an attack by an incarcerated individual. Political tensions are increasing around how to address the contested election result in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, with some moderate Democrats warning against the effort. IPR’s Kate Payne explains that some of Rita Hart’s fellow Democrats have called for an end to her challenge against Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ six-vote margin of victory. Plus, IPR Health reporter Natalie Krebs reports on how keeping up with COVID-19 information has been challenging in Iowa, especially for those who don’t speak English.