Here First

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.

Republicans in the Iowa Senate have voted to send a bill to the governor’s desk that allows Iowans to buy and carry a handgun without a permit. Gun buyers would still have to pass a background check to make a purchase from a licensed dealer. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ legal team has declined to provide further evidence to a House Committee that she is the rightful winner in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District election. Plus, the home-buying market traditionally heats up in the spring, and this year there’s greater demand and fewer homes for sale; especially in the Midwest.

Republicans in the Iowa Senate have voted to send a bill to the governor’s desk that allows Iowans to buy and carry a handgun without a permit. Gun buyers would still have to pass a background check to make a purchase from a licensed dealer. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ legal team has declined to provide further evidence to a House Committee that she is the rightful winner in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District election. Plus, the home-buying market traditionally heats up in the spring, and this year there’s greater demand and fewer homes for sale; especially in the Midwest.

A panel of Iowa budget experts says they expect higher than anticipated state revenue this year and remain cautious about predicting a quick recovery. IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric details how lawmakers are reacting. A lawsuit brought by incarcerated individuals challenging the Iowa Department of Corrections’ handling of the coronavirus will go to trial. IPR’s Kate Payne explains that five inmates held at the Clarinda Correctional Facility have sued the DOC, alleging department policies have infringed on their rights and caused them to contract COVID-19. Plus, Tiffany O’Donnell is expected to announce her bid to run for mayor against Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart.

A panel of Iowa budget experts says they expect higher than anticipated state revenue this year and remain cautious about predicting a quick recovery. IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric details how lawmakers are reacting. A lawsuit brought by incarcerated individuals challenging the Iowa Department of Corrections’ handling of the coronavirus will go to trial. IPR’s Kate Payne explains that five inmates held at the Clarinda Correctional Facility have sued the DOC, alleging department policies have infringed on their rights and caused them to contract COVID-19. Plus, Tiffany O’Donnell is expected to announce her bid to run for mayor against Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart.

For the first time since last March, state officials are reporting none of the state’s nearly 700 nursing homes and assisted living facilities is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. Scientists are already seeing a host of negative impacts from global climate change on the Mississippi River. IPR’s Kate Payne explains that researchers are tracking temperature variability and more intense rainfalls, and seeing disruptions to the life cycles of key animal species. Plus, a report from Harvest Public Media on the debate over Radio Frequency Identification in animals.

For the first time since last March, state officials are reporting none of the state’s nearly 700 nursing homes and assisted living facilities is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. Scientists are already seeing a host of negative impacts from global climate change on the Mississippi River. IPR’s Kate Payne explains that researchers are tracking temperature variability and more intense rainfalls, and seeing disruptions to the life cycles of key animal species. Plus, a report from Harvest Public Media on the debate over Radio Frequency Identification in animals.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that all Iowans could be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by April 5. IPR’s Health reporter Natalie Krebs sorts out the details. At the statehouse, Republican lawmakers have advanced bills that would ban tax breaks and government contracts for major tech companies that are found by a court to have improperly censored protected speech and another one that would remove the requirement to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon or acquire handguns. Republican lawmakers have also sent a bill to the governor’s desk that would prevent cities from banning discrimination based on the use of housing choice vouchers.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that all Iowans could be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by April 5. IPR’s Health reporter Natalie Krebs sorts out the details. At the statehouse, Republican lawmakers have advanced bills that would ban tax breaks and government contracts for major tech companies that are found by a court to have improperly censored protected speech and another one that would remove the requirement to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon or acquire handguns. Republican lawmakers have also sent a bill to the governor’s desk that would prevent cities from banning discrimination based on the use of housing choice vouchers.

Republicans in the Iowa House of Representatives have passed a bill banning “promoting divisive concepts” in schools and in government agency diversity trainings. Teachings that would be off limits include, quote, “that the U.S. and the state of Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist.” Hear the details of the bill from IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric. A large outdoor music festival in central Iowa is on for early August with new COVID-19 restrictions that will require masks, more social distancing and fewer tickets sold. Plus, for hundreds of children who’ve contracted COVID-19, there are lingering effects of the disease. Side Effects Public Media’s Farah Yousry reports on a condition called MISC.