Here First

Kossuth County libraries are facing deep budget cuts beginning this summer, possibly forcing three branches to close. The ACLU in Iowa has filed a “friend of the court” brief in a case that challenges an ordinance in Oregon that bars people from sleeping outdoors in public. And spring planting is underway – corn growers already have 13 percent of their crop in the ground.

The Iowa Legislature’s 2024 session is in the books. Before adjourning early Saturday morning, lawmakers passed a flat-rate tax bill, and did not extend a casino moratorium for five more years. Some Iowans are concerned the sale of a Lee County fertilizer plant could mean unfair pricing for farmers. And the bridge over the Mississippi River between Lansing and Wisconsin is open again.

Republicans in the Iowa legislature have a plan to speed up planned income tax cuts. Lawmakers face a deadline to pass a law that would allow Iowa men who were sexually abused as Boy Scouts to receive their full payment from a national settlement. And rural newspapers are experimenting with ways to keep local news alive.

Iowa lawmakers approve a plan to improve reading scores for students. The state attorney general announced an open-call for a new sexual assault support service for southeastern Iowa. A new study shows a program to help young people as they leave foster care is working. And, former Hawkeye Caitlin Clark is officially introduced as a member of the Indiana Fever.

Governor Reynold's plan to eliminate and merge boards and commissions get modified in the Iowa House. The state gets closer to banning guaranteed income programs. Parents in Waterloo raise concerns about a new plan to arm teachers and staff. And, a potential pay raise for lawmakers.

The Iowa House is sending a bill to the governor's desk that details training requirements for teachers and staff who are authorized to carry guns in schools. Members of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force are concerned about a new law that allows state police to arrest undocumented immigrants. Dickinson County is looking at distance requirements for carbon dioxide pipelines. And, as expected, Caitlin Clark was picked first in the WNBA draft.

Supporters held a rally in Iowa City to mourn the closure of the Rape Victim Advocacy Program at the University of Iowa. Independent presidential candidate RFK Jr. campaigned in Des Moines and says he received enough support to show up on the ballot in November. The head of the Iowa ACLU comments on a traffic camera proposal. And, Caitlin Clark enters the WNBA draft tonight.

The Iowa Supreme Court hears arguments over a law that would ban most abortions at as early as six weeks of pregnancy. The Republican Speaker of the Iowa House wants more review of a bill that could affect settlement payouts for victims of sexual abuse as Boy Scouts. And a Kansas company is building weed-seeking robots for farmers.

The Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today over the "fetal heartbeat" law, which would ban abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy. Governor Reynolds signed a bill into law allowing state officials to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants that is similar to one passed in Texas. And Iowa lawmakers continue to back a proposal that makes it easier to allow teachers and staff to carry firearms.

Iowa governor signs bill strengthening oversight of foreign farmland ownership. There are challenges for funding for sexual assault support services for the University of Iowa. The NAIA bans transgender athletes from sports. And, Iowa Hawkeye star Caitlin Clark wins another repeat award.