Here First

Cedar Rapids public school officials say it’s safe for students to be back in class, while the investigation continues into a threat that closed schools on Monday. A predominantly Black neighborhood in Waterloo is celebrating the opening of its first grocery store in almost 50 years. And, the NASCAR Cup Series is coming to Newton next summer.

Iowa officials say they’ve reached an interim settlement in a lawsuit claiming the state doesn’t provide adequate mental health support for children on Medicaid. Cedar Rapids public school students head back to class today, after a social media threat closed schools yesterday. And parts of Iowa could see the first freeze of fall by the end of the week.

The Iowa Board of Regents will ask the legislature for an additional one million dollars next session to address students’ mental health needs. The U.S. Agriculture Department is changing a rule in hopes of getting more free meals to students. And, Iowa is seeing a critical shortage of dentists who treat patients with Medicaid coverage.

A Polk County judge has denied a motion to dismiss the state of Iowa and a state ride inspector from a lawsuit filed by the family of a boy who died when in Adventureland. With COVID cases up again, the federal government has once again started offering Americans free at-home testing kits. Plus, new challenges for composting.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is promising another round of tax cuts as she reports a $1.8 billion budget surplus from the past fiscal year. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley says it’s “idiocy” to be going through another government shutdown. Plus, a healthcare clinic in Cedar Falls has partnered with 3 other states to provide care after a statewide bill restricting LGBTQ care has become enforceable.

A leader in the union that represents 19-thousand federal employees who work in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas says some of them will be required to work, without pay, if there's a federal government shutdown. The federal government is funding nearly 80% of Davenport's project to make the railroad line along its riverfront safe for pedestrians and motorists. Plus, Iowa State University has a goal to trim $15 million from its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences by 2025.

A state committee that has been evaluating the number of boards and commissions in Iowa is sending final recommendations to lawmakers. Thousands of people have been mistakenly dropped off Medicaid since the spring. Planned Parenthood North Central States says its book sale at the state fairgrounds next month will be its last.

The federal government is heading toward a shutdown that will disrupt many services. Iowa officials say a man has been found and arrested after failing to show up for the verdict at his murder trial. Plus, thirteen cities and water systems in the Des Moines area have drafted a final proposal to create a combined utility in charge of sourcing drinking water for the metro region.

The deadline to file to run for local office this November ended Thursday. Cedar Rapids Schools is asking voters this November to approve the largest school bond ever put to Iowa voters. Plus, Iowa’s first gentleman, Kevin Reynolds, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Former President Donald Trump is taking heat from all sides of the abortion issue after he criticized Republican-led states for enacting tough restrictions for the procedure. A funeral was held for Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram who was killed in the line of duty last week. Plus, a new report has found Iowa is one of 22 states with an obesity rate over 35%.