Here First

Republicans in the Iowa Senate passed a bill that would expand the hours and types of jobs teenagers under the age of 18 could work. Iowa’s new Education Director was confirmed. Plus, a look at how some states are adding AEDs in schools.

In a unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court has rejected Gov. Kim Reynolds’ attempt to dismiss a lawsuit over providing records about the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. University of Iowa researchers have designed a new mobile app to help cancer patients manage their symptoms. Plus, an update on action at the Iowa legislature.

Republicans in the Iowa House sent a bill to the governor’s desk that would deny food assistance to households that have more than $15,000 in assets. The chair of the Iowa Democratic Party says Republican legislation requiring people to caucus in-person should not be necessary to keep the Iowa GOP first in the presidential nominating process. Plus, the ethanol industry says proposed pipelines to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions are essential but some question the climate benefits.

The Iowa House passed a bill authorizing legal gun owners to keep firearms in their cars outside public schools. U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is testing the waters for a run against former President Donald Trump. Plus, outdoor burning is once again not recommended across much of the state.

A lawyer for Governor Kim Reynolds argued before the Iowa Supreme Court that Iowa’s “fetal heartbeat” abortion ban should be reinstated. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has given 1.2 million dollars to Goldfinch Health to help reduce the distribution of opioids in Iowa hospitals. Plus, The University of Iowa plans to ask for emergency authorization to make repairs to a facility damaged by the March 31st tornado.

Federal officials say nearly 3,000 workers hired to euthanize chickens and turkeys struck by bird flu in 2015 are eligible for back pay. House Republicans have advanced a bill that would effectively bar kids aged 14 to 17 from signing up for social media accounts unless they have permission from a parent. Plus, Governor Reynolds has appointed a former Republican legislator to lead the Iowa Utilities Board.

The Iowa legislature still has not debated the state budget. A wide-ranging education bill in the Iowa legislature would redefine which books are age appropriate for K-12 schools. Plus, a fatal disease affecting rabbits is spreading throughout the U.S., including Iowa.

Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office says it has suspended payment for emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault while they are reviewing state policy. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced $40 million in grants investing in conservation efforts. Plus, how Davenport is preparing for its next flood.

Iowa will receive nearly $80 million to help pay for improvements to drinking water infrastructure. This week, Clay and Dickinson counties have become the most recent Iowa counties to launch an adult drug treatment court program. Plus, how some states are stepping up efforts to support both kids in crisis and their caregivers.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed her 1500-page bill into law to reorganize the state government. An expansive education bill that includes a K-6 ban on teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity has passed out of the Iowa House. Plus, a couple tornadoes were confirmed in the state on Tuesday.