A bill that passed the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support has become a flash point in the debate over how schools should start this month. The bill, which is now law, says Iowa schools should develop plans for "rigorous" online courses, but the law goes on to say that unless … [Read more...]
Guilty plea made in connection with fraud at Des Moines Metro Waste Authority
The former executive director of the Des Moines Metro Waste Authority has pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud after investigators say he improperly collected at least $1.8 million. A special investigation released by the state auditor in December indicated Jeff Dworek created a shell … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor says ‘community context’ a factor in online instruction decisions
Governor Kim Reynolds says the source of Covid-19 outbreaks will be considered as state officials review school district requests to temporarily shift to remote learning. The guidelines released last week indicate at least 10 percent of students must be absent in a district - and a rolling, … [Read more...]
Des Moines BLM group reacts to governor’s order on felon voting
Des Moines Black Lives Matter activists held their own celebration about six hours after Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order automatically restoring voting rights to most released felons who've completed parole and probation. Black Lives Matter organizers Matthew Bruce said the order … [Read more...]
Cities and counties to receive millions in federal aid for pandemic expenses
Governor Kim Reynolds has set aside $60 million in federal aid for eligible Iowa cities and $40 million for counties to cover pandemic-related expenses. "These funds can be used to reimburse for expenditures such as Covid-19 medical supplies and equipment -- PPE, sanitizing products, testing … [Read more...]
Football team room to be added inside UNI-Dome
UNI officials have the go-ahead to create a "team room" for the Panther football team inside the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. "To the extent there are corners in a round building, it'll go in the northeast corner of the UNI-Dome. It'll add 120-140 seats and that can be divided in two for offense and … [Read more...]
Iowa governor says no credit for online instruction without state permission
Governor Kim Reynolds says in-person classes are to be the primary mode of educating Iowa's K-12 students this school year and students will not get credit if their schooling is conducted online without state permission. "Schools that choose not to return to school for at least 50% in-person … [Read more...]
Two districts resist governor’s order on resumption of classes
Two central Iowa school boards are resisting the governor's order that districts begin the school year with in-person instruction. The Waukee School Board and the district's superintendent issued a written statement last night. It included what was described as "a reminder" to Governor Reynolds … [Read more...]
Salary boost approved for doctor who’s top medical advisor in state government
The state medical director whose public profile has been elevated during the pandemic has gotten a big pay boost. Dr. Caitlin Pedati's boss is Department of Human Services director Kelly Garcia, who is now the interim director of the Public Health Department, too. Garcia told Radio Iowa she … [Read more...]
Wind turbines on private property a flash point for Iowa lawmakers
Three GOP members of a key committee say they plan to block state regulators from expanding their authority to turn over private property for wind energy developments. Some Iowa counties have passed local zoning ordinances restricting where wind turbines may be placed. Critics say those … [Read more...]