Week in Iowa: Statewide News Recap



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The Iowa Senate is holding a special session to vote Tuesday on congressional redistribution maps and legislation at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines. (Kelsey Kremer / Des Moines check-in via AP)

In the news

Republicans nix first set of redistribution cards: The first set of new political maps offered was rejected at a key point in Iowa’s 10-year redistribution process. Republicans in the Iowa Senate all voted to reject the first set of proposed maps that would redraw the state and congressional boundaries for the next 10 years, citing concerns about the shape and population of some districts. All Senate Democrats voted to approve the cards. The State Legislative Services Agency said it will present a second proposal to lawmakers by October 21. Lawmakers must wait seven days before voting.

COVID funding: A high school weight room undergoing renovations in an Iowa district is an example of schools across the country using federal pandemic relief funds on athletic facilities. Schools claim that the projects support students’ physical and mental health, one of the goals authorized by the federal government.

Law on assault: US Republican Senator Joni Ernst, survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, federal bill calling for the deportation of those seeking entry into the United States who have been convicted of violent sex crimes.

Complaints dismissed: The Iowa House Ethics Committee found itself at a standstill, failing to respond to complaints from Representative Todd Prichard, D-Charles City, alleging that Heritage Action representatives had violated the rules. the House by not registering as lobbyists.

They said …

“Are we tired? Yes, both physically and mentally.

– Jeremy Otto, with Cerro Gordo Public Health, on the state of public health workers after a year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic

“Statewide it’s really kind of a mixed bag. It all depends on the weather.

– Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on harvest conditions at harvest time in Iowa

Tips

Mask law: Gov. Kim Reynolds told a radio audience she plans to appeal a federal judge’s order barring the state from enforcing a state law prohibiting school districts from issuing warrants mask.

Scheduled caucuses: Iowa Democrats and Republicans announced their 2022 midterm caucuses are scheduled for February 7, tracking county, district and state conventions.

Record the trial: A conservative public interest law firm has filed a lawsuit against Democratic state auditor Rob Sand, alleging that Sand’s office is illegally withholding the release of certain documents sought by the firm in a request for open cases.

The water cooler

Penny appearance: Former Vice-President Mike Pence will be in Iowa City on November 1 to speak at the Young America’s Foundation Campus Lecture Series. Pence will speak at 7 p.m. in the main lounge of the Iowa Memorial Union.

New legislator: Republican Michael Bousselot of Ankeny was sworn in as a member of the Iowa House to serve the term of Representative John Landon, an Ankeny Republican who died in June.

Rural grants: Four competitive funds are now available for rural communities of less than 20,000 residents, said Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

More in the news

Reynolds heads for the border: Gov. Kim Reynolds was among a group of GOP governors who released a 10-point plan at a press conference in Mission, Texas, where they said the Democratic Biden administration could immediately pass for resolve immigration issues at the US-Mexico border. Reynolds said Wednesday she left with a new idea on troubling immigration and security issues after visiting the region. Democrats accused Reynolds of traveling over 1,200 miles to participate in a “lame political coup” that amounted to a taxpayer-funded Republican excursion.

Strike avoided: Deere & Co. and International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America reached agreement in principle on new six-year contract that would avoid a strike. A vote was scheduled for Sunday.

Approved regulation: Members of the State Appeals Board approved a payment of $ 18,000 to settle an alleged negligence complaint filed against the University of Iowa by Jasmine Spinello, who suffered multiple injuries after her foot slipped on loose concrete and gravel outside an UI building in January 2018.

Facebook review: US Senator Chuck Grassley has said that while the Facebook policies and practices described during the testimony to Congress of Iowa City native Frances Haugen are true, the actions of the social media company are “immoral and unethical”.



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