From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A federal judge has put a temporary stop to Iowa’s law banning school library books that depict sex acts. The law would ban instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity before seventh grade. It’s been challenged in federal court by LGBTQ advocates, a teacher’s union and book publishers.
Local governments in Iowa may soon have to stop their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The Iowa Senate passed a bill banning the practices. The legislature has already eliminated DEI initiatives in state government and at its universities. If the bill becomes law, Iowa’s cities and counties would be prohibited from filling a position based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.
A Linn County inmate already charged with attempted murder of a peace officer now faces charges of attempted escape. Deputies say 49-year-old Christopher Kern assaulted one of them, knocking him to the ground, as he was being led from a dental office with another inmate. Kern has been in custody at the Linn County Jail since February 20, when he was arrested after a 11-hour standoff with Cedar Rapids Police. Police say Kern fired several shots at officers during that incident.
A new poll from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance shows that voters are hesitant to financially support the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s $210 million bond referendum. According to the Economic Alliance’s poll, about 55% of respondents will likely or definitely vote for the bond referendum. But it needs 60% of the vote to pass. The bond would pay to renovate existing schools and build a new middle school, among other projects.
Cedar Rapids leaders heard new plans from Ingredion for a new facility on 1st Street Southwest. The $48 million project would include the construction of three new buildings and the installation of new equipment. Ingredion, which makes sweeteners and nutritional ingredients, says this project will boost capacity for plant-based products.
A falcon nested at the Dubuque County Courthouse has laid its first egg of the year. According to the County’s website, a pair of peregrine falcons has been returning to the ledge on the fifth floor of the courthouse, where they have been laying eggs since 2017.
