From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Today is the last scheduled day of the 2025 Iowa legislative session; from this day forward, per diem expenses for legislators is supposed to end. But lawmakers still need to agree to pass a budget before they can go home for the year. Right now, there’s a $36 million disagreement among Republicans over the $9.5 billion state budget plan, with Governor Reynolds proposing less spending. Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley says one of the biggest sticking points for House Republicans is that Reynolds’ bill doesn’t include $14 million in funding to increase pay for para educators. Grassley says that funding was agreed to last year to get the House to go along with the Area Education Agency system overhaul.
Linn County deputies have identified the bodies found in a Springville mobile home Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office identifies them as 49-year-old Brett Rickard and 48-year-old Genera Humbert from Springville. The sheriff’s office hasn’t released their cause of deaths, but said there’s no danger to the public.
One of the victims in a deadly crash at an after-school camp in central Illinois was planning to attend the University of Iowa. According to her obituary, 18-year-old Rylee Britton was an employee at the camp. The crash killed Britton and three children on Monday in Chatham. Six other children went to the hospital. One was last reported in critical condition. State police say the driver may have had a medical emergency. Tests show the driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No decision has been made on whether to file charges.
The University of Iowa’s International Writing Program received a $250,000 donation. It comes after the program lost nearly a million dollars in federal funding. The Writing Program’s organizers say the donation came from an investor and lawyer from Florida. He’s challenging supporters to match his donation. In February, the Iowa Writing Program said the State Department claimed its awards did not align with “agency priorities and national interest.” This forced the organization to cancel programs. Its director says he’s grateful for the donation and is looking into options moving forward without federal funding.
