From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Republican House and Senate leaders have agreed on a new state budget. It’s a $9.4 billion measure, a budget compromise that’s a $480 million increase in spending compared to last year. The new compromise bill includes $14 million in funding to raise pay for paraeducators. That’s an item House members say was part of last year’s compromise over rehauling the Area Education Associations; Senate Republicans initially opposed it in this year’s budget. Iowa lawmakers were supposed to adjourn the session last Friday, but had yet to agree on a new budget plan.
A man who hid the gun used in a murder in Cedar Rapids is avoiding prison. In March, Pierre Morrow pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and obstruction as part of a plea deal. He received a sentence of two years in prison, but the judge then deferred that sentence, which allowed him to avoid prison if he stays out of trouble. Morrow is the stepfather of Cameron Leonard, who a jury convicted for killing a Door Dash driver in 2023. Morrow hid the gun after the crime.
An industrial accident at a corn processing plant sent two mechanical contractors to the hospital in Cedar Rapids. First responders responded to a call at the ADM plant a little before 12:30 p.m. yesterday. Authorities have not provided details about what caused the accident or the contractors’ conditions.
Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst announced she’s running for Iowa’s third congressional district. That district covers central and southwest parts of Iowa. It sets up a general election challenge with Republican Congressman Zach Nunn. But another Democrat has also entered the race; State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott announced her campaign earlier this week.
Food pantries in Iowa say they have concerns with the governor’s new summer meals program for low-income families and their children. It will replace the USDA’s summer EBT program, which Governor Kim Reynolds chose to opt out of for the past two years. Families can then choose $40 worth of food per child from distribution sites in the state. The program will run from June through August.
