From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill that will give Iowa’s public schools an extra 2 percent of funding per student next school year. While that 2 percent is a funding increase, it is not as much as what some public schools say they need to adequately fund the coming school year. More than 7,000 students left Iowa’s public schools, meaning districts lost a total of $58 million. The Governor says, “Together with state, local, and federal funds, Iowa schools are estimated to benefit from more than $9 billion in total education funding next school year.”
Governor Kim Reynolds is responding to criticism over her use of state-funded planes for travel. The Des Moines Register reports the state bought a plane in 2024 with about $4.5 million in COVID-19 relief money for the Iowa State Patrol. The Governor says the plane bought in 2024 is used by the Iowa State Patrol for aerial searches for missing people and investigations, and that her flights only account for 3 percent of the flights taken on that plane. House Minority Leader Brian Meyer says Republicans should sell the plane and use the funding for other programs in the state.
The fate of three Linn County men charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of their 18-year-old brother is now in the hands of a jury. Brothers Christian, Pierre, and Azane Baseme all face involuntary manslaughter, assault causing bodily injury, and false imprisonment charges. In closing arguments yesterday afternoon, the state said it proved the brothers were guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, pointing to interviews the brothers gave to investigators. The defense countered, saying the brothers were doing what they thought was best for their sibling.
Green Square Meals is moving to a new temporarily location in Cedar Rapids after a fire forced them to close. The fire happened early Tuesday morning destroying dumpsters at the back of the building, but causing smoke damage making it impossible to operate inside. In a Facebook post, program leaders say they will serve meals at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on 3rd Avenue Southeast starting on Monday.
