From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
The worst of the bad air may be gone. Air quality conditions continued to improve overnight after eastern Iowa saw some of the worst smoky conditions ever recorded. It’s been thanks to thousands of acres of wildfires in Canada and a weather system that pushed the air into the Midwest and East coast. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has warned people with weakened respiratory systems to take caution if they go outside.
New laws are going into effect tomorrow across Iowa impacting things like caucusing, child labor, and parental rights in schools. One new law new law will allow Iowa teenagers to work more jobs and for longer hours. It would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work in manufacturing areas as part of a work-based learning program. 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to serve alcohol in restaurants if the worker’s parent approves and there are adults nearby. And they’ll also be able to work six hours a day while school is in session as opposed to the previous four hours a day.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action will not have an effect on Iowa’s three public universities: Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. Grinnell College is one school that relies on affirmative action during the college admissions process, according to an article in the school’s student newspaper. Grinnell’s President Anne Harris was quoted in the article saying the school will use quantitative analysis and qualitative experience to continue prioritizing diversity.
Iowa City officials are launching a new program–offering free bus rides to everyone. Fare-Free Iowa City is a two year pilot-program that means every ride on Iowa City buses is free for everyone. Passengers do not need a pass or money to ride. City officials say they want to study the effects of making transit free across Iowa City, with a goal of improving public transportation.
