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3.3.23

Conservative lawmakers are on the cusp of passing a so-called constitutional carry bill that would allow people to carry concealed guns in Nebraska without a permit. Lawmakers voted 36-12 Friday to advance the bill from the first of three rounds of debate, thanks in part to the defection of Democratic Omaha Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney. The two are the only Black lawmakers in the body and they cited racial disparity in enforcing gun laws for their support of the bill. Currently, 25 other states have so-called constitutional carry laws that allow people to carry concealed guns without a permit.

The Iowa House has joined the Senate in advancing a bill out of committee that prohibits doctors from providing minors with gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers or surgery.

The proposal is now eligible for debate in both chambers.

House Speaker Pat Grassley was asked by reporters why Republican leaders are moving to ban gender-affirming procedures approved by parents, while backing other proposals meant to reinforce parents’ rights.

Grassley said he considers them separate issues.

"Part of why we are here, where we are today, is I was surprised to find out that some of our major health care providers in the state were actually doing this when we inquired about it. I think there was a level of surprise amongst the members of our caucus."

House Democrats say the proposed ban makes Iowa a hostile place for LGBTQ families and will also make it harder to recruit new workers and businesses from out of state.

A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging mistreatment at the hands of employees at the Woodbury County Jail for $1.5 million. KCAU News 9 reports Marvin Hildreth says he was seriously injured by other inmates in 2021 due to action by jail staff.

A delegation of Ukrainian doctors visited the VA in Des Moines for insight on how to better serve the soldiers defending Ukraine.

An estimated 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded during the first 13 months of the war, but the number of injured soldiers is growing as Russia steps up its attacks.

That is why this group of doctors is touring the VA of Central Iowa. WHO-Television in Des Moines reports the tour involved information about how to help veterans struggling with mental health, PTSD, and sexual traumas related to military service.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump are each headed to Iowa in the coming weeks, making their first trips of the year to the leadoff Republican voting state as the 2024 campaign ramps up. DeSantis has scheduled events on March 10 in the eastern Iowa city of Davenport and the state capital, Des Moines, to promote his new book, “The Courage to be Free.” Trump plans to make his first Iowa trip of the 2024 presidential campaign on March 13, with an education policy speech in Davenport.

The U.S. Interior Department is planning on restoring more large bison herds to Native American lands. The head of the department is expected to issue an order Friday for government workers to tap into Indigenous knowledge in their efforts to conserve bison. Buffalo are culturally important for many tribes. They were driven to near extinction in the late 1800s. The plan includes $25 million to build new herds, transfer more bison from federal to tribal lands and forge new bison management agreements with tribes.

The Siouxland Home Show is underway at the Seaboard Triumph Food Expo Center in Sioux City. The show runs through 8 tonight, tomorrow from 10 a.m. until 8, and then Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This first Friday in March is considered the National Day of Unplugging, where people are encouraged to disconnect from digital distractions.

Officials tell Radio Iowa Iowans should take part in Phones Down For Five, where everyone takes a break from their phones for five days, five hours or even five minutes.

A recent study finds the average American spends more than five hours per day on their phones.

Submitted news release:

Gov. Reynolds Statement on Government Alignment Bill Passing the Iowa House State Government Committee

DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds released the following statement in response to her Government Alignment bill passing the Iowa House State Government Committee:

“State government should be efficient and effective to best serve the needs of Iowans. Right now, we have a state government that is difficult to navigate and bloated – hindering Iowans’ and our states’ growth. This legislation will streamline services, create a clearer path to new opportunities, and save hundreds of millions of dollars for taxpayers. I look forward to seeing this bill pass both chambers soon.”

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