A poll from the Des Moines Register shows that nearly 60 percent of Iowans oppose the state’s six-week abortion ban and nearly two-thirds believe that abortion should be legal in most or all cases.
Rita Hart, Chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party, said the results indicate Iowa’s abortion laws are at odds with a majority of people’s opinions across the state.
“The polling makes it clear that this is an important issue for Iowans, that they are the ones that are saying, ‘Hey we’ve gone too far,’ “ Hart said.
Although a majority of people surveyed support abortion access, the poll also shows that a majority in three out of Iowa’s four congressional districts prefer a Republican candidate over a Democrat.
The one district where people favored a Democratic candidate is the 1st Congressional District, which includes Iowa City and Davenport, where the contest involves incumbent Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat Christina Bohannon.
*Additionally, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will be in Northwest Iowa on Thursday. According to her office, Reynolds will attend a ribbon cutting ceremony as the satellite site of Iowa Central Community College opens a new learning center,
That event will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the facility at 323 West 20th Street in Storm Lake. Work on that addition began in spring 2024.
The two-story building features 16 classrooms, an Academic Resource Center, and a testing center. The new center will allow Iowa Central to offer additional programs such as welding, electrical and manufacturing and certified nurse aide courses.
It will also serve as a career academy for students from five school districts in Northwest Iowa, and host Community Education and English Language Learners courses in evenings.
*Additionally, a public sector union says two prison workers were assaulted by an inmate Monday at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison.
A news release from AFSCME Council 61 says an inmate attacked two correctional officers, leaving one with serious injuries.
In the release, AFSCME Council 61 President Todd Copley accused Governor Kim Reynolds of not doing enough to keep prison staff and inmates safe. He’s calling for the hiring of more prison staff, updated safety equipment and training, and an investigation of the conditions of Iowa’s prisons.
The Iowa Department of Corrections says it doesn’t comment on open investigations. But a spokesperson said they’re committed to implementing best practices in security and training.
Three years ago, two prison workers were murdered by inmates at the state prison in Anamosa. The legislature then gave the Department of Corrections a funding boost to hire more staff.
*Additionally, charges have been upgraded for a 21-year-old man accused of killing a teenager in Calhoun County, Iowa.
A news release issued by the sheriff’s office on Tuesday evening said Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney now faces a first-degree murder charge for the death of 17-year-old Michele “Luna” Jackson.
Jackson was reported missing on Sunday night in Farnhamville, and her body was found in a cornfield on Monday.
The criminal complaint says Bevers-McGivney with premeditation cut her throat with a knife with the intent to kill her.
Court documents said her mother and sister saw the suspect while searching for Jackson, and he was covered in blood and had her scooter and other personal items.
Jackson’s obituary says she brought joy to those around her and loved swinging in the park.
