Gas Prices Are Going Up Across Iowa
(Iowa) — Gas prices across Iowa are an average of three-17 a gallon, 54-cents higher than last week. While higher seasonal demand and the conflict in Iran could push the cost higher, there may be some relief. Brian Ortner with Triple-A says OPEC’s announcement that it would increase supply availability in the second quarter could lower gas prices in the coming months. Ortner says average gas prices topped four dollars when Russia invaded Ukraine, but there’s too much uncertainty in the Middle East to predict how high prices will go.
Bill Restricting Local Governments from Providing Civil Rights Protections Heads To Governor’s Desk
(Iowa) — A bill that would prevent local governments from adding civil rights protections beyond those listed in the Iowa Civil Rights Act is heading to the governor’s desk. Opponents of the bill say the measure would allow discrimination against transgender Iowans, after Iowa became the first state to remove gender identity as a protected class in 2025. Supporters say the bill will standardize civil rights protections across the state. Iowa Senators debated the proposal on Monday before sending it to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk for final approval.
CRCSD Board of Education Votes To Eliminate 20 Teaching Positions
(Cedar Rapids, IA) — The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education has voted to eliminate 20 teaching positions district-wide. The plan initially called for 33 positions to be cut, but it reduced the number to 20 after considering upcoming retirements and current openings. The district says the cuts won’t affect class sizes and will save $ 1.56 million next school year.
