DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – In a bipartisan vote Wednesday, an Iowa Senate panel advanced a bill that lessens penalties for first-time, small-scale marijuana possession. The bill would reduce the crime of possessing five grams or less of marijuana from a serious misdemeanor to a simple misdemeanor. People convicted under the current law face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The bill would reduce the maximum jail sentence to 30 days and the maximum fine to $855.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent could lose his license due to the district’s decision to only offer remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners informed Thomas Ahart of its intent to strip his license. The Des Moines School Board responded by defending Ahart, saying “the actions taken by Des Moines Public Schools in the midst of a global pandemic were done so to keep our community healthy and to save lives…this complaint does nothing to benefit the children of our school district and move us past the pandemic.”

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A bill in the Iowa Senate would make injuries to first responders during protests a felony. The bill also grants civil immunity for certain drivers who strike protestors blocking traffic.

JOHNSTON, IA (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds is endorsing the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine against COVID-19 by rolling up her sleeve. Reynolds on Wednesday became one of the first Iowans to receive the one-shot vaccine.

MARION, IA (IRN) – School leaders at Marion Independent School District will start with the work of building and upgrading — after voters easily passed a $31 million bond vote on Tuesday. Projects include a new elementary school, new auditorium at Marion High School, various facilities updates, safety and security upgrades, and a new outdoor sports complex.