DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health on Wednesday confirmed 38 additional cases of a COVID-19 variant that is more easily spread. The variant is often referred to as the U.K. variant because it was first detected in the United Kingdom.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – In a party-line vote, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday night that would ban what Republican lawmakers view as “divisive concepts” in diversity training that takes place at public schools, state universities, and in government.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The days of “scooping the loop” in downtown Des Moines may be numbered thanks to plans from the Des Moines City Council. Councilman Josh Mandelbaum said he plans to ask Des Moines police to crack down on speeding drivers and noisy cars downtown following increased complaints. The council is also considering removing one-way streets.

MONTICELLO, IA (IRN) – Organizers for a popular eastern Iowa fair are planning on hosting grandstand events closer to normal this year, while encouraging attendees to get vaccinated. In 2020 the Great Jones County Fair was limited to 4H exhibits and livestock shows.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – For the second straight season, Iowa’s Luka Garza has made the Associated Press All-America first team in basketball. He’s the Hawkeye’s all-time leading scorer.