IOWA (IRN) – Iowa teachers are fed up with the increasing number of violent fights at school. According to the Iowa Department of Education, 650 students were expelled or removed from school due to fights that caused injuries in the 2020-2021 school year. Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association, says teachers are overwhelmed from breaking up fights and also getting hurt themselves.

IOWA (IRN) – Hospitals in Iowa remain strained due to COVID-19 hospitalizations. There are 788 COVID-19 patients hospitalized throughout the state on Monday, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Industry experts say health care workers are quitting the medical field due to burnout, and hospitals in Iowa face worker shortages.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – After the murders of two staff and hostage-taking at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, the Iowa Department of Corrections contracted an evaluation to be done in an effort to improve the safety and security of its facilities. Key findings in the report show massive overcrowding at the state’s prison facilities. The report also found high numbers of staff shortages.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The price tag for a new Des Moines International Airport terminal is climbing, and now metro cities are being asked to kick in more money. The airport terminal is set to open its doors about four years from now. However, the airport has only raised about half of the $575 million it needs.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Cyclone great Breece Hall is going pro, and that’s not all. On Monday, he confirmed he will skip this year’s bowl game as he gets ready for the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be one of the first running backs taken. He’s making the trip to Orlando with his team, but he won’t play. Iowa State and Clemson will face off on Dec. 29 in Orlando at the Cheez-It Bowl.