DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa House Study Bill 511 would change the ratio of staff to students in child care centers, increasing the number of kids allowed per employee. It would allow one worker to be able to watch eight 2-year-olds instead of six. It would also allow one worker to watch 10 3-year-olds instead of eight. Republicans say this bill would help more toddlers get spots in child care centers. But some teachers say it’s unrealistic and unsafe.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A good Samaritan suffered serious injuries in a crash in West Des Moines Sunday. A man was helping a semi-truck driver who broke down on Highway 5. One car slowed down, but another did not, slamming into the car, which then hit the pedestrian. His condition has not been released.

CEDAR FALLS, IA (IRN) – The driver of a UTV sustained serious injuries Saturday night after they crashed into a pickup truck. The UTV had a snow plow attached to it, and the driver had been out plowing snow all day and was returning home.

IOWA (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds introduced her new tax plan during the Condition of the State this week. She’s proposing a 4% flat tax rate. Reynolds’ office says this new tax plan will save taxpayers roughly $500 million in the first year alone. University of Iowa Professor David Cooper says this will be a tax break for some Iowans–the rich. Lower income Iowans will see their taxes go up.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Iowa Senate Minority leader Zach Wahls, Democrat from Iowa City, announced Sunday he has contracted COVID-19. In a statement, Sen. Wahls says he began showing symptoms on Friday but a rapid test came back negative. Wahls said he and his wife, Chloe Angyal, as of Sunday afternoon were already feeling better. He credits the short period of significant symptoms one being vaccinated and boosted.