DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A bill that would allow older teens to work in child care facilities just grew closer to becoming law. It would also increase the ratio for how many kids these providers would watch. The Republican-sponsored measure passed through the Senate yesterday in a 30-18 vote. Safe and affordable child care activists are unhappy with the new bill. If it becomes law, it will lower the age to be eligible to work in child care centers unsupervised to 16. They say it’s unsafe.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A ruling from a federal judge in Florida declared mask mandates on airplanes and other transportation methods unlawful because the CDC exceeded its statutory authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. As a result, many airports across the country, including Iowa, have dropped the mask requirement.

HUDSON, IA (IRN) – The Hudson Police Department is warning of gas thefts with the recent rise in gas prices. The Hudson Police Department is asking the community to be vigilant.

ANKENY, IA (IRN) – A junior from Ankeny High School recently found out she got a perfect ACT score of 36. Sydney Madetzke said she found out her results while she was in class, and was very excited–nearly hyperventilating. Less than one-half of 1% of all test takers earn the top score.