DES MOINES (IRN) – Iowa lawmakers have been told to keep dates open in July for a possible special session. An email obtained by KCCI-TV shows state representatives should stay available on July 10th to convene. Republican leadership in both chambers denounced an Iowa Supreme Court decision in June that ultimately nullified a 2018 six-week abortion ban signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. It is unclear what Republicans will propose with strong majorities in the Iowa House and Senate.

ISRAEL (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds is returning from a trade mission in Europe today. She made stops in Italy, Kosovo, and Israel during her trip away from Iowa that she left for on June 20th. Reynolds signed a proclamation celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (neh·tuhn·yaa·hoo).

DES MOINES (IRN) – A slate of new laws take effect Saturday. KWWL-TV reports the new legislation includes a government reorganization, in-person caucus requirements, changes in SNAP benefits, removal of some child labor restrictions, and limits to the power of State Auditor Rob Sand. A sweeping education law also takes effect that restricts what can be taught in classrooms and allows certain books to be removed from school libraries.

DES MOINES (IRN) – More than three dozen union workers gather outside of UPS in Des Moines Friday, part of thousands nationwide staging a picket during ongoing contract negotiations. The Des Moines Register reports The Teamsters’ union nationwide has authorized a possible strike if a new contract isn’t approved July 31st.