DES MOINES – Despite bipartisan opposition, a bill that would overhaul Area Education Agencies in Iowa passed in the Senate after hours of debate Monday. The Des Moines Register reports the version of the legislation would essentially turn AEAs to a fee for service agency, redirecting 90% of the funding they currently receive back to school districts for special education service by fiscal year 2026 for special education services and removing any guaranteed funding for the other functions of the agency. A bipartisan group of legislators voted against the measure, worried a lack of guaranteed money would destabilize the regional agencies and lead to significant loss of effectiveness. Several differences remain between a version passed by the Iowa House, and the two chambers would have to reach a compromise before sending something to Governor Kim Reynolds for a signature. She praised the Senate for passing their version in a statement following the vote.

ZEARING – The Story County Sheriff’s Office has filed multiple felony charges against four individuals accused of severely abusing a family member. A press release issued late Monday indicated that Gary and Danielle Graham and Aaron and Kaitlynn Williams, all from the Story County community, are charged with 1st degree kidnapping, a Class A felony, and willful injury, a Class C felony. The sheriff’s office responded to a call for a severely injured and malnourished male at a local hospital, brought to the emergency room by two of the family members. The adult victim weighed 70 pounds and had several life-threatening injuries stemming from alleged abuse, including a brain bleed and fractured ribs. An investigation found the family had all allegedly been part of the attacks, which included restraint by handcuffs and severe diet restrictions.

IOWA – Five NCAA Division I basketball teams in Iowa are dancing in March Madness this week. The Iowa Women’s Basketball team received a No. 1 seed and the Iowa State Cyclones men a No. 2 seed in their respective 68-team brackets. Both Drake teams and the Cyclone women are also playing for a national championship.