IOWA – Food pantries across the state are seeing significant demand due to the ongoing federal shutdown and potential impacts on SNAP benefits. KCCI-TV reports there will be partial funding for the program providing nutrition to thousands of Iowans, but details remain on how close they will be to normal. Governor Kim Reynolds office said the state will continue matching cash donations to regional food banks up to $1 million. A Waukee food pantry mentioned lines were out the door on Monday.

DES MOINES – Despite a guilty plea a year prior, the former Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools did not mention it in his application. The Des Moines Register reports Ian Roberts did not disclose in 2023 a prior conviction, despite a question on the application asking if he had committed a crime beyond traffic offenses. Roberts pled guilty to a charge of unlawful presence of a loaded firearm in January 2022 in Pennsylvania. The Iowa Department of Education did not clarify to the Register if doing so was disqualifying for a license.

IOWA – Iowans will hit the polls today for city and school board elections. Since 2019, voters select leaders for municipal government at the most local level. Several schools will also attempt to pass bond issues, including $51 million at Southeast Polk High School. Polls are open until 8 p.m. today.