GRINNELL, IA (IRN) – Grinnell College says an Oklahoma congressman relinquished his honorary degree after a petition circulated asking for it to be revoked. Rep. Tom Cole received the honorary degree from Grinnell in 2016. The petition was started after Cole objected to last week’s certification of the electoral vote. Grinnell College President Anne Harris says those who supported a baseless challenge to a free and fair election threatened the electoral process.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Judicial buildings and courthouses in Des Moines are being boarded up at the advice of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. This comes after the U.S. Capitol was stormed last week and President Donald Trump was impeached by Congress on Wednesday. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. Armed protests are planned at all 50 state capitols.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen said Wednesday that while the coronavirus pandemic forced the court system to enact two shutdowns of jury trials and institute remote hearings, she is determined to resume in-person trials in February.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Linn County received its first COVID-19 vaccines last month but there aren’t enough to go around, even for those first in line such as healthcare workers. Local health officials urge patience.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The National Weather Service has issued multiple weather advisories for the state today and tomorrow. A high wind warning has been issued for northwest Iowa. A winter weather advisory has been issued for north and northeast Iowa. A wind advisory has been issued for west and southwest Iowa, and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for east and southeast Iowa.