DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines police are investigating after a body was found in the Des Moines River near Wells Fargo Arena last night. Police say there are no obvious signs of foul play.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa House lawmakers have passed a bill banning instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation from kindergarten through sixth grade. The bill would also ban any material, test, activity, announcement, or promotion of gender identity or sexual orientation.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – On Wednesday, Iowa House Republicans introduced a new bill to keep taxpayers from covering the cost of settling lawsuits against the University of Iowa’s (UI) Athletics Department. The State Board of Appeals approved a $4.2 million settlement earlier this week over a racial discrimination lawsuit against UI football. The bill would make the university reimburse the state for payouts on settlements regarding an athletic department employee. It will also be retroactive if it passes, meaning UI would have to pay for the $4.2 million settlement.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds has chosen a new leader for the Iowa Department of Education – a native Iowan who’s spent his career advocating for ‘school choice’ in other states. Chad Aldis, a Camanche native, was named as the next director of the Iowa Department of Education on Wednesday. Aldis will replace Dr. Ann Lebo, who announced her resignation last month.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The comedian Will Ferrell was seen wandering around Iowa City Wednesday. Iowa City Schools posted a picture of Ferrell at City High, along with Little Hawk alum Harper Steele. Steele and Ferrell have been working together since their Saturday Night Live days. There are rumors that the two are shooting a road trip documentary.