Prison reform advocates say incarcerated individuals have been devastated by last month’s killings of two staffers at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. The tragedy has shaken both Department of Corrections and employees and inmates, many of whom knew the victims personally and continue to mourn them.

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Iowa State University horticulturists Adam Thoms and Cindy Haynes.

A week after House committees presented appropriations budgets, the Senate followed. There are a few differences between the two chambers and they must be resolved for the budget bills to pass. Two of the governor’s appointees are in danger of not being confirmed by the Senate. Confirmation requires two-thirds majority and if Democrats unite in opposition, an appointee will be removed from their position.

The Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday evening that expands protections for police, raises penalties for protest-related crimes, and makes other wide-ranging changes related to law enforcement.