At the start of this week, all Iowans 16 and older became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Host Ben Kieffer checks in with the Gazette's Michaela Ramm to see how things have been going with this new vaccine rollout.
Iowans 16+ can now get a vaccine, but some older populations — especially homebound seniors — are struggling to get to appointments.
— Michaela Ramm (@Michaela_Ramm) April 6, 2021
Local agencies are working to reach these seniors quickly, even driving them to appointments themselves.
My latest: https://t.co/9YhbBoxN0P
Also, we're entering the final weeks of the 2021 legislative session. The Des Moines Register's Stephen Gruber-Miller discusses broadband, the state budget and a constitutional amendment that would add language to the Iowa constitution that does not guarantee rights to an abortion.
The Iowa House Appropriations Committee just passed its budget for the Iowa Department of Corrections, which includes a $21 million increase. Democrats and Republicans are at odds over the funding level in the wake of a deadly prison attack two weeks ago. https://t.co/CreiXJrWef
— Stephen Gruber-Miller (@sgrubermiller) April 7, 2021
Jason Clayworth of Axios Des Moines talks about potential changes being made to the Des Moines City Council. These changes may include enhanced security measures when meetings return in-person as well as how the public can participate in meetings. Clayworth's reporting featured an interview with Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie.
1 big thing: Scoop- Possible gun ban at City Hall https://t.co/yL0biNI7Uj #axiosdesmoines @cowniefordsm @DesMoinesGov
— Jason Clayworth (@JasonClayworth) April 5, 2021
Later on, Kieffer checks in with Kayla Kovarna and Michele Williams to talk about returning to activities that have become foreign during the pandemic: air travel and going to the office.
Tune into @IowaPublicRadio today at noon to hear our conversation with @IPRBen on #RivertoRiver. We will discuss #VaccinePassports, #travel news at DSM, and #terminal plans. #FlyDSM #DSMUSA pic.twitter.com/r30VlpqHX8
— DSM Int'l Airport (@dsmairport) April 9, 2021
Guests:
- Michaela Ramm, health care reporter, The Gazette
- Stephen Gruber-Miller, statehouse reporter, Des Moines Register
- Jason Clayworth, reporter, Axios Des Moines
- Kayla Kovarna, communications, marketing, and air service development manager, Des Moines International Airport
- Michele Williams, assistant professor of management and entrepreneurship and the John L. Miclot Fellow in Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business
- Tony Dehner, host, IPR Studio One
