Thursday Morning Read: Most schools in Iowa rate same or worse; Christian group says UI ban was religious bias; Corbett bets on sports gambling  

TODAY'S WEATHER — Mostly cloudy, flurries late. High 32, low 19.

MOST SCHOOLS IN IOWA RATE SAME OR WORSE — While a number of Cedar Rapids schools have improved, the latest round of Iowa School Report Card ratings released Wednesday keeps most of the district's schools in the lower half of its six-tier system. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/k/most-of-iowas-schools-rate-the-same-or-worse-compared-to-last-year/

CHRISTIAN GROUP SAYS UI BAN WAS RELIGIOUS BIAS — A now-defunct Christian-based University of Iowa student organization is suing the school for deregistering it after a member said he was discriminated against for being gay. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/education/student-group-sues-university-of-iowa-over-allegations-it-rejected-a-gay-student/

CORBETT BETS ON SPORTS GAMBLING — Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron Corbett said Wednesday he would favor legalizing sports betting in Iowa if the U.S. Supreme Court opens that option to states. He added he would dedicate the proceeds to helping provide services needed to address Iowa's mental health crisis. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/corbett-supports-legalizing-sports-betting-in-iowa/

PRAIRIE WRESTLERS SHOWING GROWTH — Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Kane Thompson expected some growing pains this season. The lineup may be drastically different from a year ago, but the goals and expectations remain the same. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-prep-sports/new-faces-old-expectations-for-prairie-wrestling/

QUOTABLE — 'Without fail, they talk about reinvesting in their companies. That's how we grow.' Linda McMahon, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator, on how federal tax cuts will help grow the U.S. economy. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/small-business-administration-leader-in-iowa-says-tax-cuts-will-grow-economy/