Tuesday morning read: Barnstormers debate future, Anamosa council fires police chief, Cedar Rapids teachers oppose contract changes

Iowa Barnstormers debate future amid child porn investigation of co-founder: Days after it ousted a coach who court records show possessed dozens of videos of 'disrobed' underage boys, the Iowa Barnstormers amateur basketball organization sought Monday to remain a viable program for young players. 'I can tell you this does not define us as a program,' said Executive Director Jamie Johnson. Read more > 

Teachers decry Cedar Rapids school district's contract stance: Teachers in the Cedar Rapids school district say the school board and Superintendent Brad Buck are trying to gut their employee contracts. The proposal would remove all items but base wages from employee's contracts, relegating items such as an employee's number of working hours, professional development, evaluation process and other working conditions to a district handbook. People who addressed the board said that would be demoralizing for staff. Read more >

Anamosa council fires police chief: Without discussion, the Anamosa City Council voted unanimously Monday night to fire police Chief Bob Simonson weeks after paying out a $750,000 gender bias settlement with a former female police officer. More than 10 residents spoke at the end of the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, telling the council they want to see more done to eradicate a 'good-old boy' system in the town of 5,400. Read more >

Legislation addressing Iowa opioid epidemic gets bipartisan support: In a rare display of bipartisan harmony, House File 2377 was approved 98-0 Monday. The law would require prescribers to register for Iowa's prescription monitoring program and use it when prescribing controlled substances. Read more > 

Iowa is the best state: Something to brag about: A new U.S. News & World Report ranks Iowa number one in the country, jumping from number six last year. The ranking is based on factors including economic opportunity, access to health care and infrastructure. Read more >