Reynolds’ education nominee approved despite opposition from Democrats

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DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds’ pick to lead the state education department — former Trump administration official McKenzie Snow — was confirmed Tuesday by the Republican-majority Iowa Senate over Democrats’ opposition, largely due to Snow’s limited experience in public education.

All 34 Senate Republicans voted to confirm Snow, which satisfied the two-thirds approval required to confirm her as director of the Iowa Department of Education.

Snow has been serving in the post since June, when she was appointed by Reynolds to replace Chad Aldis, who served in the post for just three months before resigning for what the governor’s office said were family reasons.

All 15 Senate Democrats present Tuesday voted against the nomination, arguing Snow’s dearth of experience in public education disqualifies her for the position. But with just 16 members in the chamber, Iowa Democrats no longer have enough members to force the Senate to reject a gubernatorial nomination.

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“Iowans can do better. Iowa kids, parents and teachers deserve better,” said Sen. Herman Quirmbach, a Democrat and former college professor from Ames.

“We deserve someone who knows Iowa schools, who has experience in the classroom, who is an advocate for school resources, who communicates effectively, and who is dedicated to Iowa kids for the long term,” Quirmbach said during debate. “McKenzie Snow does not measure up by these criteria.”

Snow most recently served as deputy secretary of education in Virginia. Before that, she worked as New Hampshire’s division director of academics and assessment, special education, career development, adult education, wellness, and nutrition; as a special assistant to the president at the White House Domestic Policy Council; and as senior adviser at the Office of Management and Budget, and policy director at the U.S. Department of Education, according to Reynolds’ office.

A native of Kansas, Snow’s only classroom experience was teaching remedial courses at the University of the Free State in South Africa.

Senate Republicans argued classroom experience is not necessary for the job.

Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, said he is pleased Snow will be director as, he hopes, the state undergoes a review of public school curriculum.

“Because every one of us in this Senate chamber wants to improve student performance,” Zaun said. “Funding for education is going up every year. … But funding doesn’t match with what student performance is. That’s why we need someone like Director Snow that thinks outside of the box, that obviously has a background in reforms.”

Democrats oppose other nominations

Senate Democrats no longer have the numbers to take down gubernatorial nominations. Their votes Tuesday suggested two more of Reynolds’ nominees might have been endangered if Democrats still had that authority.

All 15 Democrats present voted against Reynolds’ nomination of Douglas Hoisington to the Iowa Board of Medicine. Sen. Janet Petersen, a Democrat from Des Moines, expressed frustration with the board’s lack of response to Iowans’ concerns in the past, and said she had hoped Reynolds would appoint an obstetric physician, given the possible changes to the state’s abortion law.

Abortion is legal in Iowa until roughly the 20th week of pregnancy, but the Iowa Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the constitutionality of legislation that would prohibit abortions once a fetus’ heartbeat can be detected, which supporters of such measures say is around the sixth week of pregnancy, often before a woman is aware she is pregnant.

And nearly all Democrats present — 14 out of 15 — voted against the reappointment of Catherine Lucas to the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board. Democrats have criticized Reynolds for failing to fill vacant positions on the board, and for not adhering to a requirement the board be politically balanced.

Two nominations tabled

Two of Reynolds’ nominees, Kayla Lyon as director of the Department of Natural Resources and Jason Meyers to the Board of Medicine, were on the Senate debate schedule but were not considered Tuesday. The Senate can consider their nominations at another date.


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Using frequent flyer miles can ease the blow to your wallet. But is there an optimal time to use miles? Here’s what two economists found out.


After COP27, all signs point to world blowing past 1.5 degrees global warming limit

A leading climate scientist explains why going over 1.5 degrees Celsius puts the world in a danger zone.


Student loan cancellation got blocked. Now what? 3 questions answered

A finance expert explains why President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program got blocked — and what’s next for student loan borrowers in search of relief.


The tragedy of sudden infant death syndrome: A pediatrician explains how to protect your baby

Babies should never sleep on couches, sofas, stuffed armchairs or an incline. Co-sleeping is a bad idea, too.


What's a polycule? An expert on polyamory explains

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, his on-and-off girlfriend and others involved in the failed company were reportedly in a polycule together.


Even weak tropical cyclones have grown more intense worldwide

Research shows storms that might have caused minimal damage a few decades ago are becoming stronger and more destructive as the planet warms.


'Y'all,' that most Southern of Southernisms, is going mainstream – and it's about time

The use of “y’all” has often been seen as vulgar, low-class and uncultured. That’s starting to change.


How parents can play a key role in prevention, treatment of teen mental health problems

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. teenagers battle depression. Here’s how parents can help.


Fatherhood changes men's brains, according to before-and-after MRI scans

Researchers know pregnant moms’ brains change in ways that seem to help with caring for a baby. Now they’ve ID’d changes in new dads’ brains too.


Shorter days affect the mood of millions of Americans. A nutritional neuroscientist offers tips on how to avoid the winter blues

Along with low mood, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include anxious feelings, low self-esteem, longer sleep duration, constant craving for carbohydrates and low physical activity levels.


How to deal with holiday stress, Danish-style

How can you best find a balance during the holidays so that you are fulfilled instead of frazzled? Perhaps you should take a few cultural cues from the Danes.


The 4 biggest gift-giving mistakes, according to a consumer psychologist

Finding good gifts can be tricky. Here are some research-backed tips to help you with your holiday shopping.


Christmas trees can stay fresh for weeks – a well-timed cut and consistent watering are key

From picking the tree to getting it home to setting it up, the choices you make can help it stay fresher — and safer — longer.


Toilets spew invisible aerosol plumes with every flush: Here's the proof

Toilets eject aerosol droplets that may carry disease-causing pathogens. Learning how the particles move could help cut exposure in public restrooms.


White teachers often talk about Black students in racially coded ways, research finds

Though difficult to pinpoint, white educators often put forth stereotypes when they discuss Black students among themselves, research found.


Why mourning a pet can be harder than grieving for a person

The death of a pet can be a deeply painful experience. But acknowledging the way pet grief is different can help people find consolation.


Communities around the US are voicing a common anxiety: Are Americans losing their accents?

There are reports of people pronouncing the letter “r” in Boston. Down in Tennessee, people are noticing a lack of a Southern drawl. But is it really possible to lose one’s accent?


A hearing specialist offers tips to turn down that annoying ringing, buzzing and hissing in your ear

Although there’s no cure for tinnitus, help is out there – including sound-generating devices, background noise and talk therapy.


Social media always remembers – which makes moving on from a breakup that much harder

There was once a time when you could simply put old photos and love letters out of sight and out of mind. Editing your ex out of your digital life is a lot trickier.


Social media always remembers – which makes moving on from a breakup that much harder

There was once a time when you could simply put old photos and love letters out of sight and out of mind. Editing your ex out of your digital life is a lot trickier.


A hearing specialist offers tips to turn down that annoying ringing, buzzing and hissing in your ear

Although there’s no cure for tinnitus, help is out there – including sound-generating devices, background noise and talk therapy.


Why mourning a pet can be harder than grieving for a person

The death of a pet can be a deeply painful experience. But acknowledging the way pet grief is different can help people find consolation.


Communities around the US are voicing a common anxiety: Are Americans losing their accents?

There are reports of people pronouncing the letter “r” in Boston. Down in Tennessee, people are noticing a lack of a Southern drawl. But is it really possible to lose one’s accent?


White teachers often talk about Black students in racially coded ways, research finds

Though difficult to pinpoint, white educators often put forth stereotypes when they discuss Black students among themselves, research found.


Arctic Report Card 2022: The Arctic is getting rainier, and seasons are shifting

The annual Arctic Report Card is a reminder that what happens in the Arctic affects the rest of the world.


As viral infections skyrocket, masks are still a tried-and-true way to help keep yourself and others safe

Decades of research show that respiratory illnesses are dramatically reduced when people wear face masks.


What social media regulation could look like: Think of pipelines, not utilities

The U.S. government regulates many industries, but social media companies don’t neatly fit existing regulatory templates. Systems that deliver energy may be the closest analog.


Over the holidays, try talking to your relatives like an anthropologist

How is it possible to spend so much time with your parents and grandparents and not really know them? If you skirt the small talk and dig a little deeper, you’ll be surprised at what you might learn.


People can have food allergies without noticeable symptoms

Long-term consumption of food allergens may lead to behavioral and mood changes, including depression, anxiety and ADHD.


What causes stuttering? A speech pathologist explains the science and misconceptions around this speech disorder

Your attitudes toward people who stutter may depend partly on what you think causes stuttering.


Holiday foods can be toxic to pets: A vet explains what to do if your pet eats them

Keeping human foods away from pets is one way to avoid emergency veterinary hospital runs during the holidays.


Why the winter solstice matters and is worth celebrating

The dead of winter, when the longest night of the year takes place, is also a time of renewal. Here’s why the winter solstice is worth celebrating.


Twitter in 2022: 5 essential reads about the consequences of Elon Musk's takeover of the microblogging platform

The intersection of content management, misinformation, aggregated data about human behavior and crowdsourcing shows how fragile Twitter is and what would be lost with the platform’s demise.


2022's US climate disasters: A tale of too much rain — and too little

2022 will be remembered in the U.S. for devastating flooding and storms — and extreme heat waves and droughts. Here’s what it all means.


Reindeer eyes change color, putting Rudolph's red nose in the shade

In winter, light in the northern latitudes is dim and very blue compared to summer light. Reindeer eyes have evolved to be better suited for this.


LGBTQ Americans are 9 times more likely to be victimized by a hate crime

For the first time, researchers have been able to produce estimates of the rate of hate crimes against LGBTQ people.


Pets can get colds too — here’s how to keep them safe

There are many things you can do to help your pets when they’re sick.


Pets can get colds too — here’s how to keep them safe

There are many things you can do to help your pets when they’re sick.


LGBTQ Americans are 9 times more likely to be victimized by a hate crime

For the first time, researchers have been able to produce estimates of the rate of hate crimes against LGBTQ people.


Reindeer eyes change color, putting Rudolph's red nose in the shade

In winter, light in the northern latitudes is dim and very blue compared to summer light. Reindeer eyes have evolved to be better suited for this.


2022's US climate disasters: A tale of too much rain — and too little

2022 will be remembered in the U.S. for devastating flooding and storms — and extreme heat waves and droughts. Here’s what it all means.


Twitter in 2022: 5 essential reads about the consequences of Elon Musk's takeover of the microblogging platform

The intersection of content management, misinformation, aggregated data about human behavior and crowdsourcing shows how fragile Twitter is and what would be lost with the platform’s demise.


Better sleep for kids starts with better sleep for parents — especially after holidays

When sleep routines go haywire, here are the things to keep in mind to help the whole family reset.


What to know about heart rate variability — the biometric most fitness trackers measure

Tiny fluctuations in the time between each beat of your heart can provide clues about how much stress your body is experiencing.


Why you should give the gift of mindfulness this New Year

Mindfulness can teach us to be more present — not just for ourselves, but also for our colleagues, friends and loved ones.


Americans are taking more control over their work lives – because they have to

“Career portfolioing” is a trend where people assemble different sources of income, such as side gigs, to give them a measure of independence from employers who provide little job security.


Americans are taking more control over their work lives – because they have to

“Career portfolioing” is a trend where people assemble different sources of income, such as side gigs, to give them a measure of independence from employers who provide little job security.


Why you should give the gift of mindfulness this New Year

Mindfulness can teach us to be more present — not just for ourselves, but also for our colleagues, friends and loved ones.


Better sleep for kids starts with better sleep for parents — especially after holidays

When sleep routines go haywire, here are the things to keep in mind to help the whole family reset.


What to know about heart rate variability — the biometric most fitness trackers measure

Tiny fluctuations in the time between each beat of your heart can provide clues about how much stress your body is experiencing.


How to unlock your creativity – even if you see yourself as a conventional thinker

Do you think that creativity is an innate gift? Think again. New research highlights how anyone can train their creative muscles by rethinking the anxiety, frustration and anger they encounter in daily life.


College students who work more hours are less likely to graduate, study says

A study says students who work while enrolled in college are about 20% less likely to complete their degrees than similar peers who don’t work.


How to unlock your creativity – even if you see yourself as a conventional thinker

Do you think that creativity is an innate gift? Think again. New research highlights how anyone can train their creative muscles by rethinking the anxiety, frustration and anger they encounter in daily life.


How does a child become a shooter? Research says easy gun access, exposure to screen violence up risk

Many questions remain after a 6-year-old shot a Virginia teacher. Research shows watching gun violence on screen can desensitize kids to firearms’ harm.


College students who work more hours are less likely to graduate, study says

A study says students who work while enrolled in college are about 20% less likely to complete their degrees than similar peers who don’t work.


Sitting all day is terrible for your health: New study finds a relatively easy way to counteract it

Short, frequent walks throughout the day are key to helping prevent the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle.


Meditation and mindfulness offer many health benefits — and may be as effective as medication in some cases

Many people look to diet trends or new exercise regimens to get a healthier start on the new year. But there is one strategy that’s been shown time and again to boost both mood and health: meditation.


NASA's busiest year in decades: Here's a look at dizzying array of missions in 2022

NASA had a banner year in 2022. Its missions dealt with the farthest, closest, hottest and coldest conditions in the universe.


US birth rates are at record lows – even though the number of kids most Americans say they want has held steady

Childbearing goals have remained remarkably consistent over the decades. What has changed is when people start their families and how many kids they end up having.


Green jobs are booming, but too few employees have the right skills. Here are 4 ways to close the gap

Green jobs go beyond solar panel installation and wind turbine maintenance. They’re found in fields from design to economics and in many types of management.


Are vegan pet diets as unhealthy as they're claimed to be? Here's what the evidence says

As omnivores, humans can choose not to consume any animal products. But what happens when we feed a vegan diet to our carnivore companions?


Marriage provides health benefits — and here's why

It turns out that when it comes to health, married people have an edge, especially married men.


Why do our dogs and cats bring us dead animals?

Are our animal companions showing off when they share more than toys with us? And what should we do about it?


Making sweat feel spiritual didn't start with SoulCycle – a religion scholar explains

Fitness and religion make a potent combination, one people have explored for centuries.


This lunar year will be the Year of the Rabbit or the Year of the Cat, depending on where you live

On Jan. 22, 2023, more than a billion people globally will welcome the Year of the Rabbit – or the Year of Cat, depending on which cultural traditions they follow – as the start of the Lunar New Year. 


Kicking off the new year by cleansing your body with a detox diet? A dietitian unpacks the science behind these fads

Detox diets and cleanses supposedly clear the body of allegedly toxic substances. But the evidence suggests otherwise.


Here's how to treat eczema and other skin conditions — and when to see a doctor

Cold weather brings itchy, irritated, dry and scaly skin. Although most conditions aren’t dangerous, they can be painful and frustrating to deal with. 


How Edgar Allan Poe became the darling of the maligned and misunderstood

Edgar Allan Poe, who would have turned 214 years old Jan. 19, remains one of the world’s most recognizable literary figures. But is his appeal less about the power and complexity of his prose, and more about the view of him as a perennial underdog?


Why aren't there any legal protections for the children of influencers?

When it comes to sharing content of children on social media, what’s legal isn’t always what’s ethical. Some of the now-adult children of influencers are pushing back.


Why China’s shrinking population is a big deal: Counting the social, economic and political costs of an aging, smaller society

For the first time since 1961, deaths in China have outpaced births — and unlike that one-year decline, the downward trend is likely to continue.


Climate change trauma has real impacts on cognition and the brain, wildfire survivors study shows

A new neuropsychology study on California wildfire survivors found chronic cognitive problems in addition to anxiety and PTSD.


How do you vaccinate a honeybee? 6 questions answered about a new tool for protecting pollinators

A vaccine for bees may evoke images of teeny hypodermic needles, but this product works in a sophisticated way that reflects the social structure of honeybee colonies.


New passport rankings show that the world is opening up — but not for everyone

A passport from the United Arab Emirates will get you into far more destinations than one from Afghanistan. Gaps like this have big implications for people’s ability to travel, reside and work.


Research shows people blame and judge parents for children's heavier weights

While excess weight arises from a complex interplay of genes, environment, diet and activity, new research finds Americans hold parents responsible for excess weight in their kids.


Research shows people blame and judge parents for children's heavier weights

While excess weight arises from a complex interplay of genes, environment, diet and activity, new research finds Americans hold parents responsible for excess weight in their kids.


New passport rankings show that the world is opening up — but not for everyone

A passport from the United Arab Emirates will get you into far more destinations than one from Afghanistan. Gaps like this have big implications for people’s ability to travel, reside and work.


How do you vaccinate a honeybee? 6 questions answered about a new tool for protecting pollinators

A vaccine for bees may evoke images of teeny hypodermic needles, but this product works in a sophisticated way that reflects the social structure of honeybee colonies.


Climate change trauma has real impacts on cognition and the brain, wildfire survivors study shows

A new neuropsychology study on California wildfire survivors found chronic cognitive problems in addition to anxiety and PTSD.


Why China’s shrinking population is a big deal: Counting the social, economic and political costs of an aging, smaller society

For the first time since 1961, deaths in China have outpaced births — and unlike that one-year decline, the downward trend is likely to continue.


Rural Americans aren't included in inflation figures – and for them, the cost of living may be rising faster

spotlight

The rising cost of living doesn’t hit all Americans equally. Yet the benchmark figure for charting the rising cost of living excludes people in rural areas.


Ultra-processed foods — like cookies, chips, frozen meals and fast food — may contribute to cognitive decline

Researchers are trying to understand whether ultra-processed foods erode brain health in the aging process.


Ultra-processed foods — like cookies, chips, frozen meals and fast food — may contribute to cognitive decline

Researchers are trying to understand whether ultra-processed foods erode brain health in the aging process.


Rural Americans aren't included in inflation figures – and for them, the cost of living may be rising faster

The rising cost of living doesn’t hit all Americans equally. Yet the benchmark figure for charting the rising cost of living excludes people in rural areas.


Chinese spy balloon over the US: An aerospace expert explains how the balloons work and what they can see

A Chinese high-altitude balloon violated U.S. airspace, a serious enough breach to nix a high-level diplomatic meeting in Beijing. The balloon itself, however, was not much of a threat.


Does this cause cancer? How scientists determine whether a chemical is carcinogenic

Here’s how chemicals can cause cancer, and how scientists classify chemicals based on on how carcinogenic they are — sometimes with controversial results.


A Black history primer on African Americans' fight for equality: 5 essential reads

America’s complicated history with race can be told through the lives and times of Black Americans, a view that some state legislatures have moved to restrict, if not outright ban.


A Black history primer on African Americans' fight for equality: 5 essential reads

America’s complicated history with race can be told through the lives and times of Black Americans, a view that some state legislatures have moved to restrict, if not outright ban.


Chinese spy balloon over the US: An aerospace expert explains how the balloons work and what they can see

A Chinese high-altitude balloon violated U.S. airspace, a serious enough breach to nix a high-level diplomatic meeting in Beijing. The balloon itself, however, was not much of a threat.


Does this cause cancer? How scientists determine whether a chemical is carcinogenic

Here’s how chemicals can cause cancer, and how scientists classify chemicals based on on how carcinogenic they are — sometimes with controversial results.


How do you make a universal flu vaccine? A microbiologist explains the challenges and how mRNA could help

Annual flu vaccines are in a constant race against a rapidly mutating virus that may one day cause the next pandemic. A one-time vaccine protecting against all variants could give humanity a leg up.


Curious Kids: How did birds survive while dinosaurs went extinct?

Birds and dinosaurs lived together for millions of years, but only toothless birds survived the asteroid impact that upended life on Earth.


5 years after Parkland shooting, a school psychologist offers insights on helping students and teachers deal with grief

Students may need a listening ear and reassurance in the aftermath of having witnessed a school shooting.


How vinyl chloride, chemical released in the Ohio train derailment, can damage the liver

Vinyl chloride, which is used to make PVC plastics, dilutes fairly quickly in outside air and water. One concern for lingering exposure from the derailment involves private wells.


Turning 50? Here are 4 things you can do to improve your health and well-being

Middle age means staying a step ahead on both the medical and financial fronts.


Lent is here — but what is it all about? 5 essential reads

If Easter is associated with celebration and triumphal joy for Christians, Lent is more a season of soul-searching and spiritual discipline. Here are some articles exploring the history and significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent.


How to help teen girls’ mental health struggles — 6 research-based strategies for parents, teachers and friends

The mental health of teenagers has grown far worse over the last decade. But a new report shows that, compared with boys, teen girls are disproportionately experiencing sadness and hopelessness.


Why the humble city bus is the key to improving US public transit

High-quality bus service is the fastest route to rapid, comprehensive public transit in the United States. This country was once a leader in bus transit, and with adequate funding, it could be again.


Why are so many Gen Z-ers drawn to old digital cameras?

Smartphone cameras tend to be more advanced than their clunky, point-and-shoot predecessors. But the allure of cameras from the early 2000s reflects a broader search for meaning.


Are you a rapid ager? Biological age is a better health indicator than the number of years you've lived, but it's tricky to measure

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Figuring out what influences longevity and how to identify rapid agers could lead to healthier and longer lives for more people.

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