Iowa would have some of the most extensive gun rights guarantees in the nation under a constitutional amendment for voters to decide on Nov. 8.

Why it matters: A "yes" vote would mean all gun restrictions under the Iowa amendment would be subject to "strict scrutiny," the highest legal hurdle for legislation to clear if challenged in court.

• Amendment advocates say it's a long overdue measure to protect gun ownership as a fundamental individual right but opponents contend it would override common sense measures to protect public safety.

Catch up fast: Iowa is one of six states that doesn't recognize Second Amendment rights in its state constitution.

• The amendment's language was passed in the Republican-controlled legislature in 2019 and 2021, a procedure that allowed it to appear on this year's ballot.
• It needs a simple majority from voters to pass.

What they're saying: The proposal goes much further than the Second Amendment, placing gun access ahead of safety and potentially blocking policies that limit them in places like school settings, Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, tells Axios.

• Her group is among more than two dozen affiliated with Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws and fighting the amendment.

Of note: Amendments like the one proposed in Iowa have only been adopted by three states —Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri — according to research published by the Iowa Law Review.

Yes, but: Gun rights advocates have already succeeded via a U.S. Supreme Court decision in June that struck down New York's concealed carry law, Richard Rogers, a board member of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, told Axios.

• Iowa's proposed amendment would be "a belt of protection that's a backup to the suspenders of the Second Amendment," Rogers said.

The intrigue: Both sides tell Axios they believe public opinion is generally on their side.

See CDC gun death stats of states with the amendment

A software program that monitors student district computers for possible mental health emergencies was installed last week by Des Moines Public Schools.

Why it matters: The program will help counselors identify and respond to students who are most at risk for suicide or harm from others through threats, violence and bullying.

• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among people between the ages of 15 and 19 in the U.S., according to the CDC.
• Almost 25% of 11th graders and more than 20% of eighth graders who responded to the Iowa Department of Public Health's 2021 youth survey reported they thought about suicide in the past year.

Details: The program, known as Beacon, monitor's a students' online activity on district devices using artificial intelligence.

• Alerts to school staffers or parents are sent through emails, text messages or a phone call and can include screenshots for context.

Driving the news: The DMPS board in January approved $54,000 — less than $2 per student — for the program's first year, paid for with money allocated from federal pandemic grants.

• The district announced the software's installation last week and provided parents with an FAQ sheet, including alternative options for parents with privacy concerns.

Of note: The program also works remotely on district devices for students in virtual settings.

🚨 West Des Moines police charged a man with harassment after he allegedly made up a story about a body being dumped in the pond behind the West Des Moines library. (WHO-13)

✈️ The Des Moines International Airport's website was down on Monday due to a cyberattack. (WOI-TV)

👩‍🏫 A Brody Middle School teacher has returned from paid administrative leave following an unfounded accusation that she touched female students. (Des Moines Register)

If you want a jolly good taste of Britain here in the metro — stop by Chippy's, Ankeny's newest British-themed store.

Driving the news: The Omaha-based store is opening on Oct. 22.

How it started: Owner Glenn Greet came to the United States 20 years ago from North Yorkshire, England, but found he was missing tastes and gifts from home.

• Greet, who lives in Nebraska, started Chippy's as a way to introduce British imports to the Midwest, while also offering nostalgic tastes to people who have visited or lived in the U.K.

What you'll find: Plenty of food, including imported chocolates, Cadbury Flakes, biscuits, crisps, frozen sausage rolls, lamb and kidney pies, white and black pudding and clotted cream.

• There are also Brown Betty teapots, Great British Bake Off merch and plenty of official Harry Potter swag to browse through.

Grand opening: 10am to 6pm at 2310 Southeast Delaware Avenue in Ankeny.

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Construction crews renovating Ingersoll Avenue are finding literal history in the street.

Driving the news: Trolley tracks laid down more than 100 years ago are being excavated by construction workers.

• The trolley was used to get between downtown Des Moines and Valley Junction and helped establish Ingersoll as a commercial district, according to the Business Record.
• Ingersoll Avenue used to be home to a trolley barn, according to a Facebook post by The Avenues.

What's next: Trolley parts that are in good condition are being donated to historical preservation efforts.