Iowa students will be better off academically and health-wise compared to schools that are still partially shut down, argues John Bailey, former deputy policy director at the Commerce Department under George W. Bush.

Why it matters: Schools nationwide will have to grapple with learning losses next fall, but Bailey contends it won't feel as severe for states that opened earlier.

Driving the news: The CDC released two studies this month showing little virus transmission occurs in schools, as long as mitigation efforts like masks and proper hygiene are in place.

• Bailey also presented a report to Congress in March, urging schools to reopen.

The big picture: The academic, financial and mental consequences from closing schools have concerned families and school officials nationwide.

• Experts fear students may miss key academic milestones, falling behind grade level and in some cases dropping out of the educational system altogether.
• And parents are worried about loss of income if they're unable to work due to school closures, especially families of color.

The argument: States that returned to in-person learning earlier possibly slowed these losses by providing infrastructure like child care, counselors and social services.

• Women exiting the workforce is a COVID consequence, but one study shows narrower gender disparity in labor participation for states that opened earlier, per Bailey.
• "Where we as a country have got it wrong is we didn't adjust our strategies to reflect the growing body of research," Bailey said.

The other side: It's too early to tell what the long-term implications are education- or health-wise for schools that chose to reopen earlier, said Annette Anderson, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools.

The bottom line: Families need to weigh the health vs. education costs for themselves.

• None of this is one-size fits all.

Gov. Kim Reynolds declined to say if she plans on signing a bill that would allow Iowans to buy and carry concealed handguns without a permit.

• "We'll do a thorough evaluation as I always have," Reynolds said during her press conference yesterday.

The state of play: Potential gun owners must pass a background check before obtaining a permit through their county sheriff's office, according to Iowa Public Radio.

• By making permits optional, the bill removes mandated background checks for private gun sales.
• But the bill creates a new felony charge: You can't sell a gun to someone you know wouldn’t pass a background check, Republicans argue.

The other side: Democrats have rejected that argument, however, saying the bill creates a loophole in background checks, since an unlicensed seller could easily argue they didn't know a buyer's criminal history.

What's next: Reynolds said she's waiting to receive the final draft of the bill before deciding to sign or veto it.

Construction is slated to start next month on the 6th Avenue Flats, but developers must first win a final city blessing for air rights.

• That’s required by city ordinance to allow roof overhang elements.
• But it adds project complications and is one reason the city doesn't have many live-work spaces, developer Jack Hatch told Jason.

Worth the headache: The apartments are for young people who have aged out of the foster care system.

• That’s a population who oftentimes still need assistance and frequently face homelessness.
• Kids who want to finish high school, obtain training certificates or complete associate degrees will get first dibs.

The state of play: Youth Shelter Services (YSS) is helping with the $8.5 million plan at 1230 6th Ave.

• It came together after Hatch learned about some of the challenges foster kids face during his former role as a state senator, he told Jason.

Details: Six live-work lofts will be located on the ground floor and 36 apartments will be in the upper four floors.

• A federal low-income housing program will help pay for project.
• Rents will be around $550 for one-bedroom units and $650 for two.

What’s next: The air request will go before the DSM City Council on April 5. If approved, construction will begin as early as April 12.

• Construction will take about a year.

• Prison budgets would increase by $4 million under an Iowa Senate plan for more correctional officers. A Republican leader said the decision had been made prior to an attack Tuesday in Anamosa that left nurse Lorena Schulte and corrections officer Robert McFarland dead. (Radio Iowa)
• The Iowa House passed a proposed amendment to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions. Its fate is up to the Senate now. (Des Moines Register)
• 🌿 The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden revealed a $23 million goal to develop about seven surrounding acres of land for gardens, an amphitheater and a riverfront café. (Des Moines Register)
• Whether a governor can fire an appointee, including for reasons related to race and sexual orientation, was at the center of pointed Iowa Supreme Court arguments yesterday in a case involving former Worker’s Compensation commissioner Chris Godfrey. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Here are the legal claims settled and paid by the city of Des Moines this month:

• Unite Private Network: $9,084 for damage to private communication lines.
• Rosalie Gedler: $7,603 for damage caused by a sewer backup.
• Patrick and Mary Knueven: $8,275 linked with condemnation of land for a sewer work and a Yeader Creek stabilization project.

Why you should care: As we reported earlier this month, the city often approves legal settlements without providing the public with some important info, like the cost and basic facts of a case.

• Citizens always deserve to know more about how their money is being spent.

Movement 515 is dropping its new mixtape today — and it’s packed with poems, songs and more composed throughout the organization’s 10-year history.

• The urban arts organization brings together Des Moines metro students and mentors to create spoken-word poetry and graffiti art.

Get a taste:

"Honestly I wish my arms were three years long / Because the only time I felt like someone is when I’m up on this stage /  Is when I peel off my skin like a potato for your snaps and applause / Is when I had a community of people who would say my name like it’s a theme song"

🎧 Listen to The Movement 515 Mixtape produced by Teller Bank$ on Apple Music or Spotify.