Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republican lawmakers Wednesday proposed a bill that would offer broad protection from coronavirus lawsuits for doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, meatpacking plants, restaurants and other businesses. The measure, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, was tacked onto a medical malpractice bill that previously had passed the Senate. Democratic Rep. Brian Meyer, a lawyer, opposed the bill, saying it protects corporations but not the people of Iowa. Similar efforts to curb what supporters consider frivolous lawsuits are underway in Congress and several other states.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Rep. Steve King became a unifying force in American politics the longer he served in Congress. Republicans and Democrats alike were glad to see him go Tuesday, defeated in a GOP primary after nine terms in Congress representing Iowa. King’s political demise comes amid a reckoning moment for the United States as it confronts its long history of mistreatment of African Americans and a backlash against the nationalistic policies of President Donald Trump. The congressman’s defeat comes five months before Americans decide whether to reelect Trump, who in 2014 described King as “a smart person with really the right views on almost everything.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Legislature has returned to finish work left when the coronavirus pandemic surfaced in Iowa in March and prompted state officials to close the state Capitol. Lawmakers began work Wednesday and are expected to meet for at least two weeks to complete work on a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and address policy measures on which House and Senate leaders reach agreement. Temperatures will be checked at the door and masks will be provided. Meeting rules have been established to allow lawmakers to be at least 6 feet apart. Committee meetings and floor debates will be streamed on the internet.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are facing a reckoning as they contend with some divisive candidates during the country’s struggle through civic unrest. So far the results are mixed. Iowa congressman Steve King lost his bid for a 10th House term Tuesday after losing his committee assignments over racist comments. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo decided against seeking a Senate seat representing Kansas, meaning a lightning rod conservative hard-liner might instead win the nomination. And President Donald Trump has favored confrontation over compassion in how cities are handling protests sparked by the police killings of black men.