(Radio Iowa) – This past week’s fatal shootings (on Aug. 27th) of children in a Minneapolis school’s church can be very difficult for adults to process, let alone kids. A mental health care professional is urging Iowa parents to talk with their children about these tragedies.

Sarah Long, a psychologist at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says to be careful not to offer too much information too soon, as that may only increase a child’s level of anxiety. “Understanding the developmental level that your child is at really helps you to tailor the information that you’re giving them to their appropriate level,” Long says, “so they have a good understanding of the information that we’re sharing with them and not becoming overwhelmed by it.”

Sarah Long (Gundersen photo)

As parents discuss this incident, Long says there’s no “one size fits all” talk, as each member of the family will process the information in their own way.

“Even two same-age kids are going to have a different level of cognitive understanding, also a different level of emotional resilience,” Long says. “So really understanding your own child and what their strengths and areas for improvement are will help you to know what’s the level of information that my child can handle.”

Most parents understand not to provide too many gory details about a mass shooting, but they might try to offer more background than a child really needs to know.

“We always also encourage people to start with the least amount of information and then build and layer from there,” Long says. “Kids tell us they need more information by asking more questions. So if you give the information and they seem satisfied with that, you’ve fulfilled their needs. If they’re still asking questions, then they’re telling us, ‘I need more information than what you’ve given me.’”

They may have follow-up questions days later after hearing more about an incident from other kids at school, so parents should be prepared to offer more detail, as these aren’t “one and done” conversations. “This can be a really hard and scary thing to talk about, but that doesn’t mean that we have to avoid that conversation,” she says, “and that kids have a safe space at home to talk with their family regarding any questions or concerns that they have.”

Revisiting the topic will also allow the parent another chance to reinforce how safety measures are in place and how work is being done to protect kids from something like this ever happening at their own school.

Emplify Health has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett, Wednesday (Sept. 3rd), will take time during a regular meeting of the Atlantic City Council, to address the resignation announced this past week, of At-Large Councilman Gerald Brink, whose official resignation (due to health concerns), (is) was set to have taken place on Sept. 1st.

City Administrator John Lund says the Mayor “Has been doing her due diligence on how to proceed on addressing the vacant At-Large Council Seat.” Because the Iowa League of Cities has informed the City that it is too close to the General Election of 2025 to hold a Special Election, that only leaves the option of an appointment, with the voters then having to decide who will fill a full-term, during the Nov. 4th General Election.

Lund says “The City must first post public notice in the local newspaper a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 20 days before action is taken to fill the Council seat by an appointment. The Council must fill the vacant seat within 60 days.” After that, members of the public may submit letters to City Hall for consideration by the full Council. Lund adds, “Public interviews are then conducted, and each candidate will be publicly voted on.

Once a candidate reaches a  majority vote, they will assume the seat for the remainder of the term of office. The Council will then be required to vote down the remaining candidates.” Afterward, the Mayor will swear-in the new Councilmember.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council, Wednesday:

• Will receive an update from Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith, with regard to Commercial Development Progress.
• Will hold the Second Reading of an ordinance vacating a portion of the right-of-way in the 400 block of Laurel Street.
• Will hold a Public Hearing on an ordinance “Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlantic,” with regard to Flood Plain Regulations, and
• They will hold the First reading of the Ordinance (#1062) amending the Code as presented, and as required by the National Federal Flood Insurance Program.
• The Atlantic City Council will also act on passing a Resolution (#61-25) “Authorizing and Approving a Loan Agreement and Providing for the Issuance of a $90,000 General Obligation Solid Waste Management Note.”
• The Council will act to approve three separate Pay Applications for work on the City Street improvement Projects.

The City Council’s meeting takes place at the City Hall in Atlantic, beginning at 5:30-p.m. on Wed., Sept. 3rd.

City Council Agenda Packet 09-03-2025_compressed

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has reportedly told confidants she will not run for re-election — a decision that would put the national spotlight on Iowa’s 2026 U-S Senate race. Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports.

At least five Democrats and two Republicans have previously announced they’re running for Ernst’s U.S. Senate seat. Matt Whitaker, President Trump’s NATO Ambassador, ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and national media outlets are now reporting he’s considering the 2026 race.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson — mentioned often as a likely candidate should Ernst step aside — held a fundraiser last Saturday and she pledged to fight alongside Trump on a variety of fronts.

(Radio Iowa) – Matt Whitaker, President Trump’s NATO Ambassador, ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and national media outlets are now reporting he’s considering the 2026 race. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson — mentioned often as a likely candidate should Ernst step aside — held a fundraiser last Saturday and she pledged to fight alongside Trump on a variety of fronts.

Former State Senator Jim Carlin of Sergeant Bluff and former national Libertarian Party leader Joshua Smith of Indianola have both said they’re running against Ernst. Ernst’s withdrawal announcement is expected next Thursday. Iowa has not had an open U.S. Senate race since 2014 when Democrat Tom Harkin announced he would not seek reelection. The last time Iowa had an open races for the U.S. Senate AND governor.

(Radio Iowa) – The college football season gets into full swing this weekend and the pros will soon take the field as well, which will ramp up sports betting in the state. Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administrator Tina Eick has this advice for those considering betting on the games.

Eick says betting with a licensed operator is the safest option.

She says if you have any doubt the site is legitimate, you can look it up.

Eick also says to remember to not get carried away with sports gambling.

You can call 1-800-BETSOFF if you or someone you know has a betting problem to get confidential help. You can also go to the YourLifeIowa.org website to get help.