CASSODAY, KS (IRN) – An Ankeny woman died Tuesday after a crash on the Kansas Turnpike. KWCH-TV reports that 36-year-old Kristina Marie Masters was traveling south on the interstate when she lost control of her vehicle. Officials with the Kansas Turnpike Authority say Masters struck a work vehicle parked on the side of the road that was helping another vehicle that had slid into a ditch. Masters was taken to an area hospital, where she died. Authorities say weather was a factor in the crash.
DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – Jury deliberations have resumed in the case of an 18-year-old accused of stabbing a fellow student in Davenport. KCCI-TV reports testimony began Jan. 12 in the trial of Drew Romkey, who’s charged with felony willful injury. Romkey stabbed another student four times in the stomach. The student survived, but required extended hospitalization. Romkey says he was defending himself.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa has received a nearly $97 million federal grant to tackle the state’s water quality and flood challenges. The Des Moines Register reports that Gov. Terry Branstad and state and local leaders are expected to meet Friday afternoon to discuss the grant. The money will help accelerate water quality efforts and flood reduction in key watersheds in Iowa.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina is accused of using a group of preschool day care kids as props during an anti-abortion speech. KCCI-TV reports during a 40-minute appearance, Fiorina discussed a wide range of topics, but parents are upset the children had a front row seat while Fiorina discussed abortion in front of a large picture of an unborn fetus.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Dozens of people are urging the Iowa Utilities Board to reject the construction of the Bakken oil pipeline, according to KCRG-TV. Dakota Access wants to build the pipeline that would carry thousands of barrels of crude oil across the state. In Des Moines on Tuesday, about 40 people, including farmers and environmentalists, protested the proposed project. Next month, the Iowa Utilities Board will hold four meetings to discuss it and possibly make a decision.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – While Iowa children are showing improvement in health and education, there is room for improvement. WHO-TV reports data released by the Child and Family Policy Center shows that 110,000 children across the state live in poverty. That’s roughly two times the population of West Des Moines. But there is some good news. Teen birth rates have decreased more than 42% and the mortality indicators for infants, children and teens have decreased between nearly 25% percent since 2000.
SIOUX CITY, IA – Morningside College is helping some talented students from Sioux City’s three middle schools be better speakers and leaders. 8th graders from the Talented and Gifted programs took part in the annual Toastmasters speaking competition at Morningside College. Students gave their speeches in one of two categories: persuasive or extemporaneous speaking. Members of the community helped the kids prepare, and 75 students took part in the contest.