WASHINGTON, D.C. A Senate panel has approved Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as U.S. ambassador to China. Today’s decision all but assures full Senate confirmation of President Donald Trump’s pick for the key diplomatic post. The 70-year-old Branstad has headed Iowa government for more than 22 years and is the country’s longest serving governor.
BURLINGTON, IA (IRN) – A Burlington couple is accused of trying to walk out of a Coralville Wal-Mart with more than $1000 worth of merchandise. KCJJ-Radio reports 33-year-old Tosha Clouse and 27-year-old Christopher Oberlander loaded up a shopping cart and left without paying. Among other items, they stole a computer and a Night Owl Surveillance system.
URBANDALE, IA (IRN) – An Urbandale mother is in jail, and her 6-year-old daughter is recovering from second-degree burns in a child endangerment case that police say almost went unnoticed. KCCI-TV reports 34-year-old Helena Cole is charged with child endangerment causing physical injury. Police learned about the case thanks to an intuitive teacher who noticed that the child had been kept home from school. School officials showed up to Cole’s apartment and found the girl badly burned inside.
BLACK HAWK COUNTY, IA (IRN) – Authorities in Black Hawk County are investigating a road rage incident that sent one person to the hospital. WHO-TV reports a semi-truck driver and another driver got out of their vehicles at a stop sign. During an altercation, the truck driver was stabbed in the back. The suspect then fled.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Multiple crews responded to an apartment fire in Cedar Rapids last night. KGAN-TV reports 12 units on the top floor of the building were affected. Two ladder trucks from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department were needed to put out the fire. There are no official reports of injuries, but witnesses say one person was hospitalized.
HIAWATHA, IA (IRN) – High school students in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Academy at Kirkwood’s Linn County Regional Center took on the challenge of converting a shipping container into a tiny home. KCRG-TV reports it took 12 weeks and $24,000 to build.
At just 266-square feet, the tiny house is truly tiny. But there is room inside for a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living area. It’s for sale.