DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa is preparing to notify families in early February that federal money could run out for a health insurance program that covers roughly 60,000 low-income children in the state. The Iowa Department of Human Services is also exploring options in case funding ends for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known in the state as Hawk-I.
MILWAUKEE, IA (IRN) – SkyWest Airlines says a flight from Iowa to Detroit made an emergency landing in Milwaukee after a sudden loss of cabin pressure. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the plane carrying 38 passengers and three crew members left Cedar Rapids at about 7 a.m. and landed safely in Milwaukee at about 8 a.m. Thursday. Passengers continued on to Detroit on different plane while crews investigated what caused the loss in cabin pressure.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines man’s obituary is casting light on the opioid epidemic, according to KCCI-TV. 28-year-old Michael Emberlin died Saturday of a heroin overdose, and his family members wrote that he is “preceded in death by 13 of his friends who also lost their lives to the opioid epidemic.” Sandy Emberlin, Michael’s mother, says “we lost him a long time ago because it took the life out of him.”
SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – A Sioux City honey business was vandalized and its hives were destroyed. KCAU-TV reports Justin Engelhardt, owner of “Wild Hill Honey,” was doing a routine check on the 50 hives Thursday morning and discovered the vandalism. More than half a million bees are dead from freezing temperatures, and the business may close. Englehardt says you can’t insure bees.
MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – A Mason City man is facing a felony charge for allegedly using fake “For Motion Pictures Use Only” money at a pair of businesses. KIMT-TV reports 40-year-old Charles Reich used fake cash at McDonald’s and a convenience store. Police pulled him over and found him to be in possession of methamphetamine. He’s in jail.
PLEASANT HILL, IA (IRN) – Students at Four Mile Elementary in Pleasant Hill come from eight different cultures, according to WOI-TV. ESL teacher Jill Brady is hosting a day long Diversity Celebration, which will offer lessons about different traditions, languages, food and clothing. Ms. Brady says many of her students are reluctant to share their cultures, for the fear of feeling considered an outsider. She hopes the celebration will help every student embrace the traditions and differences that make them unique.