IOWA (IRN) – The flu killed twice as many Iowans this winter as last year. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported Friday that the state recorded 270 confirmed flu deaths in the season starting last fall. That compares to 133 at this point a year earlier. Just 44 flu deaths were confirmed in Iowa two winters ago.

CENTERVILLE, IA (IRN) – The children of a Centerville woman accused of killing her husband and lighting him on fire are now without both parents. Firefighters found Timothy Pasa dead May 5 in Centerville. His body was badly burned. Two weeks later his wife, Barbara Pasa, was arrested for his murder and arson. Their father’s death and subsequent charges against their mother left 14-year-old Kate Pasa and 17-year-old Owen Pasa without parents.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Police are investigating an armed carjacking at a Cedar Rapids Walmart yesterday, according to KCRG-TV. No one was injured, and no arrest has been made.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – An eastern Iowa woman says she learned a hard lesson this week.
KWWL-TV reports the Waterloo woman’s SUV was stolen from her apartment, and found less than 30 minutes later on fire. She says she will never leave her car running again. The fire is being investigated as an arson.

CLARKSVILLE, IA (IRN) – Iowa has its first ever “American Idol,” and her hometown is making changes to celebrate, according to WHO-TV. On Monday night, Maddie Poppe was named the winner of the singing competition. In her hometown of Clarksville, she’s receiving another honor: a park. The Maddie Poppe Trailhead Park will soon fill an area near Highway 188. Plans include a picnic shelter and a bike trail.