IOWA (IRN) – Minimum wage workers cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in Iowa, according to a new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The Des Moines Register reports to afford a “modest” two-bedroom apartment renting at $781 a month, a full-time Iowa worker would need to earn at least $15.01 an hour. That’s more than double Iowa’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Workers in Iowa’s metro areas need to earn even more.

OTTUMWA, IA (IRN) – An Ottumwa woman with a history of theft convictions is accused of shoplifting again at Walmart. KTVO-TV reports the woman took several items off the shelves, including a bottle of rum, a bottle of soda, and three laptops. When searched, police also found several clear plastic baggies containing methamphetamine.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Republicans are split on President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance policy that places children of suspected undocumented immigrants in detention centers, away from their families. Congressman Steve King praised the policy, saying there is nothing cruel about it. Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann disagrees, saying the policy is cruel and unfair, while Governor Kim Reynolds calls Trump’s policy “horrific.”

FAYETTEVILLE, AR (IRN) – A former Ankeny schools superintendent was fired Monday from an Arkansas district after claims of sexual harassment emerged. The Des Moines Register reports
Matthew Wendt was terminated from the Fayetteville schools for his alleged treatment of a female employee, which he denied. An employee said that she was coerced into having sex with Wendt, who threatened her job and sent harassing text messages in an attempt to continue their relationship.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The storefront of a Des Moines Casey’s General Store sustained significant damage Tuesday after a car crashed into the building. KCCI-TV reports a driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to crash into the Casey’s. The driver suffered minor injuries, and nobody inside the store was hurt.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The remains of an Army Sergeant reported missing in action during the Korean War nearly 68-years-ago have been returned to his family in Iowa. Sgt. Donald Baker was buried with full military honors in Cedar Rapids yesterday.