CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A Mason City man is facing a felony charge for allegedly burglarizing a residence on Aug. 9 and 10. Alan Valdez, 20, is accused of breaking into a residence in Meservey by climbing through a window on back-to-back days. He allegedly stole a total of $900. The money was recovered and returned to the residents.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – COVID-19 hospitalizations are up over 300% in Des Moines hospitals over the past month. The vast majority are unvaccinated.

IOWA (IRN) – The 2020 Census numbers are out. Iowa’s population grew in pockets around the state’s largest cities over the past decade while 68 counties in rural areas lost population. The biggest gains were in the counties around Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Four counties — Johnson, Polk, Warren and Story — grew by more than 10% and 26 counties increased by less than 10%. The remaining 68 counties lost population.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Transportation is brainstorming ways to improve congestion on Interstate 235 to try to reduce traffic accidents. One potential solution would be to install ramp meters on 14 I-235 entrance ramps. The meters would reduce the number of vehicles entering the Interstate at one time.

DYERSVILLE, IA (IRN) – If you build it, they will come. Baseball fans from across the country came to Dyersville on Thursday to watch the Yankees play the White Sox at the Field of Dreams Game. The game ended in Hollywood fashion. Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson crushed a two-run homer off New York Yankees pitcher Zack Britton in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the White Sox a thrilling 9-8 walk-off win. Major League baseball says they’ll be back.