DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Several Saydel football players are defending their head coach after he was placed on administrative leave last week. Austin Stubbs was placed on leave Sept. 30 for allegedly punishing players, by pushing them to the brink of exhaustion — all because one of the coaches thought a player stole $100 from him. Polk County deputies ended up at practice after receiving calls from concerned parents. Stubbs resigned.

DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – A judge sentenced a man to life in prison for strangling a 74-year-old Davenport man to death in 2020. 20-year-old Charlie Gary was sentenced to the life term for the murder of Robert Long. Gary was convicted of first-degree murder, burglary, robbery and abuse of a corpse. The killing happened after Gary, who had done odd jobs for Long, asked the older man if he wanted his driveway shoveled. Long declined and Gary forced his way into the house and strangled him.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines police officer shot a woman who was armed with a knife Tuesday evening. Authorities received a call from a person saying the woman had a knife and was attempting to stab him as he was walking downtown. The person stayed on the phone with 911 operators, and when police arrived the woman turned her attention toward an officer. She advanced toward the officer, ignoring his orders, and he shot her. She’s been hospitalized.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – After 50 years, the Cedar Rapids Police Department solved the murder of a 17-year-old girl. Maureen Brubaker-Farley was reported missing in 1971. Her body was found in the trunk of an abandoned car. In 2005, DNA was sent to a lab, and last month authorities traced the DNA through the family of George Smith. Smith knew Brubaker-Farley from working at a diner. Smith died in 2013, so no charges will be filed.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Iowa City officials have released the finalized design of the Iowa City Ped Mall playground with construction set in the Spring. The play equipment has already been ordered with the thought of increased accessibility in mind. A new tower structure will have stair access to all levels.