DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Students at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines walked out of class Tuesday, demanding lawmakers do more to curb gun violence and prevent school shootings. Many wore orange shirts, the color hunters wear for safety, and the color of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, which is Friday.

WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines man faces homicide charges in a deadly crash that happened in March. Windsor Heights Police say Cameron Slothobuer was speeding when he crossed the centerline on March 26. He slammed into Rick Beasley’s car. Beasley died at the hospital a few days later. Slothouber was arrested on Monday and charged with vehicular homicide by reckless driving.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – At a meeting today, the Board of Regents will decide whether or not to approve a 6% rate increase at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The rate, if approved, would go into effect July 1st, 2022.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines Public Schools’ Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will begin his role as interim superintendent a month ahead of schedule. Smith, who accepted the position of interim superintendent in April, will take over for outgoing Superintendent Tom Ahart today. Ahart came under fire for trying to keep children and staff healthy during the height of COVID.

IOWA (IRN) – Several rounds of storms moved through central Iowa Monday night causing damage in some parts of the state. Most of the damage was concentrated in north-central Iowa where straight-line winds are to blame for tree and structure damage in Boxholm, Williams, and Kamrar.