IOWA (IRN) – Eight people, including six children, have lost their lives to house fires in the last week in Iowa. The first happened Monday in Walcott at a mobile home, killing a 2-year-old. Then Wednesday, flames in Mason City killed four children. And Thursday, two adults in their 70′s died when their Cedar Rapids home caught fire. The latest tragedy struck Friday morning in Onslow, killing a child.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A Cedar Rapids woman accused in connection with a deadly shooting in Cedar Rapids this year has been extradited back to Iowa from Illinois. Pierra Baugh, 33, is awaiting trial in the Linn County jail, facing multiple charges, including 1st degree murder. She’s being charged in connection with the death of Cordal Lewis.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa Democrats have reelected their legislative leaders as they prepare for the 2023 legislative session, where they will hold fewer seats than they have in decades. Republicans are expected to hold a majority of either 63 or 64 seats in the 100-member Iowa House and a 34-16 majority in the 50-member Iowa Senate. Legislative Democrats voted to keep Rep. Jennifer Konfrst and Sen. Zach Wahls as their party’s leaders in the Iowa House and Senate, respectively, for the 2023 Iowa legislative session, which begins on Jan. 9.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Rob Sand has earned another term as the state auditor. Sand’s opponent, Republican Todd Halbur, conceded Friday. With 99 counties reporting, Sand collected 50.08% of the vote total. Halbur said the Iowa Republican Party didn’t give him enough support. The Iowa Republican Party says Halbur didn’t work hard enough.