IOWA – Governor Kim Reynolds announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for Sioux and Palo Alto Counties effective immediately through January 7th. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in both counties. This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The recent bird flu detections do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.  

MUSCATINE – A multi-county pursuit resulted in two fatalities Sunday afternoon on Highway 218. KCII Radio reports a crash took the lives of two people near Mile Marker 78 in Washington County at 3:51 p.m., according to the Iowa State Patrol. The Muscatine Police Department received multiple reports of a female driving through the community and firing a weapon at others. When that woman did not stop, she led police on a chase through Louisa County and eventually toward the area of the crash.

IOWA – Both the Cyclones and Hawkeyes have one more football game to play before the 2024 season ends. The No. 18-ranked Iowa State football team is heading to Orlando to take on No. 15 Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 28th. It marks the Cyclones’ seventh bowl game in eight seasons, and comes after they lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship game Saturday morning with a College Football Playoff Bid on the line. The Hawkeyes are traveling to Nashville on December 30th to take on No. 19 Missouri in the Music City Bowl.

AMES – An Iowa State Cyclones football player was arrested for alleged operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The Des Moines Register reports Jaylon Jackson was taken into custody at 2:38 a.m. on Sunday morning by Ames Police. The graduate transfer has gained 429 total yards of offense in 2024.