IOWA – A widespread winter storm is set to impact much of the state on Wednesday after what has been a below-average season for precipitation for many so far. The National Weather Service anticipates most areas of Iowa will receive at least three inches of snow, and many locations in the southern half will get closer to six or more by Thursday morning. This will come with extremely cold wind chills that start today, especially in northern Iowa. Another chance of snow is anticipated by Friday evening.

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order on Monday launching Iowa’s DOGE Task Force. Led by Sukup Manufacturing Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Emily Schmitt, the Department of Government Efficiency group modeled after the Trump administration aims to further cut spending in Iowa. The Iowa DOGE Task Force will hold its first meeting within 60 days and submit its report and recommendations within 180 days of that initial meeting.

CENTERVILLE – A Centerville man and Texas native was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. According to court documents, 48-year-old Luis Nathan Hernandez Jr. exploited a minor younger than 12 and produced child sexual abuse material of her between 2022 and March 2024. Hernandez persuaded the victim to take nude photos and videos, which she sent to Hernandez. Hiss Centerville residence was searched in April 2024 and police found nearly 600 files on a computer and more than 500 files on two different cell phones. In 2004, Hernandez was convicted in Texas of indecency with a child, which required him to register as a sex offender. Twice in 2013, Hernandez plead guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in Wayne and Appanoose counties.