DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds announced a waiver to restrict food eligible to be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars was approved. WHO-13 reports the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services requested that certain items including candy, soda, and most taxable groceries are ineligible for SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the move, which is being considered in at least six other states.

STATE CENTER – A UTV driver has died after he was flown by a helicopter to a hospital following a crash on Wednesday in Marshall County. KCCI-TV reports 78-year-old Jeffrey Larson was killed while attempting a u-turn on a rural road. While attempting the move, he pulled out in front of an SUV. The driver of that vehicle was unharmed.

IOWA – Heavy rain that fell across much the state Monday into Tuesday put a dent into drought conditions. Abnormally dry conditions in south central Iowa were lifted as many communities received 2-4″ of precipitation following a multiple-week dry spell. Light showers are possible over the next several days into the Memorial Day holiday, according to the National Weather Service.