WELDON – An EF-1 tornado was confirmed near the town of Weldon on Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. Storm cleanup followed on Friday, according to KCCI-TV. Several damaged homes and downed trees were reported in the community. There were four additional tornadoes confirmed in western Iowa. An active pattern in April continues on Monday, with more severe weather possible.

DES MOINES – Lawmakers have approved a bill that increases the speed limit on two-lane highways to 60 miles per hour. The Des Moines Register reports the current 55 MPH number was established in 1973 as a response to an international oil embargo. A national study shows an increase of five miles per hour on speed limits typically leads to an 8.5% increase in fatality rates on highways and interstates. It will cost nearly $825,000 to implement the changes.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Two world-leading times during the evening session highlighted the action Friday in the 116th running of the Drake Relays in sunny, breezy weather at Drake Stadium. Eight records were set in all, pushing the two-day total to 12 in this latest edition of America’s Athletic Classic. Gracie Hyde in the women’s steeplechase and Oklahoma State in the women’s 4×800 set the fastest pace among the record breakers, while South Dakota pole vaulters soared to the greatest heights. Today marks the finals of the event.