OTTUMWA, IA (IRN) – Two people were taken to the hospital after a four-vehicle pile up in Ottumwa Friday. KTVO-TV reports all four vehicles were traveling north on Highway 63 around 2 p.m. The first vehicle slowed down to turn into a gas station. Another driver failed to stop, hitting the first vehicle and causing a chain reaction involving two more vehicles.

WEST BRANCH, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Transportation may widen Interstate 80 east of Iowa City from four lanes to six lanes. The study will look at the stretch of interstate from Iowa City to just past the West Branch exit. Interstate 80 has proven to be dangerous in that area. In February, three people were hurt in three crashes involving 33 vehicles near the West Branch exit on the same day.

MUSCATINE, IA (IRN) – Crews have been busy cleaning up the Muscatine riverfront as the eastern Iowa city prepares for thousands of bicyclists to visit during RAGBRAI. The Muscatine Journal reports that crews have been dredging the Mississippi River where RAGBRAI riders will dip their tires at the end of the ride. City officials say without the dredging, riders coming to dip their bike tires in the river would find only large amounts of wet sediment.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A woman and her friends are passing out water bottles, flowers and hugs to people in downtown Iowa City. KCRG-TV reports Jamie Miller, an Iowa City resident, says she wanted to spread happiness after recent tragedies in Dallas, Louisiana and Minnesota. Henry Emmons was walking by and says he was grateful to receive the small act of kindness.
“I love it,” he said. “we’ve got to do some kind of action and what better thing to do than be kind.”