AMES, IA (IRN) – Iowa State University President Steven Leath has been hired as the new president at Auburn University. The Auburn University Board of Trustees named Leath president this morning. Leath was hired as the 15th president of Iowa State in 2012. ISU officials have yet to comment on the announcement.

BETTENDORF, IA (IRN) – A Bettendorf woman has died after being hit by a car. WQAD-TV reports 38-year-old Jessica Soteco was pronounced dead at the University of Iowa hospital.
Police said Soteco was walking on the roadway about 9:00 p.m. when she was hit by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was not hurt during the accident. Bettendorf Police are investigating.

MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – Four people escaped a house fire late Sunday night in Mason City, thanks to the help of another person helping pull them out of the burning building. KIMT-TV reports one of the residents heard a popping sound which alerted them to the fire, and officials say another man helped pull them out of the house. All five were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A handwritten letter calling Muslims “vile” and “filthy” was delivered to the Islamic Center of Des Moines this weekend. KCCI-TV reports the letter was addressed to the “Children of Satan” and was signed by “Americans for a Better Way.” The note says that President Trump is “going to do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews,” and that it “would be wise to pack your bags” and leave. The letter and surveillance camera footage will be turned over to the FBI.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Hospital Association estimates a Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act could leave up to 250,000 Iowans without health insurance. Others are concerned the change could destabilize the entire Medicaid system that serves poor and disabled people. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 24 million Americans will lose health care coverage over the next decade under the proposal.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Hy-Vee’s in Cedar Rapids and Muscatine are honoring local “superheroes”–veterans, active duty military, and first responders in an unusual way. KCRG-TV reports the grocery stores have set aside two parking spots to those who work to keep their communities and our country safe.