IOWA (IRN) – The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in effect for most of the state until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Snow expands from west to east this morning, increasing in intensity during the afternoon. Impressive snowfall rates are possible along with gusty winds and a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and even rain showers during the afternoon in southern Iowa. Snow amounts will vary from less than 4 inches in the western part of the state to bands of heavier snow around central Iowa, producing nearly 8 inches of fresh snow. Travel is not advised starting at noon today in central Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Coronavirus-related hospitalizations and admissions ticked higher in Iowa Monday after several days of decline as the state will end the year with over 3,700 dead from the virus. State Public Health data shows the number of deaths in October was 21% higher than the average monthly deaths for October over the past four years.

IOWA (IRN) – Long-term care facilities across Iowa began distributing the first round of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to staff and residents on Monday.

WAUKEE, IA (IRN) – Waukee fire crews said two people were injured in a fire at an apartment complex Monday evening. It happened near downtown Waukee. Two people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. All seven families living at the complex have been displaced.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – One of the Tyson Foods managers fired for betting on how many workers would contract COVID-19 at an Iowa pork plant said the office pool was spontaneous fun and intended to boost morale. Don Merschbrock, a former night manager at the plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he was speaking in an attempt to show that the seven fired supervisors are “not the evil people” that Tyson has portrayed. “We really want to clear our names…We actually worked very hard and took care of our team members well.”