DES MOINES (IRN) – A Des Moines man was arrested for allegedly touching a child inappropriately and violating the sex offender registry. At around 2 p.m. on Saturday, WHO-13 reports 34-year-old Charles William Mitchell Cheek was seen at a gas station in Ankeny with a child unsupervised. According to a criminal complaint, Cheek was seen by witnesses and on surveillance camera inappropriately touching the child and attempting to kiss her. Cheek was charged with child endangerment, indecent contact with a child, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, and sex offender registration violation. OTTUMWA (IRN) – Two people died in a chain-reaction crash near Ottumwa Friday. The Iowa State Patrol reported the crash occurred at a single-lane bridge closure on Highway 63. KCCI-TV reports a semi did not stop at the light and caused four vehicles to collide, which also started a fire. Steven and Brenda Hinebaugh of Ottumwa died from injuries. FORT DODGE (IRN) – An assault investigation is under way in Fort Dodge. Police say they found an unresponsive man after dispatch received a tip, and first responders were able to find the man alive with injuries. Police are seeking additional information about the attack. IOWA (IRN) – Iowa’s tax free holiday is coming up this Friday and Saturday. Any clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item is exempt from all sales tax, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

MARSHALLTOWN (IRN) – Powerful wind gusts swept through the state as a cold front produced severe thunderstorms Friday night. According to the National Weather Service, winds as strong as 90 MPH impacted portions of Linn and Marshall Counties, causing damage to both areas. A tornado also touched down near Iowa Falls. LAMONI (IRN) – Older Iowans in four communities will be losing their assisted living apartments. KCCI-TV reports that Care Initiatives says its facilities in Lamoni, Odebolt, Panora, and Dunlap are converting to apartments — meaning those who need assistance will have to find a new place to live. DES MOINES (IRN) – The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is reviewing whether or not to permanently halt a longstanding practice to pay for emergency contraception, and in rare cases, abortions, for victims of sexual assault. The Des Moines Register reports that Republican Brenna Bird paused that policy after taking office in January, in what she says is part of a larger overhaul of the office. On Iowa PBS Friday, Bird indicated she’d like the change to be permanent.

BURLINGTON (IRN) – A Burlington girl was found after an Amber Alert was issued by police, who have been searching for Caydence Jane Roberts since July 26th. The alert was issued due to a possible abduction. FORT DODGE (IRN) – A Fort Dodge man charged in the death of his baby pleaded guilty to lesser charges. KCCI-TV reports Brandon Thoma will be sentenced for child endangerment resulting in death and abuse of a corpse on Sept. 1 at the Webster County Courthouse. He was initially charged with first-degree murder. Police say Thoma and Taylor Blaha drowned their newborn baby in November. Blaha has pled not guilty to her first-degree murder charge. Her trial is set to begin Sept. 12. CLIVE (IRN) – The Iowa Lottery had a record-breaking year. Overall, there were $481.5 million in sales in the fiscal year that ended on June 30th, with $305.3 million in prizes. The state received $108.2 million of that revenue, with retailers collecting $31.3 million, according to WHO-13. DES MOINES (IRN) – There is one more day of extreme heat expected across the state. The National Weather Service reports more than half of Iowa is under an Excessive Heat Warning, with heat index values topping 110 degrees in some areas of Iowa. More seasonable conditions are expected, but severe weather may be a threat tonight, especially north of Interstate 80.

CARNARVON (IRN) – An Iowa State Senator was arrested after he’s accused of blocking a road and refusing to move during RAGBRAI Monday. According to WHO-13, a police officer responded to a report of a large party that was inhibiting traffic, and advised Adrian Dickey to leave the highway. According to the criminal complaint, the officer and senator argued and at one point Dickey asked to be arrested. He has been charged with interference with official acts and has a court hearing in Sac County on August 8th. NEVADA (IRN) – Nevada police have charged two people following a drive-by shooting Monday night. KCCI-TV reports a man was taken to the hospital with wounds to his chest and calf, and since has been released. Tristyn Rumbaugh of Slater and an unnamed juvenile were each charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting. TIPTON (IRN) – The Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office removed dogs from a Tipton facility. KCRG-TV reports multiple animal welfare inspection reports showed the space owned by Lindo Boots called “Just Dogs Rescue” was not in compliance. Officials removed nearly 40 dogs from the facility. Inspection reports showed several concerns related to a strong ammonia odor, residue of fecal matter, and improper lighting. DES MOINES (IRN) – The halfway point of the 50th annual RAGBRAI made its way to Iowa’s Capitol on Wednesday. Governor Kim Reynolds participated in her first ever bike ride with the event from Ames to help celebrate the occasion. The riders will journey to Tama and Toledo on the longest stretch today.

DAVENPORT (IRN) – A former professor at the University of Iowa was sentenced to 25 years in prison distributing drugs and possessing child pornography. In 2020, Dr. John Robert Muriello, 66, conspired with Eric Hojka of Iowa City, and others, to obtain and distribute methamphetamine. Investigators traced drugs that were used by an overdose victim back to the professor. When the police conducted a search at Muriello’s Iowa City residence in May 2021, they discovered methamphetamine and a large collection of child pornography. IOWA (IRN) – The latest crop progress report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture shows most corn crop in Iowa is in good or better condition, while many others are at least fair. However, drought is having an impact, with 55% of topsoil rated has short or worse when it comes to moisture levels. Most corn, hay, oats, and soybeans are ahead of schedule from their 2022 pace. DES MOINES (IRN) – Vice President Kamala Harris is set to speak in Des Moines on Friday. She will discuss reproductive rights with healthcare providers, patients, and city leaders. The location and time has yet to be announced, according to KCCI-TV. DES MOINES (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds has announced “Fair-Side” chats with prospective GOP presidential candidates at the Iowa State Fair. Reynolds will interview most of the contenders, with the exception of Former President Donald Trump, August 10th through the 18th.