EL PASO – Iowa’s congressional delegation is calling on President Joe Biden to reopen rail crossings in Texas. Iowa Public Radio reports the six Republicans representing the state in Washington D.C. believe the railroads are critical to agricultural trade. IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.3 percent in November, up from 3.1 percent one year ago. Iowa’s labor force participation rate decreased to 68.1 percent in November. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in November. The number of unemployed Iowans increased to 57,200 in November from 56,000 in October. IOWA – Families are at risk for losing out on federal aid that feeds kids during the summer. KCRG-TV reports the Summer EBT program gives students in the free and reduced lunch program about $40 per month. The deadline to continue in the program is January 1st; Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has not expressed interest yet. Iowa is eligible for $29 million in federal funding.

DES MOINES – The driver charged in a crash that killed a woman on Thanksgiving was under the influence of multiple drugs. KCCI-TV reports Shawn Michael Bowersock had both meth and fentanyl found in his system, according to police. Bowersock crashed after he attempted to flee from police and killed Connie Allison of Des Moines. Court documents indicate Bowersock topped 89 MPH before he crashed into a creek. He faces several charges, including homicide by vehicle while eluding. MASON CITY – A Mason City man faces a first degree murder charge. WHO-13 reports Frederick Olson has been arrested in relation to the death of Leroy White. Mason City police were called to a home for a welfare check on Monday, only to find White dead from apparent injuries suffered in an assault. Olson was previously charged with attempted murder 10 years ago, but had that charge dismissed as part of a plea deal. IOWA CITY – The wrestling career of an Iowa Hawkeye is over after he was suspended over sports betting. Nelson Brands had his appeal denied to the NCAA. KCRG-TV reports the senior admitted his involvement in a sports betting probe that ultimately caused four other Iowa athletes to be suspended. IOWA – Those dreaming of a White Christmas are well out of luck, but according to the National Weather Service, needed rainfall may fall instead. Temperatures heading into the holiday will be well above normal state wide, with daytime highs in the 50s common. A system could bring moderate to heavy rain starting on Christmas eve, with many rain gauges potentially seeing up to two inches by Christmas night.

IOWA – While the Legislative Session is still several weeks from starting, discussion about priorities has Governor Kim Reynolds clarifying her position as it relates to Area Education Agencies. The governor told The Gazette she intends to leave AEAs intact, but plans to overhaul the system that provides support to public schools and their students with learning or intellectual disabilities. Democrats and other education lobbyists have expressed concerns that majority Republicans want to cut funding or shut down AEAs as the GOP announced plans to review and likely change the system. GUTTENBURG – Governor Kim Reynolds honored Iowans for their bravery earlier this week. WHO-13 reports the annual Governor’s Lifesaving and Sullivan Brothers’ awards ceremony featured recognition for residents who have gone above and beyond to help others. Among the honorees was Caleb Crocker of Guttenberg, who rescued many people with disabilities who were inside of a group home that caught fire. PLEASANT HILL – A rare disease was found in an Iowa nursing home. Parkridge Nursing Home is investigating a case of Legionnaire’s disease found in its Pleasant Hill facility. The case appears to be specific to the home, according to Des Moines Water Works in a KCCI-TV report. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.

DES MOINES – While fueled by a near supermajority in its chamber, the Iowa House of Representatives have announced their main goals in the upcoming legislative session. Speaker Pat Grassley told multiple news outlets on Monday that the lower chamber intends to continue reviewing education, cutting taxes, increasing technology use in government, and other topics. The session begins on January 8th. UNION COUNTY – A Union County man charged with sexual abuse that fled from supervised release has been caught. Dalton Barber of Lorimor cut off his ankle monitor in November, according to KCCI. Barber was arrested multiple times in 2022 for a variety of felonies, including multiple instances of domestic abuse, as well as two counts of 2nd degree sexual abuse of a minor. POLK COUNTY – Flu-related hospitalizations are on the rise over the past month. WHO-13 reports Polk County health officials report an increase of 250% during that time, with RSV and COVID hospitalizations also increasing by approximately 60 percent. NEWTON – Hy-Vee announced two of the biggest stars in music will be performing as part of the INDYCAR Race weekend next summer. The grocery store chain announced award-winning artists Luke Combs and Post Malone will lead the lineup for next summer’s Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend, July 12-14. Entering its third year in 2024, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend brings crowds to Iowa Speedway for a blend of racing, live music and three days of fun. Combs will perform on the Hy-Vee Stage on Saturday, July 13, before the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race of thedoubleheader weekend. Post Malone will hit the stage on Sunday, July 14, following the final INDYCAR SERIES race of the weekend. B

CASS COUNTY – A New York Man died in an Interstate 80 crash over the weekend. The Iowa State Patrol reports Malak Singh was operating a semi and for an unknown reason Saturday, lost control in Cass County. Singh died as a result of injuries suffered in the rollover. DES MOINES – A Des Moines man has been arrested for allegedly causing a fire that injured two people. KCCI-TV reports Otis James Richardson faces charges of arson and possession on an incendiary device. Two people were hospitalized in the fire Tuesday at a Forest Avenue home. ALVORD – An Alvord man was arrested this week for a crash that killed a passenger in July. KTIV reports the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office is charging Kaleb Debey with Homicide by vehicle, operating while intoxicated, and reckless driving. Debey lost control of his car and eventually went airborne. His passenger, 35-year-old Halee Bliek was ejected and died from those injuries.