Category: State News

DES MOINES – Lawmakers continue to debate a potential overhaul of property taxes. The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa House Republicans are in favor of a strict, two-percent year-to-year cap with few exceptions, while Senate Republicans would tie increases close to inflation. Republicans have strong majorities in both chambers, largely leaving Democrats out of the process. Representatives from cities of all sizes testified at the Iowa Statehouse last week, arguing any restrictions to property taxes reduces essential services.

CORYDON – The Cordyon Fire Department battled a fire at a petroleum plant over the weekend. KCCI-TV reports that several explosions were reported, but no injuries were reported. Several city blocks were evacuated and it took crews approximately eight hours to fight the flames.

IOWA – Some thermometers in the state may break records today as temperatures climb into the 70s this afternoon, before another possible round of severe weather returns on Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, some uncertainty remains with the severe threat, but regardless, cooler days will return by the middle of the week. The current best chance for intense thunderstorms is in the southeast portion of the state.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Iowa’s Congressional delegation and Governor Kim Reynolds will attend the dignified transfer of two Iowa soldiers killed in the ongoing conflict in Iran today. KCCI TV reports that Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee and Sgt. Declan Coady of West Des Moines were among six U.S. service members killed in the line of duty this past week.

IOWA – A Blakesburg man accused of killing three women in Utah was out on criminal charges he allegedly committed in Iowa. The Associated Press reports 22 year old Ivan Miller was released without bail in January on burglary charges. He was arrested in Colorado after police searched across multiple states. Three women were found dead after attacks allegedly committed by Miller.

NORWALK – The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union sent a letter of apology to the Norwalk Warriors girls basketball team after their loss to Dallas Center-Grimes in the state semifinals Thursday. Several Central Iowa news outlets confirmed the letter. The union didn’t specify the mistake made by officials in the final minute of the contest. The highlights of the final minute of the game made it to several national outlets, as the Mustangs stormed back and scored seven points in a matter of 16 seconds.

DES MOINES — Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff until sunset on the final day of interment in honor and remembrance of Major Jeffery O’Brien of Waukee and Sgt. Declan Coady of West Des Moines. Both are Army Reserve Soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, and were killed in action on March 1st in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. WHO-13 reports a Dignified Transfer will be held on Saturday at Dover Air Force Base.

WASHINGTON D.C. – All four of Iowa’s congressional representatives voted against a measure that would have forced President Donald Trump to seek authorization to continue combat operations in Iran. The U.S. House measure failed largely along party lines 212-219, with four Democrats joining opposition, according to the Des Moines Register. A similar measure was rejected strictly on party lines, with Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley voting in line with fellow Republicans.

IOWA – Severe weather will be possible today, mainly from the late afternoon into the night. Large hail and damaging wind gusts will be possible, and possibly a few tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service. Beneficial rain is also in the forecast, with many locations in Iowa set to see 1-2″ of precipitation by Saturday morning.

DES MOINES – An Iowa soldier living in Waukee but listed as from Indianola by the U.S. Department of War was killed in the ongoing conflict in Iran. Major Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, is among the six Army Reserve soldiers killed when Iran struck Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on March 1st. O’Brien was an Army Reserve soldier from Indianola assigned to Des Moines’ 103rd Sustainment Command. He’s the second native Iowan killed in the ongoing conflict.

HANCOCK COUNTY – Two people died in a crash in Hancock County early Wednesday morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports that the driver of a Chevy Silverado lost control on ice covered roads and struck a Kia Sorento in the opposite lanes of Highway 18. The driver of the Chevorlet, identified as 46-year-old Angel Ruiz-Tamayo of Clarion, and a passenger identified as 40-year-old Constantino Cruz Barradas of Goodell, were both killed in the collision. The driver of the Kia and another passenger in the truck were injured.

IOWA – Two rounds of thunderstorms are expected first tonight into Friday morning, then again Friday afternoon and evening. The strongest storms are expected on Friday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service, with the primary threats being large hail and damaging winds. Uncertainties remain regarding the northern extent of the strongest storms, the tornado potential in Iowa, and the impact of morning storms on the afternoon forecast on Friday.

DES MOINES— The U.S. Department of Defense has identified four Army Reserve soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, who were killed in action when Iran struck Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on Sunday. Among them is one Iowan: 20-year-old Sergeant Declan Coady from West Des Moines.

MASON CITY – Police have identified the three people found dead in a Mason City home this past weekend. WHO-13 reports that 73-year-old Larry Gene Walker, 39-year-old Shey William Pals, and 33-year-old Morgan Lee Tar were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death. The three were found unresponsive inside of Walker’s home.

AMES – Just weeks after their season was cancelled, the Iowa State University Gymnastics Team will disband. KCCI-TV reports Athletic Director Jamie Pollard made the announcement on Tuesday. He cited internal conflicts between athletes, parents, and coaches in the program. This came after internal reviews in 2018 and 2023 showing several issues with the team. Athletes will receive their scholarships and ISU will appeal to have an extra year of NCAA eligibility added for current roster members as they transfer to other teams.

IOWA – The National Weather Service has increased confidence in the first round of severe thunderstorms of 2026 impacting Iowans on Friday. Almost all of the state is now under a slight risk for large hail and damaging winds, an expansion over previous forecasts. Warm temperatures in the 60s and 70s will drastically change late Friday as a cold front sweeps through the state, which may prompt the first thunderstorm warnings of the year.