State News

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July 27th, 2023

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.


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July 26th, 2023

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.


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JOHNSON COUNTY (IRN) – Two people drowned after their canoe tipped on Lake MacBride Friday. WHO-13 reports the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a witness who said they saw two people disappear under the water after tipping over their canoe. Emergency crews responded immediately and began searching. Sonar equipment located the bodies of Suad Al Yasiri, 28, and Willie Davis, 23, both of Cedar Rapids. Neither was wearing a life jacket. ST ANSGAR (IRN) – A northern Iowa man convicted for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol will be spending more time in jail. KCCI reports Daryl Johnson, of St. Ansgar, admitted last month that he had secretly recorded women in a tanning salon owned by his father. Court documents show he was sentenced to six months in prison for that case. Johnson was one of the first Iowans sentenced in the Capitol attacks. IOWA CITY (IRN) – A Texas-based investment company has requested a court order to take over management of Mercy Hospital in Iowa City to prevent its closing. The Des Moines Register reports Preston Hollow Community Capital filed a petition in Johnson County to place the hospital under receivership, allowing the investment firm to take over operations. Company officials say Mercy Iowa City is suffering unsustainable operating losses, and its liquid assets have dropped by $40 million — or more than half, in the past nine months.


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July 24th, 2023

BURLINGTON (IRN) – Des Moines police report that suspect in a Sunday morning domestic incident died after a chase with other law enforcement agencies. KCCI-TV reports 31-year-old Joshua Paul Thompson was found in western Des Moines County in southeastern Iowa and a chase began. Officials say Thompson apparently shot and killed himself as authorities closed in. Police say Thompson had kidnapped a woman, but she is safe. SIOUX CITY (IRN) – RAGRBAI kicked off with hundreds of riders in its 50th anniversary on Sunday. The Iowa State Patrol reports more than 20,000 registered riders are expected to take place in the weeklong race, and day one featured 9,000 day-one exclusive participants. NEWTON (IRN) – Josef Newgarden has dominated the oval at Iowa Speedway over the years, and did so again this weekend. The Des Moines Register reports the IndyCar driver was able to win both races held as part of a weekend that included concerts, meet-and-greets, and more at the racetrack in Newton.


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July 22nd, 2023

DES MOINES (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird have filed an appeal to reinstate the newly approved law restricting abortion in Iowa. On Monday, a Polk County judge placed a temporary injunction on the law as an anticipate legal battle started to play out. The appeal goes to the Iowa Supreme Court, which deadlocked on a decision to reinstate a 2018 version of the bill. FREMONY COUNTY (IRN) – A woman was found dead in the Missouri River in southwest Iowa. WHO-13 reports that the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a dead body in the water near Bartlett, Iowa. Authorities were not able to identify the woman initially, and she was taken to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner for a forensic autopsy. WINTERSET (IRN) – Winterset’s police chief died suddenly Friday. KCCI-TV reports Ken Burk died surrounded by family after an undisclosed, sudden issue. He led Winterset’s police department for more than 20 years. FORT DODGE (IRN) – The end of the 2022-23 sports season took place Friday at the state baseball and softball tournaments across the state. This year’s state softball champions were North Linn, Iowa City Regina, Williamsburg, Winterset, and Ankeny Centennial, while the baseball title winners were Johnson, Western Dubuque, Beckman Catholic, and St. Mary’s, Remsen.