Category: State News

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.

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.

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.

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.

NEWTON (IRN) – A man allegedly attack a nurse at a Newton corrections facility. KCCI-TV reports 34 year old Nathaniel Clark Yeoman has been charged with false imprisonment, solicitation to commit a felony, and interference with official acts. Police say Yeoman, who is serving a 16 year sentence for sexual abuse of a child, confined the nurse to a medical room and refused to follow directions from a correctional employee.

JOHNSTON (IRN) – An extended heat wave is becoming more likely next week across the state. According to the National Weather Service, many Iowa communities will approach and even top 100 degrees multiple days, starting on Tuesday. This will be the hottest stretch in an otherwise mild summer across the state. The heat wave will likely impact drought conditions across the state, as for the second consecutive week, 100% of Iowa is abnormally dry and nearly three-fourths are considered in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

AMES (IRN) -An Iowa State Basketball Hall-of-Famer and one of the greatest shooters in Cyclone program history died yesterday. Dedric Willoughby passed away at the age of 49, according to the Iowa State University Athletics Department. A native of New Orleans, Willoughby was the linchpin on two of Iowa State’s most successful teams in 1995-96 and 1996-97, earning first team all-league honors and leading the team in scoring both seasons.