ESSEX – The National Weather Service confirmed one of the biggest tornadoes ever on record hit southwest Iowa last week. A storm survey showed an EF-1 storm that passed near Essex reached nearly 2000 yards in width — or 1.1 miles wide. This came as many communities in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa received baseball sized hail Thursday night. DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has signed into law a bill that lowers the minimum age of owning a handgun down to 18 years old. KCRG-TV reports the new standard starts on July 1st. Eighteen year olds were already able to purchase long-barreled guns, but unable to do so with smaller firearms. Critics of the bill argue this reduces safety, while proponents believe it makes the law more consistent. GREENFIELD – One person is in custody after someone was found dead inside of a home in Greenfield early Saturday morning. The Iowa Division of Criminal investigation reports Yudiel Vega-Blanco has been charged with first degree murder and willful injury causing injury. At 12:45 a.m. Saturday, the Adair County Communication Center received a 911 call for a stabbing that occurred in the 200 block of NE 4th St. in Greenfield.  A second victim was also identified in the residence and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  The names of the victims are not being released pending notification of family. 

CEDAR COUNTY – Two people died in fatal crashes investigated by the Iowa State Patrol on Thursday. The first occurred in Cedar County and involved a tractor trailer. A semi driven by Adam Wiese of Lowden was attempting to turn off of Highway 30 and rear ended a Chevy Malibu driven by 59-year-old Loretta J. Frana, also of Lowden. She died from her injuries. Another crash on Thursday in Appanoose County involved Wesley Laverne Devore of Milo, who was traveling west on Highway T-30 and crossed the center line, hitting another vehicle. He died from his injuries at the scene. DES MOINES— Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista, Fremont, Page, and Plymouth Counties in response to severe weather that occurred on April 17th. Governor Reynolds’ proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of tornadoes and large hail, and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for those counties. The proclamation is effective immediately and expires on May 18.

DES MOINES, – The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in March, up slightly from 3.3 percent in February. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent in March. The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,664,000 in March, up 400 from February and 2,400 higher than one year ago. The total number of unemployed Iowans increased to 58,600 in March from 57,300 in February. CEDAR RAPIDS – A former Iowa commissioner of public safety and U.S. attorney will run against Ashley Hinson in northeast Iowa as a Democrat. The Des Moines Register reports Kevin Techau is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was a nominee of former President Barack Obama in 2013 to become the U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Iowa. INDIANOLA – The president of Simpson College was found dead Thursday morning during a wellness check. Iowa Capitol Dispatch reports 54-year-old Jay Byers did not make it to scheduled morning meetings. He was found unresponsive in the campus residence for the president shortly after. Byers also served as CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership before returning to his alma mater. AMES – Police in Ames have arrested a man they say threatened to commit a mass shooting at Iowa State University’s graduation ceremony. KCCI-TV reports the campus police arrested 28-year-old Tanner Bandy of Nevada, IA, who has been charged with five counts of harassment and stalking with possession of a dangerous weapon. The victim in the case came forward to police and accuses Bandy of targeting her and having a specific plan to kill her and several others at commencement.

IOWA – Storms return to the forecast this afternoon into the evening statewide, many of which could be severe. According to the National Weather Service, development has a level 2 (of 5) risk for severe weather, with large hail the primary risk. Some of the hail stones could be up to two inches in diameter, especially along and west of Interstate 35.DES MOINES—Governor Kim Reynolds has requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for four Iowa counties due to significant severe weather conditions that occurred on March 19th. Gov. Reynolds requested funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program for Crawford, Harrison, Monona, and Woodbury counties for significant damage to public infrastructure and private property caused by the severe weather. Following a joint federal, state, and local damage assessment of the affected counties, it was estimated the severe weather resulted in more than $8 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance program.INDIANOLA – An Indianola resident has entered into the race for U.S. Senate as a Democrat and challenger to incumbent Republican Joni Ernst. Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage has formed a campaign to run for the highest federal office in Iowa. NBC News reports the Mason City native is a veteran of the U.S. Military and is running to support the working class. Sage is the first Democrat to formalize a campaign ahead of the June 2026 primary. The Des Moines Register reports State Senator Zach Wahls and Representatives J.D. Scholten and Josh Turek are also exploring possible runs for the seat.

IOWA – Storms return to the forecast on Thursday into Thursday night statewide, many of which could be severe. According to the National Weather Service, development has a level 2 (of 5) risk for severe weather, with large hail the primary risk. Some of the hail stones could be up to two inches in diameter. COUNCIL BLUFFS – A Canada man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity in Iowa. According to court documents, commercial truck driver Quentin Joel Nighttraveller drove his fourteen-year-old daughter from Canada to the United States. In Minnesota, Nighttraveller stopped to get the truck repaired and sexually assaulted the victim. They continued the trip and while in Avoca, the victim ran from the truck in the gas station and requested assistance. After completing his term of imprisonment, Nighttraveller will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds directed Iowa Health and Human Services to submit a waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish work requirements for Medicaid recipients. The waiver reflects pending Iowa House and Senate legislation, which includes exemptions in addition to other individually approved exemptions for minors, senior citizens, and those with disabilities. Iowans who do not meet the new requirements will no longer be eligible for Medicaid coverage.