Category: State News

IOWA – The potential for a winter storm is increasing, with impactful snow accumulation likely from late tonight through Saturday night. According to the National Weather Service, the highest potential for travel impacts will occur during this timeframe, though they may linger into Sunday after the snow ends. Snow amounts and travel impacts have trended potentially more significant, though the snow may still mix with rain at times over southern Iowa on Saturday, lowering snow amounts in those areas.

HUMBOLDT – One person died following a rollover crash in Humboldt County on Wednesday. KCCI-TV reports a Ford Edge was traveling eastbound on Highway 3, but crossed the center line, overcorrected, and rolled in a ditch. The Iowa State Patrol is handling the investigation. According to the Iowa DOT, 248 people have died on the state’s roadways in 2025.

DES MOINES – An Albia man has been arrested this week for a crash that killed a Des Moines teenager in September. The Des Moines Register reports 23-year-old Kaelin Mikel Meinders is in custody for warrants issued following the death of Santiago Rhone. Meinders has been charged with vehicular homicide and operating while under the influence. He’s accused of hitting Rhone with a motorcycle while the teen was crossing the street.

IOWA – Confidence continues to increase from meteorologists that a winter storm will impact the state after Thanksgiving. According to the National Weather Service, most Iowa communities will receive at least four inches of snow starting Friday night and continuing through Sunday morning. Travel impacts are likely, especially in northern and eastern Iowa, primarily on Saturday. The Iowa DOT is preparing for statewide plow operations. A burst of arctic air is set to follow, with wind chill values dipping well below zero for many by Monday morning.

GRINNELL – A pedestrian died in Poweshiek County along Interstate 80 on Tuesday. According to the Iowa State Patrol, 36-year-old Nicholas Andres Quintero was walking in the west bound lanes of the interstate just after 5 a.m. near Brooklyn. Quintero was struck and killed in the roadway by an unknown vehicle who may not have known what or who they hit. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating.

TAMA – A pair of Iowans will participate in the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Mother Kathy and son Corbin Suchkahosee are representing Meskwaki Nation with Native Pride Productions, according to WHO-13. They will be part of a one-minute routine set to air on national television.

IOWA – Confidence continues to increase about a potential winter storm impacting a large portion of the state after the Thanksgiving holiday. The National Weather Service continues to monitor a system set to impact Iowans mainly Friday evening through Sunday morning. While snowfall totals continue to be difficult to forecast, meteorologists are confident that travel will be impacted during that time, especially on Saturday. The Iowa DOT is preparing for widespread plow operations for the first time this winter.

MARSHALLTOWN – Marshalltown police have arrested a man they believe is responsible for a deadly hit-and-run in November. WHO-13 reports 36-year-old Edgar Yepez Diaz has been charged with homicide by vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash while causing death, and child endangerment. Police claim Yepez Diaz was the driver of a vehicle that killed 30-year-old Melanie Nelson on November 1st.

URBANDALE – An Iowa school superintendent is set to return from medical leave despite an ongoing investigation by the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. KCCI-TV reports Urbandale Superintendent Rosalie Daca is scheduled to be back at work on December 1st. The Iowa Board of Education claims Daca falsified reports and violated education laws, while the school district denies the accusations.

DES MOINES— Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will present former Governor of Iowa and U.S Ambassador to China Terry Branstad the Iowa Award in a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol. The Iowa Award is the state’s highest citizen award. The Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, established in 1948 by Governor Robert D. Blue and the Iowa Legislature, created the award.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – A Red Oak man was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography. According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with 51-year-old Tracy Brian Schooling uploaded files and possessed more than 300 videos and 300 images containing child sexual abuse material.

IOWA – The final USDA Crop Progress and Condition report for 2025 has been released — marking two updates after the Federal Government shutdown. The document updated in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Agriculture shows the 2025 harvest is complete. Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 27 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

DES MOINES – A report commissioned by the Des Moines Public School Board claims the search firm hired to review details about now-former Superintendent Ian Roberts missed several concerns before his hire, or did not disclose them to the district. The Des Moines Register reports the Dickinson Bradshaw law firm claims that JG Consulting did not inform the board about Roberts use of a false resume and doctored transcript prior to his hiring. It also alleges the search firm did not vet Roberts or his immigration status — he was arrested in September and faces deportation. The law firm also claims that JG did not use E-verify, despite implications it would.

IOWA – A total of 244 people have died on Iowa’s roadways, approximately 20% below the five-year average as the holiday travel season ramps up. The Iowa DOT reports an average 58 people have been killed in crashes statewide in November and December combined since 2020. The Iowa State Patrol reminds all drivers to obey posted speed laws, wear seatbelts, and avoid driving while intoxicated or distracted by devices, especially with additional vehicles expected during the Thanksgiving holiday travel weekend.

IOWA – Meteorologists are monitoring a potentially impactful precipitation system across the state after Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service is cautioning that a system could track into the state Friday evening and impact Iowans through Monday morning. What, if any snow, remains to be determined, but much colder air will settle into the state by Wednesday, which has increased the concerns about an impactful winter weather system. More forecast details are expected by the middle of the week.