IOWA – Three weeks into a new law that curtails electronic device use while driving, the Iowa DOT has reported several warnings have been issued statewide. KCCI-TV reports more than 1,400 traffic stops have been made in that time related to using a device while driving. Warnings will continue until the end of this year for anyone not using hands-free technology while operating a vehicle, with few exceptions. MINNESOTA – RAGBRAI made its first trip out-of-state in 52 years of the event on Monday. The Des Moines Register reports riders traveled 15 minutes into Minnesota upon departing from Milford. RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen says he was inspired by the Tour de France, which sometimes starts outside of its namesake country. Thousands of bike riders are taking the northern Iowa trek this week through the state on bikes. IOWA – A bout of summer-time excessive heat is set to blast most of the state through Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, daytime highs into the 90s, coupled with high humidity, will have heat index values topping 100 degrees for most Iowans. The extra punch of humidity comes from 8-12″ of rain that has fallen over most of the state since mid-June and the corn crop remaining in strong condition across Iowa.

BREMER COUNTY – A civil lawsuit accuses Iowa State Patrol troopers of bullying citizens and conducting illegal searches. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Dominic Tangen of Black Hawk County is suing Bryce Bilharz and Michelle Beck. Tangen in particular alleges Bilharz of misconduct performed during and following a July 2023 traffic stop. Tangen says he tested negative for any blood alcohol and did not perform well during a field sobriety test due to sciatica in his legs, of which he informed troopers about. His charges were dismissed in September of 2023. The lawsuit alleges Bilharz of bullying behavior in two other traffic stops. IOWA – More rounds of thunderstorms over the weekend prompted additional flash flood and flood warnings in the state. According to the National Weather Service, many communities received an additional 2-4 inches of rainfall over the weekend, and tornado warnings were prompted in Ames and Ankeny Saturday morning. This comes during a particularly wet month in Iowa, as some locations have now accumulated over a foot of precipitation since mid-June. Drier, but hot and humid conditions, return this week. SIOUX CITY – The 2024-25 academic year of athletics ends this week for Iowa High School students with the state baseball and softball tournaments. The girls of summer compete this week across five classes at the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge, while the small schools boys teams are at Merchant’s Park in Carroll. For one year only, the Class 3A and 4A baseball teams are at Lewis & Clark Park in Sioux City. Following this week, a no-contact family week returns before fall sports teams begin practices on August 4th. New this upcoming season, Iowa High School girls tennis begins competitions in August, moving from the spring.

WINNESHIEK COUNTY – Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has pulled back on her lawsuit against a county sheriff who made a social media post vowing to slow federal agents acting unconstitutionally. KCCI-TV reports Bird has dismissed her suit against Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx, stating the county is complying with state law following a discussion between the two. DES MOINES – A ban of central Iowa residents watering lawns is being scaled back in phases. The Des Moines Register reports Central Iowa Water Works indicated customers can stagger their use based on a newly developed schedule. The timing of the ongoing rollout and reduction relies on nitrate levels. The ban was placed on communities in the water service’s broad territory following a spike in the pollutant above federal standards. IOWA – Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall could cause more localized flooding in locations across the state through Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, late evening and overnight thunderstorms could continue to develop and drop additional precipitation on already saturated grounds. Forecasts indicate it won’t take a lot of rainfall to refill river streams statewide, but many locations could see 1-3″ of additional rainfall per night.

DES MOINES – Following a 2 a.m. Thursday vote by the U.S. Senate to pull back already approved funding for public broadcasting, Iowa PBS indicated the cuts could impact 20% of the station’s budget. KCCI-TV reports Iowa PBS General Manager says if the bill is again approved by the U.S. House, 25 staff members could be cut this fall. The recissions package requires just a simple majority, based on a request by the Trump Administration. It would ultimately cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8 billion in international programs that have already been approved by Congress. MADISON COUNTY – A group has officially filed a petition for a special election in Madison County for the county auditor’s seat. WHO-3 reports former auditor Teri Kaczinski resigned following several attempts to hire her former campaign manager in various county roles. The Madison County Board of Supervisors appointed new auditor Matthew Schwarz earlier this month, but the public was not property notified about his appointment and their right to petition. The Madison County Civic Alliance, a group of citizens, challenged the appointment and collected signatures for a special election. IOWA – Federal election reports show Incumbent Senator Joni Ernst raised $722,000 in the most recent quarter, much less than her first quarter numbers. KCRG-TV reports the Republican has less than $3 million in her campaign funds. Ernst has not formally declared if she will run for another term. Democratic Opponents Nathan Sage and State Senator Zach Wahls both were close, but slightly behind, Ernst’s numbers for the most recent quarter.

MYSTIC – Police have arrested a man accused of shooting a father and son in southern Iowa. KCCI-TV reports 36-year-old Destry Walker was found dead and 62-year-old Randy Walker critically injured in rural Mystic. While responding, the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a motorcycle crash. Robert Barrell was found hiding in the weeds near the crash. The department says the 51-year-old was considered the suspect after investigations at both scenes. He’s been charged with first degree murder and attempted murder. AMES – An Iowa State University student accused of sexual exploitation faces more charges. WHO-13 reports 43-year-old Patrick A. Connerley was arrested in March for communications with minors on social media. On Sunday, he was charged with two counts of purchasing and possessing depiction of a minor in a sex act and one county of bestiality. Investigators claim they found photos and videos of children victims, as well as sexual acts with an animal. IOWA – Thunderstorm and heavy rainfall chances return to the forecast this weekend, beginning this evening and continuing intermittently through Sunday. Rain may linger into the morning hours Saturday and Sunday, but precipitation will generally occur through the overnight hours with breaks during the day. While still early, the National Weather Service will be monitoring for heavy rainfall and flash flood potential through the weekend.