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.

DES MOINES – A Des Moines man who shot at police in eastern Iowa in February has been sentenced. WHO-13 reports Christopher Kern was accused of breaking into the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and stealing his dog. Kern barricaded himself into a Cedar Rapids apartment and later exchanged gunfire with officers. He faces 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer. FORT DODGE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill at the South Branch of Lizard Creek in Fort Dodge. On Monday, the DNR Field Office in Mason City received a call from CJ Bio America in Fort Dodge regarding a leak at their facility. DNR field staff upon arrival observed the byproduct in the South Branch of Lizard Creek several miles downstream from the plant. Dead fish were also observed in the creek for several miles. The leak has been stopped, however due to flow and access restrictions, placing berms in the creek is not an option. IOWA CITY – Another University of Iowa Hawkeyes player is joining the ranks of professional women’s basketball. KCCI-TV reports Lucy Olsen was the 23rd pick in the WBNA Draft Monday night, going to the Washington Mystics. Olsen transferred to Iowa ahead of the 2024-25 season after three years at Villanova.

DES MOINES – At a press conference held during the annual Terrace Hill Easter Egg Hunt, Governor Kim Reynolds suggested she will not endorse a candidate to be her successor. The Des Moines Register reports following her announcement to not run for a third full term, Reynolds indicated wanting the primary process to play out. The governor did endorse several house and senate candidates in the last few cycles during Republican primary elections to have a legislature that better aligned with her agenda. DES MOINES – A Des Moines man faces a life sentence for a murder conviction. KCCI-TV reports Cedrick Thomas, Jr. is guilty for his role in a 2022 robbery that resulted in the death of Charles Lovelady. Court records indicate Thomas and two other people set up a drug deal with Lovelady to ultimately ambush him. Thomas was guilty of first degree murder and the two accomplices both also face prison time. IOWA – Drought conditions have remained steady throughout the state through the first few weeks of spring. According to the most recent report, nearly 80% of the state is still at least abnormally dry and 29% is in moderate drought, primarily in northeast Iowa. Chances for severe weather return for many later this week, especially on Thursday in the longer range forecast, and the National Weather Service also is keeping on a eye on a wet end to April in its Climate Prediction Center outlook

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will not seek a third full term in 2026. In a release sent Friday, Reynolds cited she aimed to spend more time with her grandchildren and felt her administration has accomplished many of their goals for the state. This means both Democrats and Republicans will hold primary elections for their candidates next June. CLARENCE – A Clarence man died in a three-vehicle crash in Cedar County Friday morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Mazda sedan driven by 36-year-old Zachary John Hutchinson attempted to pass two vehicles, when one of the two others he was trying to pass also moved in front of him. All three vehicles collided, with Hutchinson spinning into a nearby ditch. He died from his injuries and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Another driver involved was transported to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. CASS COUNTY – A New York man was killed in a crash on Interstate 80 in Cass County early Friday morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports a tractor trailer operated by 35-year-old Jagdeep Singh rear-ended another tractor trailer in the westbound lanes just after 1 a.m., and subsequently became engulfed in flames. Singh was pronounced dead on scene.