SCOTT COUNTY – Two crashes in eastern Iowa claimed three lives on Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol reports a vehicle lost control on Interstate 80 at 12:26 that afternoon. The unidentified male passenger was ejected and the female driver were both declared dead on scene. In Muscatine County, a UTV struck a deer, killing the 58-year-old driver and injuring three others.

DES MOINES – A series of record highs across the state were felt, including in Des Moines on Sunday. The National Weather Service reports a temperature of 88 degrees recorded broke an 18-year-old record of 87. Another warm day will give way to storm activity state wide, as many locations could see large hail overnight, with more widespread threats expected over the southern half of the state on Tuesday.

TAMA – The ongoing drought in central Iowa has one water utility imposing mandatory water restrictions. WHO-13 reports the Poweshiek Water Association is now implementing restrictions on the use of water due to low supplies in their aquifer south of Tama. Last year, the limits were voluntary, but now, they are mandatory. The utility is facing resistance, as many are still planning to fill above ground pools and other activities.

NEW YORK – Live from New York, it’s Caitlin Clark. The transcendent basketball superstar made it to the desk of Weekend Update on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Clark exchanged jokes with host Michael Che. Caitlin is preparing to be to No. 1 overall pick in the WBNA Draft this evening at 6:30 p.m.

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has interviewed the officers involved in the April 6 shooting incident involving David Vanderhamm. All three officers are members of the Cedar Rapids Police Department and have been identified as: Sergeant Alex Haas, Officer Emily Habeck, and Officer Skylar Mullins. All three officers are cooperating with the investigation. Vanderhamm was killed after being shot by officers following a confrontation.

MARSHALLTOWN – Nearly half a year after power was cut to the Marshalltown mall, legal action has been taken by county officials. KCCI-TV reports the Marshall County Board of Supervisors is suing Kohan Retail Investment Group. They have used the mall for storage, and will no longer pay rent to the space and leave. They claim Kohan Retail have not property maintained the space.

IOWA – Two rounds of severe weather are possible across the state. According to the National Weather Service, the first widespread severe event of the year could take place Monday evening into Tuesday with multiple rounds. Much needed rainfall is expected, as 32% of the state remains in severe drought or worse, despite recent improvement.

DUBUQUE – Three people died in what seems to be a series of related incidents in both Iowa and Wisconsin. KCRG-TV reports the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office found an unresponsive woman, identified as 32-year-old Tana Poppe, on Wednesday evening. Both of her children were also missing from the home when she was found. Her five-month-old baby was turned over to a random Wisconsin home. A vehicle pursuit in Dane County, Wisconsin, both included the suspect of the potential homicide and the 13-year-old girl that was missing — both of whom are accused of shooting at police. The teenager was found dead but the cause of death is unknown. A male suspect was found inside of an Albion home after barricading himself away from police, identified as Alexander Grunke. Court records indicate he was arrested in march with abduction and interference with child custody.

DES MOINES – Oral arguments began Thursday as Iowa lawmakers attempt to establish a bill that would outlaw most abortions in Iowa. WHO-13 reports a fetal heartbeat bill that was passed in a special session in 2023. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird argued on behalf of Governor Kim Reynolds in an attempt to establish the law as constitutional in the state. The law would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy with very few exceptions relating to sexual assault or if the mother’s life is in danger.

HAMLIN – An Audubon woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision near Hamlin Wednesday afternoon. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Buick driven by 73 year old Sheryl Zinke failed to yield from a stop sign going onto Highway 71. A semi driven by 42 year old Ross Miller of Carroll was struck as it was traveling northbound. Zinke died from her injuries and Miller was unharmed.

DES MOINES – Iowa school districts and communities will have the chance to apply for competitive state grants to feed hungry children over the summer. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Governor Kim Reynolds made the announcement Wednesday for $900,000 for multiple programs administered by the Iowa Department of Education and U.S. Department of Agriculture. This comes after Reynolds rejected the state’s participation in the Summer EBT program, which would give $40 of direct federal assistance per child, per month to families in need. Iowa would have needed to spend #2.2 million to receive the aid.

DES MOINES – Through the Safe Haven Law, two infants, a baby girl, born March 17, and a baby boy, born March 20, are now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and will be placed with foster families until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 68 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago.
Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is as an option for parents in crisis to who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old. Designated locations include hospitals, police, and fire stations. Health and Human Services then works to place infants in approved foster homes while awaiting permanent adoption. In 2023, ten infants were relinquished to HHS custody under the Safe Haven Act.

IOWA CITY – Carver Hawkeye Arena was packed with fans celebrating the end of a two-year run to the national championship game for their favorite women’s basketball team, led by the game’s most iconic player. During a celebration of the 2024 season Wednesday, Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz announced Caitlin Clark will have her No. 22 retired from the team, according to KCRG-TV. Caitlin Clark is the only Big Ten athlete to sweep National Player of the Year Awards in consecutive seasons and is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history.