Iowa Radio News

DES MOINES – An Iowa soldier living in Waukee but listed as from Indianola by the U.S. Department of War was killed in the ongoing conflict in Iran. Major Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, is among the six Army Reserve soldiers killed when Iran struck Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on March 1st. O’Brien was an Army Reserve soldier from Indianola assigned to Des Moines’ 103rd Sustainment Command. He’s the second native Iowan killed in the ongoing conflict. HANCOCK COUNTY – Two people died in a crash in Hancock County early Wednesday morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports that the driver of a Chevy Silverado lost control on ice covered roads and struck a Kia Sorento in the opposite lanes of Highway 18. The driver of the Chevorlet, identified as 46-year-old Angel Ruiz-Tamayo of Clarion, and a passenger identified as 40-year-old Constantino Cruz Barradas of Goodell, were both killed in the collision. The driver of the Kia and another passenger in the truck were injured. IOWA – Two rounds of thunderstorms are expected first tonight into Friday morning, then again Friday afternoon and evening. The strongest storms are expected on Friday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service, with the primary threats being large hail and damaging winds. Uncertainties remain regarding the northern extent of the strongest storms, the tornado potential in Iowa, and the impact of morning storms on the afternoon forecast on Friday.

DES MOINES— The U.S. Department of Defense has identified four Army Reserve soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, who were killed in action when Iran struck Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on Sunday. Among them is one Iowan: 20-year-old Sergeant Declan Coady from West Des Moines.MASON CITY – Police have identified the three people found dead in a Mason City home this past weekend. WHO-13 reports that 73-year-old Larry Gene Walker, 39-year-old Shey William Pals, and 33-year-old Morgan Lee Tar were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death. The three were found unresponsive inside of Walker’s home. AMES – Just weeks after their season was cancelled, the Iowa State University Gymnastics Team will disband. KCCI-TV reports Athletic Director Jamie Pollard made the announcement on Tuesday. He cited internal conflicts between athletes, parents, and coaches in the program. This came after internal reviews in 2018 and 2023 showing several issues with the team. Athletes will receive their scholarships and ISU will appeal to have an extra year of NCAA eligibility added for current roster members as they transfer to other teams. IOWA – The National Weather Service has increased confidence in the first round of severe thunderstorms of 2026 impacting Iowans on Friday. Almost all of the state is now under a slight risk for large hail and damaging winds, an expansion over previous forecasts. Warm temperatures in the 60s and 70s will drastically change late Friday as a cold front sweeps through the state, which may prompt the first thunderstorm warnings of the year.

MARSHALLTOWN – A suspect in a shooting that resulted in the death of one person has been arrested. WHO-13 reports Marshalltown Police charged 29-year-old Allen James Hart of Mt. Pleasant with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and multiple counts of reckless use of a firearm. One person died after being transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. ATLANTIC – A former school counselor is being accused of inappropriate conduct. KCCI-TV reports that Atlantic Schools fired Jesse McCann last month. No criminal charges have been filed, but parents allege that McCann sent inappropriate messages to at least one student. He was let go on February 11th. HARRISON COUNTY – A Manilla resident was killed in a two vehicle crash in Harrison County on Monday evening. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Toyota RAV4 was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 before crossing the center line and colliding with a GM Sierra. The driver of the Toyota has been identified as 30-year-old Merari Eduviges Perez, who died from injuries suffered in the collision. A 57-year-old Missouri Valley man was injured in the crash. IOWA – Multiple chances for rain across the state continue to ramp up this week, with thunderstorms possible by Friday night. According to the National Weather Service, preliminary projections from its Storm Prediction Center show a slight risk for severe storms forming late Friday, although that forecast is subject to change. Temperatures on Friday are expected to climb into the low 70s for many, before a cold front drops those highs by 20 degrees going into Saturday.

MARSHALLTOWN – One person has died in a shooting reported in Marshalltown early Sunday morning. KCCI-TV reports an investigation is underway as police search for a suspect related to the incident. Two gunshot victims were transported to a hospital, and one of them has since died. The Marshalltown Police Department is asking the public for any possible leads. MASON CITY – Three people were found dead in a Mason City home Saturday evening. WHO-13 reports Mason City Fire and Police Department personnel found three people unresponsive inside of a house. There is no sign of foul play after the initial investigation. DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested. The meetings are open to the public and will be featured in twenty different communities. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. IOWA – As drought expands across the state again heading into the spring, several rounds of rainfall may provide some relief this week. According to the National Weather Service, multiple chances for precipitation are expected for most Iowans over the next several days. It comes as two-thirds of the state rates as abnormally dry and 1/4 is listed in moderate drought. The Spring Flood Outlook issued by the National Weather Service shows near normal chances for river flooding.

URBANDALE – Two juveniles now face first degree murder charges in relation to the deadly shooting of a 14-year-old in Urbandale. KCCI-TV reports Urbandale police announced the charges on Friday related to a death investigation that started this past Sunday. The suspects have only been identified by their ages and gender, which include a 14-year-old and 13-year old male. CEDAR RAPIDS – A judge sentenced a man to multiple life sentences without parole for the deaths of four people in 2024. KCRG-TV reports 36-year-old Luke Truesdell was convicted and found guilty for three counts of first degree murder and another charge of second-degree murder in November. Truesdell was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences on earlier this week. He attached four victims with a metal pipe in a pole barn in rural Linn County on June 5th, 2024. DES MOINES – A body was found in the Des Moines River on Friday, according to WHO-13. The Des Moines Police Department responded to a 911 call from a boater who believed they found someone dead in the water. A rescue team found the individual, who has not been publicly identified. Police don’t believe criminal activity resulted in the man’s death.