Iowa Pulse

Iowa has recorded 241 traffic fatalities so far in 2026, nine more than at this point last year, according to the Iowa DOT. Of those deaths, 165 occurred on rural roads and 76 on urban roads. Despite the increase over 2025, fatalities remain 43 below the five-year average. Figures are preliminary through Nov. 6.

President Trump said Saturday he has offered UFC CEO Dana White the job of White House press secretary, writing on Truth Social, “Dana, please take the job!” Full story: iowaspulse.com/trump-dana-wh…

Iowa hits the road tonight to face Northwestern in a crucial Big Ten showdown. The Hawkeyes are looking to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive against a Wildcats team that remains undefeated at home. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on FOX.

An Iowa man collected unemployment benefits while working and spending nearly two months in jail. Now, the Dubuque man is headed to federal prison for 33 months and must repay $17,102. Read more: iowaspulse.com/dubuque-unemp…

A 41-year-old Iowa woman was killed after a 15-year-old driver attempted to pass vehicles in a no-passing zone near State Center, authorities say. The teen suffered life-threatening injuries. Read more: iowaspulse.com/mccallsburg-w…

A four-county pursuit involving gunfire at officers ended in a deadly head-on crash on Highway 30 in Cedar Rapids, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Two fatalities confirmed. Names withheld. Read more: iowaspulse.com/cedar-rapids-…

An Iowa nursing home resident died without CPR or a 911 call despite records showing he wanted resuscitation. A nurse received a warning, and federal inspectors cited serious failures at the facility. Read more: iowaspulse.com/oskaloosa-car…

Voting machine errors triggered an election audit in Scott County after ballot scanners rejected some ballots in three precincts. Officials have published unofficial audit results. Read more: iowaspulse.com/scott-county-…

END OF AN ERA: The Iowa Standard is shutting down after eight years covering Iowa politics. Publisher Jacob Hall cited a new opportunity and thanked readers for their support. FULL STORY: iowaspulse.com/the-iowa-stan…

BREAKING: President Trump has named Stephen Miller his new White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles following Republican midterm election losses. The change takes effect Monday.

Two McDonald’s employees were injured after police say a customer opened fire through a drive-thru window in Ankeny Thursday night. Hassan Mohamed, 25, of Des Moines, faces two counts of attempted murder and additional charges. FULL STORY: iowaspulse.com/ankeny-mcdona…

An Iowa father has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the death of his infant daughter in Crawford County. Chad Gibbs Jr. must serve at least 35 years before becoming eligible for parole. Read more: iowaspulse.com/charter-oak-i…

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, 93, is rejecting calls from Iowa conservatives to resign so Gov. Kim Reynolds can appoint his successor before Democratic Gov.-elect Rob Sand takes office. Grassley’s office says he is not resigning. Read more: iowaspulse.com/grassley-reje…

Edward Peters, 47, faces charges after police say he pointed a pistol at a Heartland Family Services employee and threatened to shoot him Thursday. Peters was later arrested after officers surrounded a residence and an emergency response team entered the home.

JUST IN: Anti-crypto Sen. Elizabeth Warren is expected to become Chair of the Senate Banking Committee after Democrats took the Senate. She’ll have major power over banks, the Fed, crypto regulation, and the broader financial industry.

Jennifer Christine Pledger, 39, of West Des Moines has been charged in the Des Moines post office shooting. Police say she faces two counts of attempted murder, two counts of willful injury causing serious injury and one count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon.

BREAKING UPDATE DES MOINES, Iowa — A 39-year-old West Des Moines woman faces two counts of attempted murder following Thursday morning's shooting at the main Des Moines post office. Jennifer Christine Pledger has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of willful injury causing serious injury and one count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, according to Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek. Investigators allege Pledger opened fire on fellow employees on the building's second floor, shooting one woman and causing her to fall. According to police, Pledger then approached the wounded employee, stood over her and fired another shot. Investigators allege she also fired toward other employees as they fled. Two employees were shot, while a third was injured attempting to escape. Authorities previously said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Police said Pledger would be booked into the Polk County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.

BEDFORD, Iowa — State inspectors cited Bedford Specialty Care after two residents alleged abuse by three sister CNAs. One suffered a documented large bruise. Two penalties totaling $6,500 were suspended. Read more: iowaspulse.com/bedford-speci…

Three people were injured in a shooting Thursday morning at the main Des Moines post office. Police say two people were shot and a third was injured while escaping. All three were hospitalized with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. A suspect is in custody. The investigation continues.