CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Cedar Rapids police have released new information about a collision that killed four people earlier this month. On December 1, emergency crews responded to C St. SW between Thomas Edison Blvd and Beth Page Dr. for a two-vehicle crash. That crash killed 52-year-old Ruth Tekeste and her 13-year-old son, Buruk Mehari, as well as 18-year-olds Casey Krager and Carter Cooper. Many details have been kept under wraps, with officials only saying that “excessive speed” was a factor in the deadly incident. Police have now revealed the make and model of the vehicles involved in the crash, as well as who was driving the cars. Officials say Carter Cooper was driving a 2006 Chevy Impala while Ruth Teseste was driving a 2010 Honda Pilot. Investigators say they are waiting on toxicology reports before determining the cause of the accident.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – With millions of Iowans visiting loved ones for the holidays, medical experts are expecting to see a surge in respiratory illness like COVID-19 and the flu. Currently, COVID-19 activity across the state is considered “very high” by Iowa Health and Human Services, with just about 1 in 5 lab survey COVID tests coming back positive in December. Less than 20% of Johnson County residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, but Johnson County still boasts the highest vaccination rate across the state. Officials say many Iowans are tired of getting immunized after the pandemic.
CENTER POINT-URBANA, Iowa (KCRG) – At approximately 8:00 a.m. Monday, emergency crews responded to the 4500 block of Urbana Rd. for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Investigators say an eastbound garbage truck had stopped to pick up trash when it was struck from behind by a 1994 Chevy truck. Rescuers had to free the 16-year-old driver of the truck, who was then air-lifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. No one else was injured in the crash.
NEWTON, Iowa (KCRG) – Country music star Luke Combs and hip-hop singer-songwriter Post Malone are coming to Iowa to perform at next summer’s Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway. The concerts will be 90-minute performances on the trackside stage, in front of the grandstands. The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend started in 2022. It brings three days of racing and live music to the Iowa Speedway in Newton. It is set for July 12-14, 2024. The concerts are included with Saturday/Sunday tickets.
