WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – Authorities are investigating after a 17-year-old male was found dead Saturday morning in Waterloo. Someone called 911 around 10:15 a.m. after spotting the teen in brush along the 1000 block of West 3rd Street. When emergency personnel arrived, they confirmed the teenager had died and found evidence that gunfire had taken place in the area. Investigators later searched a home in the 300 block of Randolph Street as part of their investigation. Officials noted they believe this was an isolated incident with no ongoing danger to the neighborhood. The teenager’s name is being withheld while family members are notified. Anyone with information can call investigators at 319-291-4340 (option 3) or share an anonymous tip through Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS.
DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa Capital Dispatch/KCRG) – A Democrat senator on the Iowa Senate’s tax-writing committee, Tony Bisignano, said Friday that timing on a potential special session reported Friday is “suspicious” as the 2026 general election draws near. Lawmakers are considering a potential special session in October. Kevin McCarthy, chief of staff for Iowa House Minority Leader Brian Meyer, sent an email to Iowa House Democrats Thursday stating House Democrat leaders “have been in communication with the lobby firm that has been retained by a company in the steel industry wishing to have an incentive package passed in the very near future to then allow them to make the decision to locate in SE Iowa near the Mississippi River and build their large plant there.” The steel company has not been disclosed, but the message stated the company is asking Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and legislative leaders to consider holding a special session “to pass an incentive package and they claim they need it soon.” Special sessions can be called by the governor or by a two-thirds majority of the Iowa Legislature. The last special session was called in 2023 to pass Iowa’s law banning most abortions after six weeks. There was also a special session in 2021 to conduct the redistricting process during the COVID-19 pandemic—but before that, the last special session was in 2006 when lawmakers voted to override former Gov. Tom Vilsack’s veto of eminent domain legislation. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has the ability to provide certain tax breaks and other incentives without needing legislative approval, meaning a special session would likely involve a larger financial package than what IEDA can allot through current programs. Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner said in a statement Friday, “I have heard nothing from the governor’s office, so at this point all we have to go on are rumors and speculation.” “If there is an incentive package being offered to a company, we don’t have those details,” Weiner said. “We need more information before we can decide if a special session is in Iowans’ best interests.”
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – Freshman Head Coach Claude Wilkins is recovering after suffering a cardiac emergency on the way to the game against Waterloo West Friday night. CPR was administered by trainers and staff until Cedar Falls paramedics arrived. Surgery was performed and Wilkins is now recovering. The freshman game will not be rescheduled.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff Saturday in honor and remembrance of the student and teacher who died this week at Lake Macbride State Park. Reynolds ordered the flags at half-staff until sunset on Monday, Sept. 28 in memory of Ahmed Osman and Hannah Jorgensen. Both of their bodies were recovered from the Coralville Reservoir. “Our hearts are heavy with the news of the tragedy at Lake Macbride. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to the families of Hannah Jorgensen and Ahmed Osman and ask that Iowans join us in prayer for their comfort and healing at this difficult time. This unimaginable loss touches the entire Borlaug Elementary community and Iowa City School District. Please know that Iowans across the state are standing with you in the difficult days ahead,” said Governor Reynolds in a statement. The Iowa City Community School District said the incident involved a School of the Wild trip for the school. Future School of the Wild trips have been canceled indefinitely. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating how each victim got into the water. In a statement issued on Friday, the sheriff’s office said they’re continuing to conduct interviews and gather more information. They will release new information as soon as it’s available.
