From the Associated Press (11:20 a.m.):
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) – Officials in Marshalltown say a 71-year-old man died in a house fire over the weekend. The Times-Republican reports that firefighters were called for the house fire around 5 a.m. Sunday. Arriving firefighters and police officers found smoke and flames coming from the house and say neighbors reported hearing knocking and screams coming from inside the home. Flames kept anyone from being able to immediately enter. Firefighters knocked down the flames after taking out a window, but by the times crews were able to enter the home, the man was found dead. His name has not been released.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – After 40 drawings without a big Powerball winner, maybe the 41st attempt will be different. Thanks to nearly four months of futility, Monday’s Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $685 million, making it the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history. No one has won the game’s grand prize since June 5. The jackpot drought is by design, as the game’s long odds of 292.2 million to one are intended to generate massive prizes that draw more players. The $685 million promoted prize is for a winner who chooses the annuity option, paid over 29 years. Nearly all big winners take the cash option, which for Monday night’s drawing is an estimated $485.5 million.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – One person was killed and another person seriously injured when a vehicle crashed into a tree shortly after a Des Moines police officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. The woman in the driver’s seat died in the crash, and a female passenger was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Police spokesman Sgt. Paul Parizek said shortly before the crash, an officer observed the vehicle speeding and tried to stop it. The officer broke off the pursuit before the vehicle crashed.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – Police in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are still searching for a gunman or gunmen who opened fire at a hotel party, injuring six people. The shooting happened just before 10:30 p.m. Friday at the Ramada by Wyndham Cedar Rapids Hotel. Police said on Facebook that several dozen people were at a birthday party in a conference room when a disturbance broke out among some attendees, and several shots were fired. One victim is hospitalized with serious injuries. Police say the other victims have injuries that are not life-threatening. Police Chief Wayne Jerman called the shooting “senseless and inexcusable.”
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – One woman is dead and another is hospitalized after a car crashed into a tree in Des Moines. The accident happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. The names of the victims have not been released. Police say officers observed a vehicle speeding and tried to stop it, but the vehicle sped away. Police say the officer called off the chase, but the speeding vehicle kept going. The driver lost control and struck a tree on Scott Avenue. The woman who survived is hospitalized with serious injuries.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Four mobile homes are damaged and nine residents are displaced after a fire at a mobile home park in Johnson County, Iowa. KGAN-TV reports that the fire broke out Friday afternoon at the Regency Mobile Home Court. Officials say two of the mobile homes were severely damaged. No one was hurt and the Red Cross is helping those who were displaced. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
