West Des Moines Police Make Arrest in 2011 Murder Of Iowa Realtor
(West Des Moines, IA) — West Des Moines Police have arrested a suspect in a 15-year old cold murder case. Police say 53-year old Kristin Ramsey was indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on a charge of first degree murder. She’s charged in connection with the 2011 shooting death of realtor Ashley Okland, who was holding an open house at a West Des Moines townhome when someone walked in and shot her twice. Police plan to hold a news conference Wednesday morning to release more details about Ramsey’s arrest.
Public Visitation For Fallen Central Iowa Reservist, Major Jeffrey O’Brien Scheduled For Friday
(Iowa) — The community will pay final respects to fallen Army reservist Major Jeffrey O’Brien later this week. A visitation will be held Friday, March 20th, followed by the funeral on Saturday, March 21st, both at Valley Church in West Des Moines. Internment will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. O’Brien was one of six soldiers killed in Kuwait during an Iranian drone strike following the start of Operation Epic Fury. All soldiers killed in the strike were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command based out of Des Moines.
Federal Lawsuit Claims Iowa SNAP Restrictions Are Illegal, Asks USDA To Rescind Waiver
(Iowa) — A federal lawsuit is challenging SNAP food restrictions in several states, including Iowa. Iowa received a waiver from the federal government to ban SNAP recipients from buying things such as sugary drinks, candy or prepared desserts. The suit claims this violates laws that authorize SNAP benefits and govern changes in policies. They add the changes have caused confusion of what is and isn’t covered. Iowa isn’t specifically named in the suit, but the goal is to force the USDA to rescind approval for the new restrictions Iowa and the other states have imposed on the program.
Applications Open for 2026 Iowa Hero Academy
(Iowa) — Young women across Iowa can now apply to be a part of a week-long camp where they’ll be able to work side-by-side with female first responders. Young women ages 16 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the Iowa Hero Academy, which is run by the Iowa Army National Guard as well as police and fire departments throughout central Iowa. The camp will be held at Camp Dodge July 26th through the 31st. The deadline to apply is April 25th.
Iowa Is The Ninth Best U.S. State For Doctors
(Iowa) — Iowa makes a list of the top ten U.S. states for doctors. A new report from personal finance site WalletHub ranks all 50 states and Washington D.C. based on metrics like the number of hospitals per capita, rate of residents with insurance, and projected number of physicians by 2032. Iowa ranks the ninth best state for doctors, and is in the top five for the average salary for physicians. Montana and Indiana rank first and second best for doctors, with New York and New Jersey at the bottom.
