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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to host their wedding Friday at Madison Square Garden, AP source says

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will have their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the security plans.

The festivities will kick off with a smaller rehearsal dinner planned for Thursday night, the official said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the events.

Speculation about the superstar singer and football player’s nuptials has built to a frenzy in recent days, following weeks of unconfirmed reports that it would take place over July Fourth weekend at one of New York’s iconic landmarks.

In recent days, crews have been unloading equipment from trucks outside the Manhattan arena. A large carpet was briefly unveiled outside one entrance and then promptly removed.

Still, nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, despite multiple requests from the AP to Swift’s representative for comment, including on Wednesday.

While city officials have made coy references to an upcoming wedding at Madison Square Garden, they have offered few details about the plan, including potential impacts to nearby businesses or local transit.

“We are fully prepared,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a news conference on Wednesday. “There isn’t anything to share beyond that.”

In a separate social media post, he offered New Yorkers tips for staying cool during the heat wave, “especially if you’re (hypothetically) having your wedding at MSG this weekend.”

Swift and Kelce first announced their engagement on Instagram last August, fueling widespread speculation among the Swiftie fan base about possible venue locations.

Following initial reports last month that the event would be held at Madison Square Garden, some theorized that the choice could be an elaborate smoke screen to divert attention from the couple’s real wedding plans.

The arena, which seats up to 19,500 people, is located above Penn Station, the busiest rail hub in the U.S., in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan.

It has on occasion hosted weddings in the past, including funk singer Sly Stone’s marriage to actor Kathy Silva in 1974 and a mass ceremony officiated by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon in 1982.

The arena has guarded entrances, a secure garage and a lack of windows, allowing Kelce, Swift and celebrity guests to stay out of sight of photographers or camera-equipped drones.

On Wednesday, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined a slew of challenges facing the city this weekend, including huge Independence Day celebrations, a World Cup match and a searing heat wave.

“I would be remiss not to mention an event that we are tracking at Madison Square Garden on Friday night,” Tisch added. “The NYPD will, of course, have a detail in place, but I am not going to go into more specifics on that at this time.”

Weekly Fuel Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 1 cent from last week’s price and is currently averaging $3.53 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.37 per barrel, and is currently priced at $68.06.
  • Brent crude oil fell by $2.91 and is currently priced at $71.10.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $66.64 and Brent crude was $67.63.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.53 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 1 cent from last week’s price and are up 57 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.85, down 8 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 17 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.35.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.58 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 49 cents lower than the national average of $4.84.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.54 for U87-E10, $3.11 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.98 for ULSD#2, $3.18 for ULSD#1, and $2.29 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down 3 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.21 MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.
  • Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

New Mahaska Health Cardiologist Dr. Kofi Osei Performs First Pacemaker Implementation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health welcomed Cardiologist and Electrophysiology specialist Dr. Kofi Osei to their Cardiology team. 

Since joining Mahaska Health in May 2026, Dr. Osei has reached a significant milestone by performing the hospital’s first pacemaker implantation. Introducing this service at Mahaska Health expands regional access to advanced cardiac care.

Board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Dr. Osei specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart’s electrical system and heartbeat rhythm. His expertise allows Mahaska Health to provide advanced electrophysiology services closer to home, reducing the need for many patients to travel elsewhere for specialized cardiac procedures.

In addition to pacemaker implantation, the Mahaska Health Cardiology team provides implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and other cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

Dr. Osei’s expertise will be used to address a wide range of heart therapies such as:

  • Heart rhythm care, including AFib
  • Heart failure care and long-term symptom management
  • Heart Valve and structural heart support
  • Pacemaker and ICD management.

“Adding Dr. Osei to our Cardiology team reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to exceptional specialty care,” shared Dr. John Pargulski, Mahaska Health Cardiology Medical Director. “His expertise and experience continues to enhance our services, benefiting our patients and community. We are working together to coordinate care for you and your family.” 

Knoxville Man Arrested for Child Sex Abuse

Posted on by Sam Parsons

KNOXVILLE – A Knoxville fan faces several charges after an investigation into child sex abuse allegations.

According to court documents, the abuse was reported by an 11-year-old child on June 3, 2026. The victim reported that the abuse occurred when they lived at a Knoxville address from the summer of 2022 to the summer of 2025, alleging that 32-year-old Zachary Schuster touched them in a sexual manner on multiple occasions over that period.

Schuster was arrested on Tuesday, June 30, following an investigation, and is currently being held in the Marion County Jail on a $100,000 bond. He is charged with 3 counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse (class B felonies) and 3 counts with Indecent Contact with a Child (aggravated misdemeanors).

Mahaska Chamber Announces “Week of Wonder” for July 20-24

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska Chamber & Development Group announced the Week of Wonder, a new community event designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore fun activities throughout Oskaloosa.

Taking place July 20–24, 2026, Week of Wonder invites participants to enjoy a different free experience each day at local attractions and businesses across the community.

Community members can pick up a FREE Week of Wonder pass at the Mahaska Chamber office, located at 222 1st Ave E in Oskaloosa, beginning July 1 through July 20.

Each pass includes access to free daily activities and serves as a punch card. Participants who receive a punch from each featured location and return their completed pass to the Mahaska Chamber will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $25 Chamber Cash prizes.

This year’s featured experiences include:

  • July 20 – Free day pass to the YMCA
  • July 21 – Free day pass to Edmundson Pool
  • July 22 – One free hour of golf simulator or pickleball at TRIO
  • July 23 – Free small shaved ice from SnoBiz during Sweet Corn Serenade
  • July 24 – Free round of mini golf at Oskaloosa Mini Golf

Week of Wonder was created to celebrate the unique attractions, businesses, and experiences that make Oskaloosa a great place to live, work, and visit. This event is all about encouraging people to discover something new right here in our community. “We hope Week of Wonder inspires families, friends, and visitors to get out, have fun, and experience all that Oskaloosa has to offer.”

The Mahaska Chamber encourages everyone to participate, invite friends, and enjoy a week filled with fun and discovery.
For more information, contact the Mahaska Chamber at 641-672-2591 or email events@mahaskachamber.org

Forecasters cite ‘dangerous’ conditions as heat scorches Midwest while on its way to the East

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DETROIT (AP) — Nature’s oven was on high Tuesday for millions of people in the Midwest and Great Lakes states as intense heat and humidity baked the regions with no immediate relief before the misery shifts to the eastern U.S.

The National Weather Service was blunt: Conditions were “dangerous” as the heat index, a combination of air temperature and humidity, exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) in some areas. It warned about a risk for heat-related illnesses, especially among people without air conditioning.

Detroit’s air temperature was in the high 90s, the Weather Service said, and could even reach 100 at some point through Thursday. The city said a dozen recreation centers were open, some until 11 p.m., for people to cool off. Big chunks of Michigan, as well as Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and much of Iowa, were under an extreme heat warning.

The Northeast, including New York City and Boston, will next feel major heat through the Fourth of July holiday. Norristown, Pennsylvania, 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Philadelphia, canceled a Saturday parade because of the weather.

Philadelphia declared a heat emergency, Wednesday through Saturday, and said 50 cooling centers will operate with extended hours. The city said visitors will find misting tents, water refill stations and medical stations at the free World Cup fan festival at East Fairmount Park.

When the heat’s on, people adjust

The Chicago History Museum offered free admission to state residents who wanted a cool space Tuesday. Roads in a few places in Illinois buckled under the heat. When the surface has no room to expand in the heat, it can rise and crack.

At 9:15 a.m., window washer Stephen Mason, 72, was wiping mayflies off glass at a Detroit convenience store. He got an early start to avoid the worst conditions of the day, but it was already 85 (29.4 C).

“It’s the only way to beat it. But it’s already starting to cook out here,” Mason said.

Adam Schubatis, 36, a runner who was shirtless in Detroit’s Indian Village neighborhood, said he was cutting his route to 6 miles (9.6 kilometers).

“I know where all the drinking fountains are,” he said. “My wife thought I was crazy. She offered to pick me up if I got tired or if there was anything I was doing that wasn’t safe.”

A dog’s day can be ‘miserable’

In Milwaukee, more than 100 firefighters spent hours controlling a fire at a school in the extreme heat. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said crews were rotating and shedding their thick coats while they rehydrated.

Overnight low temperatures were in the 70s (21-26.7 C) in many places, which doesn’t give the body a chance to cool down naturally, said Dr. Kisha Davis, health officer for Montgomery County, Maryland.

“The heat stress will compound day after day,” said Davis, who added that alcohol and soda, popular holiday drinks, are dehydrating.

In Jackson, Mississippi, where the afternoon heat index exceeded 100 F (37.7 C), massive fans tried to keep about 100 dogs cool at an old mattress warehouse that serves as a shelter for Community Animal Rescue and Adoption.

“It’s miserable. … We try to keep everybody hydrated back there. Dogs and people,” said kennel manager Raquel Burney.

Cooling it forward

George Liller, 64, was a hero in Grosse Pointe Park, a Detroit suburb. He added air conditioning to his home, so he offered a window unit for free on Facebook — extension cord and remote control included.

“It was probably on my porch maybe 15 minutes,” Liller said. “That air conditioner was given to me. I thought, ‘Somebody needs it.’ I know how it feels to be in an old house when it’s this hot.”

Stay sober and alert on the water this Fourth of July weekend

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES – State, federal and local law enforcement agencies encourage all boaters to avoid alcohol and drugs this busy holiday weekend to ensure everyone’s safety on Iowa waters.

Operation Dry Water, July 3-5, is a national awareness campaign to deter impaired boating, reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities, and enforce Iowa’s boating while intoxicated (BWI) laws.

“Recognizing that impaired boating is as dangerous as impaired driving is vital,” said Rachel Alliss, boating education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Together, we can prevent incidents and save lives.”

Alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal) can severely impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time needed to operate a vessel safely. The effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications can be intensified when combined with sun, wind and wave action.

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. The risk of serious injury is equal for operators and passengers. Intoxicated passengers can easily slip, fall overboard or suffer other life-threatening incidents.

“One-third of all boating fatalities nationally involved alcohol,” said Alliss. “Many of those victims were innocent bystanders.”

Iowa boaters are reminded to stay sober and alert, always wear your life jacket, and take a boating safety education course.

In 2025, the Iowa DNR and its partners interacted with more than 1,230 vessels containing 5,036 boaters resulting in 382 citations or warnings as part of Operation Dry Water.

2025 top areas for BWI arrests

Coralville Reservoir: 5

Mississippi River: 4

Rathbun Reservoir: 4

Clear Lake: 1

Lake Manawa: 1

Total BWI: 21

2024 top areas for BWI arrests

Coralville Reservoir: 4

Clear Lake: 1

Lake Manawa: 1

Rathbun Reservoir: 1

Total BWI: 13

2023 top areas for BWI arrests

Okoboji: 5

Clear Lake: 3

Saylorville Reservoir: 3

Coralville Reservoir: 2

Lake Manawa: 2

Rathbun Reservoir: 4

Mississippi River: 2

Total BWI: 27

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents of Scam

Posted on by Sam Parsons

KNOXVILLE – Authorities in Marion County are warning residents of an ongoing scam targeting family members of arrested individuals.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office shared that they have received several reports of family members or loved ones of an arrested person being contacted by a restricted number shortly after arrest. The caller identifies themselves as a law enforcement employee and/or an employee of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and requests money in exchange for the arrested person being placed on a GPS monitor and released. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says that this is a scam, and that no employee of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will call you and request money for GPS monitoring. If the arrested individual has a bond amount, that bond can be paid in person at the Sheriff’s Office, and no bond payment will be requested through any app and/or online payment.

If you receive a suspicious call of this nature, authorities advise that you do not give out any personal information or send any money. Those with concerns about the legitimacy of a call can call dispatch directly at 641-828-2220.

Ottumwa Man Arrested for OWI After Crashing into Parked Vehicle

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa man was arrested this week after police say he crashed into a parked vehicle on a public roadway while intoxicated.

According to court records, officers with the Ottumwa Police Department were dispatched to the 1100 block of North Court Street at approximately 2:24am the morning of Monday, June 29, for a reported vehicle accident. It was determined that 19-year-old Soiji Albert of Ottumwa had struck a parked vehicle while driving on the roadway.

When officers made contact with Albert, they reportedly observed multiple signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, difficulty maintaining balance, and an odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. Albert allegedly admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages before driving and agreed to conduct field sobriety tests, during which officers say he exhibited more signs of intoxication.

Court documents state that Albert also agreed to a preliminary breath test, which indicated that he had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit; a later test measured his BAC at 0.106.

Albert was arrested following the incident and charged with Operating While Under the Influence – 1st Offense, a serious misdemeanor. 

One Injured in Train vs Car Accident in Jasper County

Posted on by Sam Parsons

JASPER COUNTY – A Marshalltown man was injured in a car versus train accident in Jasper County on Monday.

According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Communications received a 911 call regarding the accident, which occurred at the Highway T12 N railroad crossing near N 39th Ave E, northeast of Newton. Due to the locomotive measuring at 6800 feet, the crossings at Highway T12 N, Iris Ave, and Iowa St were all impacted for a significant amount of time.

Authorities say that an investigation determined that a 2016 Dodge Dart driven by 29-year-old George Makulu of Marshalltown was traveling southbound and stopped at the flashing light crossing when his vehicle was struck from the rear by a 2007 GMC Sierra driven by 24-year-old Eric Ramos-Lucas of Marshalltown, moments before the train entered the crossing. The Dart spun 180 degrees and came to rest crossways on the railroad tracks before it was struck by the westbound train.

The Sierra cleared the crossing, coming to rest on the west shoulder south of the crossing. Upon impact with the locomotive, Makulu jumped from his vehicle while it was being pushed westbound down the tracks, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The Dart eventually came to rest against the train, roughly 8 train car lengths west of the crossing.

Makulu was transported to MercyOne Newton Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, while Ramos-Lucas was uninjured and declined medical attention. Ramos-Lucas was charged with Failing to Stop in Assured Clear Distance.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Newton Fire Department, the Newton Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, Jasper County Emergency Management, Iowa Interstate Railroad, and Barney’s Wrecker and Crane during this incident.

This accident remains under investigation.

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