Emma Brustkern

Des Moines

Digital Content Producer at WOI-TV (Des Moines, IA)

she/her • doing digital @weareiowa5news • @drakesjmc alum • public library enthusiast • opinions are my own!

Articles

Missing teen in Madison County: Officials searching for Bo Brandt Redding

1 week ago | weareiowa.com | Emma Brustkern

MADISON COUNTY, Iowa — The Madison County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help to find a missing teenager. Bo Brandt Redding, who goes by Bo Hutton, was last seen at 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Redding is described as being approximately 15 years old, with blue eyes and curly dirty blonde hair. The Madison County Sheriff's Office believes he may be wearing a black t-shirt, jeans and boots.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will not seek 3rd term in 2026

1 week ago | wqad.com | Emma Brustkern

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced she will not seek a third term in 2026, ending her time as governor after nearly 10 years. "After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026," she said in a video posted on X. Reynolds first took office as governor in 2017 when then Gov. Terry Branstad stepped down to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will not seek 3rd term in 2026

1 week ago | wqad.com | Emma Brustkern

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced she will not seek a third term in 2026, ending her time as governor after nearly 10 years. "After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026," she said in a video posted on X. Reynolds first took office as governor in 2017 when then Gov. Terry Branstad stepped down to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Jury convicts Des Moines man of first-degree murder in August 2024 shooting

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Emma Brustkern

DES MOINES, Iowa — A jury convicted a Des Moines man of first-degree murder Wednesday following a weeklong trial, according to the Polk County Attorney's Office. 43-year-old James Bernard Johnson was found guilty in the 2024 shooting death of Nikki Loffredo. Des Moines police responded to a shooting at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Ovid Avenue on Saturday, July 27, 2024 to find Loffredo lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to her legs.
Bill restricting cellphone use in classrooms heads to Gov. Reynolds' desk

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Emma Brustkern

DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill that would restrict the use of cellphones in Iowa classrooms is just one step away from becoming law. The Iowa House approved an amendment to House File 782 on Tuesday, voting 92-4 to send the amended legislation to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk for her signature. The approval comes as the House originally passed the bill in March, only for it to be amended and passed in the Senate. Reynolds first proposed the bill during her Condition of the State speech.
Suspect shot in the hand by Webster County deputy after telling officials he was getting his gun

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Emma Brustkern

GOWRIE, Iowa — A Webster County deputy is on administrative leave after shooting a suspect in the hand following a car chase, the Webster County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. Dispatchers notified deputies of a "domestic disturbance" in Gowrie at around 9:45 p.m. Monday. Deputies learned the male suspect involved in the incident had allegedly been consuming alcohol and was leaving the scene in his car, where he had a gun.
No injuries reported following house fire in Marshalltown Monday morning

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Emma Brustkern

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — Fire crews in Marshalltown battled a house fire for three hours Monday morning, the Marshalltown Fire Department said in a press release. Firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire on South 5th Avenue just before 4:30 a.m. Monday. When they arrived, crews found a ranch-style home with fire showing through the roof and windows. The Marshalltown Fire Department said winds were approximately 17 mph, with gusts up to 32 mph.
RAGBRAI route 2025: Riders to visit Minnesota on 400 mile journey

2 weeks ago | kare11.com | Emma Brustkern

ORANGE CITY, Iowa — This year, RAGBRAI riders won't only dip their tires into each river: They'll also dip briefly into the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Organizers announced the full RAGBRAI route, including pass-through towns, on Thursday morning. The route includes a 15-mile stretch in Minnesota, right along the Iowa border. “For over five decades, we’ve explored every corner of Iowa, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level riding into Minnesota.” said RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen.
RAGBRAI route 2025: Riders to visit Minnesota on 400 mile journey

3 weeks ago | wqad.com | Emma Brustkern

ORANGE CITY, Iowa — This year, RAGBRAI riders won't only dip their tires into each river: They'll also dip briefly into the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Organizers announced the full RAGBRAI route, including pass-through towns, on Thursday morning. The route includes a 15-mile stretch in Minnesota, right along the Iowa border. “For over five decades, we’ve explored every corner of Iowa, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level riding into Minnesota.” said RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen.
Ottumwa police: Motorcyclist dies following single-vehicle accident

3 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Emma Brustkern

OTTUMWA, Iowa — A motorcyclist is dead following a single-vehicle crash in Ottumwa Monday, police said in a press release. Ottumwa police and fire crews responded to reports of an accident involving a motorcycle near the intersection of Clay and Benton just after 7 p.m. Monday. When they arrived, first responders found the injured motorcyclist, who was later identified as 58-year-old Richard Lee Christy of Ottumwa. Despite lifesaving efforts, Christy died from his injuries.