Laryssa Leone

West Des Moines

Weekend Anchor and Reporter at WOI-TV (Des Moines, IA)

Weekend Anchor/reporter WOI Local 5 News•UN0 2021👩🏽‍🎓 •Opinions are my own• Retweets are not endorsements she/her/hers @weareiowa.com

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Articles

Iowa students react to selection of first American pope, Leo XIV

1 week ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Shrieks of excitement rang almost as loud as the church bells in Rome as students at St. Pius in Urbandale heard the news that Chicago native Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pontiff who now goes by Pope Leo XIV. St. Pius Principal Alex Baranosky was just as surprised as his students to learn of the U.S.-born Pope. "Des Moines is basically a suburb of Chicago, so I feel like he's from our own backyard.
Iowa educators protest public education cuts at nationwide May Day protests

2 weeks ago | wqad.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. and around the world gathered on Thursday to participate in May Day protests. These demonstrations united many people who are frustrated with President Donald Trump’s policies, which include tariffs that are fueling concerns about global economic instability and strict immigration crackdowns. Back home in Iowa, walk-ins were staged at more than 70 buildings across the state Thursday morning.
Iowa educators protest public education cuts at nationwide May Day protests

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. and around the world gathered on Thursday to participate in May Day protests. These demonstrations united many people who are frustrated with President Donald Trump’s policies, which include tariffs that are fueling concerns about global economic instability and strict immigration crackdowns. Back home in Iowa, walk-ins were staged at more than 70 buildings across the state Thursday morning.
Iowan Gerry Berry's heroic role in 1975 Saigon evacuation

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gerry Berry grew up in Des Moines, and after graduating high school in 1963, he went on to study at Simpson College. "I was captain of the football team, had a great time down there," Berry said. After graduating from Simpson in 1963, Berry was eligible for the draft. Shortly after receiving his diploma, he was told to pay a visit to the Marine selection officer. "He said I could be an officer because I graduated from college. Take a test. I took a test.
Chuck Grassley defends town halls as constituents press on Trump policies

4 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley has encountered strong emotions from constituents during recent town halls. During one of his stops in southeast Iowa, people packed the event room passionately confronting the long-time senator. Grassley says despite the heated discussions, he stands by holding these sessions.
Local business owners call on Iowa's political leaders to speak out about Trump tariffs

1 month ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — A major turn from the Trump administration sent the stock market soaring Wednesday. The president announced a 90-day pause on many of his higher tariffs 13 hours after they took effect. Turmoil had taken over on Wall Street over the past several days amid uncertainty over tariffs. After Wednesday's announcement stocks made up most of the losses suffered when the tariffs were announced. There are still tariffs in effect tonight.
Iowa farms and businesses brace for tariff impacts

1 month ago | wqad.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Just days after President Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement, various industries are preparing for the effects of new tariffs. The comprehensive set of levies will impose a baseline tax of 10% on all imported products, along with additional duties on items from major U.S. trading partners, including China and the European Union. Tony Thompson is a fourth-generation farmer from Elkhart.
Iowa farmers, small businesses face tough choices amid rising costs and uncertain markets

1 month ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — Just days after President Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement, various industries are preparing for the effects of new tariffs. The comprehensive set of levies will impose a baseline tax of 10% on all imported products, along with additional duties on items from major U.S. trading partners, including China and the European Union. Tony Thompson is a fourth-generation farmer from Elkhart.
Otley residents return home after fire, give reactions to county response

1 month ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Pella Fire Department lifted an evacuation and shelter-in-place order for Otley residents Thursday, three days after a fire at a fertilizer storage facility. The Environmental Protection Agency deemed the air quality safe after monitoring the area over the course of several hours. In addition, Pella fire crews have extinguished the fire and the smoke has cleared. Davin Van Haaften has been a homeowner in Otley for five years.
Large brush fire in Adair County engulfs vacant home, multiple vehicles Friday night

1 month ago | weareiowa.com | Laryssa Leone

ORIENT, Iowa — A large brush fire accompanied by wind guts has had Adair County fire crews working for hours to extinguish flames on Friday. According to Adair County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) coordinator Jeremy Cooper, multiple crews assessed the fire two miles west of Orient and about eight miles south of Greenfield. Cooper says the fire broke out around 2 p.m. Friday afternoon and jumped several roadways, bouncing between several different fields in that area.