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Iowa early News Headlines: Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018

News

October 18th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa-based electric and natural gas utility has snagged the naming rights to a proposed West Des Moines indoor sports complex. The Des Moines Register reports that the complex will be known as the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, thanks to a $5 million pledge from the company. The massive complex will feature two ice rinks, three indoor soccer fields, three indoor basketball courts, six volleyball courts, and five outdoor soccer fields.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Someone could match all six numbers and win the Mega Millions jackpot, which is now at $900 million, as soon as Friday night when the next drawing is held. And it could happen despite terrible odds:  one in 302.5 million. Lottery officials have advice for whoever holds the prized lottery ticket. They recommend winners put their winning ticket in a safe spot and consult with a financial planner before showing up at lottery headquarters.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot is now up to $900 million. Lottery officials raised the estimated prize Wednesday, less than a day after another drawing without a winner increased the prize to $868 million. Officials say no tickets matched all six numbers to claim the Mega Millions prize Tuesday night. The numbers were 3, 45, 49, 61, 69 and Mega Ball 9. The next drawing will be Friday. The estimated jackpot for that drawing would be the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

GRUNDY CENTER, Iowa (AP) — Grundy County has settled for $500,000 a lawsuit that says a man who died after tying a bedsheet around his neck was left hanging for 13 minutes while a jailer stood outside. The lawsuit by relatives of Jared Slinker says any chance for lifesaving efforts was delayed because the county staffed just one employee to work as both communications dispatcher and jail supervisor. The lawsuit says safety rules prohibited the employee from entering Slinker’s cell until another employee arrived.