A vehicle heading in the wrong direction on Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa’s Scott County, collided head-on with another vehicle, causing the death of two people and injuries to one other. The Iowa State Patrol reports the crash happened at mile marker 285.5 near Walcott, at around 11:25-p.m. Saturday.

Authorities say the public had reported multiple times, that a 1999 Chrysler Concorde was traveling eastbound on I-80 in the westbound lanes, prior to crashing into a 2020 Infiniti QX-60. Two people died at the scene. One person suffered unknown injuries and was transported to a local hospital. No names were released, pending notification of family.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo and Walcott Police Departments, and emergency medical personnel.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say 20 to 25 train cars derailed near Des Moines area after a small bridge collapsed. The Des Moines Register reports that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the collapse happened Friday morning in the northeast part of the county. It closed roads in the area for nearly 12 hours.

Sgt. Ryan Evans, of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, described what happened as a “mess.” The sheriff’s office is assisting Union Pacific with the investigation.

(Update 7:15-p.m.: The driver/crash victim was identified as 50-year-old Stephen Johnson, of Omaha)

An official with the Council Bluffs Police Department reports one person died in a single-vehicle accident late Saturday morning. According to Lt. Mark Galvan, emergency crews responded at around 10:15-a.m. to I‐480 Eastbound at Exit 0, to investigate a report of a single vehicle accident that was off of the roadway. The vehicle had left the roadway for unknown reasons and came to rest against a tree.

Council Bluffs PD Shield

The driver and lone occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene by Paramedics. The investigation has been turned over to the Council Bluffs Police Departments Special Operations unit for further investigation. The identity of the driver was being withheld, pending notification of family.

Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to contact the Council Bluffs P-D Special Operations unit, at 712‐328‐4948

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man fatally shot a relative on Christmas Day in an Iowa home. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 4:30 p.m. after a resident called 911 to report that there had been a shooting between family members. The wounded man was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Deputies determined that there was an argument before the shooting. Capt. Mark Herbst of the sheriff’s department said in a news release that the investigation is ongoing and no names were immediately released.

December 26, 2020 — Holiday returns aren’t easy! And we don’t mean the part where you explain to your mother why you returned the sweater she gave you.

Stores are not legally required to accept exchanges or give refunds, unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented. While most retailers do offer refund and exchange programs, policies vary greatly from one store to another. Fortunately for shoppers, one positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is that many retailers have become more lenient in their return policies. But be sure to double check policies this holiday season, even if you are familiar with the brand.

The following tips should help to make your holiday returns run more smoothly:

Get to know store policies. Before you make a purchase, find out if the store has a return policy and, if so, how it works. Understand that many retailers have changed their policies for the holiday season and the COVID-19 pandemic. If the store does allow returns or exchanges, find out if you will need to pay a restock fee. Ask the seller if they offer cash refunds, exchanges, or only store credit. Store policies are usually posted at the check-out counter or printed on the back of receipts.

Understand online store return policies. If you are shopping online, search for the seller’s return policy and read it through before clicking “buy.” Find out if they accept returns or exchanges, and who pays the shipping when an item is returned. In some cases, you can save on shipping fees by returning an online purchase to the local brick-and-mortar store.

Get the details on a product’s warranty. Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled with the manufacturer, not the retailer. Find out how returns and repairs are handled if an item stops working or needs replacement parts. Will the retailer ship the item to the manufacturer for you? Or will you need to deal with the manufacturer directly? Knowing the answers will leave you well-prepared for any future issues.

Keep your receipt and packaging. Most stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you can present the item with its receipt and original packaging. Always include a gift receipt with items you give, and hold on to any gift receipts you receive.

Bring your ID. To avoid holiday return scams, many stores ask to see your ID when you return an item. Sometimes retailers require you bring your ID and the original form of payment. If this is the policy of the store where your gift is from, you may need the assistance of the gift giver in order to be reimbursed.

Make returns in a timely fashion. Almost all return policies are valid during a specific time period. Some stores modify their return period during the holidays, so don’t risk missing your chance to make your return. Take the item back to the store without delay.