DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Online retail giant Amazon announced Friday it will start charging Iowa state sales tax on purchases starting Jan. 1. KCCI-TV reports Iowa became the 31st state in which orders made on amazon.com must include a state sales tax. A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Revenue says the tax should drive online shoppers to local brick and mortar businesses, and generate $18-$24 million in state tax revenues.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The parents who allegedly kidnapped, starved and neglected a West Des Moines teen appeared for the first time in court Friday. KCCI-TV reports Nicole and Joseph Finn were arrested Thursday in the death of their 16-year-old daughter, Natalie. Among the charges are first-degree murder, child endangerment, kidnapping, and neglect of a dependent person. Three younger children have been placed in DHS custody.

OAKLAND, CA (IRN) – A Fort Madison native was one of 36 people killed in a warehouse fire in Oakland, California. Authorities identified 35-year-old Jason McCarty as one of the victims. Childhood friends told KRON-TV in San Francisco that McCarty was an impressive artist. About 100 people were inside the building when the fire started. The cause is under investigation.

TAMA COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A Tama County man has been charged in the cold-case file of the year 2000 disappearance and murder of Cora Okonski. The DCI has charged 50-year-old Tait Otis Purk with first degree murder. The 23-year-old Okonski was reported missing in Tama by her boyfriend in April of 2000. Purk is now in federal prison on unrelated drug and gun charges, and is scheduled to be released in April.

CHICAGO, ILL (IRN) – The Chicago Cubs’ World Series trophy is hitting the road. The team announced the tour will make stops in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. Among the Iowa cities the trophy will visit before opening day are Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Mason City, the Quad Cities, Sioux City, and Waterloo. It will arrive in Mesa, Arizona in time for spring training.