FORT MADISON, IA (IRN) – A man accused of killing another inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary plans to assert self-defense during his murder trial. The Hawk Eye reports
Lha Southideth-Whiten has pled not guilty to second-degree murder in the slaying of Michael Whitworth during an Oct. 20 altercation in the Fort Madison prison’s cafeteria.

DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – A 16-year-old is in critical condition after a near-drowning in Davenport yesterday. KWQC-TV reports the victim is in critical condition.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines Facebook page is getting backlash after some say its sole purpose is to cyberbully innocent people. KCCI-TV reports the Facebook page called “The People of Des Moines” has 37,000 members. Multiple posts a day consist of mocking innocent victims like homeless people. Someone posted a photo of Alexandria Horne shopping. She had no idea the photo was taken and was shocked to see hundreds of mean and violent comments making fun of her appearance. One person suggested she commit suicide. She wants people to know words hurt.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines man says the rehabilitation center On With Life should be held partially responsible for the death of his dog. WHO-TV reports the dog fell 13 feet into a hole at a construction site. The rehab center says the man should have kept his dog on a leash.

CLINTON, IA (IRN) – First responders rescued three people from a sinking houseboat on the Mississippi River near Clinton Sunday. The Clinton Herald reports two adults, a child and two dogs were taken to safety.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – Police in Dubuque are going to be doing something a little different as they try to enforce a new state law. KCRG-TV reports starting this fall, plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles will patrol streets looking specifically for people who are texting while driving. The new law took effect July 1.