STORM LAKE, IA (IRN) – Six northwest Iowa men and women are behind bars, all accused of abusing three kids for years. KELO reports the children’s mother was deported from the United States several years ago, so the kids moved in with their dad and his family. Police started an investigation when the Iowa Department of Human Services reported that their father was using meth. Police found evidence of ongoing physical abuse, saying the father and his family members beat the kids — ages 7, 8 and 11 — with hangers, shoes and kitchen utensils.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines police have one person in custody after a homicide at a home near Drake Park. KCCI-TV reports dispatchers received a report of a fight. After responding, officers found a dead adult male. Additionally, police said earlier around 1 a.m., police were called to the same residence over a dispute and one person was taken into custody. Police cannot say yet if that is related to the homicide.
SIBLEY, IA (IRN) – Authorities have charged a driver whose sport utility vehicle collided with a car in northwest Iowa, fatally injuring the car driver and his 5-year-old son. KWWL-TV reports the accident occurred June 10, near Sibley. 49-year-old Ann Vanderpool, of Milford, faces two counts of vehicular homicide while driving intoxicated.
URBANDALE, IA (IRN) – A former Urbandale city employee is facing charges for allegedly stealing nearly $50,000 worth of computer equipment and then selling it on eBay. WHO-TV reports police arrested 40-year-old Chad Nielsen, a former Information Technology Specialist.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A bill is moving forward in the Statehouse that would radically change how the Iowa Supreme Court declares laws unconstitutional. KCCI-TV reports the bill would require justices to deliver a supermajority vote of 5-2 instead of a simple, 4-3 majority. The Iowa Bar Association calls the bill a “power grab,” but bill sponsor Sen. Julian Garrett, R-Indianola, argues the supermajority would “return” power back to the people. Garrett says four judges on the Iowa Supreme Court wield too much power to overturn laws.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A bill is now on the governor’s desk that would impact how Iowa grocers sell eggs. KCRG-TV reports the bill would require grocers participating in WIC, the food program for young mothers, to carry specific eggs. Those eggs include ones made at factory farms, along with with free range or cage free eggs. Supporters of the bill say it ensures low income people have a low cost choice for protein, but critics say it is direct interference in the marketplace.
SOLON, IA (IRN) – Students from a small Iowa high school will soon become “Juke Box Heroes,” as they prepare to take the stage with legendary rock band, Foreigner. The choir from Solon High School won a contest, hosted by KRNA radio, where they auditioned with a cover of the band’s hit song, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Despite going up against much bigger schools, they received nearly half of the total votes.