COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA (IRN) – Council Bluffs police arrested a woman for attempted murder. KETV reports police responded to a shots fired call at a house. They found 56-year-old Tammy Smart injured by a gunshot wound to the head. She was taken to a hospital where she was placed on life support for a bullet to the brain. Prior to being put under, she was able to identify 38-year-old Jessica Elvins as the person who shot her. Elvins was placed under arrest for attempted murder.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A nationwide series of bomb threats Thursday hit Iowa, according to KCCI-TV. Seven separate threats were reported in the Des Moines area, some of which prompted building evacuations, including at the science center and Guide One Insurance. Threats were also sent by email to Drake University, Blank Park Zoo, Eyerly Ball, Joseph’s Jewelers and the Animal Rescue League. The sender demanded money and bitcoin.
ESTHERVILLE, IA (IRN) – Eight Estherville area families are fighting back against a company they say is strangling the community with the overwhelming smell of dead, rotting hogs. The Des Moines Register reports the lawsuit urges Emmet County leaders to take action against Central Bi-Products for failing to address putrid odors emanating from the rendering plant.
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The University of Iowa announced four fraternities will not be allowed to operate on campus following an investigation into incidents involving hazing and alcohol. The Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapters are no longer allowed to operate at the University of Iowa.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A second Atheist holiday banner is now on display at the State Capitol. It marks the first time in state history that two secular displays will stand together. The American Atheist banner reads, “This season, no matter what you celebrate or why, Happy Holidays! From your Atheist neighbors.” The banner joins a display that the groups “Freedom From Religion Foundation” and the “Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers” created. It features the founding fathers looking down on the Bill of Rights in a manger.