DAWSON, IA (IRN) – The Oskaloosa man accused of killing a William Penn student will go to trial after an Iowa judge denied his “stand your ground” defense. Luke Van Hemert is charged in the March 2018 stabbing death of 22-year-old Marquis Todd. KCCI-TV reports lawyers for the 24-year-old argued Van Hemert was defending himself during a fight that began with a crash. The district court says the law does not apply in the case. Van Hemert’s trial is scheduled to begin April 9th.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Federal law enforcement officials believe they’ve taken down the leaders of a gang operating in the Des Moines area. WHO-TV reports an FBI Task Force is seeking charges against 14 individuals. They are reportedly leaders and members of the ‘C-Block’ gang. The gang is accused of numerous murders, shootings and robberies in recent years.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – An Iowa-based community activist organization and a Washington-based environmental group filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the state of Iowa alleging the state has deprived residents of their right to clean water by failing to adequately regulate pollution from hog operations and farms. KCRG-TV reports Iowa Citizens For Community Improvement and Food & Water Watch filed the lawsuit in Polk County District Court.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Trump administration has proposed to end federal funding for the Special Olympics. KCCI-TV reports Special Olympics Iowa says the cuts are “not fair and equitable.”

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A food truck crashed into a home in West Des Moines yesterday, according to the Des Moines Register. Two men in the “Curbin Cuisine” food truck had to be rescued. Everyone will be OK.