DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – A Dubuque County judge has ordered jurors to resume their work today in the trial of an eastern Iowa hog farmer accused of using a corn rake to kill his wife. The Telegraph Herald reports that the jury has heard closing arguments regarding 43-year-old Todd Mullis. Mullis is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Amy Mullis at the farm. The prosecution says that Mullis had wanted to kill his wife for years and was irate over her affair. Mullis’ attorney suggested that Amy Mullis startled someone in the farm’s shed where she was found, prompting that person to impale her in the back with the corn rake.
BILLINGS, MT (IRN) – An Iowa man who eluded authorities for nearly eight years plans to represent himself on federal firearms charges. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that Michael Duane Strain of Lime Springs, Iowa, was arrested at a ranch on a Montana Indian reservation. The 62-year-old felon is a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, a label used by people who contend they don’t have to answer to government authorities. During a 2011 search of his house, federal agents found thousands of rounds of ammunition and numerous firearms.
AMES, IA (IRN) – The Ames Police Department is asking residents to use caution after an individual attacked a person running last night, possibly stabbing them. Police consider it an ongoing threat to the public.
IOWA (IRN) – Senator Elizabeth Warren has surged in Iowa, narrowly overtaking Joe Biden and distancing herself from fellow progressive Bernie Sanders, according to the latest Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll. Warren holds a 2-percentage-point lead, with 22% of likely Democratic caucus goers saying she is their first choice for president. Former Vice President Biden follows her at 20%. Senator Bernie Sanders has fallen to third place with 11%. No other candidate reached double digits.
IOWA (IRN) – The Iowa Hawkeyes moved up in the AP Top 25, despite not playing a game this weekend. Iowa (3-0) jumped up to no. 14 in the most recent AP poll released Sunday. The Hawkeyes will return to action Saturday at home against Middle Tennessee State.