IOWA (IRN) – Iowa Democrats have matched the same day for the 2024 Caucuses as Republicans, with one catch. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Democrats will also have their caucus for party-related matters at the state level on January 15th — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. However, the day for presidential preference has not been established, due to concerns a mail-in process would make the choice to similar to a primary, and cause concerns with New Hampshire and their laws enacting their state as the first primary. Republicans will hold traditional caucuses on January 15th to select their preferred nominee.

STORY COUNTY (IRN) – One person was killed and two injured in a crash over the weekend in Story County. WHO-13 reports two vehicles collided in a rural part of the county. Tanner Crooks died from his injuries after authorities believe he ran through a stop sign and broadsided another vehicle. Two others were seriously injured.

HAMILTON COUNTY (IRN) – A former band teacher in western Iowa has been convicted on several charges related toward misconduct with students. The Des Moines Register reports 44 year old Benjamin Work was an educator in the West Harrison Community School District. He has been found guilty of sexual exploitation by a school employee, lascivious acts with a minor, and indecent contact with a child. Work used his role in leading school plays by requesting students to take off clothing during costume measurements and by touching some of those individuals during the process. Several reports to law enforcement were filed in April 2022.