ALGONA, IA (IRN) – A violent Iowa convict who was on parole when he shot a bank employee to death during a botched robbery last year has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that 36-year-old Valentino Williams, of Coralville, was sentenced Friday in Kossuth County District Court for the Dec. 4 shooting death of 43-year-old Jessica Weishaar outside Security State Bank in Lu Verne.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – LGBTQ supporters in Iowa are outraged over a proposal that would allow certain people to deny services based on religious freedom. The bill introduced into the Iowa Senate would allow it for anyone whose job requires a license granted by the state, including doctors, lawyers and barbers. For example, a minister at a courthouse could refuse to marry a same-sex couple.

ACKLEY, IA (IRN) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services announced the Family Traditions Meat Company in Ackley, Iowa, is recalling 270 pounds of beef stick products. The ready-to-eat beef stick products were incorrectly branded and did not declare an allergenic element.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A Cedar Rapids brewing company is receiving social media backlash over a drag bingo event for kids. KGAN-TV reports on Saturday, Thew Brewing Company hosted drag bingo for kids to raise funds for the LGBTQ Youth Center at the Tanager Place. The owner says trolls have been leaving negative reviews on the brewery’s Facebook page, while other community members have shown their support.