DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A material witness in the homicide of a Des Moines Public Schools employee has been found dead. On Dec. 12, 51-year-old Natasha Lue Jean Williams was found dead in her home by officers who were called there for a welfare check. Her death is being investigated as a homicide. On Dec. 16, a material witness warrant was issued for 54-year-old Scott Lowery. Police believe Lowery had critical information that would move the case forward. Lowery was found dead on Dec. 26 in a garage. His death is being investigated as a suicide. A handgun was recovered at the scene.

MARSHALLTOWN, IA (IRN) – A woman has been arrested for allegedly lighting a house on fire earlier this year. According to the Marshalltown Fire Department, Kristi Franklin, 64, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree arson.

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Transportation says roads were a little safer in 2022 compared to last year but still far deadlier than they’d hoped for. With just three days to go in 2022, 335 people died on Iowa roads this year. That’s down from 348 in 2021 but still five more than the five-year average.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – JUUL Labs Inc. has agreed to pay $5 million over the span of four years, as well as revamp its advertising, in a settlement with Iowa to resolve potential violations of Iowa’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In a press release, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said, “This agreement strikes a balance in truthful advertising and promotions of JUUL devices and pods.”