DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – A new poll shows a majority of Iowans support legislation to restrict LGBTQ topics being taught in Iowa schools and a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll was conducted earlier this month while bills on these topics were going through the Iowa legislature. Fifty-four percent of Iowa adults say they favor bills that would ban teaching gender identity and sexual orientation. Fifty-two percent of Iowa adults say they favor banning gender-affirming medical treatment for minors. A bill that would ban this kind of medical treatment has gone to Governor Reynolds’ desk.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Police on Monday made an arrest in connection to a fatal shooting near an Iowa City bar in October last year. In a press release, police said Antonio Scotton, 19, of Cedar Rapids, faces charges of voluntary manslaughter and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Police reported the shooting happened outside the H-Bar, at 220 South Van Buren Street, at around 2 a.m. on October 23, 2022. Waymond Thomas, 36, of Iowa City, died in the shooting. A criminal complaint said it happened after Thomas and a friend of his confronted Scotton about an assault. Thomas reportedly punched Scotton, and they began fighting, along with two other people. During the fight, Thomas’ friend, who police have not named, dropped a gun. Police said Scotton picked up the gun and shot Thomas while he and the others tried to run away. Thomas later died. Police said Scotton also fired in the direction of the H-Bar, where he had been kicked out. At least one bullet damaged a wall at the bar.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A former Durant officer and Iowa State Patrol trooper has been sentenced to two years probation for deprivation of rights under color of law. Court documents say Robert James Smith, stopped a motorcyclist for speeding on Interstate 80 on September 25th, 2017. The motorcyclist pulled over in Cedar County, got off the motorcycle, and raised his hands. Documents say Smith then walked over to the motorcyclist and hit him in the chin area with an open palm strike, which caused him to fall back over the motorcycle. Smith then knelt and handcuffed him. Dash-cam video shows the incident described in the court documents. In a guilty plea, Smith admitted he used unreasonable force and disregarded the law during the incident. During his sentencing, Smith was also ordered to pay a fine of $7,500.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — As Donald Trump returns to Iowa, he and his team are aiming for a more disciplined approach to his latest presidential campaign. They are particularly focused on building the data and digital engagement he will need to persuade Iowans to traipse through the cold and snow early next year to participate in state caucuses. The strategy is a shift from Trump’s first Iowa campaign in 2016. There was little follow-up with residents who expressed openness to supporting the reality television star who was seeking the presidency. That left Trump vulnerable to better-organized GOP rivals, and he lost the caucuses to Sen. Ted Cruz.
