From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill that dramatically increases penalties for people caught dealing fentanyl. The law now says someone caught dealing 50 grams of fentanyl now faces up to 50 years in prison and a $1 million fine. It triples prison sentences for those convicted of dealing the drug in cases where someone overdoses and dies. And the new law expands the number of people who could administer Narcan, the anti-overdose drug. It takes effect July 1st.
Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, and Virginia Democrat U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine are leading an effort to bring more federal attention to fentanyl trafficking through legislation called the “Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023.” It would declare fentanyl trafficking a national security threat that stems from drug cartels in Mexico, directing the Pentagon to develop a fentanyl-specific counter-drug strategy and require the Secretary of Defense to increase security cooperation with the Mexican military. Senators Ernst and Kaine say they will introduce this effort as part of the National Defense Act this year. There is a similar effort being introduced in the House.
Iowa City Police arrested a man after a shooting Saturday night sent one man to the hospital with serious injuries. 22-year-old Alexander Voudhivong is facing a number of charges. This includes willful injury, reckless use of a firearm, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, criminal mischief and assault while participating in a felony. Police say the shooting took place at the Clock Tower Parking Ramp around 11:45 Saturday night. In a criminal complaint, police said Voudhivong took the gun from someone else and shot the victim several times, then ran away and changed his clothes in an alley to try to hide his identity. Police say there could be more arrests.
The Dubuque city council unanimously voted to move forward with plans to build a $15 million amphitheater complex. The venue would be on the property of the “Q Casino”. Crews would build it over the former greyhound track. The City will accept a $3 million state grant from the “Destination Iowa” program. As part of the rules of the grant program, the city must have the project done by June 30, 2026.
