DES MOINES, Iowa (KXEL) — Iowa Republicans announced Saturday that the party’s presidential nominating caucuses will be held on Monday, Jan. 15, on a federal holiday. Candidates have campaigned in Iowa since last winter, but there had been some uncertainty about the date for the caucuses that have by tradition kicked off the selection process for a nominee for both major parties. The Iowa Republican Party’s state central committee voted unanimously for the third Monday in January — a date that is earlier by several weeks than the past three caucuses, though not as early as 2008, when they were held just three days into the year. The Iowa Caucus was also held on a federal holiday in January in the past. The announcement allows New Hampshire, which has not formalized a primary election date but has indicated Jan. 23 to be its preference, to protect its first-in-the-nation status, which is codified in state law that requires the contest be held at least seven days ahead of any other primary. Iowa Democrats had been waiting for the GOP to set a date as they try to adjust to new DNC rules on their primary order.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – Multiple people were shot in an early Sunday morning incident in a Dubuque neighborhood, according to law enforcement officials. At around 2:30 a.m., the Dubuque Police Department was sent to a report of gunshots that followed a disturbance in the 2500 block of Broadway Street. Officers found four adults who had been shot at the scene, and they were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. One of the people who was shot later died from the injuries. No other information was released by officials. An investigation is ongoing.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) -Hotel guests were still displaced Saturday evening while Cedar Rapids Police investigated a possible gas leak. Firefighters responded to the Motel 6 on 33rd Avenue Southwest twice on Saturday after getting calls about a potential gas leak. After the initial call, officials say utility crews believed they had fixed the leak. But a few hours later, people at the hotel began complaining of symptoms consistent with a gas leak. Firefighters then evacuated the building just before 2 p.m. Officials say one person was evaluated by area ambulance, but did not need any further treatment. The cause and type of leak is still under investigation.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Plans for a new landmark pedestrian bridge across the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids are set to push ahead with the removal of an old railroad bridge currently in the way. The Cedar Rapids City Council will vote Tuesday to start the search for a contractor to remove a railroad bridge between the NewBo area and Mount Trashmore that had partially collapsed in the 2008 flood. The project is expected to cost $160,000 and materials from the bridge would be recycled. ConnectCR plans to then build a large pedestrian bridge, called the Alliant LightLine, with a giant pole in the middle to connect the Cedar River trail and create a new visual landmark in the city. It’s part of the group’s overall mission to improve recreation that is focused now on the bridge and redeveloping Cedar Lake. The railroad bridge demolition is expected to start in September and take about a year to complete.
