From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A federal EPA official says the majority of areas that were highly contaminated after the 2022 fire and explosion of the C6Zero plant in Marengo should be cleaned up by the end of the week. The plant used chlorinated and various other solvents to break down tar shingles into products for resale. During the fire and explosion, environmental investigators say products were released and contaminated some of the water and soil in the area. The EPA says roughly 95% of the highly contaminated areas have been removed from the site.
The Division of Criminal Investigation and Tama County deputies arrested 27-year-old Huston Danker in Cedar Rapids; he now faces first degree murder charges in the 2021 shooting death of Ryan Cooper. Back in February, police arrested Cooper’s wife Karina. She’s also charged with first-degree murder. Investigators have not said what her relationship with Danker is, or a possible motive.
Jury selection began yesterday for a Waterloo man accused of murder after a house fire in 2022. 61-year-old John Spooner is charged with first degree murder in the death of Tony Grider. He died after Spooner set fire to his home while he was trapped inside. Spooner was found guilty of first degree arson in November of 2022. He faces life in prison if he’s convicted of first degree murder.
Demolition work at the Dubuque Brewing and Malting building is now in full swing. Crews started work on the upper windows and towers last week. Demolition had been delayed months after asbestos issues and work to remove overhead power lines. The 120-year old building will still be standing, as only a portion is being demolished.
President Joe Biden signed a bill that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban, unless Tik Tok’s current owners find a non-Chinese company to run the social media platform. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, vows to fight the legislation. Company officials and influencers held a roundtable meeting Tuesday in Cedar Rapids to say they’re sticking with TikTok as their primary platform. While the social media giant says it will challenge the law in court, the influencers believe the power of the app is in its users.
