From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Mariannette Miller-Meeks is claiming victory in the race for Iowa’s First Congressional District seat. With 99 percent of the vote counted, there’s a 799 vote difference between her and Democrat challenger Christina Bohannan. Republicans won in Iowa’s three other Congressional Districts. Lanon Bacom conceded to Republican incumbent Zach Nunn in the central Iowa Third District race, while Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra won in the Second and Fourth Districts.
The Republican wave on election night also hit Iowa’s legislature. Republicans already held a super majority last session, but will have an even stronger one for the next two years. Republicans will now control 36 of the 50 seats. That’s up from 34 last session. On the House side, Republicans are poised to take 67 of the 100 seats. That’s a gain of three.
Surveillance video places accused murderer McKinley Louisma near a Marion woman’s home the night she disappeared. This was revealed in day 3 of Louisma’s trial on kidnapping and murder charges. The jury was shown traffic camera footage that showed a car belonging to the defendant heading toward Melody Hoffman’s home. Investigators say Louisma and Hoffman had an intimate relationship. Hoffman’s body was found near Amana’s Lily Lake in February. They say they were also able to place Hoffman’s glasses inside the home where the two other men connected to Hoffman’s death lived at the time. He faces life in prison is he’s convicted on either the kidnapping or murder charge.
The University of Iowa is moving forward with a plan to buy the rest of the Old Capitol Town Center. The university currently owns 55 percent of the building. Now, it’s buying the other 45 percent for more than $20 million. The school uses part of the property for administrative and student services. It wants to keep a retail presence on the first floor of the building to help offset the operational costs of maintaining the facility.
The University of Northern Iowa is also getting set for the first part of phase two to the UNI-Dome renovations. The $8 million dollar project would add restrooms and handrails, widen aisles, and add premium seating. It would also cut almost 4,000 seats. The second part of phase two is expected to start in the spring.
