From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand says he welcomes an investigation into how money is spent at the Des Moines School Board but he can’t do that on his own. Three Republican legislators have called for an audit after the arrest of former superintendent, Ian Roberts, last month. He’s accused of illegally living in the country, unlawfully possessing weapons, falsifying his academic credentials and trying to steer district funds to an outside firm where he also worked. Sand says his office can now investigate after it received a qualified request from more than 100 Des Moines residents.
There’s more push back over a temporary fence that could be built around the Cedar Rapids ICE office. Advocates say the fence would prevent transparency and their efforts to accompany immigrants in the community as they go for check-ins. Supporters from Escucha Mi Voz and Iowa City Catholic Worker are concerned a fence could make it harder for them to show support for those reporting for regular check-ins.
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is asking to prosecute the case of two people charged in the death of a toddler in Vinton. Kaylee Morris faces a charge of neglect in the death of her daughter, 20-month-old Willow Morris. The mom’s boyfriend, Mason Morgan, faces the same charge, as well as child endangerment. An autopsy found Willow died from dehydration and bleeding around the brain. The request from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to take over the case cites a possible conflict of interest but it does not specify.
90 local veterans were in Washington, D.C. for the final Eastern Iowa Honor Flight of the year. The flight gives veterans the chance to see the war memorials built in their honor. Most of the veterans on this trip served in the Vietnam War. Organizers say the flight went on despite the government shutdown.
