From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Election Day is now less than four weeks away and the candidates for the closely watched Iowa Governor’s race faced off against each other for the first time. Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand took part in a televised debate at St. Ambrose University in Davenport last night. Lahn repeatedly challenged Sand on issues and said allegations he wasn’t an Iowa resident was an attack on his blended family. Sand touted his experience as State Auditor and said he understood the state better than his opponent. The next debate is in Sioux City followed by one in Cedar Rapids.
The migrant advocacy group Escucha Mi Voz is says immigrants who have voted for years are now scared to walk to the polls alone. The group says it will stand with voters like it does outside the DHS office—while complying with election laws—if fears of ICE at polls come true. State law bans campaigning within 300 feet of a polling place, but Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor says one or two people can walk a voter to the door if they’re not campaigning. He also says he hasn’t heard of any organized planned activity from federal law enforcement.
A West Des Moines man faces four counts of attempted murder after a series of shootings Monday along Interstate 35 in Warren County, south of Des Moines. The Iowa State Patrol says 27-year-old Andrew Tanaka was driving northbound on I-35 when another driver passed him and another vehicle. Police say Tanaka sped up, shooting into the car in front of him–hurting one woman and then catching up to the driver who originally passed him, firing into that car as well. Tanaka, who’s from West Des Moines, continued driving until he rear-ended another car–which he also shot into. The Interstate was shut down for hours. Tanaka is being held in the Warren County Jail.
Law enforcement officers identified the man who died in a motorcycle crash on I-380 in Linn County during the weekend. 74-year-old James Villars from Minnesota died in the crash. Officials say Villars lost control of the motorcycle while trying to change lanes. The northbound lanes were shut down for about 30 minutes following the crash.
