From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A newly released search warrant reveals new details about a quadruple murder in rural Linn County in June. Luke Truesdell of Marion is accused of using a metal pipe to kill four people at a property on East Otter Road. According to the warrant, Truesdell told investigators he killed the victims because of drug use, past trauma and thoughts that others killed his family members. The document also says Truesdell admitted one of the victims handed him the pipe so he could help him work on a vehicle. That’s when Truesdell said he “lost it” as the four people argued. His trial is set for June.
Two correctional officers were attacked yesterday by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Officials say it happened during a routine procedure, leaving one officer seriously hurt. A trade union of public employees says this represents a growing trend of violence in correctional facilities. The union is demanding measures to fix this, including the hiring of more correctional staff.
Donald Trump is threatening Deere and company with stiff tariffs if it goes through with moving some manufacturing jobs to Mexico. On Monday, Trump said he’ll impose a 200% tariff on John Deere products if the company shifts production work to its planned Ramos, Mexico plant. So far, more than 1,600 employees in the U.S. have been let go. Iowa State University economics professor Peter Orazem says a 200% tariff would triple the cost of a skid loader. Orazem says the President can’t just decide to impose a tariff due to trade agreements with Canada and Mexico. He says if Trump were to do this, it would require an act of Congress.
For the first time since March 2021, more Iowans disapprove of Governor Kim Reynolds job performance than approve. That’s according to the latest Des Moines Register-Mediacom Iowa Poll. Half of respondents disapprove of the job Reynolds is doing compared to about 45 percent who approve.
The North Liberty Community Pantry will soon break ground on a building that will be about three times the size of the current pantry. Those operating the pantry say they’ve seen a large uptick in demand over the last two years, serving 70 percent more families and distributing more than twice their usual amount of food. It’s expected to open next summer.
