WAVERLY, Iowa (The Iowa Standard) – Wartburg College still has not responded to multiple media inquiries regarding a professor who has been labeling Charlie Kirk as a “racist” since he was assassinated. But it doesn’t stop at the “racist” label. It turns out that the Wartburg College professor, Brian Birgen, also posted to social media asking a local radio station to play “The Day the Nazi Died” when the station posted a question on Sept. 12 asking what songs listeners wanted to hear during the request hour. Birgen, who is also a member of the Waverly City Council, said it is a “fact” that Charlie Kirk was “racist.” Now, a petition has been started calling for Birgen to resign from his public positions. “(Birgen’s) recent slanderous social media comments about the assassination of public figure Charlie Kirk demonstrate a shocking lack of judgment and an alarming disregard for the ethical standards expected of both educators and public officials,” the petition states. “Political violence is a grave matter that requires careful consideration and responsible discourse. By making derogatory statements in a public forum, professor Birgen reveals a profound insensitivity to the impact of such rhetoric on the public discourse and community wellbeing.” The Iowa Standard reached out to Wartburg College and has not received a response.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa City police are investigating after finding evidence that shots were fired early Sunday morning. Police were called to the 3500 block of Shamrock Place around 3:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found evidence that shots had been fired, along with property damage. No injuries were reported in the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department, and anyone with security cameras in the area is asked to check their recordings and share any relevant footage.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) – Three people were taken to the hospital Saturday night after an accident in Cedar Falls. Authorities say they were called to the intersection of Union Road and First Street around 8:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found that a Chevy Silverado had failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by a Dolly’s Party bus. Officials say both drivers and one bus passenger were transported to local hospitals. There were about 40 passengers on the party bus, and several had minor injuries. The incident is under investigation and police say charges are pending.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (KCRG/KCCI) – Another case of Legionella has been confirmed in the Marshall County outbreak. The total is now at 70 cases, according to state officials. So far, there’s only been one death. On Thursday, the AGWSR school district postponed a field trip to Marshalltown due to the ongoing Legionella outbreak. “Our students were planning on going to visit some larger industrial and manufacturing facilities,” said Superintendent Ben Petty. Around 100 students were expected to go. The source of Marshall County’s Legionella outbreak remains unknown, although state and local leaders suspect a cooling tower may be responsible. It’s the unknown that led AGWSR to postpone its field trip. “It’s been increasing pretty rapidly from what we could tell over the past few days,” Petty said, “and there’s still some uncertainty as to what’s causing it.” The Legionella bacteria occur naturally and can be spread through water droplets. Health professionals advise that there’s a low risk of catching Legionella, but to seek medical help if you have pneumonia-like symptoms. A new date for the field trip hasn’t been scheduled yet.
