DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – In a message on his Facebook page, Iowa Senator Zach Wahls responded to Democratic lawmakers’ decision to replace him as the new caucus leader. Last week, lawmakers voted to elect Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque as the new leader. Wahls served as the Democratic minority leader since 2021. In his response, Wahls states that “…there is always a resistance to change and new ideas…” and that his colleagues did not like a decision he made to “…fire two longtime senate staffers who did not share my vision…” New caucus leader Jochum served as assistant Democratic leader and as Senate president from 2013 and 2017. She released a statement on the change last week, writing in part, “Senate Democrats look forward to offering a better way forward for the people of Iowa in 2024 and beyond. We’re going to defend our incumbent senators, grow our caucus, and win a majority that delivers for middle-class Iowans.”
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Police have identified the 23-year-old man killed after a shooting early Sunday morning in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids police were called to the 1300 block of 1st Ave SE shortly after midnight on Sunday for the report of shots fired and a victim needing medical attention. Officers arrived on scene and found the victim outside the address suffering from gunshot wounds. Officials say he was given immediate medical attention and transported to a local hospital where he was later declared dead. Officials have identified the victim as 23-year-old Kenyauta Vesey-Keith. Police say this appears to be a targeted incident, and are asking anyone with information to call the Cedar Rapids Police Department at 319-286-5491 and speak with investigators. This is an active, ongoing investigation.
CRESCO, Iowa (KCRG) – Two people are dead after a motorcyclist hit a pedestrian in Winneshiek County on Sunday evening. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said it happened at about 7:18 p.m. on Sunday in the 3200 block of County Road A14 in Cresco. Deputies said 21-year-old Wyatt Tibbals, of Cresco, was traveling at a high rate of speed when he hit 22-year-old Finn Ronken, of Canton, Minnesota, who was in the roadway. Both were killed in the crash.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A former Dubuque priest is now facing an additional accusation of sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Archdiocese of Dubuque. On May 23, information was released regarding alleged abuse by Father Leo Riley while he was serving as a priest in Dubuque between 1985 and 1986. Riley moved to the Diocese of Venice, Florida in 2002 to be closer to his parents, and became a priest there in 2005. The Archdiocese of Dubuque said Riley has been placed on administrative leave while the Archdiocese of Dubuque Review Board for the Protection of Minors begins an investigation. The latest allegation was reported on May 23, the same day the archdiocese released information about the other allegations. Now, Archdiocese of Dubuque officials are asking for people to come forward with any information they may have regarding alleged sexual abuse of minors by Riley. People with information can reach out to Lynn Osterhaus, Archdiocesan Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, at 563-556-2580.
