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Four Georgia men received prison sentences for a nationwide scam that defrauded victims across the U.S., particularly in Iowa. The ringleader, Russell Tafron Weatherspoon, orchestrated the scheme from prison using contraband cell phones to impersonate law enforcement and falsely claim arrest warrants. The conspiracy netted at least $58,825 through threats and fake bonds.
Volunteers in Johnson County gathered to collect native seeds for a prairie restoration project. This initiative aims to enhance local biodiversity and restore natural habitats.
Iowa City leaders rezoned the former Roosevelt Elementary School site for a 187-unit affordable housing development called "Roosevelt Ridge." TWG Development plans to construct a three-story apartment complex to serve various demographics, including seniors and working families. The City Council unanimously approved the rezoning, aiming to create housing opportunities in the area.
Sheriff Brad Kunkel withdrew his support for a joint law enforcement facility between Iowa City and Johnson County, stating he no longer sees a viable path forward. He advocates for a separate county facility, which he plans to propose for the November 2026 ballot.
A Hancock County jury acquitted Roque Ramirez Vasquez of illegally voting in the 2022 election, marking the first not guilty verdict in Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird's noncitizen voting prosecutions. Vasquez, a 75-year-old lawful permanent resident, had admitted to voting but was found not guilty due to insufficient evidence of his knowledge of ineligibility.
The Oskaloosa school board unanimously voted to terminate teacher Matthew Kargol after he allegedly compared conservative activist Charlie Kirk to a Nazi on social media following Kirk's death. The board's decision stemmed from an investigation into Kargol's post, which sparked backlash from Republicans and raised concerns about free speech in educational environments.
Iowa City leaders advanced discussions for a joint law enforcement facility with Johnson County despite concerns about the facility's oversight and the city's relationship with the jail. The City Council's resolution directs staff to draft articles of incorporation for a new authority to manage the planning and ballot language for a November 2026 vote.
John Deere will lay off 141 employees at its Waterloo and Ankeny plants due to declining demand for agricultural equipment. This round of layoffs follows previous cuts, totaling about 2,200 jobs in Iowa since April 2024, amid a struggling farm economy.
Voters in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty will decide on a 1% local option sales tax in November, with half of the revenue mandated for property tax relief. The tax, which exempts essential items, aims to generate millions in additional revenue for local budgets. If approved, the taxes will take effect on July 1, 2026.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley celebrated his 92nd birthday in Washington, D.C., with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard from Dairy Queen, gifted by Senator Tim Scott. Grassley, the oldest member of the Senate and a significant political figure since 1981, has not ruled out running for re-election in 2028.