Community Leaders Plead for Action After Recent Shootings in Des Moines 2024-10-04

Following a recent shooting in Des Moines, concerned nonprofit organizers and families of victims of gun violence came together Thursday morning with a plea for people to come together and help prevent any more gun violence. Calvetta Berry, the founder of Mothers Against Violence in Des Moines, and Stephanie Smith, whose 31-year-old son was one of the victims, spoke at a news conference calling for action put on by the nonprofit Focus On Community Uplifting Self-Esteem & Success. Des Moines Police say they are looking for the suspect, and community leaders are urging city leaders, non-profit organizers, churches, and people to work together to put an end to gun violence in the community.

crime

Prison Guards' Union Calls for Action After Attacks at Iowa State Penitentiary 2024-10-04

Following recent attacks on correctional officers at the Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) in Fort Madison, the union representing Iowa's prison guards, AFSCME Council 61, demanded urgent action during a press conference in Des Moines on Thursday. The union leaders say the continued violence is a result of the state's failure to act on understaffing and employee safety concerns at state-run correctional facilities.

public nuisance

Owner of Wandering Water Buffalo Pleads Guilty, Fined 2024-10-04

The former owner of the water buffalo that roamed loose in Pleasant Hill for five days in August, Prem Nepal, pleaded guilty on Thursday for having an animal at large and was fined $105 plus court costs. Nepal, who has had a history of escaped animals, was attempting to slaughter the water buffalo at the time of its escape. The water buffalo, nicknamed 'PHill' by Pleasant Hill residents, was eventually tranquilized and taken to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, where it is now recovering from a shotgun wound.