Welcome, everybody, to our hearing. Both those in the room and those that arent in the room. Before we start, i think its important, again, to note whats going on all around us, and that is the acknowledgement of Racial Injustice that has gone on for far too long in our country. I certainly support those who are speaking out and making their voices heard in a peaceful manner to bring about change. While change does not always come easily, i want to remind those watching this hearing today that change is possible. In december 2018, the first step that i first introduced became law. And i worked in partnership with several republican and democrat senators. Senator durbin was the lead person for the democrats. This law is the most significant criminal Justice Reform in a generation. A lot of people didnt think it was possible but we did it by working together, in a bipartisan way. But also working together in other ways to address racial disparities. Such as in health care, the c. A. R. E
Cedar Rapids Police are cedar rapids cedar Rapids Police are starting to police are cedar cedar rapids cedar Rapids Police are starting to worry about an increase in crime that could lead to guns ending up in the wrong hands. Hands. This year there have been 18 firearms stolen from cars many left unlocked. Two of the weapons ak 47s. Police chief wayne jerman says between 2014 and 2015 and with the year not yet over we are quickly approaching that number now. It certainly goes against responsible gun ownership that we are trying to advocate for. Again, a firearm is a lethal weapon, its by no means similar to a laptop computer or cell phone or other items that are frequently stolen police ask you to always lock your doors and never leave valuables in the car. Also as cold temperatures approach even though its nice to already have the car warmed up police say if youre not careful someone else could be driving off in it. A vinton woman will spend nearly four years behind bars for forher ro
Battered and bruised. A corrections officer is recovering from an incident inside the mitchellville womens prison. This man was one of four two had to seek treatment outside the prison. The Union Representing the officers says the incident. Described as a fight involving multiple inmates and staff. Could have been prevented or descalated had more staff been on duty. It also says staff should be able to carry pepper spray. And here they got the pepper spray locked up in the captains office and ya gotta run back and get permission to get it and by the time thats don the incidents over. Somebody is hurt. An inmate could be killed. An inmate could be dead. An officer could be killed. A Statement Issued by the department of corrections says quote the department of corrections is committed to operating safe and secure facilities and will continue to work to improve our operations for the department of corrections declined to explain why the officers are not allowed to carry pepper spray. Tod
The teens. We will have a few leftover flurries tonight and early tomorrow morning. The rest of the week will be dry and warmer. Much warmer air is expected by the weekend. Now to the story we first brought you as breaking news police are searching for a man they hope can help them solve yesterdays double homicide. This is a picture of him. 39 year old michael john wanchanic. They say he could be driving a beige colored 2002 dodge grand caravan with iowa license plates dmr 234. Investigators are calling him a person of interest in the deaths of 36 year old bryon howard and 31 year old heather belieu. Officers found their bodies a 2 year old and an infant were inside the home as well. But police say they were not harmed. Police say wanchanic lived in the house. Along with those killed. We believe he has information that will be beneficial in understanding the motive and what happened in the house so wed like any assistance in finding him. Wanchanics mother tells channel 13 she hasnt see