Gazette Daily News Podcast: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

– U.S. drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift, AP sources say

– Shellsburg man told police he helped Traer woman kill her husband in 2021

– Iowa City native returning to Hancher stage with ‘Chicago’

Episode Transcript

Coming up, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug

And later, a Shellsburg man is charged with helping a Traer woman kill her husband in 2021

Plus, an Iowa City native is returning to the Hancher stage with the musical ‘Chicago’

Welcome to the Wednesday, May 1 edition of the Gazette Daily News Podcast. This podcast gives quick bites from the latest headlines coming out of The Gazette newsroom. I’m Bailey Cichon.

After President Joe Biden called for a review of federal marijuana law in October 2022, the biggest policy change in over 50 years has one more significant regulatory hurdle before it can take effect. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The DEA’s proposal would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge that it has less potential for abuse than other drugs. Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug along with heroin and LSD. It would not, however, legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. The DEA’s proposal still needs to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. This historic shift was confirmed to the AP on Tuesday by five people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Once the Office of Management and Budget signs off, the DEA will hear public comment on the plan to move marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III, which is the classification for ketamine and some anabolic steroids. This comes from a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department. After that, the agency would publish the final rule.

Schedule III drugs are still controlled substances and are subject to rules and regulations. Those who traffic them without permission could still face federal criminal prosecution. Plus, the roughly 15,000 U.S. dispensaries would have to register with the DEA like pharmacies and fulfill strict reporting requirements.

Critics say the DEA shouldn’t make the change, saying it isn’t necessary and could lead to harmful side effects. Former deputy administrator of the DEA Jack Riley said he’s concerned about the proposed change because he thinks marijuana is a possible quote unquote “gateway drug”. Riley said quote, “But in terms of us getting clear to use our resources to combat other major drugs, that’s a positive.” end quote. For example, Riley said fentanyl alone accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the U.S. annually.

Loosening restrictions could bring unintended consequences. Take international treaty obligations for example. The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotics requires the criminalization of cannabis. In 2016, the DEA cited the country’s international obligations and federal court of appeals findings in Washington when denying a similar request to reschedule marijuana.

Federal drug policy has fallen behind many states in recent years. 38 state have already legalized medical marijuana and 24 states have legalized recreational use.

If the change is made, it could have significant effects on the marijuana industry which has an estimated worth of nearly $30 billion. AP reported that the immediate effect on the criminal justice system would be softer since federal prosecutions for simple possession have been rare in recent years.

Next, this week a second person was charged in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Ryan Roy Cooper in 2021. 26-year-old Huston William Danker of Shellsburg was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder during an initial appearance in Tama County District Court. His bail is set at $1 million pending trial. Cooper’s wife, 46-year-old Karina Sue Cooper was charged in February. Danker told investigators that he planned and assisted Cooper in the shooting of her husband on June 18, 2021. The criminal complaint didn’t provide further details about when Danker’s confession was made to authorities or what his connection is to Karina Cooper. In a news release, Iowa Department of Public Safety said no additional information would be made available at this time.

Here’s what we know from a previous complaint for Karina Cooper. After receiving a 911 call at about 4:35 a.m. on June 18, 2021, Tama County sheriff’s deputies found Cooper sitting on top of her husband in a recliner in their home in Traer. He appeared to have been shot in his face. The complaint didn’t state who made the 911 call. The Coopers’ three children were also in the home when deputies arrived. Medical personnel responded but Ryan Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.

Further investigation, including an autopsy, showed that he died from two gunshot injuries to the face. No gun was found in the immediate area of the body but a .22 caliber shell casing was found in the home.

During the investigation, investigators learned Karina Cooper told two witnesses she wanted her husband dead and quote “could shoot him in the face” end quote. She remains in jail under a $1 million bail pending her July 9 trial.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have information, contact the Tama County Sheriff’s Office at 641-484-4111 or the DCI at 515-725-6010.

Next, the musical ‘Chicago’ is coming to the Hancher stage and bringing Iowa City native Paul Amrani home. 24-year-old Amrani’s desire to dance was sparked by the production Riverdance, although he isn’t sure if his memories of the dance numbers are from seeing it on Iowa City’s former Hancher stage or from watching the VHS tape his folks bought that night.

Amrani said he watched it daily for at least four years straight. Inspired, he asked his parents to help him achieve his dreams and they enrolled him in the University of Iowa’s Youth Ballet and later, Nolte Academy. In 2023, Amrani was hired for the second year of Chicago’s 25th anniversary tour. He loves everything, from his roles in the ensemble and as the judge.

The show is set in the 1920s and follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Then, she must avoid conviction. So, Hart hires a slick criminal lawyer who helps her dupe the public, media and her rival cellmate Velma Kelly.

Amrani said he thinks ‘Chicago’ is relevant in our current social media soaked climate. Amrani said quote, “Everyone wants to be famous, and thinks that they have what it takes to grab the population’s attention, and it’s easier now than ever to do that.”

Hancher will hold four performances of the musical May 3 through 5. Ticket information can be found at hancher.uiowa.edu.

Find a link to each of today’s featured stories in this episode’s description or at thegazette.com.

Now let’s take a look at the weather in Cedar Rapids. Today will be partly cloudy. Expect a high of 69 degrees and a low of 54 degrees. Thursday there’s a chance of storms. Expect a high of 76 and a low of 51.

Thank you for listening to the Gazette Daily News Podcast. Stay updated with the latest Eastern Iowa news at thegazette.com. I’m Bailey Cichon.

Comments: bailey.cichon@thegazette.com