WASHINGTON, D. C. (IRN) – An Iowan and former Trump campaign official who has been linked to the Russia investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller has withdrawn his nomination for an Agriculture post. Sam Clovis says in a letter to President Donald Trump dated today that he does “not want to be a distraction or a negative influence.” He cites “relentless assaults on you and your team” that “seem to be a blood sport.” This week, it was revealed that Clovis had communications with George Papadopoulos, who has admitted to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian intermediaries.
GARNER, IA (IRN) – A woman has pled guilty to stealing from a resident at Summit House Assisted Living in Britt. KIMT-TV reports 35-year-old Randi Jo Chipman was charged with 3rd degree burglary and dependent adult abuse for stealing from a resident’s purse.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – One man was arrested following a chase with a stolen vehicle Wednesday in Des Moines, according to WHO-TV. Police spotted the vehicle, and a high-speed chase ensued. 23-year-old Tony Lopez Jr. lost control, hit a building, and then tried to flee on foot. He was apprehended, and is in jail.
DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – There is a new phone scam in Scott County, according to WQAD-TV. More than a dozen people contacted the Scott County Sheriff’s office claiming they’ve received phone calls from scammers. Scammers tell people they’ve missed a court date and need to pay a fine with a credit card number. Officials say they would never ask for credit card information over the phone.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A Phoenix man was put in an Iowa jail for more than a month for a crime he didn’t commit, according to KCRG-TV. Joseph McBride, originally from Cedar Rapids, was arrested for a robbery that happened in Iowa while he was in Phoenix. McBride says he spent time in jails in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, before finally arriving in Linn County. A time-stamped selfie taken in Phoenix proved he couldn’t have been in Cedar Rapids at the time of the robbery. Family and friends helped get him released.
JESUP, IA (IRN) – Jesup’s grandmas are running, well, walking the basketball court for a good cause, according to KWWL-TV. Two local boys need help to pay for medical costs, and the grannies are gathering for a fundraising basketball game tonight. Granny basketball has some strict rules, including no running, no jumping, only two dribbles, and lots of ways to foul out. Sisters Dorothy and Anna Kay, members of Maynard’s 1950 Iowa State High School Basketball Champions are among the players taking the court tonight.