DES MOINES (IRN) – It appears Governor Kim Reynolds will throw her political weight behind a Republican candidate in the presidential field. The Des Moines Register reports Reynolds is expected to endorse Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ahead of the January 15th Iowa Caucuses. Reynolds drew the ire of Former President Donald Trump earlier in the campaign by not endorsing him for the GOP ticket, and at the time, she intended to stay out of the frey. Trump’s campaign was once again critical of Iowa’s governor for the move, calling it the start of her “retirement tour.” DeSantis trails Trump in the latest Iowa Poll, tied at 16 percent with former Ambassador Nikki Haley and well behind Trump’s 43% among Republican voters. ALTOONA (IRN) – After several significant losses in recent elections, Democrats are hoping a recent visit from a U.S. Senator will bolster the party statewide. Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman appeared at the Liberty and Justice annual celebration Saturday. Fetterman spoke at the fundraiser that featured several prominent Iowan democrats, including State Auditor Rob Sand. CASS COUNTY (IRN) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is requesting public assistance related to a kidnapping. On Saturday, an adult male was reported as kidnapped to the department. The victim told police he was forced to drive to Chicago on behalf of a man with a gun. The suspect then allegedly carjacked another individual near Mile Marker 51 on Interstate 8. Police ask anyone if a family member from the surrounding area has not returned home. At this point the identity of the subject in the second incident is unknown. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is currently working with multiple law enforcement agencies in the investigation.

CENTERVILLE (IRN) – An Appanoose County man faces accusations of running a medical treatment center without a license. WHO-13 reports the sheriff’s office executed a warrant at the Old Cabin Retreat near Centerville. Thirty-four-year old Eddie Gingerich was arrested and faces several charges related to medical fraud. HAMILTON COUNTY (IRN) – y Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Clay and Hamilton Counties effective immediately through December 3rd. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in three game bird duck farms in Clay County and a positive case in a commercial breeding chicken flock in Hamilton County. GLIDDEN (IRN) – A Glidden man was arrested but a charge was dropped, but still faced criticism from the Carroll County Sheriff. KCCI-TV reports Kenneth Pingery said his department responded to multiple calls about a man carrying a backpack and holding what appeared to be an AR-style rifle. Jerry Lee Webb was in possession of multiple firearms in the town of GLidden. An investigation from out-of-state law enforcement and a federal agency into Webb continues.

DES MOINES (IRN) – A Polk County jury found a man guilty for his role in a crash that killed a young boy. WHO-13 reports Keith Eric Jones was charged with vehicular homicide by drag racing, leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and several other offenses related to a December 2022 collision. Jones and Robert Miller III were racing down Fleur Drive in Des Moines after drinking at a southside bar. Miller’s car hit an oncoming car, which had four-year-old Marcos Faguada inside as a backseat passenger. Jones will be sentenced just one day before the anniversary of the deadly crash. IOWA CITY (IRN) – The chair of the Iowa Democratic Party is condemning a campus-based group representing the political party. KWWL-TV reports that Rita Hart claims University of Iowa Democrats recently released a statement that calls for Jewish genocide. Hart is calling those responsible for the letter to resign their leadership positions. CORALVILLE (IRN) – Five new state volleyball champions were crowned Thursday at the 2023 state tournament. Ankeny Christian, Dike New Hartford, Western Christian, North Scott, and Waukee Northwest ranked the best from Class 1A to 5A among Iowa high schools.

DALLAS COUNTY – Nearly 50 horses were removed from a rural property near Madrid Wednesday. KCCI-TV reports the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office found 46 animals in need of veterinary care as part of an ongoing investigation into livestock abuse. Charges were brought against a person in 2020 at the same address for failing to dispose of a dead animal. ANKENY – A teenager from Ankeny faces life in prison for the murder of another teen in Fort Dodge. The Des Moines Register reports Jamarrion J. Davis was sentenced this week after he was found guilty of first degree murder for the July 4th shooting of 15 year old Jameel C. Redding-Pettigrew. Police accused Davis of committing the act out of revenge, as Redding-Pettigrew’s older brother had allegedly killed a friend of Davis earlier this year. FORT DODGE – More than 40 incidents of vandalism were reported in Fort Dodge Monday morning. WHO-13 reports police are checking into dozens of reports that started coming into Webster County Dispatch at around 6 a.m. The vandals hit cars, houses, and businesses in the community. IOWA – A former Iowa Commission Employee is connected to missing funds in the organization. KCRG-TV reports the State Auditor’s office reported $17,000 gone, allegedly taken by Dawn Chamberlin, the organizations program planner. The auditor’s office reviewed 203 events from 2020 to 2022, finding the uncollected funds in the process.

LOHRVILLE – A Lohrville man was charged in relation to a shooting that killed a child. Justin Pope is accused of child endangerment and making a gun available to a minor, according to KCCI-TV. Pope left several handguns where children could access them, police say, and in June, a six-year old accidentally shot himself. DES MOINES – A Des Moines mom faces more than three decades in prison after she pled guilty to several charges related to the death of her son. The Des Moines Register reports Ericka Lynn Rankins is guilty in six counts of child endangerment and three counts of neglect and was sentenced on Monday to 32 years in custody. Her son Jamal was found unresponsive in December of 2020, with an autopsy revealing neglect and other injuries. ANKENY – The Iowa Department of Transporation has announced a new app available that allows residents to keep a digital version of their drivers license. The Iowa Mobile ID app is available in the Apple Store and Google Play, according to KCRG-TV. The mobile ID can be accepted as a valid form if businesses accept the terms. The Iowa Mobile ID is not meant to replace physical cards.