(Radio Iowa) – After a ten-day mission to the International Space Station, retired NASA astronaut and Iowa native Peggy Whitson is back on Earth after she and three crewmates splashed down last night off the Florida coast in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

Peggy Whitson in space suit (Axiom photo)

SpaceX Mission Control: “SpaceX, We see splashdown and mains (parachute cables) cut. Peggy, John, Ali, Rayyanah, on behalf of SpaceX, welcome home!”

Whitson, laughing: “SpaceX, we would like to tell you that was a phenomenal ride. We really enjoyed all of it!”

Whitson, who grew up in Beaconsfield, was commander of the mission, the first private space mission in history commanded by a woman.

ELDORA, Iowa — An Iowa homicide suspect was arrested Sunday, in Arizona. Eldora Police said Tuesday, 29-year-old Nathan Cole Bahr, of Iowa Falls, faces a charge of first-degree murder, police reported Tuesday morning. Police say he was brought in on May 29th, in Gilbert, Arizona. Authorities say Bahr allegedly shot and killed Desiree Folsom in Eldora. She was found dead on May 26 at a residence in the 1400 block of 17th Avenue. Eldora police Chief Nick Hassebrock said Bahr is Folsom’s ex-boyfriend. They had shared two children together.

Nathan Cole Bahr

Court documents show that on May 25, a Hardin County judge had approved a protective order for Folsom against Bahr. The order included a warning for law enforcement that noted Bahr may have a firearm.

Bahr remains in custody at a jail in Arizona.

(Clarinda, Iowa) – Last week we told you officials with the Union County Law Enforcement Center (LEC) reported that they had been flooded lately with incomplete accidental 911 calls occurring from cellular devices. Since then, Sheriff’s officials in other counties and jurisdictions in Iowa have reported similar calls.The Page County Sheriff’s Office is one of the latest to issue a statement about incomplete/accidental 9-1-1 calls.

Click to enlarge this image

State officials says most everyone has mis-dialed phone numbers at some point in time, but if you accidentally dial 9-1-1, or a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, make sure you do not hang up the phone! Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that 911 was called by mistake.

In order to prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls, consider the following tips:

#1 If you accidentally call 911 please stay on the line and answer the 911 dispatcher’s questions. If you hang-up we will do everything possible to get in touch with you. Please answer that call back. We must assume that all calls are for emergencies, and there are occasions where people do call 911 and cannot relay their emergency because of criminal conduct or medical issues.

#2 Be familiar with your device(s). One common 911 accidental dials happen when cell phone user put their phone into a cup holder, purse, or pocket. That’s because the side button on the phone pushes on the edges.

• Do you know how your device is programmed to dial 911? Are those settings appropriate for your life?
• Are you using your device or storing it in a way that increases the likelihood of an accidental 911 call?
• Can you change the settings to reduce the chance of dialing 911 accidentally?

Remember, accidentally dialing 911 can tie up emergency resources and divert attention from genuine emergencies. Please carry your phone carefully. Make sure your phone is securely placed in your pocket, bag, or purse to minimize accidental pressure on the screen or buttons.

(Radio Iowa) – The planting season is down to just a few more trips across the field. The U-S-D-A crop report shows 98 percent of the corn crop is planted, eight days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the five-year average. Eighty-five percent of the corn crop has emerged — with 77 percent reported in good to excellent condition. Ninety-four percent of soybeans had been planted by Sunday, more than one week ahead of last year and 15 days ahead of normal. Sixty-seven percent of soybeans have emerged and the first condition report shows 71 percent are rated in good to excellent condition.

(Radio Iowa) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is in the midst of his first campaign swing through Iowa since kicking off his campaign for president last week. DeSantis spoke at a West Des Moines church Tuesday night and he got several standing ovations from the crowd during his remarks. “Our great American comeback starts by sending Joe Biden back to his basement in Delaware,” DeSantis said. DeSantis called on like-minded Americans to run for seats in congress and join him in countering the elites in politics, in corporate America and in education.

“I think the parents of this country are really going to rise up in 2024. I think this is going to be a central issue: Do you support the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children?” DeSantis did not specifically call for House Republicans to reject the federal debt deal, but he said it would not solve the nation’s fiscal problems. “D.C. doesn’t produce much of anything besides mountains of debt and loads of hot air,” DeSantis said, to cheers. “…Stop passing the buck to subsequent generations to clean up your mess.”

DeSantis did not use the phrase “drain the swamp” as Donald Trump did during the 2016 campaign, but DeSantis said as president he would attack the “administrative state” in the executive branch. “It requires a disciplined, energetic president who will spit nails and fight the needed battles every day over an eight year period,” DeSantis said. “…You need to start cleaning house on day one.” DeSantis took questions from reporters after the event. He said it was ridiculous for Trump to say New York’s governor handled the pandemic better than he did in Florida.

“But it is an indication that the former president would double down on his lockdowns from March of 2020,” DeSantis said. Alan Daut of Altoona says DeSantis is the only Republican who can win in 2024.  “That’s the most critical and important thing, to win,” Daut says. “Trump was a good president. He did a great job from my perspective, but winning is everything.” A few people in the crowd cited the Florida governor’s age as they talked about DeSantis. He’s 32 years younger than Trump. Matt Stewart of Altoona put it this way.

“I don’t want another geezer General Election,” Stewart said. Lee Thornburgh of West Des Moines likes DeSantis, but isn’t ready to say he’ll Caucus for DeSantis. “He’s definitely in the running,” There’s so much time available, it’s hard to say so right at this moment,” he said. “I’d like to hear some other people, but I think he’s done a great job.”

DeSantis will campaign in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Pella and Cedar Rapids today (Wednesday).

(Radio Iowa) – Two of the four Iowans who serve in the U.S. House say they’re likely to vote for the plan that would slow federal spending in the future and immediately raise the government’s borrowing authority. However, under certain circumstances, they might vote no. Republican Congresswoman Marianette Miller-Meeks of LeClaire says elements of the plan are common sense, like recouping 30 BILLION dollars in unspent COVID recovery money.

“COVID relief funds were supposed to be timely, targeted and temporary,” Miller-Meeks says. “They’re not supposed to be ongoing spending funds for agencies, so I think that’s important.” Miller-Meeks says it’s time to restart the monthly student loan payments that were suspended at the beginning of the pandemic — that’s part of the plan as well. Miller-Meeks says the House G-O-P is proving that it can govern and she plans on supporting the package, unless there are major changes made to it.

“We know that our debt and our deficit is on a trajectory that is unsustainable. It puts us at risk. It’s a national security risk as well, but we also knew that defaulting or a government shutdown was not the way to go, so we put forward a responsible, reasonable plan,” Miller-Meeks says. “It was very pragmatic.” Congressman Zach Nunn, a Republican from Bondurant, says he wants an assurance that Senate Democrats will back the plan.

“I think there’s a chance that the Senate could stonewall this thing long enough that we get into a very difficult situation,” Nunn says. “I don’t want any one senator to be the reason the United States defaults for its first time in U.S. history.” Both Miller-Meeks and Nunn say the plan’s limit on non-defense spending over the next two years is key.

“I think the time has come for us to move forward with a plan that helps drives down national spending and make sure the United States does not default,” Nunn says. “Those are my first two priorities going into it and from this I think there are a lot of good things that can happen.” Neither Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion nor Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull have commented on the deal.

DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Reynolds authorized the deployment of approximately 100 Iowa National Guard troops and 30 Department of Public Safety personnel to help secure the U.S. Southern border. The announcement comes one week after Gov. Reynolds and fellow Republican Governors received a security briefing from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and a request to support Operation Lone Star to help secure the border following the end of Title 42. 

“The crisis we are experiencing is a direct result of a dereliction of duty by President Biden. The consequences of an open border can be felt across the country as fentanyl and the cartels threaten our communities,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “While the White House chooses to do nothing, Republican Governors stand ready to protect our states’ interests.” 

The approximately 100 Iowa National Guard troops will deploy for 30 days in August. The 30 Department of Public Safety personnel will deploy for 30 days in September.  In June 2021, Gov. Reynolds approved sending nearly 30 Iowa State Patrol troopers to Texas as part of Operation Lone Star. During the first deployment, Iowa troopers assisted with 240 criminal arrests, 51 vehicle pursuits and seizures of 948 pounds of marijuana, 37 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine, 18 firearms, and $1.7 million dollars. 

“Two years ago, the Iowa Department of Public Safety provided humanitarian aid and public safety assistance along our nation’s southern border. Our officers experienced first-hand the challenges of a chaotic border and provided much needed aid and assistance to our colleagues at the Texas Department of Public Safety,” said Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens. “Their need for help is even greater today, and we stand ready to support them without compromising our duties to our home state.” 

“The Iowa National Guard is trained, prepared and Always Ready to aid in protecting Iowans, our communities, and nation,” said Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, Major General, Stephen Osborn. “Our units stand ready to deploy and conduct missions that are needed to secure our border and safeguard the American people.” 

DAVENPORT, IA – A federal grand jury in Davenport returned an indictment on May 22, 2023, charging 12 Quad Cities men with offenses related to a racketeering conspiracy, who conspired to engage in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murders, robbery, and drug trafficking.

As alleged in this indictment, those charged were members and associates of a criminal organization or Enterprise known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse a/k/a Zone Fifth a/k/a Fifth Street Mafia a/k/a Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG) a/k/a Money Team,” whose members and associates engaged in acts of violence. The Enterprise’s origins began in Rock Island, Illinois, in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

At that time, members and associates of the Enterprise referred to themselves as the Arsenal Courts Posse. Arsenal Courts was the former name of Century Woods, a housing complex which members or associates of the Enterprise lived in or frequented on a regular basis. The housing complex is located in the 1400 block of Fifth Street. Between 2009 and 2011, the younger members and associates of the Enterprise began referring to themselves as “Zone Fifth” or “Fifth Street Mafia” continuing to represent the location of the Enterprise’s territory.

As alleged in this indictment, the principal purposes and objectives of the Enterprise were to distribute controlled substances, obtain money and things of value, and earn and maintain respect in the Quad Cities. To achieve those purposes and objectives, members and associates of the Enterprise committed acts involving murder, robbery, threatened to commit acts of violence, and trafficking of controlled substances.

The following members and associates of the Enterprise are charged in the Indictment and are all from Rock Island, Illinois:

• Ricky Lee Childs, Jr., 38, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. As part of this investigation, he was previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.1 Between both charges, he is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment.
• Don Christopher White, Jr., 37, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. As part of this investigation, White was previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm.2 White is facing a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment.

• Devell Carl Lewis, 35, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. In addition, Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2023 on federal drug charges out of Rock Island, Illinois.
• Deaguise Ramont Hall, 34, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.
• Simmeon Terrell Hall, 34, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.
• Brandon Deshane Branigan, 32, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. As part of this investigation, Branigan was previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm.4 Branigan is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment.
• Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 31, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. In addition, Bogan is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2023 on federal drug charges out of Rock Island, Illinois.5
• Raheem Jacques Houston, 30, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment. In addition, in August 2023, Houston is scheduled to be sentenced on federal drug charges out of Rock Island, Illinois.6
• Michael Linn Cross, 30, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.
• Lashawn D James Hensley, 30, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.
• Devante Atwell French, 29, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. He is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment.
• Timothy Justin Beaver, 28, is charged with racketeering conspiracy. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.

The Indictment may be viewed here:
https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/arsenal_courts_posse_indictment.pdf.

Timothy Beaver, Simmeon Hall, and Deaguise Hall made their initial court appearance on May 25, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. The remaining defendants will make their initial court appearances on later dates.

As part of this investigation, in September 2022, Sinae Coral Lucille Tate, 33 of the Quad Cities, was charged with making false declarations to a federal grand jury regarding Don White’s use of her 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix during two of the overt acts in the racketeering conspiracy. On April 20, 2023, Tate pled guilty to one count of False Declarations Before a Grand Jury. She is facing a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2023.

“To those that choose criminal violence this case is an example of the fate that awaits you. We will continue to place violent crime as our highest priority. With our law enforcement partners like the Davenport Police Department, we are dedicated and motivated to use every legal tool to help protect the Davenport community,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa.

“The tremendous work of our investigators and federal partners delivered justice for those impacted by these violent crimes,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. “These cases demonstrate, the outstanding partnership and collaboration between federal prosecutors and local law enforcement that has a long-term impact on the safety of our community. The Davenport Police Department is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our community and bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice.”

The Davenport and Rock Island Police Departments are investigating the case, with assistance from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

(Radio Iowa) – The warm weather is here, the kids are out of school, and Iowans are making plans for extended family vacations. Before backing the packed S-U-V out of the garage though, Triple-A’s Nick Chabarria suggests you have a professional look over a few key things.  “B-E-T. That stands for battery, engine, and tires. Those are really the three components you want to make sure you have somebody check out before you hit the road,” Chabarria says.

Car batteries, for example, won’t usually last longer than five years. Chabarria says something important that Iowans can easily check themselves is the inflation rate on their tires. “The proper inflation is going to help make sure you’re getting the most fuel economy from your vehicle as well, so save some money when you’re taking a road trip,” he says. The number of cars broken down along the roadside rises this time of year, Chabarria says, in large part because of a problem with the battery, the engine or the tires.

“Those three components are really the main reasons that people will call us when they fail when they’re out on their road trips,” Chabarria says. “If you can take care of them ahead of time, that’s of course going to save you a lot of time and headaches down the road.” You’ll also need plenty of gasoline.

Triple-A says the average in Iowa is now three-37 a gallon, that’s down two-pennies in the past week. The national average is 20 cents higher at three-57.