Wellmark steps up its ad game in light of federal exchange problem

As the federal government continues working on fixing its insurance enrollment website, one Midwestern insurer keeps making fun of it.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has brought to light those technical problems as it tries luring away some potential customers.

New television ads from Wellmark in Iowa and South Dakota tell people that they can buy health insurance from other sources.

ARL takes birds from shootout suspect's home

Exotic birds and other animals have left the home of the suspect who died following Wednesday's shootout in Des Moines.

Josh Colvin from the ARL tells the Des Moines Register that 55 birds, four cats, and a ball python appear healthy.

The birds remain under care at the ARL's largest location in Ankeny.

Officials have not called this a hoarding situation.

Payton announces candidacy for Sen. Dist. 15

The former chairman of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee has announced a state senate run.

The Des Moines Register reports Patrick Payton of Newton seeking the District 15 seat.

This district includes Altoona, Bondurant, Elkhart and Mitchellville.

Rich Nigerian cousin scam trips up attorney

The Iowa Supreme Court has suspended the law license of a Des Moines attorney for one year.

The court has sanctioned Robert Allan Wright, Jr. for soliciting loans to pay a fake Nigerian inheritance.

KCCI-TV reports Wright received documents two years ago saying a client had inhereted $19 million from a long-lost cousin. The client told Wright he had to pay $177,00 in taxes to get the bigger sum of money. The Supreme Court says Wright agreed to represent client for a fee of 10 percent of the inheritance.

Court documents say Wright solicited loans from other former clients to help pay the supposed taxes. Several of them offered $12,500 apiece. Another person gave $20,000.

The Supreme Court claims Wright did not reveal the risky nature of the transaction. He eventually raised $200,000 and sent it to Nigeria, but no one ever delivered an inheritance.

None of the people who loaned their money to Wright ever got their money back.

FBI raids Sorenson's home

The FBI continues investigating a former Michele Bachmann campaign aide.

The lawyer for former Iowa State Senator Kent Sorenson has confirmed to the Des Moines Register that authorities searched Sorenson's home two weeks ago.

Sorenson helped with Bachmann's run for the White House last year.

Federal agents seized computers and other items linked to Sorenson's work with both Bachmann and Ron Paul's campaigns.

Sorenson switched from Bachmann's camp to Paul's right before the Iowa caucuses. Authorities say they have evidence he received money to do so.

Dem Candidate for GOv. Getting Divorced

One of the Democrats who wants his party's nomination for Governor made some news on the marital front today. WHO TV reports State Rep. Tyler Olson told reporters today he and his wife are separating, and will be getting divorced. Olson says hes cutting back campaigning for the rest of the year but will resume after the holidays.

DM PD Arrest Rock Eating Man for Drug Paraphernalia

Des Moines Police pulled over a man some Lincoln High School students say they saw eating rocks. Police say the man told the kids he lost his meth. 36-year old Michael Sutton was in a car with two kids in the back seat. KCCI reports Sutton's been arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment and minor traffic charges.