FB Post Nets DM Police Arrest in Basilica Break In

Des Moines Police say a post to their Facebook page helped track an items stolen in a break in last month at the Basilica of St. John's. Gift cards were on the items stolen, and one of them was used. Video surveillance caught two men, so they posted the video and asked for help. Someone recognized one of them, who was contacted by police, who told officers who he got the card from. Eric Thompson's charged with control over stolen property.

Branstad Leans on Legisature for Property Tax Reform

Gov. Branstad's turning up the heat on the legislature to approve property tax reform along with state spending before they adjourn a session that's already two weeks past its' scheduled end. There weren't many lawmakers at the Capitol today as leaders from both parties continued negotiations on the budget and education reforms. Branstad wants a 40% cut in business property taxes over 8-years. Democrats want a smaller cut targeting small businesses.

State Suspends Payments to DM Charity-A New Beginning

The State Human Services Department's stopped payments to taxpayer-funded Des Moines charity, A New Beginning that provides counseling for children and families. The Des Moines Register reports the state's looking into what it calls credible allegations that the charity billed taxpayers for services never provided. The state says the amount involved is $266,000.

Who Opened Fire on Ankeny PD Headquarters?

Ankeny Police are reviewing surveillance video of the exterior of their headquarters on SW Ordnance Road, trying to find out who fired several shots at the building late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. KCCI reports bullets were found in the 2nd floor lobby and sent to a lab for testing. If you know anything about the incident, call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

New Ass't Principal at Indianola High School

Indianola High School has a new assistant principal. Craig Calhoun's been hired to fill the job that bused to belong to John Taylor. Calhoun's currently assistant school principal and activities director for Carlisle High School. Taylor's not leaving the district, he is moving to fill a counselors post he applied for internally.

How Many Students Won't Be at East High's Prom?

Administrators at other Des Moines schools are watching what happens as prom night rolls around at East High tomorrow. East is the only school with a no class no prom policy. Students with one or more unexcused absences from March 13 through today won't be going to the prom. The new policy's part of a push to boost attendance.

Protesters at UNI Bd of Regents Meeting

A group of about 150 students, faculty and parents demonstrated at today’s Iowa Board of Regents meeting. The shutdown of UNI’s Malcolm Price Lab School, the elimination of 20% of academic programs and buyout offers to more than 40 tenured faculty have drawn steady criticism, despite a $5-million budget hole. Protesters say Regents don't have the power to close the lab school, and that some of the money spent on athletics should go for academics.