IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Iowa City Police have arrested a man who allegedly stole $15,000 worth of rings from a man that were likely worth much more in sentimental value. KWWL-TV reports Stacy and Melissa Levell stole 12 rings, valued at $15,000, that were left to the man by his wife after she died.  The couple pawned the rings. Melissa hasn’t been arrested.

DES MOINES (IRN) – Iowa House Republicans elected a new leadership team Thursday for the 2016 Legislative session.  KCCI-TV reports Rep. Linda Upmeyer was selected as Speaker of the House. She was first elected in 2002 and is serving her seventh term.  Upmeyer will replace Rep. Kraig Paulsen who announced earlier this month that he will not seek reelection next year.

DES MOINES (IRN) – A Des Moines woman had a surprise when she returned home after giving birth to a healthy baby boy on Wednesday.  WHO-TV reports the baby’s bassinet, toys, and clothes had been stolen. The burglar broke into the home through the window and also stole a flatscreen TV, DVD player, bicycle, and a bed.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The number of mumps cases has jumped in Johnson County, and officials are warning University of Iowa students as they begin arriving for the start of the fall semester. Students are advised to stay home if ill, and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. There have been 15 reported cases in the county this year when most years there might be only a single case.

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – Two teenage girls have been charged in a bank robbery at a Security National Bank branch in a Hy Vee in Sioux City. KMEG-TV reports 18-year-old Heaven Zevenbergen and 18-year-old Angelica Perez of Sioux City were arrested. Using a disguise, one of the girls handed a teller a note demanding money and threatening to shoot employees if the teller did not comply.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A man suspected of firing a single shot inside an Iowa City apartment early Tuesday morning was arrested Wednesday by Cedar Rapids police. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports 28-year-old Diamond Wilson was taken into custody. He was wanted on a warrant for intimidation with a dangerous weapon for firing the shot during an argument

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Twenty five people have been arrested during a prostitution sting conducted by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force at motels in Polk County. Among those charged was 58-year-old David Greenspon. He’s the owner of a local advertising and marketing company and former owner of the Iowa Barnstormers. Also arrested was 31-year-old Tommy Birch, a sports reporter for the Des Moines Register.

 

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – A Facebook ad selling an alligator known as “Allie” led Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue to confiscate the illegal reptile, according to KMEG-TV. A 16-year-old purchased Allie online about a year ago. When he realized he would be unable to care for her, he tried to sell her on Facebook. Allie is now two and a half feet long but has the potential to get up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds.