DES MOINES (IRN) – The White House has responded to Governor Terry Branstad’s concerns regarding the admission of Syrian refugees. The Des Moines Register reports the White House on Saturday defended how the United States accepts Syrian refugees, telling Governor Branstad the security process is extraordinarily thorough and comprehensive, involving multiple law enforcement, national security, and intelligence agencies.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Following protests over his hiring earlier this fall, the new president of the University of Iowa is getting some support from the business community. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports more than 100 community and business leaders gathered Friday morning to offer support to Bruce Harreld and to apologize for the negative reaction he has received on campus. Harreld’s hiring has drawn criticism from students, faculty and staff who say he is unqualified.

OTTUMWA, IA (IRN) – A southeast Iowa teen is accused of stealing cars across southern Iowa, according to KTVO-TV. 19-year-old Logan Neil Swanson of Ottumwa, was taken into custody Friday morning. He is accused of stealing cars in Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant and Burlington. He faces felony charges of Forgery and On-going Criminal Conduct and a Misdemeanor Burglary charge.

DES MOINES (IRN) – A pregnant Des Moines woman chased a robber across a Des Moines parking lot on Friday, according to KCCI-TV. Jenny Speck was unloading birthday presents outside the Target at Southridge Mall when a man grabbed her purse and took off in his car. Speck ran after the robber, eventually getting in between the driver’s side door. The suspect threw her purse back out before driving off. Speck, a kickboxing instructor, is OK.