News from The Des Moines Register

Charges against burlesque dancers dropped, attorney says

Feb 8, 2012 3:19 am

Charges against two burlesque dancers accused of baring a bit too much on stage were dropped on Tuesday, the women's attorney said.

Tax vote sails through in Johnston school district

Feb 8, 2012 2:33 am

A tax that funds construction, building maintenance and equipment purchases for school districts will continue in Johnston for at least another 10 years after Tuesday's vote.

Wisconsin man, 75, fights off 2 Iowa carjackers

Feb 7, 2012 10:57 pm

Kenosha County authorities say a 75-year-old man fought off a teenage pair of would-be carjackers.

Roosevelt High School takes heat for cartoon on communism

Feb 7, 2012 10:40 pm

A cartoon handed out to ninth-grade students in a history class at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines has drawn fire nationally from critics who say it promotes communism.

Polk Co. budget gap narrows; leaders tout fewer workers, smaller union raises

Feb 7, 2012 8:29 pm

Polk County's expected $7.8 million budget deficit has been cut in half by a combination of department cuts and an early retirement incentive program, county supervisors were told this morning.

Ames businessman paid $180K for phantom sports tickets

Feb 7, 2012 8:08 pm

Register exclusive: Ames developer, along with others, bought Super Bowl and other tickets from a Boyden woman being investigated for failing to deliver.

Sioux City cuts traffic camera fines

Feb 7, 2012 7:58 pm

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - Sioux City is cutting the fines for violators caught on camera speeding or running a red light.

Judge upholds '09 layoffs of Iowa court reporters

Feb 7, 2012 7:58 pm

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - A federal judge has upheld the Iowa Judicial Branch's decision to lay off dozens of court reporters as a cost-saving move in 2009. U.S.

Second state fair Grandstand headliner: TobyMac

Feb 7, 2012 7:04 pm

DC Talk frontman TobyMac was just in Des Moines last month for a one-off Winter Jam date, and he'll return Aug. 9 to headline a Grandstand show at the Iowa State Fair.Previous announcement: Hank Willi...

Branstad huddles with Iowa Democratic boss - the topic: Curious George

Feb 7, 2012 5:51 pm

What was the topic for the GOP governor and the Democratic leaders today? A famous monkey named Curious George.