Today's 5: Two Reports of Disturbing Crimes

Today's news will be dominated by in Plainview this week, including a police report of a burglar who rummaged through a home as a teenaged girl hid in a closet.

Each day the "5 Things" column offers five essentials about your day in Plainview. We want to engage our audience in the topics, events, and hot-button issues that are important to them. Help us do that by adding your voice. Add it to the calendar or send us a . Post a comment on the news and the issues that matter most to you.

Thursday's highlights:

1. A manhunt was underway early this morning for a burglar who broke into a home while an hid inside a closet. .

2. Meanwhile, click here to read about a victim of a car break-in outside the who tells her story to Plainview Patch. It's a cautionary tale about leaving your car unlocked even for a few minutes.

3. Four students have been named semifinalists in the prestigious It's the second year in a row that have been named semifinalists in the prestigious science competition. We'll have updates on their projects later today and as the contest unfolds.

4.The 's PTA sponsors an evening with the amazing who will work their hardcourt magic on members of the The players will be available for autographs. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Middle School; it's $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

5. Many of the stories we write about come from news tips just like you. Do you have a that needs covering? you want to tell us about? The ? Let us know by adding it to the calendar or sending us a . We read and consider every local coverage request. We try to accommodate everyone.