061419 404 Nearly 200 people will lose their jobs at a factory in northern Iowa that announced plans to close next year. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that Eaton Corp. announced yesterday it would close its engine-valve manufacturing factory by the end of 2020. The decision will put 184 employees out of work. The company says it would shift manufacturing from Belmond to other sites. It also has a plant in Shenandoah as well as three plants each in Nebraska and Minnesota. Eaton, based in

Iowans are at an increased risk of health effects from nitrate exposure. Researchers from the Environmental Working Group and Duke University say as many as 12,000 cancer cases each year nationwide may be linked to nitrates in drinking water. In Iowa, fertilizer and manure runoff are primary contributors to nitrate pollution. The current federal limit on nitrates in drinking water is 10 parts per million. But recent studies suggest the risk of certain cancers and birth defects increases even at

State regulators today approved wagering on college and professional sports at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sioux City and Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood. Without discussion, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved projects requested by the Hard Rock and Grand Falls Casinos. Work is set to begin Monday on the Hard Rock project that will convert 400 square feet of existing casino space into a sportsbook. A nationwide study shows Iowans are at an increased risk of

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is now ready to prepare for betting on college and professional sports. Today the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved projects requested by the Hard Rock and Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood. Work will begin Monday on the Hard Rock project that will convert 400 square feet of existing casino space into a sportsbook. Grand Falls also plans to start soon on remodeling that will free up existing space for its new sports betting area. A groundbreaking ceremony

061319 404 State regulators today approved wagering on college and professional sports at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sioux City and Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood. Without discussion, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved projects requested by the Hard Rock and Grand Falls Casinos. Work is set to begin Monday on the Hard Rock project that will convert 400 square feet of existing casino space into a sportsbook. Grand Falls also plans to start soon on remodeling

Attorneys for the state of South Dakota and the American Civil Liberties Union appeared before a federal judge today to argue their positions on a new law that aims to prevent disruptive demonstrations. The ACLU is suing Gov. Kristi Noem and others saying the new law — which was enacted in anticipation of the Keystone XL pipeline blocks protected speech. Supporters of the legislation sought to head off protests of the Keystone XL like those mounted against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North

State Sen. Randy Feenstra of Hull says he is stepping down as chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Feenstra says he wants to focus on running for the Iowa 4 th Congressional district, a seat long held by Republican Steve King. Feenstra says the move was made "to allocate more time" to the congressional contest while saying he is proud of his work on the committee. Steve King, who has won eight terms, is also running for re-election. The two other Republicans candidates are Woodbury

President Donald Trump’s trip to Iowa to celebrate his administration’s approval of the year-round sale of the E15 ethanol blend was met yesterday with cheers from Iowa Republicans. Iowa Democrats provided a more measured response, pointing to the ongoing tariff war with China. Trump toured a Council Bluffs ethanol plant yesterday then attended a state party fundraiser in Des Moines. At the ethanol plant, Trump highlighted his administration’s move to clear the E15 ethanol blend for year-round

A Republican state senator who is challenging U.S. Rep. Steve King for the GOP nomination in Iowa's 4th Congressional District says he's stepping down as chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The committee has been at the center of significant tax legislation since Republicans regained the majority in 2016. Feenstra says he's asked to be involved next year in drafting tax policy, just not as committee chairman. He's in his third Senate term. Sen. Randy Feenstra said today he wants to

061219 404 State Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, announced today that he is stepping down as chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Feenstra says he wants to focus on running for Iowa’s 4 th congressional district. The seat is currently held by Steve King. Feenstra made the announcement in a press release, saying the move was made "to allocate more time" to the congressional contest while saying he is proud of his work on the committee. King, who has won eight terms, is also running for