WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is denouncing criticism of Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s wife by a Democratic consultant who said Ann Romney “hasn’t worked a day in her life.” Obama says there is no tougher job than being a mom. Obama’s remark to Cedar Rapids television station KCRG yesterday was in response to comments by Democratic consultant Hilary Rosen on Wednesday that sparked a political furor.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — The sale of a rare pipe organ built in Mason City more than a century ago has saved it from being dismantled and sold for parts. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports the organ was bought by VIVA! Performing Arts School and will be moved to Philander Hall in Dixon, Illinois.

CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Charles City man has been given 10 years in state prison for selling cocaine. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that 31-year-old Nicholas Pipes was sentenced in Floyd County District Court this week. He’d pleaded guilty in February to four counts.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former Olympic gold medalist and WWE star Kurt Angle says he is pulling out of next week’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa. The 43-year-old Angle was planning on competing for a spot on the U.S. freestyle team headed to the London Games this summer. But Angle says on his Twitter page that hamstring and knee injuries forced him to pull out of the trials.