SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) –  The Missouri River Historical Development board, a nonprofit partner in the Sioux City riverboat casino, has voted to solicit proposals for a land-based casino. The Sioux City Journal says Penn National Gaming, the owner of the riverboat, will have to compete with other bidders if it wants to continue its partnership with the nonprofit group, which jointly holds the gambling license.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A state official says that up to 250 employees in northeastern Iowa lost their jobs following the collapse of a financial empire owned by a businessman arrested in connection with a $200 million fraud scheme. Iowa Workforce Development spokeswoman Kerry Koonce said the agency is piecing together the economic damage caused by the sudden downfall of Peregrine Financial Group CEO Russ Wasendorf Sr., who was arrested and charged last week.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (AP) – Farmers have told Iowa Governor Terry Branstad they’re facing a possible financial disaster if the drought doesn’t break. Corn and pork producers met with the governor today at a forum in Mount Pleasant. One expert says this is the worst dry spell in Iowa in nearly 25 years.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa says testing of a white powdery substance in an envelope mailed to a residence hall shows no harmful substances. A student counselor reported feeling ill after opening the envelope at Stanley Hall yesterday. More tests are being run on the powder.

EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) – The FBI says dogs aiding in the search for two missing girls have picked up their scent near Meyers Lake in northeast Iowa. But a spokeswoman says there are no witness reports to confirm Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey were at the lake. Family members say they believe the girls were abducted.