CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Angry parents, students and University of Northern Iowa faculty members have disrupted an Iowa Board of Regents news conference in Cedar Falls. The protesters are angry at funding cuts that will result in the closing of the university’s Malcolm Price Laboratory School and several academic programs. More than 100 protesters started with a rally outside the building in which the Regents met yesterday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is welcoming the U.S. Labor Department’s decision to withdraw a much-criticized proposed rule about children working on farms. Grassley released a statement last night expressing relief at the Labor Department’s decision to abandon what he called “ridiculous regulations” that could have hurt farm families.

INDIANOLA, Iowa (AP) — A judge has approved a settlement in a legal battle between the family of a slain Milo farmer and a neighbor who confessed to shooting him. The Des Moines Register reports a settlement was approved yesterday in Warren County District Court. It ends nine years of legal feuding between the family of slain Milo farmer Tom Lyon and his assailant Rodney Heemstra.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have selected Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff with the 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft. With the top defensive backs off the board, the Lions elected to add a starter along their aging offensive line. The 6 foot 6 315 pound tackle is a native of Parkston, South Dakota.

CHARLES CITY (AP) — A company based in the Czech Republic has opened its first North American tire factory in Charles City. Mitas opened the plant today in a ceremony attended by Governor Terry Branstad and Petr Gandalovic, the Czech ambassador to the United States.

SIOUX CITY (AP) — A Sioux City-based maker of vinyl and aluminum windows and doors says it is expanding its South Sioux City, Nebraska manufacturing operations. The Sioux City Journal in Iowa says Gerkin Windows and Doors is breaking ground on land near its current 165,000-square-foot factory built in 2004.

SIOUX CITY (AP) — Morningside College Athletic Director Jerry Schmutte will resign next month to take a position in Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. Officials at Sioux City-based Morningside say Robbie Rohlena, dean of enrollment, will act as interim athletic director starting June 1st. The search for Schmutte’s replacement is under way.

WATERLOO (AP) — Mitchell County supervisors are sending out requests for architects to submit proposals for a new courthouse. The decision came after a consultant said creating an efficient work space in the existing courthouse built in 1858 would be difficult. Supervisor Joel Voaklander says he’s sending letters to about a half-dozen architectural firms. He’s also looking into temporary space for courthouse offices.