Despite $2 million in storm sewer interceptor work, high water and heavy rains are again forcing Bettendorf to dump raw sewage into the Mississippi River.

The Isle of Capri Bettendorf casino is seeking to slash its property tax assessment in half – to $44 million from its current $85 million – prompting the city to hire a casino real estate appraiser to oppose the reduction.

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. finished its fiscal year ended April 26 with net revenues up more than 4 percent to $996 million and earnings of $5.2 million, or 13 cents per share, for the 12-month period.

Five years and nearly $275,000 in planning and design fees later, Bettendorf's new Forest Grove Park may get its first actual improvement – a small playground area with one basketball hoop, a shelter and parking for two dozen cars – later this summer.

The majority of air pollution exceedances recorded in Iowa over the past five years occurred in Muscatine, with sulfur dioxide pollution the primary issue there and statewide.

A lawsuit seeking closure of a troubled Manchester, Iowa zoo for Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations has been stalled by failure of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to certify its own inspection reports released last year through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Davenport-based Lee Enterprises, Inc. posted net income of $1.8 million – 3 cents per share – for its second quarter ended March 29, thanks in part to higher subscription revenues and lower newsprint and interest expenses.