DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa-based Meredith Corp. is laying off 80 workers, including 25 in Des Moines. Spokesman Art Slusark says the layoffs are part of a larger effort to “dedicate resources” to meet demands and operate as efficiently as possible. The company employs 3,400 people.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama toured the Des Moines area, rallying supporters of President Barack Obama and helping raise money for the Democrat’s re-election bid. Michelle Obama spoke yesterday at a Windsor Heights community center, thanking volunteers at a public event after greeting donors at a private reception.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines police say a police officer has been arrested in a hit-and-run involving a squad car. Police say Officer Brandon Singleton was arrested yesterday after an internal investigation that began with his request for a service truck to change a tire. Singleton is charged with hitting an unoccupied vehicle and three drug charges.

CHICAGO (AP) — A federal prosecutor says a former Iowa letter carrier accused of mailing dud pipe bombs and letters to investment firms gathered information about those he threatened and shared it to demonstrate he was capable of finding and killing them. Opening statements began yesterday in John Tomkins’ trial in Chicago.