DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Extreme heat is forecast to settle in over the state of Iowa beginning today and lasting through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The highest heat index reading in Des Moines since 1980 was 118º on July 26, 1997. We could come close to this on Thursday afternoon when heat index values are expected to reach 115º. Heat is the No. 1 weather killer in the United States.

WAVERLY, IA (IRN) – Terex suddenly shut down its crane factory in Waverly Tuesday, leaving roughly 175 workers out of a job, according to KCRG-TV. The company announced it is expanding its crane production facility in Oklahoma City and, as a result, closing the Waverly operation effective immediately.

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A local group is working to save a Girl Scout camp in northeast Iowa that’s been around for nearly 50 years. KWWL-TV reports Camp Tahigwa, which sits nestled in the hills of Allamakee County, may be sold. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois will vote on a recommendation to sell the camp August 11. The recommendation to sell is based largely on money and poor attendance.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The signing of a sister city agreement between Herat, Afghanistan and Council Bluffs takes place today, according to KCCI-TV. Many Americans associate the country with war and terrorism, but three visitors from Afghanistan in Iowa this week are working to change both the perception and reality. They hope one of the first opportunities from this new relationship will be a cultural exchange of art.