Support increases for casino in D.M. - 2003-04-08
Support is increasing in Des Moines for a downtown riverboat casino even though state legislators say they will probably not expand gambling in Iowa this year.

"Obviously, a casino would have a pretty significant impact" on downtown Des Moines, said City Councilwoman Christine Hensley. "We can't ignore the economic impact, which I think would be pretty positive."

Hensley said the city should make sure gambling fits into a downtown renaissance plan that has taken decades of planning.
Read the full story at Des Moines Register

NZ stocks: Fletcher Building down 7 per cent - 2003-04-08
The New Zealand sharemarket had a mixed day with increases more than doubling the number of falls, but the benchmark index fell 0.18 per cent.

The NZ50 gross index fell 3.53 points to close at 1972.06, after starting the day in the black, while the top-40 index decreased 0.54 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 1939.46.

Moderate turnover of 29.46 million stocks, valued at $81.38 million, was topped by Telecom's $32.23 million.

Stephen Wright of ASB Securities said the New Zealand market started off firmly, particularly casino company Sky City which raced up to 830 before retreating to close at 805, up 5c.
Read the full story at The New Zealand Herald