The state unemployment rate inched up one-tenth of a percent in August -- the first increase in seven months. Iowa Workforce Development director, Beth Townsend, says the increase is mostly tied to students. "That is almost, not entirely, but almost entirely related to individuals going back to … [Read more...]
Regents committee discusses request to state for deferred maintenance money
The Board of Regents Facilities Committee approved a proposal Wednesday to ask the state to chip in some money to repair buildings. Regent David Barker laid out the proposal that now goes to the full Board for a vote today. "Thirty-million dollars per year to be matched at 50 percent by the … [Read more...]
Rail strike could have big impact on Iowa
Federal officials are working to try and head off a rail strike that could have a major impact on Iowa. The Iowa DOT's Stuart Anderson says things are in a formal presidential cooling-off period that is winding down. "That period ends at 12:01a-m on Friday. So if the railroads in the last few … [Read more...]
DOT sees impact of gas prices on travel
The Iowa Department of Transportation continues to see an impact on traffic levels from gas prices. The DOT's Stuart Anderson says traffic had been coming back after the pandemic, but gas prices started making an impact. "Definitely noticed back in April, started seeing some of those impacts of … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst says request for audit of IRS operations approved
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, says the Ernst says the Inspector General has agreed to her request to audit the IRS and to ensure that the tax collectors themselves are paying the taxes they owe. Ernst also says the Biden Administration needs to rethink its plans for adding … [Read more...]
DOT makes funding recommendations for several rail projects
The Department of Transportation is recommending several awards for rail projects to be voted on for approval by the Transportation Commission next month. Rail director, Amanda Martin, says one recommendation is for a Buena Vista County business. "Platinum Crush is building a new soybean crush … [Read more...]
Drought continues to cause issues with Missouri River levels
Prolonged drought across the region has pushed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower Missouri River levels from Nebraska City to Kansas City by a full foot. The lower levels will affect boat traffic and could impact municipal water supplies and other utilities that rely on the river. Missouri … [Read more...]
Iowa Workforce Development creates new Business Engagement Division
Iowa Workforce Development launched a new Business Engagement Division Monday. IWD director, Beth Townsend, says they're hoping it will make it easier for employers to access state resources. "The idea is that we want to provide a one stop shop for Iowa's employers to help meet all of their … [Read more...]
Cedar Rapids schools reach settlement on use of restraints, seclusion
The Cedar Rapids School District has reached a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department on the used of use of seclusion and restraint against students with disabilities. The Justice Department says its investigation found that the school district inappropriately and repeatedly secluded and … [Read more...]
DMACC unveils new Criminal Justice Training Center
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) cut the ribbon on their new Criminal Justice Training Center on their Ankeny campus Friday. Center Coordinator Craig Matzke says it allows them to set up realistic crime scenes to help train students. He says the center can also be used to train … [Read more...]