While scattered showers are in the forecast for much of Iowa over the next several days, dry conditions have worsened. The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows all or parts of 11 counties in west-central Iowa are now in the D-3 category, which means extreme drought. Last week, no … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley says extension of federal unemployment holding up new stimulus bill
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says extending the $600 per week unemployment benefit is one of the bigger sticking points in negotiations over the latest COVID-19 relief package in Congress. While an earlier pandemic relief bill passed unanimously, compromise is slow with this one, according to … [Read more...]
Creighton survey shows Midwest economy slowly recovering
Iowa's economy is gradually recovering from the deep drop caused by the pandemic, according to the monthly Creighton University survey of supply managers and business leaders in Iowa -- and in eight other states. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says the Midwest region overall is inching back … [Read more...]
Numbers show a warmer and dry July
With low temperatures this morning in the 40s and 50s across Iowa, it's becoming clear that August could contain a radical shift from the extreme heat of July. State climatologist Justin Glisan says July wrapped up on Friday being much warmer and drier than normal. "Typically, we expect the … [Read more...]
Practical Farmers of Iowa hosting workshops on farm succession
Three free, virtual workshops are planned over four days this week that are designed to connect beginning farmers with experienced farmers and landowners who are working toward farm succession. Sally Worley, executive director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, says this is the group's third annual … [Read more...]
Coronavirus drug trial volunteers needed
Testing is now underway on a potential coronavirus vaccine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The first batch of volunteer patients was given doses of the experimental drug on Thursday. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer developed the drug and is testing it in Iowa City and about 120 other … [Read more...]
Iowan to join top authors, celebs in sci-fi ‘read-a-thon’
A library curator at the University of Iowa will join "Star Trek" actor William Shatner and a list of other celebrities, authors and science fiction experts in a Ray Bradbury Read-a-thon next month. The event on August 22nd will mark what would have been the famed author's 100th birthday. Peter … [Read more...]
Iowa high school music competitions shift to being virtual
The executive director of the Iowa High School Music Association wants to set the record straight after false information has circulated about events being cancelled due to COVID-19. Despite some necessary changes, Alan Greiner says every effort is being made to continue holding the competitions … [Read more...]
Trying to sell a house? UI study finds virtual tours will bring more $$$
A University of Iowa study finds virtual home tours are a big factor in selling houses at prices two-to-three percent higher than similar homes without online tours. Gautam Pant, a UI professor of business analytics, says they studied thousands of real estate transactions in southern California, … [Read more...]
New pandemic relief bill includes another round of $1,200 checks
Republicans in the U.S. Senate are considering yet another incarnation of the CARES Act which Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says is designed to address continuing problems with the public health crisis. Grassley, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says he was directly involved in several key … [Read more...]