University of Iowa researchers are studying the electronic gadgets car insurance companies are asking customers to install in their vehicles to monitor driving habits. Richard Peter, a UI professor of finance, says the devices are typically provided by the insurance company to promote safe … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley wants to learn more about impact of AI
U.S. Senate leaders are calling for three briefings on artificial intelligence this summer -- including one briefing that's classified -- and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he's told his scheduler to put him down for all three briefings. Grassley says he's "concerned" about AI and all of the … [Read more...]
New state website provides info on emerging drugs
The state is launching a website designed to inform Iowans about new and emerging drugs and other products, both legal and illegal, many of which can be deadly. Dale Woolery, director of the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy, says this type of online educational resource about drugs is urgently … [Read more...]
Des Moines gets high ranking in one list of best places to live
The newest list of Best Places to Live in America from U.S. News and World Report ranks Des Moines 19th this year, though Iowa's capitol city has ranked as high as fourth in previous years. The magazine cites a range of elements that put Des Moines in the Top 20, including cultural events and … [Read more...]
New Dubuque mayor attends first national meeting
Two Iowa mayors will soon be heading home from the United States Conference of Mayors, which is wrapping up its 91st annual meeting today in Columbus, Ohio. Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh, who was elected to the post last year, is attending the gathering for the first time and says he's found it to … [Read more...]
Home tour highlights mid-century modern architecture in central Iowa
Four homes in central Iowa that serve as sterling examples of mid-century modern architecture and interior design will be open for tours during a special fundraising event this weekend. Laura Porter, executive director of the Iowa Architectural Foundation, says "Midwest Modern, a Mid-Century … [Read more...]
Davenport building is being shored up for search efforts, three still missing
A specially-trained urban search-and-rescue team, from bases in Cedar Rapids and Sioux City, is working to secure the Davenport apartment building that partly collapsed Sunday. It's feared the six-story structure could completely cave in at any time, hampering efforts to search the rubble for … [Read more...]
Des Moines Con brings in voices behind the planet’s most popular shows
Some of the world's most recognized voice actors will be in central Iowa this weekend as Des Moines Con opens on Saturday. Event creator Ben Penrod says many fans will be coming to the convention in elaborate costumes, but that's not a requirement. "We are a sort of non-specific fan event," … [Read more...]
Iowa nursing homes continue to lack enough workers
Staffing shortages in Iowa nursing homes remain "alarmingly high" and are almost twice the national average, according to the state director of AARP Iowa. Brad Anderson says staffing shortages can lead to poor resident care and, in some unfortunate cases, serious neglect. "Forty-two percent of … [Read more...]
Creighton economic report finds Midwest economic growth still slow
Inflation is keeping prices high on all sorts of goods, and a survey of business leaders in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states finds prices rose nearly 6% in the past year, but may only rise 3% in the year ahead. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the leading economic indicator … [Read more...]