Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says, "Shutdowns are not a way to do business," and he's hopeful the president and Democrats who control the U.S. House will be able to reach a compromise very soon. On this 17th day of the partial federal government shutdown, President Trump will address the … [Read more...]
Clinton city official: ‘We’ve lost a hero’ following fire and explosion
A Clinton firefighter was killed and a second firefighter was gravely injured while battling a large blaze on Saturday at the ADM grain processing plant in that eastern Iowa town. Clinton Fire Chief Mike Brown says the crew was about a hundred feet off the ground fighting the flames when the … [Read more...]
Blood drive set in honor of Iowa law officers
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is next week and seven Iowa offices of LifeServe Blood Center will be taking blood donations from supporters of the men and women in blue. Shay Willis, spokeswoman for LifeServe, says the Blue Blood Drive is Wednesday and it'll feature some great swag and … [Read more...]
Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids offering students a degree in 3 years
While most college students take four or five years to earn their bachelor's degrees, an eastern Iowa school is launching a program designed to empower students to graduate much more quickly. Terri Crumley, vice president for enrollment at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, says their … [Read more...]
Creighton business survey sees increase in leading economic indicator
A monthly survey of business leaders and supply managers in Iowa and 8 other Midwestern states finds an upturn in the overall business conditions index for December. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says trade numbers, both for exports and imports, fell significantly for the month but … [Read more...]
Consider ‘treecycling’ instead of trashing the Christmas tree
Some Iowa families have a tradition of taking down the Christmas tree on this last day of the year in order to start the new year out fresh tomorrow. Horticulturist and extension educator John Fech says don't just toss the tree to the curb, but find a way to repurpose it. "Recycling it, … [Read more...]
Tips for happy holiday returns
If you got an ugly Christmas sweater, something in the wrong size or a duplicate item as a gift, 'tis now the season for returns and lines at customer service counters are long. Margo Riekes, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau in Omaha-Council Bluffs, offers Iowans a few tips to keep the … [Read more...]
MADD encourages drivers to use ride services during holiday weekend (video)
Traffic safety officials fear with another four-day weekend ahead for many Iowans, there will be more chances for revelry, drunk driving and deaths on the state's roads leading up to New Year's Day. Linda Chapman, president of the Dubuque/Jackson County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, … [Read more...]
Tips for attracting more birds to your backyard
Aside from the common sparrows, blue jays and cardinals, the experts say there are 429 species of birds in Iowa. If you'd like to attract a few more to your back yard during the wintertime, biologist Ryan Brady suggests making your feeder more attractive to your feathered friends. Brady says the … [Read more...]
Iowa parks again hosting hikes on New Year’s Day
More than two dozen Iowa state parks are hosting so-called First Day Hikes next Tuesday -- on New Year's Day, free hikes guided by park staff. Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa DNR’s State Parks Bureau, says hikers get the chance to experience the quiet beauty of nature in winter as well as … [Read more...]