Many Iowans have answered their phones to hear a distant caller claiming to be with Microsoft and offering to "fix" our computers. A new survey finds the extent to which those tech support scams are reaching us -- and ripping some of us off. Mary Jo Schrade, with the Microsoft Digital Crimes … [Read more...]
Iowa’s Taxpayer Relief Fund surpasses $1 billion
The state's "Taxpayer Relief Fund" has grown from $74 million two years ago to more than $1 billion this fall and the latest newsletter from Iowa House Republicans says there's no "valid reason" that money should not be returned to taxpayers. There's more than $800 million in two other state … [Read more...]
Three Iowa community colleges invited to compete for Aspen Institute award
Community colleges in Estherville, Mason City and Sheldon have been notified they're among 150 U.S. community colleges that can compete for what a former president has called the "Oscar" for achievement and student performance. The Aspen Institute's $1 million prize is handed out once every two … [Read more...]
After Black Friday is past, it’ll be time to ‘Be Loyal, Buy Local’
While many Iowans will keep up the tradition of Black Friday shopping today, it's predicted even more bargain hunters will be out in force tomorrow for Small Business Saturday. Jayne Armstrong, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Iowa District Office, says when you find and buy … [Read more...]
Walleye limits change January 1 at Iowa Great Lakes, Clear Lake, Storm Lake
State regulations require that certain types and lengths of fish caught in many Iowa lakes and streams be immediately released back into the water. In other bodies of water, fish that aren't big enough -- as well as older, longer fish -- have been thrown back in. Ben Wallace, a fisheries … [Read more...]
Double-check before you double-click on Black Friday deals
Iowans are warned to be extra cautious before buying anything online or even in-person on this Black Friday. Consumer protection expert Michael Domke says if you're shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, you need to read the ads carefully and be aware of each particular merchant's guidelines on … [Read more...]
To succeed, meat locker start-ups will have to secure repeat customers
After disruption in the meat supply at the start of the pandemic, the federal government will spend half a billion to expand meat and poultry processing and another $150 million specifically for small meat lockers. In Iowa, officials are reviewing 72 applications for grants from a $750,000 state … [Read more...]
Southwest Iowa town still struggling to recover from 2019 flooding
Many Iowa communities are coping with population losses, but a southwest Iowa town that was devastated by flooding in 2019 isn’t giving up hope. Pacific Junction had fewer than 500 people before the floods, but just 84 people live there now. City Clerk Korrena Neppl says after the flood, some … [Read more...]
Trout stocked in ponds across Iowa
The DNR's annual trout stocking of ponds across the state is now complete. Northeast Iowa regional fisheries supervisor Mike Steuck says it's a way to introduce trout fishing outside their normal habitat. He says they stocked 18 community ponds with the goal of getting people excited about trout … [Read more...]
Branstad says being called ‘old friend’ by China’s president ‘a good thing’
Former Governor Terry Branstad says as President Trump's ambassador to China, he routinely accepted criticism of the United States from Community Party officials in a formal setting. Branstad says the process has a name in diplomatic circles. It's called a demarche "A demarche is getting chewed … [Read more...]