Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that changes the rules for awarding state grants to businesses that promise to expand broadband service and a spokesman for the governor says $5 million will be awarded over the next year. The state will also use $85 million in federal pandemic … [Read more...]
Virtual meeting tonight focuses on non-gas-guzzling cars, cutting pollution
Since big in-person gatherings are making some Iowans hesitant, tonight's Electric Vehicles and Environmental Justice Expo will be held virtually via Zoom. Expo organizer Rishi Shah, a spokesman for Environment Iowa, says transportation is a leading cause of air pollution and carbon emissions in … [Read more...]
Loebsack says lack of internet access in rural America ‘unacceptable’
Congressman Dave Loebsack of Iowa City is among a dozen members of the U.S. House touting a plan that would expand broadband service in America. Loebsack says it is unacceptable that in 2020, many rural Americans do not have access to high-speed internet. As the spread of COVID-19 continues, … [Read more...]
Y2K meltdown fears led to procedures still used 20 years later
An eastern Iowa cybersecurity expert says the lessons learned from the Y2K preparations 20 years ago are still being used today. There was a fear that a glitch in computers would cause worldwide problems when the clocks on the computers hit midnight on January 1st of 2000. Aaron Warner, the … [Read more...]
Expert: All Iowa merchants need response plan for hacker attack
Iowa business owners need to add one more thing to their list of New Year's resolutions. An expert suggests businesses of all sizes plan ahead for a digital data disaster should hackers ever break into your computer and access your customers' files. Consumer advocate Lara Sutherlin says if you … [Read more...]
Iowa DOT message: drunk driving ‘impairs your 2020 vision’
The Iowa DOT's message boards on the state's interstates and highways are displaying a message geared toward the New Year's holiday. This week's digital message on Iowa DOT message boards is this: "Drinking and driving impairs your 2020 vision." The DOT changes the message every Monday, so this … [Read more...]
Iowa studies gaps between electric charging & natural gas filling stations
Iowa is working with five other states to study the availability of alternative fuel along Interstate 80. A federal grant will help determine where electric vehicles can be charged and where compressed natural gas is available. Stu Anderson, the Iowa DOT's director of the planning, says the range … [Read more...]
Iowa’s attorney general leading national investigation of Google
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is among the 50 state attorneys general who are investigating Google's business practices. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, released a written statement, saying the bipartisan investigation is in its early stages and the group has drawn no … [Read more...]
High poverty elementary schools incorporate computer science into curriculum
Twelve Iowa elementary schools with high poverty levels are preparing to heavily incorporate computer science into their curriculum. They’re each using a $50,000 grant through private or state funds to expand and incorporate computer science into everything from math to gym class. Staci Hupp, at … [Read more...]
Solar users host lawmakers on information session
Some Iowa lawmakers are touring businesses that use solar panels in the wake of a proposal that would’ve allowed utilities to charge new fees to solar customers. Russell Vannorsdel is vice president of Fridley Theatres, an Iowa-based company that recently built a large movie theater in Waukee … [Read more...]