A large state network of hospitals and clinics announced the launch today of a 3,200 mile fiber-optic network that will link healthcare providers together across the state and beyond. Iowa Health System C.E.O. Bill Leaver says the system is called "HealthNet Connect." Leaver says … [Read more...]
Republicans want to ban government-paid cell phones for state workers
Republicans in the Iowa Senate suggest taxpayers should stop footing the bill for state workers who carry cell phones and blackberries. Senator Kim Reynolds, a Republican from Osceola, says there should be a ban on state spending on cell phones and P.D.A.'s. "At a time when we see … [Read more...]
E-mail looks to create April Fool havoc
The worst prank played on Iowans on this April Fool's Day may be the one that comes via e-mail. Over the past few years, April 1st has brought technology termoil to millions of computer users and this year is expected to bring more of the same. Computer tech Mark Sommerfeld says your best defense … [Read more...]
No ban on cell phone use in cars — this year
A key lawmaker says bills which would ban cell phone use in vehicles or punish those caught putting on make-up or reading while driving will likely die in the Iowa legislature this year. Senator Keith Kreiman, a Democrat from Bloomfield who's chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was … [Read more...]
Education chief warns some schools would lose high-speed access if ICN sold
The head of the Iowa Department of Education says if legislators decide to sell the state-owned fiber optics network, some of the state's K-through-12 schools might lose the ability to connect to the Internet. Last Friday, House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy said legislators should consider … [Read more...]
Governor says "we’ll see" about ICN sale
Governor Chet Culver has no opinion on a potential money-raising proposal floated Friday by a top Democrat in the Iowa House. House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines says the capacity of the state-owned fiber optic network is attractive to the private sector, and it may be time to … [Read more...]
Top Democrat says it may be time for state to sell or lease Iowa Communications Network
A top Democrat in the legislature says it's time to start exploring the idea of selling or leasing the vast, state-owned fiber optics network that's linked to every public school and National Guard armory as well as all state government facilities. House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des … [Read more...]
House GOP seeks sale of Iowa Communications Network
Republicans in the Iowa House say it's time to sell or lease the state-owned fiber optic network that was championed by former Republican Governor Terry Branstad. House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen admits they don't know how much the system's work, or whether anyone would be willing to buy … [Read more...]
No law to ban cell phone use while driving
A key legislator says a bill that would make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while you're driving in Iowa is not likely to become law this year. Some studies indicate cell phone use compromises driving abilities as much as being drunk. But Senator Tom Rielly of Oskaloosa, chairman of the … [Read more...]
Legislators ponder ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving
Iowa Department of Public Safety officials are urging the state legislature to make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving on Iowa roads. Ross Loder of the Iowa Department of Public Safety says distracted driving is a critical safety issue. "There is research that pretty … [Read more...]