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Iowa has nation's second-highest share of 65+ workers
Data: BLS; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosIowa has the second-highest share of people 65 and older in the workforce, according to preliminary 2023 census data.Why it matters: The composition of a workforce influences business decisions and impacts the state's economy, Peter Orazem, an economist at Iowa State University, tells Axios.State of play: Nationally, 18.7% of adults 65 or over were still working last year. Iowa had 23.9%, while Vermont had the most with 25.6%.Threat level: Businesses factor in their ability to attract and retain workers when locating or exciting locations, Orazem said.Workforce retention and attraction were the top concerns among Iowa executives in a recent Economic Outlook Survey from the Iowa Business Council, the DSM Register reports.The big picture: It's not uncommon these days for older Americans to stay in the workforce, particularly in states with older populations.Today's older workers are better educated, work more hours and are more likely to receive employer benefits, compared to past decades, per a 2023 Pew Research Center report.Read more
CCSD Celebrates Successful Summer Meal Program With Over 40,000 Meals Distributed
Members of the Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Food Service Department, Administration, and volunteers faced the 90-plus degree weather today (Wednesday) to hand out packaged meals during the last day of the district’s Summer Grab and Go Feeding Program. This year, CCSD provided 42,575 meals to children and students in the Carroll area, which is expected to increase by 1,400 after today’s (Wednesday’s) distribution. Every Wednesday at Fairview Elementary since June 12, vehicles would line up, waiting their turn to receive five breakfast and lunch entrees, with fruit, vegetables, and healthy snacks for sides to ensure children are fed a nutritious meal while relieving some financial burden for families. CCSD Food Service Director Melanie Girard says some staff members worked 11-hour days to prepare, sort and package the food to have ready to go for pick-ups.
Iowa churches face insurance crisis amid rising weather-related claims
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Iowa's spiritual centers are facing a crisis of insurance. The higher frequency of claims-- along with more weather disasters-- has some insurance companies dropping coverage, or leaving Iowa entirely. Those who stay are raising premiums in order to cover additional losses. The issue is impacting...
Incumbent Zach Nunn (R) and Lanon Baccam (D) are running in the general election in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District
Incumbent Zach Nunn (R) and Lanon Baccam (D) are running in the general election in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District on Nov. 5, 2024. Nunn defeated then-incumbent Cindy Axne (D) in 2022 50.3% to 48.9%. As of the Q2 2024 campaign finance reports, Nunn had raised $3.96 million and Baccam had raised $2.71 million. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting the district. As of Jul. 22, 2024, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Decision Desk HQ and The Hill, and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball each rated the election Lean Republican and Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales rated it Tilt Republican.
Attorneys general defend states’ laws that prevent banks from considering ‘woke politics’
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led a coalition of attorneys general in a letter responding to the U.S. Treasury Department’s opposition to state laws that restrict banks from considering social or environmental factors when investing. North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley also signed the letter. The Treasury Department’s letter, obtained by The Associated Press, warned […]
Does Illinois Even Allow A 4-Day School Week?
The school week isn't a whole 5 days for everyone in the country. The new school year is just about upon us and the debate resumes: do we like 4-day school weeks or not? Several districts in Iowa are signing on for it for the 2024-2025 school year. Like anything...
‘American Pickers’ Will Film in Iowa This September
Earlier this summer, the show 'Antiques Roadshow' made a stop in Iowa to film a couple of episodes. Now, another popular show will be returning to the state to film!. A recent article from the Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that 'American Pickers' is set to do some antique-hunting in Iowa in September of 2024. If you're not familiar with the History Channel series, the official website reads:
Just How Many Iowa Jobs Did John Deere Cut This Year?
In July, John Deere announced that there would be layoffs all across the company. Company officials gave the following explanation for the most recent round of layoffs;. "Despite our efforts to contain costs and optimize production and inventory levels, the strategies we have implemented – including a global hiring freeze – have proven insufficient in addressing the challenges posed by declining customer demand, rising costs, and prevailing economic uncertainties crucial for ensuring the long-term health of our business."
NIACOG resurrecting its NICE rideshare program for workers
MASON CITY, Iowa – A rideshare program is returning to North Central Iowa. The North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG) says an improved version of its North Iowa Commuter Express (NICE) program will team up with Commute with Enterprise, an affiliate of Enterprise-Rent-A-Car, to offer van travel for people who live inside or outside of the counties of Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Kossuth, Mitchell, Winnebago and Worth and wish to access jobs in the area.
Severe Weather in Eastern NE Leaves Thousands Without Power
The evening of Wednesday, July 31st saw eastern Nebraska and parts of western Iowa pummeled by severe thunderstorms between 5 and 7 PM. Radar indicated the storms moved southwest to northeast from I-80 near Grand Island, NE towards Des Moines, IA along I-80. These storms brought minor hail, at least...
Iowa State Fair: Meet all 10 people named 'Iowan of the Day' at this year's State Fair
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair's list of Iowans of the Day is out and, as always, it's an impressive collection of people who have demonstrated exceptional integrity, pride, hard work, and dedication to their communities. Video above: These 3 Iowa State Fair menu items will compete...
Southeast Iowa man sets world record for biggest eggplant
BLOOMFIELD, Iowa — A southeast Iowa man now holds the world record for biggest eggplant. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said Dave Bennett from Bloomfield recently set a record with his eggplant weighing 8.33 pounds. The dark purple fruit measures 28” around its center and 32”...
Latest Digital Scams in Iowa, Illinois, & Wisconsin Target Elderly & Lonely
The Tri-State area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin has seen an increase in internet-based scams recently. According to Dubuque police, victims are targeted through Bitcoin ATMs and fake tech support pop-ups. In fact, these scams are beginning to gather steam across the United States. Understanding these scams and knowing how to protect yourself can help keep your finances and personal information secure.