Chubb Ltd., one of the largest U.S. providers of business interruption insurance, has jumped into the debate over how to cover future pandemics, the Business Insurance e-newsletter reported. Chubb said it is lobbying the federal government to cover businesses for losses in the future, but also wants the insurance industry to provide a small portion of pandemic […]
The Iowa State University Office of the Vice President for Research has selected seven projects to receive funding through a new seed program directed at addressing the coronavirus pandemic. According to a news release, the COVID-19 Research Seed Grant program was created in May to encourage faculty in all academic disciplines to apply their knowledge […]
Des Moines Register: Muscatine Mayor Diana Broderson on Sunday publicly announced a citywide proclamation that makes face masks mandatory in indoor and outdoor public spaces in Muscatine where individuals cannot social distance from one another. The proclamation outlines certain exceptions to the rule, including when one is eating at a restaurant, playing a sport or has […]
Adapting Roles: Part 5 By Emily Blobaum, contributor & Emily Barske, associate editor Editor’s note: This story, focused on financial well-being, is part five and the final piece in the “Adapting Roles” series looking at family and gender issues amid the pandemic. Topics for the series were selected based on a survey conducted by the […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she has directed $490 million of the $1.25 billion in Coronavirus relief funds Iowa was provided through the CARES Act to be deposited into Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The deposit will ensure that eligible Iowans continue to receive unemployment insurance benefits, and will also enable Iowa employers to remain in […]
Small business and residential customers of MidAmerican Energy Co. will be getting a little extra relief on high-efficiency equipment they purchase through the end of this year. To help businesses and homeowners who have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, MidAmerican announced it will increase rebate amounts on certain high-efficiency equipment purchases by 50%. […]
More than half of a $5 million commitment that meat processor JBS USA has made to three Iowa communities in which it operates plants will go to Marshalltown, the company announced. JBS said it will donate $2.7 million through its Hometown Strong initiative to help Marshalltown respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and […]
Cityview, an alternative news magazine published in Des Moines, will resume publishing this month after suspending the print edition since the March 2020 issue, the magazine announced late Tuesday. Publisher Shane Goodman announced the decision to suspend on March 24 as the COVID-19 pandemic closed events, restaurants, movies and other entertainment, which the magazine relied […]
The Plains Area Mental Health Center in Carroll was awarded $107,180 by the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau to purchase laptop computers and tablets so health care providers can continue serving patients in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC announced this week. The center is one of 77 applicants nationwide who received […]
Associated Press: A nursing assistant who worked while sick likely brought the coronavirus into an Iowa nursing home where 15 residents later died, according to a new state inspection report. The employee was allowed to keep working because the Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa failed to adequately screen staff for symptoms at the beginning of […]
The Iowa Aftercare Services Network, serving youths who have aged out of foster care, has extended services for an additional two years, up to age 23. Extended Aftercare allows qualified participants over the age of 21 to connect with Aftercare if their situations have changed due to the economic impact of COVID-19. More than 100 […]
The NFIB Research Center has released updated survey results on small businesses’ progress since many states’ COVID-19 restrictions have been eased. According to the national survey of National Federation of Independent Business members, 27% of small business owners reported experiencing a significant or moderate increase in sales due to eased restrictions in the states. Another 27% reported […]
Delta Dental of Iowa, a leading vision insurance provider in Iowa, announced it has made more than $500,000 in funds available to provide interest-free loans to its network vision providers. The new DeltaVision Provider Relief Program will lend up to $15,000 to eye care providers that have been closed or are offering minimal services due […]
Double Up Food Bucks, a Healthiest State Initiative program, received $1 million in CARES Act funding to provide emergency relief for Iowans facing food insecurity due to COVID-19 related unemployment and income loss, the Healthiest State Initiative announced this week. Double Up Food Bucks allows SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) customers to match, up to […]
Corridor Business Journal: JBS USA, which operates more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants across the country, including four in Iowa, has announced plans to invest $5 million in three Iowa communities to help them respond to the coronavirus pandemic and look to the future. The company, owner of Plumrose USA, a premium branded […]
Des Moines Register: The plan is now officially for Jack Trice Stadium to be half as full as it usually is during home football games. Iowa State University on Wednesday posted campuswide mitigation principles for the 2020-21 school year on its website. “As guided by the Governor, the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health and other […]
COVID Recovery Iowa is offering virtual support groups for parents, teens and preteens, the organization announced this week. The program receives federal funding from FEMA to offer free counseling and assistance to those affected in any way by COVID-19. Parents will meet once a week on Wednesdays; teenagers can meet Tuesdays and Thursdays; and preteens […]
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller on Thursday will join a virtual panel of consumer protection experts to discuss the growing threat of scams linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual fireside chat, hosted by the National Consumers League, will be held at 11 a.m. Central time on June 25. John Breyault, vice president of National […]
Des Moines Register: Iowans have snagged $423.5 million of the $4 billion in pandemic relief payments sent to U.S. farmers, the most of any state nationally, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture data through Monday. But critics say the coronavirus program addresses only a small portion of the losses farmers are experiencing. The American Farm Bureau […]
Students resuming classes this fall at Des Moines Area Community College campuses will have a number of options to choose from in how they attend classes, say DMACC officials. The fall semester for DMACC’s 12 campuses and centers begins Aug. 26. “While we’re expanding our online programs this fall, including DMACC Rx (Real Time Virtual), […]
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is beginning to phase back in service it reduced in March and April due to the spread of COVID-19, DART announced this week. The organization is restoring many of its local routes beginning June 28. DART has installed new temporary barriers between the fare boxes and operator […]
United Way of Central Iowa and Broadlawns Medical Center are working together to collect washable fabric face masks to help protect underserved individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. The “It’s Win for All” initiative is asking people to either make or purchase face masks, put them in a resealable plastic bag or in a closed plastic […]
ChildServe, which provides health care services and support for children, teens and young adults, recently announced its largest fundraising campaign has surpassed its $10 million goal. The Forward Together campaign was launched in December 2018. The goal for what was planned to be a three-year campaign was reached in 16 months with 168 donors, including […]
Adapting Roles: Part 4 By Emily Blobaum, contributor & Emily Barske, associate editor Editor’s note: This story, focused on relationships with partners, is part four in the “Adapting Roles” series looking at family and gender issues amid the pandemic. Topics for the series were selected based on a survey conducted by the Business Record about […]
Due to the challenges the coronavirus pandemic presents to live music and the crowds it draws, Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines announced it will not host its free Jazz in July performances this summer and will instead push them back to July 2021. This decision was made with the support of Jazz in July’s […]
At a time when many individuals and families are struggling with the consequences of COVID-19, five Polk County nonprofits are receiving a boost in funding totaling over $1.8 million to help young people gain access to critical housing and supportive services. The funding, which was awarded to the city of Des Moines last year by […]
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today it has agreed to extend the same reimbursement fee to Iowa providers for virtual visits as is paid for in-person visits until Feb. 1, 2021. The extension applies to all appropriate medical and behavioral health virtual visits with any Wellmark in-network provider in Iowa, the health insurer […]
Hy-Vee and customers have raised more than $1 million to help supply food banks across the grocer’s eight-state region during the COVID-19 outbreak. More than $1,082,000 has been raised to provide supplies to 17 Feeding America-affiliated food banks. Those food banks distribute supplies to a network of up to 5,500 local food agencies across approximately […]
With record numbers of U.S. adults filing for unemployment, and many people facing a lower income amid COVID-19, the Wells Fargo Foundation is supporting national nonprofits in expanding virtual financial coaching services, cost-free, to help the public adapt. The following four nonprofits, with grant support from Wells Fargo, are now offering personalized and confidential financial […]
Lutheran Services in Iowa and the Food Bank of Iowa are partnering to provide community garden space for refugee farmers in Central Iowa. According to a news release from LSI, the agency’s Global Greens program provides land to former refugees in Polk County to grow food for their families, and to build their own small […]
Metro residents have another opportunity today to return cans and bottles to benefit the nonprofit Central Iowa Shelter & Services, which assists homeless adults. Droppett mobile redemption’s “Giving Trailer” will be present at Valley West Mall in West Des Moines today, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take back cans and bottles […]
The Principal Charity Classic and Variety – the Children’s Charity announced they have made a $35,000 grant to the Food Bank of Iowa. The funding will help to fulfill the heightened need for food assistance within the state, as children and families face the economic challenges created by COVID-19. According to the Food Bank of […]
The YMCA of Greater Des Moines’ 322-acre Y Camp in Boone County will offer a different summer camp experience this year with Family Connection. The six-day, five-night getaway program will allow families to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities while practicing safe social distancing from other campers. Each family will occupy its own cabin […]
The Iowa Department of Education announced that two Iowa high school students have been chosen to represent the state at the 2020 National Youth Science Camp, which for the first time will be held virtually due to COVID-19. Eliana Hornbuckle of Nevada and Kiran Marla of Bettendorf are among top students from across the nation selected for […]
Test Iowa sites in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids were moved over the weekend to new locations in those communities. The Des Moines site, which had been located at the Iowa Events Center north parking lot, was the first to open in the state on April 25 after the statewide testing initiative began. It moved […]
LifeServe Blood Center is seeking organizations and businesses willing to host summer blood drives to help make up for the thousands of blood donations lost due to COVID-19 related cancellations. The nonprofit organization is the sole provider of blood to more than 120 hospitals across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. From the beginning of the […]
The chief financial officer of Wells Fargo, Greater Des Moines’ single largest private sector employer, signaled this week that the company plans to reduce its head count this year as a cost-cutting measure, the Des Moines Register reported. “There will come a time, and I assume at some point this year, when we get back to executing […]
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Thursday posted an updated and expanded technical assistance publication addressing questions arising under the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The publication, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” provides approaches employers may adopt as they plan […]
West Des Moines city officials are taking steps to provide the city’s restaurants and bars increased flexibility for outside service areas, the city announced in a release. While all Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division requirements will remain in place, the city will consider removing the requirement for a temporary use permit in some instances. In addition, […]
The Iowa Health Care Association Foundation has launched a new crisis relief fund to support Iowa’s senior health care workers in preventing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Iowa long-term care providers can use the fund to help prevent and mitigate COVID-19 based on their organization’s specific needs, whether it’s purchasing additional personal protective equipment […]
Cedar Rapids Gazette: Farewell to the funnel cakes, bye-bye to the butter cow and toodle-oo to the Tilt A Whirl. For the first time in 75 years, the Iowa State Fair will stay silent this summer. A world war last routed it in the 1940s. But this time it is an invisible enemy — the novel […]
Adapting Roles: Part 3 By Emily Blobaum, contributor & Emily Barske, associate editor Editor’s note: This story, focused on work-life balance, is part three in the “Adapting Roles” series looking at family and gender issues amid the pandemic. Topics for the series were selected based on a survey conducted by the Business Record about the […]
Cedar Rapids Gazette: Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa will start this upcoming fall semester a week early and wrap the day before Thanksgiving in November, according to new plans emerging this week for an unprecedented academic year amid a global pandemic. The details, made public today, include other mitigation measures like contact […]
Des Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today that she’s lifting capacity limits at Iowa businesses, starting Friday. Businesses have been limited to 50% operating capacity in Iowa as a measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19. “Eliminating the capacity restrictions will allow businesses the flexibility to adjust their specific operations accordingly to best meet […]
Iowa could lose more than 21,000 education jobs over the next three fiscal years if additional federal aid isn’t provided to help shore up state revenues that have been devastated by the COVID-19 economic shutdown, according to an analysis released today by the National Education Association. Nationwide, the NEA projects that the United States could lose 1.9 […]
Iowa State University will begin its fall semester on Aug. 17, and end the semester before Thanksgiving as it continues to work to keep students and faculty safe during the coronavirus pandemic. “We are making every effort to maximize in-person learning and the student learning experiences that are a defining characteristic of an Iowa State […]
The Des Moines Arts Center is planning to reopen to the community on July 7, months after closing to the public due to COVID-19. The organization is initiating new steps to open safely and encourage social distancing, including timed and ticketed entry, a designated path to follow through the galleries, requiring staff and visitors to […]
Des Moines Register: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend are calling for a cut in federal payments to unemployed workers as the economy recovers from the COVID-19-caused recession. Grassley and Townsend both said during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on unemployment insurance Tuesday that they believe some people won’t […]
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will reopen its State Historical Museum of Iowa on June 16 after closing to the public due to COVID-19. The museum at 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines will be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday in the first phase of reopening. Visitors are encouraged […]
The Iowa Nonprofit Recovery Coalition is asking the Legislature for federal and state support to help offset losses incurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter signed by 388 funders, business partners, nonprofits, individual donors and volunteers, coalition members say Iowa nonprofits “face a perfect storm of significantly increased service demands and expenses, combined […]
The EMC Insurance Foundation has contributed $525,000 in additional pandemic relief funding to assist families and small businesses struggling due to COVID-19. Of that contribution, $450,000 will go to Feeding America for school food pantries and other child hunger programs, and $75,000 goes to the Small Business Recovery Grant Program offered through a consortium of public and private entities […]
Leaders of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the National Association of Manufacturers are calling on state and federal legislators to protect manufacturers from being hit with bad-faith COVID-19 liability lawsuits as they resume operations. The organizations said in a press release that they support policymakers’ efforts to enact “thoughtful liability protections to […]
Every member of the UnityPoint Health-Des Moines’ workforce — more than 8,000 employees locally — will receive a $20 gift card this month from either Fareway or Hy-Vee as a show of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The more than $160,000 in gift cards is being provided through the support of the COVID-19 Crisis Fund, […]
The Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa has reopened the Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club on the Drake University Campus for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. According to a news release from the organization, the club opened today for summer programs. It’s a licensed child care facility, but because […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office announced today that Test Iowa will further expand access to COVID-19 testing with five new sites opening this week. The new sites include one in Dallas County to better serve the Des Moines metro area, and four clinic sites in rural communities. The Dallas County drive-thru site opens today from noon to 6 […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and its regional economic development partners will be conducting outreach calls to local employers in coming weeks to learn more about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their business. Information gathered from the calls will be used to help develop economic development policy and programs to aid in business recovery […]
Research and news coverage of work-life balance across the country are showing time and again that the coronavirus pandemic is causing an increased strain on individuals, and creating new challenges for family units and relationships. A survey of Business Record readers showed this is no different for our audience. But we may be feeling this […]
Radio Iowa: Republicans in the Iowa House have passed legislation to shield businesses, churches and other organizations from lawsuits over COVID-19. Representative Gary Carlson, a Republican from Muscatine, said it’ll help reboot the economy. But House Democratic Leader Todd Prichard of Charles City said the bill will reward businesses that haven’t taken steps to adequately protect […]
Immediate change is needed and the community must be willing to step up and have the difficult discussions that are needed to address the racial injustices that led to the protests that followed the slaying of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership said in a letter released this week. “Immediate […]
The Iowa Restaurant Association has asked Iowa lawmakers to provide financial relief in the form of tax and fee forgiveness for Iowa’s restaurants and other small businesses. Iowa’s restaurant industry, with more than 6,000 establishments, lost more than $310 million in April due to COVID-19-related state-mandated closures. The association is asking the Legislature, which is […]
Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, will speak during a virtual town hall series this evening on Facebook Live at 6 p.m. hosted by the NAACP Des Moines, NAACP Iowa/Nebraska Youth & College Division, Iowa Summit on Justice & Disparities, Ban the Box-Iowa and Iowa-Nebraska NAACP State Area Conference of Branches. Johnson will […]
Free hot meals will be provided to needy families between 4 and 6 p.m. today at Evelyn K. Davis Park, 1400 Forest Ave. The event is the fourth in a series of food distribution events planned for this summer. In April, the Des Moines City Council designated $350,000 from a federal relief grant to pay for the […]
By Lyle Muller | IowaWatch Some rural Iowa hospitals will not survive the COVID-19 outbreak, industry leaders said Wednesday. That dire warning came as the Iowa Hospital Association revealed projections that show the state’s 118 hospitals, collectively, could lose as much as $2.17 billion in revenue by the end of this year. That’s the bleakest picture […]
Adapting Roles: Part 2 By Emily Blobaum, contributor & Emily Barske, associate editor Editor’s note: This story, focused on parenting, is part two in the “Adapting Roles” series looking at family and gender issues amid the pandemic. Topics for the series were selected based on a survey conducted by the Business Record about the most […]
Iowa leaders are seeking federal help for the state’s egg industry, hoping to crack into the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to help Iowa’s egg producers, who have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Iowa is the nation’s No. 1 egg-producing state, with 55 egg companies producing about 16 billion eggs a year. While demand […]
Toilet paper maker Cottonelle is donating 69,000 rolls of toilet paper to the United Way of Central Iowa. Officials with the local United Way say the Food Bank of Iowa will help distribute the donated toilet paper to other United Ways and partner programs throughout the state. The Des Moines Area Religious Council will also […]
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs awarded more than $1.1 million in federal CARES Act funds through 173 emergency grants statewide, the department announced this morning. The money includes $923,372 for emergency relief and $178,000 in humanities grants to help cultural organizations rebound from the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, the department awarded […]
Des Moines Register: Iowa lawmakers return to the Capitol building today to rush through an abbreviated legislative session, where they will try to pass a budget, wrap up a few policy priorities and get back home. The Legislature abruptly halted its 2020 session in mid-March, weeks before lawmakers would normally have adjourned for the year. The […]
Sioux City Journal: Tyson Foods announced today that 591 of the workers at its Storm Lake pork processing plant have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. That’s a quarter of the 2,303 workers who work at the facility and were tested for COVID-19. Tyson said more than 75% of the workers who tested positive didn’t show […]
U.S. commercial property insurers will likely pay property damage losses resulting from the civil unrest in cities across the country, but business interruption loss calculations will be complicated by ongoing issues with coronavirus lockdowns, according to a Business Insurance article. Insurers will likely base business interruption claims payments on projected income rather than past income, according to […]
Seventy-five restaurant workers have received $250 one-time grants from the Iowa Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which was started to support people affected by the suspension of on-premise dining during the COVID-19 related shutdown. More than 40,000 restaurant and hotel workers have been laid off since mid-March when the shutdown began. While restaurants are reopening, they […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education on Monday announced the state has received $26.2 million in federal relief to ensure education continues for students of all ages affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Iowa’s grant is part of the nearly $3 billion Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and […]
The city of Des Moines has resumed enforcing downtown parking meters, which had not been monitored since March 21 because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the city, enforcement resumed at 9 a.m. today. City officials say that since the shutdown occurred, the city has lost nearly $1 million in parking revenue from 3,000 parking […]
The city of Clive reopened its playgrounds today, and plans to begin some recreational leagues and team sports on June 15, city officials announced in a news release. The city is still strongly recommending that visitors practice social distancing, limit direct physical contact and follow other safe public health practices. The decision only affects city […]
Business Record Senior Staff Writer Joe Gardyasz asks panelists, “What is the biggest challenge that your organization is facing as you approach getting back into the office?”
Des Moines Register: A Des Moines nursing home administrator says he reported to state health authorities on May 8 that his facility had four confirmed coronavirus infections among its residents, but state officials did not notify the public of the outbreak until this week. Iowa Department of Public Health leaders have pledged to post information on […]
Iowa Workforce Development today released information regarding two new unemployment benefit programs available to Iowans. The first program, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), will be available beginning today through the week ending Dec. 26 for people who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. The PEUC was created by the federal CARES Act and provides an additional 13 […]
More than 7,000 students at Iowa State University applied for assistance because of hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with an average grant award of $1,400 going to eligible students, the university announced this week. About 6,000 students have received assistance. Another 1,300 applications are still being reviewed, officials at ISU said. The university received […]
Delta Dental of Iowa has announced additional relief programs for members, employers and dentists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs are designed to offer financial assistance as dental offices begin to reopen and premium credits to members who may have had to delay dental and vision care. In addition, members can choose to pay their premium […]
Sioux City Journal: After nearly a quarter of its workers at a Storm Lake pork processing facility tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Tyson announced Thursday that it will temporarily halt operations. On Thursday, state health officials also confirmed that 555 workers at the plant tested positive for the virus. The vast majority of the plant’s […]
The Polk County Continuum of Care is partnering with community organizations to support residents with information about eviction, renters’ rights and community resources in preparation for the May 27 expiration of Iowa’s eviction moratorium, the CoC announced this week. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 44% of Iowa renters were housing-burdened, meaning they spent more than 30% of […]
By Emily Blobaum, contributor and Emily Barske, associate editor Time kind of stands still and it’s hard to disconnect. This response from one of the people who answered the Business Record’s survey on family and gender issues amid the coronavirus pandemic is one almost all of us can certainly relate to. But we may be […]
Adapting Roles: Part 1 By Emily Blobaum, contributor and Emily Barske, associate editor Time kind of stands still and it’s hard to disconnect. This response from one of the people who answered the Business Record’s survey on family and gender issues amid the coronavirus pandemic is one almost all of us can certainly relate to. […]
The number of Iowans who filed unemployment claims last week fell to 180,676, marking the second consecutive weekly decline as more businesses continued to open after being ordered closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. New unemployment data released today by Iowa Workforce Development shows the nearly 9.5% drop in unemployment filings for […]
IDPH confirms coronavirus outbreak at Tyson pork processing plant in Storm LakeDes Moines Register: Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter confirmed today the suspected coronavirus outbreak at Tyson Foods’ pork processing plant in Storm Lake, where more than 20% of the employees have tested positive. The news comes one day after Reisetter said […]
Hog producers who were unable to harvest pigs because of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to get some help in covering the costs of disposing of animals that had to be euthanized, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced. The department is launching the disposal assistance program. It […]
Hinterland, a two-day music festival held annually in St. Charles, is canceling its planned 2020 event and will return in 2021 with the same lineup of planned musicians, the festival announced today. Hinterland is scheduled to take place Aug. 6-8 in 2021, with a full day of music planned for Friday instead of just evening […]
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced Wednesday it will extend its previously announced COVID-19 benefits, which would have expired on June 16, now through Aug. 31. The benefits include member cost-share waivers for COVID-19 testing and treatment, virtual visits and support for business customers. The extension also includes payment parity for providers of virtual health care […]
Des Moines Register: University of Iowa experts warned this week that premature easing of social distancing rules could spark a coronavirus surge, adding that encouraging the public to wear plastic face shields could substantially reduce the danger. The transparent shields cover people’s entire faces. Cloth face masks, even if worn properly, cover only the mouth and […]
Cedar Rapids Gazette: Gov. Kim Reynolds and a top state public health official said today the information-gathering process is one reason the state does not voluntarily identify new coronavirus outbreaks at businesses like food processing plants until asked by media members. Not immediately announcing outbreaks also gives those business owners time to notify employees and community […]
One of Iowa’s largest career and college fairs for high school students will take place virtually this year, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The ICR Future Career and College Fair will feature more than 70 colleges, universities and career resources from across Iowa and 12 other states, enabling high school students to engage with experts […]
The Iowa Department of Human Services announced today that the state has received nearly $1 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offer free counseling to any Iowan who has been affected, in any way, by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program, called COVID Recovery Iowa, is available starting today. Counseling will take […]
Following Tuesday’s statewide giveaway of cloth masks at Hy-Vee, the Iowa Department of Public Health is providing another 35,000 HanesBrands Inc. cloth masks to be distributed at 108 Fareway stores beginning today. Masks will be provided to customers on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is exhausted, Fareway said.
Des Moines Register: Paychecks for nearly a quarter of Principal Financial Group’s employees will be smaller, the giant Des Moines-based investment and retirement services company said Tuesday. Principal said it’s cutting salaries for 23% of its global workforce to “mitigate and manage” the economic and market fallout from COVID-19. Principal employs about 18,000 people worldwide and […]
Iowa gives the OK to casinos, amusement parks, outdoor entertainment eventsDes Moines Register: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ratcheted back further restrictions today, allowing casinos and amusement parks to reopen next week and easing additional safeguards on bars and restaurants. Reynolds said at her daily coronavirus briefing that casinos and gaming facilities, amusement parks, bowling alleys, pool […]
The fifth year of the Des Moines Corporate Games has begun, but you won’t be seeing large groups of area employees gathering anytime soon. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the games to change course and create the Corporate Games Virtual Challenge, which officially kicks off on June 1. “The goal of the Virtual Challenge is […]
The Des Moines International Airport is launching a new program titled “Fly DSM: Forward together,” which encourages best practices for physical distancing and the use of face coverings and highlights efforts the airport has made to keep people safe, the airport announced this week. Face coverings are required for all Airport Authority employees in public […]
The Iowa Department of Public Health provided Hy-Vee with 75,000 cloth masks to distribute to customers at more than 125 Iowa grocery stores and drugstores. Cloth masks will be available for free today; 500 masks are available at each store on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks were donated in partnership with HanesBrands Inc., the U.S. […]
The Des Moines Area Religious Council will host its annual fundraiser Spring Greens virtually on Wednesday via livestream. The event will stream from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will feature local culinary talent providing recipes, advice and a behind-the-scenes opportunity to connect participating vendors with a virtual silent auction. Tickets are free, but a freewill […]
The Des Moines Public Library will begin offering curbside pickup service of library materials at all locations beginning June 1 as the library begins reintroducing services to the community. Beginning today, patrons with active library cards can start reserving new items through the online catalog or by calling the library telephone reference line at 515-283-4152 […]
As meatpacking plants reopen, data about worker illness remains elusiveNew York Times: Meatpacking facilities have proved to be places where the virus spreads rapidly. But as dozens of plants that closed because of outbreaks begin reopening, meat companies’ reluctance to disclose detailed case counts makes it difficult to determine whether the contagion is contained or new […]
The Science Center of Iowa today announced a phased reopening plan aimed at allowing its audiences to begin reengaging with SCI while keeping the health and safety of members, visitors, volunteers and staff top-of-mind. The first phase of the five-phase plans calls for reopening the SCI Preschool with limited operations on Tuesda. Phase II will include operating […]
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is working on an online platform to further connect customers and vendors. According to a news release, the Downtown Farmers’ Marketplace Online is expected to launch in late May or early June. It will let vendors take online orders and arrange their own pickup or delivery location. All Downtown Farmers’ Market […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has released its DSM Forward playbooks for Construction and Development, and Financial and Professional Services, bringing to 16 the number of industry-specific playbooks that provide guidance to businesses as they begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnership had previously released playbooks for Agriculture, Child Care, Education, Events, Arts and Culture, Hotels, Gyms, Government, Health Care, Manufacturing, Nonprofits, Personal Services, Restaurants, Retail and Utilities. The playbooks […]
The Urbandale Indoor Swimming Pool and Senior Recreation Center will remain closed until at least July 6, the city announced this week. In addition, in-person parks and recreation programs are canceled through at least June 14. Park amenities including playgrounds, restrooms, shelters and other facilities also are closed until at least mid-June. The closures are […]
Utility customers who are delinquent on their payments could be subject to disconnection after Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proclamation easing some restrictions and reopening some businesses expires May 27. The Iowa Utilities Board issued an order on Wednesday that creates requirements utility companies must follow before they can begin disconnecting a customer’s utilities. According to a […]
Linn County health official says Test Iowa, lack of data leave county at disadvantageDes Moines Register: A top health emergency response official in eastern Iowa told Gov. Kim Reynolds’ administration this week that local officials struggled to get basic data from the Test Iowa coronavirus testing site in Cedar Rapids, which made it difficult to make […]
The deadline to apply for a Small Business Recovery Grant has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on May 31, the Greater Des Moines Partnership announced Wednesday. The application period opened on May 5 and was to expire Wednesday, but the deadline was extended to the end of the month to give business owners who were focused on […]
Dorsey & Whitney LLP is laying off a “limited number” of staff and attorneys across its U.S. and international offices and temporarily reducing pay for others by as much as 20% in an effort to address the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Law360 reported. The firm announced Tuesday it is implementing a reduction of its workforce by […]
More than $500M in aid heading to Iowa hospitals covers only half of COVID-19 lossesIowa Public Radio: Iowa hospitals received $190.3 million in CARES Act relief fund payments in April and were expecting as much as $360 million more in a second round of federal relief aid underway now, interviews and documents shared with IowaWatch show. […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation today that will enable a number of public gathering venues to reopen on a restricted basis. Effective Friday, movie theaters, zoos, aquariums, museums and wedding reception venues will be permitted to reopen with appropriate public health measures in place. Swimming pools will also be permitted to reopen for lap swimming […]
West Des Moines plans to reopen its City Hall, Public Services building and fire and EMS business offices on June 1. Also, the Valley Junction Activity Center and Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge will open on June 1 to walk-in customers only, the city announced. The buildings have been closed to the public since mid-March […]
U.S. workplace safety agency steps up COVID-19 inspectionsReuters: The U.S. Labor Department will expand inspections of businesses to reduce job-site hazards related to the new coronavirus as employees begin returning to work across the country, although the policy falls short of demands by worker advocates. The revised policy, issued late Tuesday by the Occupational Safety and […]
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa this week launched Iowa’s first-ever First Responders Club at the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Club at Drake University, serving children of those working the front lines of the pandemic. On Monday, the Burt Club at 25th Street and Forest Avenue began opening its doors for up to 80 […]
Outlets of Des Moines will host a drive-up meal kit distribution with Gino’s Italian Foods on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Outlets announced this week. Gino’s will have 1,000 make-at-home meal kits to distribute; the drive-up is first-come, first-served at the Altoona outlets. Vehicles should follow signs located behind Polo Ralph Lauren.
Farmers can apply next week for $16 billion in coronavirus aidCedar Rapids Gazette: Farmers facing big losses after the bottom dropped out of the food market in the COVID-19 pandemic this spring can start applying next week for a slice of $16 billion in aid, the Trump administration said Tuesday. The funds, mostly from the CARES […]
Clive officials have decided not to open the city’s aquatic center this summer and have canceled the Clive Festival that was scheduled for July 17-18. The decision was made as a way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. “Public health and safety have always been, and always will be, our top priority,” Clive Leisure […]
The United Way of Central Iowa will be moving its annual Live United event online this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event is scheduled for 10:30-11:30 a.m. on May 29. During the celebration, the annual Community Impact Report will be released, and the winners for the Live United Awards will be announced, […]
The Central Iowa Business Conference, hosted by the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, has been postponed until 2021. The fourth annual CIBC will now be held Sept. 14, 2021, at the Meadows Event Center. The keynote speaker lineup remains the same and includes Emmy Award-winning actor Henry Winkler, business management pioneer Jack Stack and best-selling author […]
Kum & Go, a Des Moines-based convenience store chain, has launched a new mobile fuel pay app that will allow its &Rewards members to avoid using the keypad and instead activate the pump with their smartphone. The app can be used at any of Kum & Go’s 400 locations. In a release, Kum & Go […]
The Insurance Information Institute has launched an information campaign with a focus on “ensuring the insurance industry is able to sustain its longstanding role as the country’s backbone of economic growth and stability” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Future of American Insurance & Reinsurance (FAIR) campaign seeks to address threats to the industry from “growing calls to […]
NYSE issues warning about Lee Enterprises listingQuad-City Times: Lee Enterprises has received a warning from the New York Stock Exchange about its stock listing and the possibility of its listing being downgraded. Lee, the Davenport-based parent company of the Quad-City Times and other media, said Monday that it received a warning from the NYSE about it […]
Tiffany Tauscheck – Chief Strategy Officer, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Izaah Knox – Executive Director, Urban Dreams
The recently released quarterly report from Capital Crossroads shows how the business sector has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and what it is doing as the economic recovery begins. The report for the group’s second quarter identified what’s been done, how priorities have shifted and what the next steps for each of its 10 […]
The Wellmark Foundation announced it has provided a $100,000 grant to the Food Bank of Iowa, which provides the equivalent of 400,000 meals. The donation will help support the growing number of requests the Food Bank of Iowa is receiving for food assistance. “Even in ordinary times, food insecurity is a real problem for thousands […]
Iowa cities with meatpacking plants struggle to get information on COVID-19 casesDes Moines Register: Across Iowa, communities with meatpacking plants are struggling to get information from companies and public health officials about COVID-19 outbreaks. Officials say the lack of transparency makes it difficult for cities and towns to assess the virus’s threat as Gov. Kim Reynolds […]
At last week’s Power Breakfast, we heard about broadband, how you can help local hotels, the rise of telehealth and even the “pandemic pineapple,” thanks to speaker Deidre DeJear, owner of Caleo Enterprises. The action-packed event included nine speakers, all leaders in their respective industries across the region and state. “The message that I have […]
Nonprofit input is critical in informing Iowa public policy and resource allocation for COVID-19 response and recovery. The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines encourages your participation in the Iowa Economic Development Authority Business and Nonprofit Impact Survey. The IEDA, in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa’s Institute for Decision Making, has released a […]
Board of Regents dropping Iowa Public Radio fundingCedar Rapids Gazette: After creating Iowa Public Radio in 2004, Iowa’s Board of Regents — facing its own unprecedented financial hurt from COVID-19 — is cutting its operating support, amounting to 10% of IPR’s budget. In a message to supporters last week, IPR Executive Director Myrna Johnson broke the […]
Business Record asks Adam Gregg, lieutenant governor for the state of Iowa “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic”
Business Record asks Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic”
Business Record asks Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic”
Business Record asks Stephanie Moris, director of the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic”
Business Record asks Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic”
Business Record asks Dr. Tom Evans, “”What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic?”
Business Record asks Deidre DeJear, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic?”
Business Record asks Jessie Cruise, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic?”
Business Record asks Kristi Knous, “What’s one hopeful, realistic idea about how Iowans can move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic?”
Joppa’s 2020 Annual Campaign launched this month with the goal of raising $400,000 by the end of May. Donations made this month will be matched by private donors as the campaign provides immediate COVID-19 relief to the homeless, Joppa said in a statement. The 2020 campaign is the second such fundraiser for Joppa, which was founded in […]
Iowa has seen a rise in liquor sales, according to a report released today. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, which sells liquor [not beer or wine] to grocery stores, liquor stores and convenience stores, released a report today laying out the latest trends in its sales to those retailers. The agency does not track individual […]
The city of Ankeny is extending closures and announcing new cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cancelling all events and programming at public facilities until May 27, the city announced this week. The Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library remains closed but is offering curbside service. More information on specific services and events is available online.
Meredith Corp. on Thursday reported a third-quarter loss of $289 million, due primarily to noncash impairments of goodwill and intangible assets of $296 million, as revenues declined by 6% from the year-ago quarter to $702 million. “Our performance for the fiscal 2020 third quarter was largely in-line with our expectations until mid-March when the outbreak […]
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa has partnered with the Food Bank of Iowa to raise funds for its COVID-19 Relief Challenge. FMH is matching contributions for every dollar donated up to $100,000, with the goal of providing 800,000 meals to the local community. “With all of the worries in the world today, we […]
Coronavirus drives 75% of small businesses to seek federal aidWall Street Journal: Three out of four U.S. small businesses have sought federal aid to cope with fallout from the new coronavirus, according to a Census Bureau survey released today in another indication of the widespread damage caused by the pandemic. The survey found that 75% of […]
The first virtual Iowa Arts Summit will be held on Aug. 7, Iowa Cultural Affairs announced this week. Past summits have attracted more than 300 attendees. This year’s summit will focus on “moving from relief to resilience,” the Iowa Arts Council said in a statement. Sessions will explore adaptability, community engagement and inclusive arts programming […]
Zoom to expand in U.S. with engineering centers in Phoenix, PittsburghReuters: Zoom Video Communications Inc. said today that it plans to hire 500 software engineers for research and development locations in Phoenix and Pittsburgh over the next two years, expanding its engineering workforce by about 60%. The San Jose, Calif.-based videoconferencing company has seen a large […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has released more DSM Forward industry-specific playbooks devoted to helping businesses and industries prepare for next steps related to economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The four additional industry areas covered are manufacturing; nonprofits; events, arts and culture; and hotels. The DSM Forward playbooks include recommendations — leveraging international, national, state and […]
The West Des Moines-based Justice League of Food has received a $30,000 award from the Microsoft C19 Response Fund to support the Community Meals Program. The award will be used toward food and labor expenses delivering more than 2,100 hot meals to food-insecure individuals in the community. The Microsoft C19 Response Fund is managed by […]
Airlines are having trouble enforcing their face mask policiesCNN Business: Plans from several major U.S. airlines on how to enforce their mandatory mask requirements reveal that, for the most part, they will rely on passenger cooperation rather than strict enforcement. Separate memos obtained by CNN that American Airlines sent to its pilots and flight attendants show […]
The Des Moines Arts Festival has canceled this year’s event, and instead will focus on engaging the community through interactive experiences and continuing to support professional development of artists, organizers announced Tuesday. This year’s festival was scheduled for June 26-28, but organizers said they decided to call it off because of the uncertainty surrounding the […]
The Iowa Department of Human Services announced additional financial support for foster group care and shelter care providers. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provided an allocation of $476,722 in discretionary funding for child welfare services to prevent, prepare for and respond to the pandemic. Due to school closures, foster group care […]
Hy-Vee, Wahlburgers and the asset management firm Crescent Capital will be donating 2,000 meals to front-line workers May 13-15 via hospital drop-offs, and offering free meal pickups May 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. at the Wahlburgers West Des Moines location owned by Hy-Vee, the grocery chain announced this week. Meals […]
Polk County among 10 in U.S. where coronavirus has spread fastestDes Moines Register: Polk County late last week was among the 10 counties in the United States where the coronavirus was spreading fastest, a Des Moines Register analysis of national COVID-19 data confirmed. An unreleased White House coronavirus task force report published by NBC News on […]
A $36,500 investment has been made from the Disaster Recovery Fund to support a partnership between Eat Greater Des Moines and the Des Moines Area Religious Council, supporting repackaging and distribution of bulk food items to vulnerable populations relying on the DMARC food pantry system and Eat Greater Des Moines food rescue network. The Disaster […]
Catch Des Moines on Monday launched the “Buy Now, Visit Later” hotel bonds campaign. The program aims to support recovery efforts for local hotels, one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic. By investing in a $100 bond to a local hotel that matures to $150 in 60 days, residents can help local hotels weather […]
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will be distributing more than $1.3 million in grants to state cultural organizations with new rounds of funding, the state agency announced on Monday. The Iowa Arts & Culture Emergency Relief Grants program reopened Monday to new eligible applicants; funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, and […]
More than $93,000 has been awarded to 26 local nonprofit organizations through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines’ COVID-19 Nonprofit Adaptation Grant Program. The program provides assistance to support unanticipated needs that organizations may experience as they continue providing critical services or reimagining their “operational effectiveness for the emerging future,” officials with the foundation said […]
Meredith delays quarterly earnings report, says coronavirus has hit its business hardDes Moines Register: Saying it is facing “an extremely challenging business environment” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Meredith Corp. informed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission it is delaying its quarterly earnings report, which was due Monday. The Des Moines-based media company, which operates more than […]
Ankeny SummerFest 2020, which had been scheduled to take place July 8-11, is postponed, the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce announced last week. Organizers are exploring options to showcase events virtually.
Des Moines Area Community College announced today it is guaranteeing student tuition for in-person and online instruction at all DMACC campuses and centers for the fall term. Should DMACC classes be canceled due to COVID-19 or for any other reason, students will receive a full refund. “We wanted to eliminate the risk and concern that students have […]
Trump says U.S. will purchase $3 billion in agricultural products from farmersThe Hill: President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the U.S. will buy $3 billion in agricultural products from American farmers starting early this week. “Starting early next week, at my order, the USA will be purchasing, from our Farmers, Ranchers & Specialty Crop Growers, 3 […]
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today released updated state-by-state figures for Economic Impact Payments, with approximately 130 million individuals receiving payments worth more than $200 billion in the program’s first four weeks. In Iowa, more than 1.2 million payments have been made totaling $2,212,426,465, the agencies said. More than 150 million payments will […]
U.S. Cellular donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa COVID-19 Relief Fund, the company announced Thursday. The Central Iowa club was one of seven in Iowa and Nebraska that received a total of $60,000. The others are: Ames ($5,000), Cedar Rapids ($10,000), Davenport/Moline ($10,000), Dubuque ($10,000), Omaha/Council Bluffs ($10,000) and Waterloo ($5,000). […]
Three Iowa newsrooms will receive a total of more than $200,000 in grants through the Facebook Journalism Project’s COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund, Facebook announced this week. Grants will go to the Carroll Times-Herald ($75,000), the Cedar Rapids Gazette ($100,000) and the Iowa Starting Line ($32,500).
Des Moines metro residents can soon return cans and bottles to benefit the nonprofit Central Iowa Shelter & Services, which assists homeless adults. Droppett mobile redemption “Giving Trailers” will be present at two locations to take back cans and bottles that are part of the state’s 5-cent deposit program. People are asked to remain in […]
Goodwill of Central Iowa opened doors at 10 locations to accept contact-free donations, after having been closed to the public for seven weeks, the organization announced today. Donation doors will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open locations are in Ames, Indianola, Ottumwa, Johnston, West Des Moines-Jordan Creek, West […]
State auditor to review fairness of relief grant programCorridor Business Journal: State Auditor Rob Sand will review a statewide emergency grant program following questions and criticism by some of the economically devastated small business owners it was intended to help. “I am looking into it,” Sand, the state’s watchdog, said of the Small Business Relief Program […]
Iowa shifts focus from coronavirus mitigation to managementCedar Rapids Gazette: Thanks to enough people following guidelines on social distancing and avoiding large gatherings, Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday the state is able to shift its COVID-19 focus from mitigation strategies to managing the impact on Iowans. Even as the state Department of Public Health reported 655 […]
The State Historical Society of Iowa is inviting state residents to submit materials that can help future generations understand the pandemic and its widespread impact across the state. The society is accepting digital submissions, such as photos, emails, videos and blogs, as well as suggestions of physical artifacts that could be donated at a later […]
The World Food Prize Foundation announced that its second Digital Dialogue, “Defining Medium to Long-term Improvements for Resilient Food Systems,” will be held May 14. Five global experts will examine the medium- to longer-term needs for reshaping the food system, especially as espoused in numerous global calls to action and open letters in circulation. “The COVID crisis […]
As employers begin planning for the return of their nonessential workforces to worksites in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, a recent Mercer survey found some significant challenges they may face. These organizations can learn a great deal from the experiences of employers of essential workers who have remained at their worksites throughout the pandemic. […]
New York Times: The Labor Department said today that the economy shed more than 20.5 million jobs in April, sending the unemployment rate to 14.7% — devastation unseen since the Great Depression. The report underscores the speed and depth of the labor market’s collapse as the coronavirus pandemic took a devastating toll. In February, the unemployment […]
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today it has obligated $78 million to the state of Iowa to help reimburse eligible expenses for emergency protective measures that the state has incurred as a result of its response to COVID-19. The grant funds, awarded by FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, are authorized under a major disaster […]
Employers must try to accommodate workers vulnerable to coronavirus, agency saysReuters: The U.S. agency that enforces laws prohibiting disability discrimination said today that employers must try to accommodate workers with medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the novel coronavirus before sending them home. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released legal guidance saying employers have a […]
Reynolds allows more Iowa business to reopenCedar Rapids Gazette: Starting Friday, Iowans across the state will have more latitude to go to the dentist and stay overnight at campgrounds, and in the hardest hit parts of the state visit malls and retail stores. But, notably, the revised order issued Wednesday evening by Gov. Kim Reynolds does […]
The annual Grimes Governors Days festival is canceled for 2020, Grimes Chamber & Economic Development announced on Tuesday. The event was originally scheduled for June 11-13. More information is available online.
The Minneapolis-based Midwest Dairy is donating $500,000 to food banks during this pandemic, including to the Food Bank of Iowa, for purchasing dairy products. The initiative will be directed to food banks in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma to meet the increased demand for dairy products. […]
In the first weeks of the state’s shutdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Iowa’s economy lost an anticipated $1.6 billion, economists said Wednesday. The presentation, hosted by the Tax Education Foundation of Iowa, a public policy think tank, included a review of the effects that COVID-19 had on Iowa’s economy in March […]
Iowa Director of Revenue Kraig Paulsen has announced businesses in Iowa can continue to apply for a deferral of state sales and/or withholding tax. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the Iowa Small Business Relief Program, which included grants and tax deferrals, on March 23. The Department of Revenue administers the tax deferral part of the program. […]
A new grant program is being launched to help small business owners recover from losses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Greater Des Moines Partnership, along with the cities of Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Indianola, Norwalk, West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights and Carlisle, and Polk and Warren counties, have launched the Small Business Recovery […]
Those who submit a donation of $5.15 or more to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines’ Disaster Recovery Fund through May 10 can receive a free Pro Iowa soccer scarf from USL Pro Iowa, the organization announced this week. Those who donate should forward the confirmation email they receive from the Community Foundation to info@ProIowa.com by […]
The Iowa Department of Human Services announced that it has developed a COVID-19 Childcare Sustainability Plan through which it will distribute $31.9 million in stipends to qualifying licensed child care centers and registered homes. The funds are part of $3.5 billion in discretionary funding approved for the Childcare and Development Block Grant program through the […]
The city of Des Moines is extending both the closure of administrative buildings until June 15, and a freeze on public event permits until July 1, Mayor Frank Cownie announced on Tuesday. Polk County reported the highest outbreak in the state on Tuesday with 1,778 total cases, more than double the 813 cases from a week ago. […]
Submitted by: Mike Colwell, executive director of entrepreneurial initiative at the Greater Des Moines Partnership In our 24/7 news cycle, social-media-influenced world, everyone is judged in near real time. Recently Bill Gates announced his foundation would fund the construction of seven factories to produce COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The world judged him in a very positive […]
Grinnell Mutual announced that it will send a total of $5 million in rebates to its personal auto policy customers in recognition of fewer miles driven during the COVID-19 pandemic because of social isolation guidelines and work-from-home policies. Personal auto policyholders of the Grinnell-based company will be receiving a check for $30 per personal auto policy that […]
Area residents are invited to stop by Principal Park tomorrow to pick up free hand sanitizer as part of a partnership between the Downtown Farmers’ Market, the Iowa Cubs and Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. The free hand sanitizer drive-up is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Products will be available on a first-come, […]
58% of employees at Tyson’s Perry plant test positive for COVID-19Radio Iowa: Officials have now confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks at four Iowa meatpacking facilities. More than 700 of the employees at Tyson’s plant in Perry — that’s 58 percent of the workforce — have tested positive for the virus. The company had refused to reveal data […]
U.S. officials warn of new virus surge as states reopenWall Street Journal: U.S. researchers and officials warned about the possibility of a new surge in coronavirus cases as more states and countries begin to reopen their economies and relax social-distancing rules. The U.S. death toll from the Covid-19 disease caused by the virus could approach […]
At UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation, donations to the COVID-19 Crisis Fund will be matched up to $50,000 as part of the Day of Global Action for Giving and Unity today (also known as #GivingTuesday), the foundation announced this week. The COVID-19 Crisis Fund is supported by community donors. UnityPoint Health employees can apply […]
Nearly 20,000 small businesses in Iowa have been approved to receive funding from the second round of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, newly released information shows. Through Friday, 19,997 Iowa small businesses have been approved to receive more than $781.6 million from the program, data posted on the Small Business Administration’s website shows. […]
Travel and tourism organizations in the Midwest have joined together to promote each other to help families get away virtually during times of social distancing. Catch Des Moines, Visit KC, Meet Minneapolis, Experience Sioux Falls and Visit Omaha are collaborating to raise awareness of the travel industry and destinations in the region this week, during […]
Following public health proclamations established by Gov. Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Utilities Board is extending the winter moratorium that restricts the disconnection of utility services until May 27. The order directs all electric and natural gas utilities to cease disconnection of residential service due to nonpayment for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) qualified […]
4 more COVID-19 deaths reported in Iowa as state approaches 10,000 positive casesDes Moines Register: Another four people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Monday, bringing the statewide total to 188. Additionally, 534 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Statewide, 9,703 have tested […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is launching the DSM Day of Thanks on Wednesday to celebrate health care and other essential workers while practicing social distancing. Des Moines residents are encouraged to participate by hanging DSM Day of Thanks signs in the windows of homes and businesses; posting a thank-you message and photo on social […]
The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has awarded grants of $20,000 each to 18 health and dental centers across Iowa. The $360,000 in COVID-19 response grants were awarded to help preserve access to care within Iowa’s safety net infrastructure during this challenging time for many Iowans. Each of the 18 safety net clinics and/or federal qualified health […]
The Iowa Department of Education announced late Friday that the state has received more than $71.6 million in federal relief for PK-12 schools through a fund to address costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount is Iowa’s share of the more than $13.2 billion emergency relief provided in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief […]
Marshalltown man dies from COVID-19 after numerous attempts to get medical helpMarshalltown Times-Republican: A Marshalltown man died from COVID-19 after several attempts to get medical help, his wife said. Kyle Brown started feeling sick on April 17, while on the job as a maintenance technician at TPI in Newton. He died April 29 — 12 […]
Polk County surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 cases; state reports 8 new deathsDes Moines Register: Another eight people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported today, bringing the statewide total to 170. IDPH also reported that there were 739 new positive cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Across the state, […]
The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in an increase in food insecure Iowans across the state. To help feed the growing need, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation donated $100,000 to the Iowa Food Bank Association on April 9 and announced a contribution match of up to $500 to each of Iowa’s county Farm Bureaus through […]
Great Western Bank’s results turned sharply into loss territory for the company’s second fiscal quarter, as the company recognized impairment charges of $742.2 million in anticipation of market and valuation disruption from the COVID-19 outbreak, the Corridor Business Journal reported. The Sioux Falls, S.D.-based regional bank reported a net loss per share of $740.6 million, or $13.25 […]
Iowa universities face uncertain future as they lose $190 million to COVID-19Iowa Capital Dispatch: During the Iowa Board of Regents meeting on Thursday, school officials from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Iowa said they were already seeing financial stress due to unexpected costs related to COVID-19 and an expected drop […]
The Iowa Bankers Association has raised $40,000 for the Food Bank of Iowa. The money will provide nearly 160,000 meals to help food children, families and seniors who are struggling with hunger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IBA launched the food drive earlier this month, asking member banks, employees and industry partners […]
Livestock producers negatively affected by disruptions in the food supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can now get support through a new Resource Coordination Center, state agriculture officials announced Thursday. “COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of our lives, including our food supply chain,” state Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said in a news release. “This […]
Iowa hits another new high for coronavirus-related deathsCedar Rapids Gazette: For the second consecutive day, the number of new coronavirus-related deaths reached a new high in Iowa, as the state confirmed 14 new deaths today. A total of 162 Iowa deaths have been confirmed since the virus first appeared here in early March. Across the state, […]
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund has rescheduled its annual Affordable Housing Week from April to the week of Oct. 12-17, the organization announced this week. PCHTF is continuing to offer its exhibit “Undesign the Redline: DSM” through virtual tours, available by appointment for organizations and community groups, or for public tours every Wednesday at […]
The Facebook Journalism Project is donating $20,000 to four Iowa newsrooms, out of the recent $2 million grants in local news organizations nationally covering the COVID-19 pandemic. The Carroll Times Herald, the Little Village Magazine of Iowa City, La Prensa de Iowa of Denison and the Spencer Daily Reporter each received a $5,000 grant to […]
Panelists: Beth Townsend – Executive Director, Iowa Workforce Development Dave Swenson – Economist, Iowa State University David Leto – President, Palmer Group Lori McCarty – Chief Strategy Officer, Holmes Murphy & AssociatesKathy Joblinske – Market Principal/EVP, ManpowerGroup
Tyson to temporarily close Sioux City-area beef plant amid rising COVID-19 concernsSioux City Journal: Facing growing public scrutiny over an outbreak of COVID-19 at its Dakota City, Neb., beef plant, Tyson Fresh Meats said late Wednesday it will shut down the 4,300-employee facility for four days, beginning Friday. Tyson officials said the halt in production will […]
Landus Cooperative donated $20,000 to support the Iowa Food Bank Association and the new “Pass the Pork” program to connect Iowa pig farmers with food insecure Iowans. Through “Pass the Pork,” Iowa pork producers are donating pigs to the Iowa Food Bank Association and other food bank programs. Landus is matching funds through the Land […]
The technology subsidiary of West Des Moines-based Homesteaders Life Co., eFuneral Solutions LLC, announced it has developed a new online sales tool designed to facilitate remote sales by preneed counselors. It’s also offering the application, called eFuneral Agent, to all providers cost-free for the remainder of this year, regardless of whether they are currently using […]
Kading, an Urbandale-based property development company, is buying about $10,000 in meals from local restaurants to help its residents in 18 communities in Central Iowa during the coronavirus pandemic. The family-owned company has partnered with locally owned restaurants in Winterset, Indianola, Stuart and Adel to pay between $300 and $600 for meals in each community. […]
By Rachel Vogel Quinn | dsm Contributor Melissa O’Neil, CEO of Central Iowa Shelter and Services, said operations during the pandemic have been “business as usual.” Dealing with ongoing crises is an essential part of their work. In fact, the nonprofit had to activate their emergency plan four times in 2019. O’Neil and her team […]
MercyOne and Corteva Agriscience announced today that they have joined forces to fill the urgent need for the processing of COVID-19 testing samples, with an initial focus on Iowa. MercyOne health care providers will collect the samples and deliver them to Corteva’s Johnston facility, where a small team of trained Corteva employees will process and […]
Iowa religious leaders call on churches to avoid gatherings despite state loosening rulesDes Moines Register: Leaders from more than a dozen Christian denominations are calling on Iowans to refrain from in-person religious gatherings despite Gov. Kim Reynolds’ lifting of some restrictions on religious services. Reynolds announced Monday that religious institutions can once again host gatherings that […]
Reynolds defends reopening process despite warning of ‘second wave’ of infectionsDes Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds today defended her decision to loosen some restrictions on businesses and religious gatherings in Iowa despite a warning from a University of Iowa report that doing so could lead to a second wave of cases. Calling the UI model “a […]
The World Food Prize Foundation on Monday hosted its ninth annual Iowa Youth Institute, featuring the participation of 264 students and 110 teachers from 93 Iowa high schools. This virtual, daylong event was the first of its kind for the IYI, supported by more than 90 experts from across Iowa. As the world faces the […]
The Wells Fargo Foundation has made grants totaling $515,000 to 25 Iowa nonprofits in the last few weeks to support the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will help deliver critical relief to assist the most vulnerable in the community as well as small businesses, Wells Fargo said in a press release. Enterprise-wide, […]
By Dave DeWitte | Senior Business Reporter for the Corridor Business Journal Iowa banks struggled to get Paycheck Protection Program loans processed on Monday after the second round of the U.S. Small Business Administration opened to technical problems that seemed much like a reply of the troubled first round. The SBA opened its processing portal […]
The Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network is adapting partnerships to serve during the COVID-19 crisis. Facing supply-chain issues acquiring 1- to 2-pound bags of rice, DMARC is partnering with Meals from the Heartland to repackage 25-pound bags of rice into smaller packages more suitable for food pantry distribution. Both DART and Boys […]
Hy-Vee Inc. announced Monday that all store and distribution center employees throughout its eight-state region are now required to wear masks or other facial coverings while at work. Hy-Vee provided masks to all employees over the past several weeks. The company has already installed temporary Plexiglas barriers at all checkout stands, pharmacy customer service and […]
UI researchers warn ‘a second wave of infections is likely’ if mitigation efforts are liftedDes Moines Register: Researchers at the University of Iowa warned Gov. Kim Reynolds’ administration that it should keep COVID-19 mitigation efforts in place within the state or “a second wave of infections is likely.” The warning was included in a 12-page report […]
Iowa Workforce Development on Monday issued guidelines for employers to follow when workers being recalled from layoffs refuse to return to work. Refusing to return to work when recalled, or in an attempt to continue to draw unemployment benefits, will be considered a “voluntary quit,” which would disqualify a claimant from receiving benefits, including the […]
Employees at Iowa dog treat factory plead with Tyson to shut it down after COVID-19 deathCNN Business: Employees at a Tyson plant in Independence, Iowa, say they’re fearful and on edge after a colleague died from complications of COVID-19. They work in an industry few realize has been deemed essential by the federal government: the pet […]
Boeing CEO sees slow recovery for global aviationWall Street Journal: Air traffic may not bounce back for two or three years, Boeing Co. Chief Executive David Calhoun said, outlining the tough outlook for global aviation to the plane maker’s shareholders today. “The health crisis is unlike anything we have ever experienced,” Calhoun said at the annual […]
Combined donations by Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Co. and its employees have raised a total of $105,456 for the Food Bank of Iowa, the company announced this week. F&G announced a $25,000 company gift, along with the more than $80,000 donated virtually by F&G employees. Food Bank of Iowa says the combined gift will […]
Krause Group Real Estate last week told tenants who occupy 189 residential units in six Des Moines properties that it would waive rental payments for the month of May, the group said in a news release. The rent, if collected, would have totaled $130,000. “No one has been left untouched by the impact of COVID-19,” […]
Midwest governors have different reopening strategiesCedar Rapids Gazette: Governors nationwide are developing strategies for when and how to begin reopening businesses, parks and anything else temporarily closed by coronavirus mitigation efforts. The myriad plans are interesting and worth following as elected officials take different approaches. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday announced the first baby steps […]
A new podcast launched by the Greater Des Moines Partnership will provide content and information to help keep businesses in business, keep people employed and keep the region healthy, according to a news release. Episodes of the weekly podcast will be released each Friday and feature a compilation of resources and information for area businesses and […]
The Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club reopened today to serve as a food pantry site in partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa. The Burt Club pantry, located at 25th Street and Forest Avenue in Des Moines, will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for […]
Des Moines International Airport has opened up space south of the terminal for airlines to park planes as air traffic declines because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kayla Kovarna, an airport spokesperson, said about 60 spots were identified as the airport operations team began working to find places to park aircraft. As of today, 13 aircraft, […]
Iowa 211 has reached 35,000 calls from Iowans since the pandemic began, the organization announced. 211 connects Iowans to basic needs resources such as food, shelter, health care, transportation and child care. Iowa 211 began fielding calls using information provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health on March 8. Since beginning that partnership, nearly […]
A $75,000 investment has been made from the Disaster Recovery Fund to support the Central Iowa Immigrant Community Support Fund. The Central Iowa Immigrant Community Support Fund is an initiative of AFSC Iowa, Al Exito and Proteus that supports the most marginalized Central Iowans who have needs that fall outside of government guidelines or who […]
Des Moines Area Religious Council is launching a food pantry delivery service to meet the needs of vulnerable community members. People can call 833-362-7220 toll-free to request a delivery. The number will be staffed from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, and food will be delivered to the person’s doorstep with no-contact drop-off the following business […]
Reynolds lifts bans on nonessential surgeries, farmers markets starting MondayDes Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds said today that she would lift Iowa’s ban on nonessential surgeries starting Monday. “Nonessential” surgical and dental procedures in the state have been banned since Reynolds issued a proclamation on March 26. She also announced today that farmers markets could begin […]
Actor Ashton Kutcher tipped Reynolds to COVID testing programIowa Capital Dispatch: Actor Ashton Kutcher was the first person to suggest that Iowa look into Utah’s expanded testing program for COVID-19, Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday. Iowa this week launched TestIowa, the result of a $26 million contract with some Utah-based companies that will provide 540,000 COVID-19 […]
As part of National Volunteer Week, United Way of Central Iowa announced that in 2019, 10,787 volunteers donated over 87,189 volunteer hours in opportunities sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa, producing an economic impact of $2,217,216 in Central Iowa. Though volunteer opportunities might not look the same as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic, […]
The 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Awards will be postponed, Volunteer Iowa announced this week. Volunteer Iowa asks that entities planning to nominate an individual this year instead nominate them for a 2021 award. Ongoing updates are available online.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced today that it has awarded $191,000 in grants to Iowa artists and small nonprofit arts organizations reeling from financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The first-round relief grants were limited to artists and small nonprofit arts organizations. In total, 156 Iowa artists each received a $1,000 award; 14 […]
Broadlawns Medical Center is launching the Broadlawns COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund and seeking additional community aid to support medical workers during COVID-19 response. The Disaster Relief Fund has been established to purchase personal protective equipment and other necessities to safeguard Broadlawns’ medical staff and patients; donations can be made online. Broadlawns is also selling CommUNITY shirts, mugs and […]
Des Moines Area Community College announced that DMACC hands-on and lab-based classes will not return to campus this spring. Summer classes, which begin May 26, have also been affected. All classes before July 1 will be offered in an online format. These announcements apply to all DMACC campuses and centers, DMACC President Rob Denson said in a […]
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation’s Business Horizons 2020 program, which was scheduled for July 19-23 at Central College in Pella, has been canceled due to COVID-19. The cancellation decision was simultaneous with Gov. Kim Reynolds’ school closure and summer event cancellation announcement this week, the foundation said in a news release. Applicants accepted this […]
The West Des Moines nonprofit Meals from the Heartland is canceling the annual Morsel Combat chef’s challenge fundraiser, which was scheduled for June 25. The event is considered a critical fundraiser for Meals from the Heartland and in 2019 raised enough money to distribute more than 500,000 meals, part of the 23 million meals packaged […]
America’s SBDC Iowa is launching a new social media campaign to support small businesses across the state. The campaign, Support Small Businesses 5 Day Challenge, will launch on April 26 with the first video in a six-part series, followed by a daily challenge the rest of the week. Challenge examples include tagging small businesses on […]
COVID-19 hospice unit set up in Des Moines for patients who don’t want to die in hospitalDes Moines Register: A Des Moines hospice agency has set up a special wing for COVID-19 patients, underlining the gravity of Iowa’s coronavirus epidemic. The EveryStep agency plans to open a six-bed hospice unit Monday at its east-side Des Moines […]
U.S. business activity hits record lows amid coronavirus lockdownsReuters: U.S. business activity hit new record lows in April as the novel coronavirus severely disrupted manufacturing and services industry production, pushing the economy into uncharted waters. Data firm IHS Markit said on Thursday its flash U.S. Composite Output Index, which tracks the manufacturing and services sectors, plunged […]
The city of West Des Moines has extended the cancellation of all parks and recreation programs, events and facility reservations through May 29, which is the Friday after Memorial Day. The cancellations and closures had been effective through May 10. Included in the events that have been canceled are the Mayor’s Bike Ride and Pancake […]
The Des Moines Symphony announced the cancellation of all concerts and public events through June 14 at the Des Moines Civic Center and the Temple for Performing Arts due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Affected events are Masterworks 6: April in Paris (April 18-19), Masterworks 7: The Firebird (May 9-10) and Sensory-Friendly Concert: American Folk […]
MercyOne, one of Iowa’s largest health-care systems, invites community members to show their support for health-care and all essential workers by donating to the COVID-19 Relief Fund and then displaying printed heart decals in their windows or digital hearts on social media. Community members are invited to visit www.MercyOne.org/covid19 to order a T-shirt or window decals where […]
More than 27,900 Iowans last week filed initial unemployment claims, a 36% drop in new claims from the previous week, newly released data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows. Since mid-March, when businesses were ordered closed in an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, 239,458 Iowans have filed first-time jobless claims. […]
The challenges facing the rural health care system are more dire than ever before with staff furloughs and even more hospitals on the brink of collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Rural Health Task Force released recommendations designed to stabilize rural hospitals and clinics with financial relief in the […]
Coronavirus at meatpacking plants worse than first thought, investigation findsUSA Today: A rash of coronavirus outbreaks at dozens of meatpacking plants across the nation is far more extensive than previously thought, according to a review of cases by USA Today and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting. And it could get worse. More than 150 of […]
According to a new survey released by the National Endowment for Financial Education, nearly 9 in 10 Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing stress on their personal finances. More than half (54%) of Americans say among the top five things causing the most financial stress right now is not having enough saved (41% for emergency savings; […]
An estimated $310 million in sales is expected to be lost in April by Iowa’s restaurant and food service industry, a newly released study shows. The study, conducted by the Iowa and National restaurant associations, also found that 10% of Iowa’s estimated restaurants and bars won’t be able to reopen if mandated closures are extended […]
Tyson closing Waterloo plant indefinitelyWaterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: Following criticism from public health officials over coronavirus concerns, Tyson Foods today announced it is indefinitely closing its meatpacking plant in Waterloo. “Despite our continued efforts to keep our people safe while fulfilling our critical role of feeding American families, the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds today launched the Test Iowa Initiative to expand testing capacity to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa. The state is partnering with Utah-based Nomi Health and its subsidiary, Domo, which has already launched a similar initiative in Utah, Reynolds said in a news conference. Watch the news conference here. “Iowa is now the second […]
The Iowa Insurance Institute, a not-for-profit association representing Iowa property and casualty insurers, has donated $10,000 to the Food Bank of Iowa on behalf of its member companies in a special donation to help Iowans affected by the COVID-19 shutdown. “The Iowa Insurance Institute is very excited to support the Food Bank of Iowa during […]
Employees working from home will be able to take their lunch break while enjoying performances by local artists as part of a new lunchtime series announced this week by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The “In for Lunch” series is a virtual twist to the popular Downtown Out to Lunch series that takes place every […]
Local distilleries Foundry Distilling Co. and Cat’s Eye Distillery are partnering to produce a blended whiskey called Des Moines Strong, with all proceeds benefiting the Iowa Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Three hundred bottles of the initial Des Moines Strong release will be available in early May at local retailers, including Fareway stores, the distilleries said […]
UnityPoint Health announces furloughs, reduced staff hoursCedar Rapids Gazette: UnityPoint Health announced a reduction in staff hours, furloughs and pay cuts for its executive staff members starting next week as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials with the West Des Moines-based health system said today that these temporary measures “were needed to focus resources and […]
Tyson reopens Columbus Junction plant; new cases at JBS plant in MarshalltownDes Moines Register: Tyson Foods’ pork processing plant in Columbus Junction is resuming “limited operations” after closing for two weeks due to a coronavirus outbreak there. The company said the plant would reopen today. Tyson closed its location in southeast Iowa on April 6 after […]
To support its local communities during the COVID-19 crisis, Bank Iowa has launched Bank Iowa Helping Hand, a crowdsourcing initiative to identify both big and small needs across 23 Iowa communities. Through the initiative, anyone can submit a community-focused idea, task or charitable cause, and if selected, Bank Iowa will lend a helping hand through financial sponsorship […]
Several businesses and organizations have joined the effort to fill the need for personal protective equipment for health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, donating more than 190,000 items over the past few weeks, officials with the Des Moines Partnership said in a release today. A.J. Mumm, director of Polk County […]
Meredith Corp. will temporarily cut pay for 60% of its employees and paused its dividend as advertising revenue takes a hit during the coronavirus outbreak, the company announced today. Reuters reports that the Des Moines-based company also rescinded its financial guidance for the year. Meredith joins a number of large news media companies including Gannett Co. Inc. and […]
RAGBRAI called off for 2020 due to coronavirus concernsDes Moines Register: RAGBRAI organizers announced today that they will push this year’s ride — including the planned route — to July 25-31, 2021. The decision was made after “deep consideration” and conversations with key team members, organizers said. It will be the first time since its 1973 […]
More than 260 meatpacking workers test positive for COVID-19Iowa Capital Dispatch: More than 260 people were found to be positive for COVID-19 in expanded surveillance testing related to meatpacking plant outbreaks, the state reported Sunday. The positives from meatpacking employees made up 67% of the 389 total positive cases reported in Iowa Sunday. Iowa has recorded […]
MercyOne Medical Group-Central Iowa has consolidated its urgent care clinics and established a clinic specifically for patients with fever and upper respiratory infection symptoms, in an effort to provide better patient and staff safety and preserve personal protective equipment. MercyOne East Village at 1350 Des Moines St. now serves as the Fever and Upper Respiratory Infection Clinic. […]
University of Iowa Health Care issued a statement over the weekend to provide more context for its initial self-reporting of 64 positive COVID-19 cases. That figure represents the aggregate number of cases since February out of 15,000 employees, and does not represent a sudden spike in cases, the organization said. “The 64 number is an […]
Reynolds says schools will remain closed, Iowa will adopt phased reopening elsewhereDes Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds plans to reopen Iowa using “a phased approach” that aligns with guidance issued by President Donald Trump, she announced today. The governor did not specify which businesses or entities may open first, or when they would get the green […]
Governor acknowledges suspected COVID-19 outbreak at Waterloo meatpacking plantDes Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday acknowledged a suspected COVID-19 outbreak at a meatpacking plant in Waterloo, where the local sheriff slammed “a small few” for not doing more to mitigate spread of the coronavirus. The potential outbreak at the Tyson Fresh Meats plant, which has […]
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center announced that it has canceled its annual fundraising event, An All-Star Evening, which had been previously moved to June 5. The decision to cancel was based on guidance from organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Department of Public Health, organizers said. The event […]
Foundry Distilling Co. has ramped up production of hand sanitizer at its West Des Moines facility for commercial use. Several weeks ago the distillery had begun making small batches of hand sanitizer that it distributed from the facility. Foundry has since partnered with Fareway Stores Inc. on the idea to establish a commercial-grade, FDA-approved hand […]
Reynolds tightens limits on activity in northeast Iowa in reaction to COVID-19 spikeDes Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds today ordered people in northeastern Iowa to limit their activity, including keeping visiting to only immediate family members, in reaction to a spike in COVID-19 activity there. Almost all gatherings outside of immediate household members are banned in […]
Many members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines today stopped work on residential construction sites to explain safety precautions being taken to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Work stopped for about 10 minutes at the sites, including Hubbell Realty Co.’s Della Vita development in West Des Moines. Photo courtesy of Hubbell […]
The KCCI Project CommUNITY Half-Million-Meals Challenge raised more than $560,000 for the Food Bank of Iowa in one day, April 15, the station announced today. The Food Bank of Iowa now has enough for more than 2 million meals. Forty-eight percent of the food acquired by Food Bank of Iowa comes from donations, and partner […]
MDU Resources Group, a Bismarck, N.D.-based utilities company, is pledging to donate $10,000 to charities in Iowa, out of $500,000 the company is donating to coronavirus relief efforts. MDU Resources Group companies in Iowa include Jebro Inc. and Knife River Corp. Organizations receiving relief funds include the Food Bank of Sioux Land and Siouxland Soup […]
Submitted by Frank B. Harty, Chairman of Nyemaster Goode PC America is in the throes of the most daunting disaster in recent history. Civic, business and economic leaders disagree on strategies and details surrounding COVID-19, but they all agree on two fundamental truths: (1) no other disaster has had such a widespread impact on the […]
Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines is providing free use of some of its loaner vehicles to help local pharmacies deliver prescriptions. The vehicles are being used by Medicap Pharmacies to make prescription deliveries in the three surrounding communities with the largest increase in demand due to COVID-19: Beaverdale, Altoona and Grimes. “We heard about an increased […]
The Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation and Grinnell College, two of the largest employers in Poweshiek County, have joined forces with other community groups to provide funding for both immediate and post-COVID-19 pandemic needs in the area. Together, the two organizations are donating nearly $100,000 to four area resources. Jeff Menary, president and CEO of Grinnell Mutual, said […]
Tyson Foods says 2 dead after virus outbreak at Iowa plantAssociated Press: Two employees have died following a coronavirus outbreak that has sickened scores of Tyson Foods workers at a large pork plant in southeastern Iowa, the company said Wednesday. The deaths of the workers at Tyson plant in Columbus Junction are the first known to […]
According to a new survey of health insurance companies recently released by eHealth Inc., nearly all the insurers surveyed said they are making changes to help consumers affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. A strong majority (97%) say they are waiving out-of-pocket costs associated with testing. Sixty percent of insurer respondents say they are currently offering some form […]
University of Iowa Health Care researchers have started a new clinical trial to determine if plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients can help treat patients currently hospitalized with the disease. The key to this “convalescent plasma” approach is the antibodies produced in people when they fight off COVID-19. These so-called neutralizing antibodies can be collected in […]
UnityPoint Health has partnered with LifeServe Blood Center to deliver the first convalescent plasma product to a current COVID-19 patient in Des Moines. The plasma was donated by a recovered COVID-19 patient and has been used for a patient at Iowa Methodist Medical Center with serious COVID-19 symptoms. UnityPoint Health is one of the first […]
Des Moines-based Proteus Inc., a nonprofit that provides services to farmers in Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana, is collecting masks to help protect farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Farmworkers are essential workers,” said Proteus CEO Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel in a news release announcing the mask collection effort. “They contribute to supporting the food supply chain, agricultural economy, […]
Trump administration aims to buy milk, meat to help farmers hit by coronavirusReuters: The Trump administration plans to buy milk and meat from U.S. farmers as part of an initial $15.5 billion effort to help them weather the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said today. The decision comes amid rising pressure from […]
Columbus Junction pork processing plant hit hard by coronavirus with 186 positive casesDes Moines Register: Soaring numbers of workers at the Columbus Junction pork-processing plant who have been sickened by COVID-19 have sparked fears not only for the employees’ health but also for the vitality of this small town and the continuity of the nation’s meat […]
KCCI and the Food Bank of Iowa are partnering to host the KCCI Project CommUNITY Half-Million-Meals Challenge today, April 15. Forty-eight percent of food acquired by the Food Bank of Iowa comes from donations, and the economic hardships faced by Central Iowans during the COVID-19 spread are creating challenges with the supply. Donations can be […]
Street Collective donates bikes for youths, materials for making face shieldsThe Des Moines Street Collective has donated four bikes through the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and is donating used bicycle tubes to university students as 3D printing materials to make face shields for health workers, the collective announced this week. The collective’s shop is accepting material and […]
The Iowa Department of Education on Monday announced that 506 school districts and accredited nonpublic schools submitted plans to offer continuous learning opportunities for students this week while their brick-and-mortar buildings are closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Continuous learning encompasses a variety of approaches used to extend learning beyond brick-and-mortar district buildings — […]
University of Iowa Health Care today received a $2 million donation to help with the most urgent needs in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The gift is from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation and will be used for current and future expenses associated with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the COVID-19 virus. It will also […]
Des Moines Global Shapers, a local young professionals initiative from the World Economic Forum, is asking the community to participate in Des Moines Lights Up for Essential Workers by placing a luminary outside their homes or on balconies in support of Des Moines’ essential workers on Thursday at 8 p.m. Des Moines chapter members will […]
Coronavirus shutdown creates uncertainty throughout Minor League BaseballDes Moines Register: Profitability is hard to come by for most Minor League Baseball teams. Now, with each passing day without a game, teams are taking financial hits. They rely on their limited precious home dates to make as much money as possible. And with no end in sight […]
Collins Aerospace unveils temporary salary cuts, furloughs as result of travel declineCedar Rapids Gazette: Collins Aerospace announced it will institute a temporary pay cut for salaried employees and furloughs for hourly employees worldwide, following a drop in commercial and business travel during the coronavirus pandemic. Salaried workers will experience a 10% gross pay cut starting June […]
The National Alliance on Mental Illness — Iowa (NAMI Iowa) has postponed its spring fundraiser Beautiful Minds, originally scheduled for May 15. Dinner hosts participating in the event may either reschedule their dinner party to a new date or convert their party to a virtual format. Fareway Stores announced a $200,000 donation to the Iowa Chamber of […]
Nearly 10% of the more than 224,000 people who work in Iowa’s health care and social assistance sector have filed initial unemployment claims since mid-March, a review of Iowa Workforce Development data shows. Many of the 22,058 newly jobless health care and social assistance workers were likely employed in small or private clinics that were […]
Des Moines International Airport officials announced that the airport’s A Concourse has been temporarily closed, effective today. “We have made this decision in collaboration with our airline partners to ensure minimal impact on their operations,” airport spokeswoman Kayla Kovarna said in an emailed statement. “With low passenger traffic in the terminal, it is a proactive […]
University of Iowa Health Care announced that additional visitor restrictions will go into effect Wednesday at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. All visits to adult patients will be temporarily suspended, and pediatric patients will be limited to one visitor per day. Since March 13, UI Health Care has been limiting the number of […]
2 new COVID-19 deaths, 123 new cases reported in IowaDes Moines Register: Two more people with COVID-19 in Iowa have died, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today during a news conference, bringing the statewide total to 43. Another 123 people have tested positive for the illness, Pat Garrett, a spokesman for the governor’s office, confirmed. Reynolds during […]
Tama beef plant suspends operations after workers get virusAssociated Press: A beef processing plant in one of Iowa’s coronavirus hot spots has suspended production after several workers have become infected. National Beef announced that its Iowa Premium plant in Tama will be idled until April 20. The company said numerous employees had contracted COVID-19 and others […]
The Iowa Governor’s Conference on Public Health has announced new virtual sessions beginning April 14 with Dr. Rosie Ward’s keynote address “Rehumanizing the Workplace — Why it matters now more than ever.” The session will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom and is free and open to all. Successive sessions will be held daily April 15-May […]
Iowa faces medical equipment shortageCedar Rapids Gazette: State public health officials today issued an emergency order due to a shortage of personal protective equipment, allowing health care providers to stretch their supplies by using and reusing masks, gowns and other items beyond the normal use period. Gov. Kim Reynolds reassured Iowans that positive cases of coronavirus […]
Iowa sees continued shortages of protective equipment for health workersIowa Capital Dispatch: Obtaining enough medical protective equipment will continue to be a challenge for Iowa, particularly now that the federal stockpile is nearly depleted, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday. Reynolds said while the state is continuing to receive protective gear like masks and gowns, the […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe city of Ankeny is requesting that the public donate homemade masks for essential public workers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The city is calling for donated masks to protect employees including public works, utilities, park maintenance and office staff. Fire/EMS and police staff will continue to wear appropriate PPE when coming in […]
Deere plans to make 225,000 face shields for health care workers fighting COVID-19Des Moines Register: Deere & Co. said today that it plans to make 225,000 protective face shields to help meet the needs of health care workers battling the coronavirus outbreak across the country. The farm and construction equipment manufacturer said the first 25,000 face […]
Alliant Energy has made a $2 million donation to its Hometown Care Energy Fund, which assists Alliant customers in Iowa and Wisconsin who need financial help to pay their energy bill during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hometown Care Energy Fund is supported annually with funds from Alliant Energy shareowners, as well as voluntary contributions from employees, retirees and […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynolds declared today a “Day of Prayer” in the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Reynolds announced the proclamation on Wednesday; today is the first day of Jewish Passover and is Christian Maundy Thursday, which precedes Easter. The Iowa Prayer Breakfast will be offered for free online this year. BusinessThe Iowa Association of Business and […]
Ernst urges patience as kinks in small-business aid are worked outCorridor Business Journal: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst called for patience as small businesses await dispersal of nearly $350 billion in emergency relief, cautioning that working through kinks in the new federal Payroll Protection Program might take some time, and promising that additional help is on the […]
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 8.1 points in March to 96.4, the largest monthly decline in the survey’s history. Nine of the 10 index components declined, which is evidence that economic disruptions are escalating on Main Street as small businesses struggle to keep their doors open. The small business sector is anticipating and bracing for […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the expansion of the Small Business Relief Program from $4 million to $24 million after the Iowa Economic Development Authority received nearly 14,000 applications for grants over the last two weeks. Combined, Iowa applicants requested more than $148 million in grant assistance, and more than 5,000 requested tax deferrals, Reynolds said. […]
Zoom Video Communications Inc. was slapped with a class-action suit by one of its shareholders on Tuesday, Business Insurance reported. The lawsuit accuses the videoconferencing app of overstating its privacy standards and failing to disclose that its service was not end-to-end encrypted. Shareholder Michael Drieu claimed in a court filing that a string of recent media reports […]
UnitedHealth Group will accelerate nearly $2 billion in payments and financial support to U.S. hospitals and health care providers to help address the significant financial pressure many are facing due to COVID-19, Becker’s Hospital Review reported. The reduction and elimination of elective procedures in preparation for COVID-19 surges has resulted in massive decreases in private payments to hospitals. […]
Des Moines Public Schools will finish the academic year with online classesDes Moines Register: Des Moines Public Schools announced today that the district will finish the academic year with online classes. After closing its facilities on March 13, the district has decided not to return to in-person classes. Superintendent Thomas Ahart said in a statement that […]
Influential model lowers coronavirus death estimates in Iowa, nationallyCedar Rapids Gazette: A leading forecasting model used by the White House to chart the novel coronavirus pandemic predicted this week that the United States may need fewer hospital beds, ventilators and other equipment than previously projected. On April 2, the model used by the University of Washington’s […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe Iowa National Guard is providing facilities and personnel to support six Regional Medical Coordination Centers across the state as a part of an Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Health Care Coalition initiative to aid in sharing critical information across multiple agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soldiers and airmen will help staff […]
More than 20% of Iowa’s coronavirus cases are health care workersDes Moines Register: More than 20% of Iowa’s positive COVID-19 diagnoses are from health care workers, the deputy director of the Iowa Department of Public Health said today. The revelation comes as Iowa’s number of positive tests passed 1,000 and another Iowan died from the disease, […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe city of Ankeny is extending closures and cancellations of public facilities after the latest recommendations released by Gov. Kim Reynolds during the COVID-19 pandemic. A full list of facility updates is available online. BusinessKemin launches $1 million bonus program for essential employeesKemin Industries Inc. announced today it has launched a $1 million bonus program to express its […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe Iowa Utilities Board’s Lifeline program is available to qualified low-income Iowans who need basic telephone service and broadband internet access service, the IUB announced this week. Lifeline provides applicants limited monthly financial assistance to help defray the costs; due to COVID-19, the program is pausing recertification dates through May 18. More information is available […]
Tyson shuts Columbus Junction pork plant after dozens of coronavirus cases reportedCedar Rapids Gazette: Tyson Foods said Monday it had suspended operations at its Columbus Junction pork plant after more than two dozen cases of COVID-19 were reported among employees at that facility. “In an effort to minimize the impact on our overall production, we’re diverting […]
Public Health and GovernmentDes Moines Area Regional Transit will further reduce its weekday bus service due to COVID-19, effective April 12. Most DART local routes will operate on the Saturday service schedule on weekdays as part of the additional, temporary service reduction. There are no changes to Saturday and Sunday service at this time. To protect the health […]
Reynolds orders more businesses closed to fight spread of coronavirus in IowaDes Moines Register: Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered more businesses closed through April 30 to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, including malls, bowling alleys, zoos, campgrounds, playgrounds and libraries, among others. Anyone not following the guidelines, specifically those not limiting social gatherings to […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe city of Clive has issued an emergency proclamation to extend the closure of city park playgrounds, shelters, restrooms and city facilities through April. The proclamation also allows the city to amend its timeline as response to COVID-19 continues. More information is available online. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Saturday obligated more than $44 million […]
Deep concern for some Iowa hospitals’ viability after COVID-19 crisis IowaWatch: Some Iowa hospitals ramping up their efforts to treat COVID-19 victims will not survive the pandemic without an infusion of cash, the head of the professional association for those hospitals said. Moreover, a rural-urban split that puts rural hospitals at a disadvantage when attracting […]
Des Moines intends to close schools for rest of year, shift to online classesDes Moines Register: Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Tom Ahart said “it is inevitable” that classes will be canceled for the remainder of the school year as the state braces for a surge in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks. “I believe that […]
Several local businesses are partnering to launch Iowa Together, a new initiative seeking donations to purchase gift cards from local businesses and match them with struggling families. Iowa Together aims to raise $10,000 for businesses and families, said Nicole Torstenson of JubilCube. Businesses interested in contributing to the initiative can learn more online. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic […]
Public Health and GovernmentWaukee’s parks and trails are open to the public, but playground equipment and other recreational facilities are closed. The Trailside Dog Park and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts will remain open, but contact play is prohibited. More information is available online. Arts and CultureThe Des Moines Symphony is launching DMSO at Home, a new series of […]
Two more Iowa coronavirus deaths confirmed, both in Linn CountyCedar Rapids Gazette: Two more deaths related to the novel coronavirus in Iowa were confirmed Thursday by state public health officials. The new deaths were both in Linn County, and were older patients, between the ages of 61 and 80. That brings the total coronavirus-related deaths in […]
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has announced an initial $100,000 of donations it is making to nonprofit organizations from the Disaster Recovery Fund that has been established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, investments are supporting surges in service and capacity for local nonprofits that are continuing to provide critical […]
Public Health and GovernmentUrbandale’s parks and trails are open to the public, but playground equipment and other recreational facilities are closed, the city government announced this week. Tennis, pickleball and basketball courts will remain open, but contact play is prohibited. More information is available online. BusinessThe Iowa Restaurant Association has created an industry relief fund to assist hospitality workers […]
Applications open Friday for federal coronavirus-relief loansDes Moines Register: Most business owners can begin applying for forgivable, federally backed coronavirus-relief loans on Friday. Iowa Small Business Administration District Director Jayne Armstrong said the agency and the U.S. Department of Treasury finished writing the rules for the new program this week, which will allow business owners to begin […]
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced late Wednesday that it will retroactively waive members’ cost-share related to the treatment of COVID-19 — including copays, coinsurance and deductibles — when seeking care from an in-network provider, effective Feb. 4 through at least June 16. This is in addition to Wellmark’s previous announcement on March 20 in which it eliminated […]
Iowa JBS workers say they’re packed in too tight to stay safe from coronavirusDes Moines Register: A Latino advocacy group is questioning whether meatpacking giant JBS is doing enough to protect the 2,700 workers at its Marshalltown pork processing plant, saying employees are crowded on the company’s production floor, in locker rooms and in other parts […]
Nearly 100 nursing students set to graduate from Des Moines Area Community College in May but who have not yet obtained their nursing licenses will be able to complete their education and be hired as nurses, under a section of the disaster emergency proclamation issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday. The governor has authorized […]
In pursuit of knowledge, every day something is acquired. In pursuit of wisdom, every day something is dropped. – Lao Tzu Several years ago, I had the chance to hear a keynote speaker at a professional teaching conference who made a significant impression. In this time of COVID-19, the message is only more relevant. Karl Weick, professor […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the state public health emergency declaration, allowing bars and restaurants to provide carryout or delivery of alcoholic beverages until April 7. It also authorizes the sale of mixed drinks and cocktails for carryout or delivery, the governor’s office said in a statement. More than 120 […]
A majority of Americans — 88% — are confident the country will get through the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the newest edition of the Grinnell College National Poll. The poll, a partnership between Grinnell College and J. Ann Selzer of Selzer & Co., was released this morning. Nearly 7 in 10 respondents say they would […]
The Nelson Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the Nelson family, which privately owns and operates Kemin Industries, announced today a $50,000 donation to the Food Bank of Iowa to assist with feeding food insecure Iowans during the coronavirus pandemic, which has created more populations in need of additional support during this unprecedented situation. “As a […]
Can states force insurers to cover losses from pandemic-related business closure? Legislators in at least three states — New Jersey, Ohio and Massachusetts — have proposed bills to require that insurers pay out for certain claims related to COVID-19, Bloomberg reported. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association is pushing back, arguing that the costs aren’t covered under […]
NAMI Greater Des Moines, the local chapter of the National Association on Mental Illness, has developed “We Are Here. With You.” — a suite of online resources to help people cope with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site is “a bridge that has been carefully and collaboratively constructed to span the distance between today and […]
Pandemic fallout begins to hit Iowa newsroomsCorridor Business Journal: Lee Enterprises, the parent company of 10 Iowa newspapers, will furlough employees or reduce compensation as it struggles to cut costs in response to a COVID-19-related drop in advertising revenue. The company told employees Tuesday they had a choice between a two-week furlough or an equivalent 4% […]
Grassley says meatpackers may be using pandemic to gouge farmersDes Moines Register: Calling for a federal investigation, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley today questioned whether giant meatpacking companies are using the public health pandemic to gouge U.S. cattle producers, with prices falling 3.5% over the past three weeks. “During this period of time, through no fault of […]
The Iowa Department of Education today released a host of optional resources for families and educators to use as they support student learning during school closures due to COVID-19. The resources are available on the Iowa Department of Education’s website and include interactive games, virtual field trips, coding activities and e-books. The Iowa Department of Education partnered […]
Just 280 people traveled through Des Moines International Airport on Monday, as passenger counts show a 90% decrease from last year, an airport official told the Business Record. April’s flight schedule from Des Moines reflects a decrease of 393 flights compared with what was loaded in the system as of March 14, said Kayla Kovarna, […]
Public Health and GovernmentWebinar: Understanding State and Federal Assistance Programs for NonprofitsIowa nonprofit organizations can learn more about federal and state COVID-19 financial assistance and relief programs during a live webinar on Friday. The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and the Iowa Council of Foundations are hosting the free one-hour webinar via Zoom at […]
The cities of Clive, West Des Moines and Johnston are closing playground equipment and other recreational facilities until further notice, but parks and trails remain open. Courts including tennis, pickleball and basketball remain open to the public, but team sports and contact play are prohibited. Updates are available online for Clive, West Des Moines and Johnston. Food Bank of Iowa is partnering with faith-based […]
The Principal Charity Classic, presented by Wells Fargo, today announced the tournament has been rescheduled to Sept. 1-6 at Wakonda Club in Des Moines. “The health and well-being of our participants and the community were top of mind as we established this new date,” tournament manager Park Murphy said in a statement. All tickets, volunteer registrations and sponsorships […]
The 80/35 Music Festival is canceled for 2020, organizers announced in emails to supporters today. The festival had been scheduled for July 10-11, but the Des Moines Music Coalition board of directors decided the risk of disruption to ticket sales, grants, volunteers and partnerships was too great and may have affected the ability to host future festivals. […]
Two more Iowans dead from coronavirusCedar Rapids Gazette: At least six Iowans have died from the coronavirus epidemic, including two elderly people Sunday night in Linn and Washington counties, state Department of Public Health officials report today. The health agency also has been notified of 88 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total […]
BusinessThe Iowa Insurance Division is alerting investors to be on guard against an anticipated surge of fraudulent investment schemes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, investors should be wary of investments specifically tied to the threat of COVID-19. Bad actors can be expected to develop schemes that falsely purport to raise capital for companies manufacturing surgical masks […]
MercyOne Des Moines Foundation has established the COVID-19 Response Fund. All donations will be restricted to delivering relief during the pandemic. One hundred percent of funds donated will be used to aid MercyOne medical professionals through efforts such as providing essential medical supplies and acquiring needed equipment; resiliency and mental health resources for physicians, nurses and […]
Public Health and GovernmentIowa Workforce Development has updated its leave policy for those filing unemployment insurance benefits following the enactment of the CARES Act. Effective immediately, employees who are or will be laid off or are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19 will no longer be required to use all paid leave before being […]
Iowa could reach coronavirus peak in 2-3 weeksCedar Rapids Gazette: The spread of novel coronavirus is on a trajectory to peak in Iowa during the next two to three weeks, a state public health official said Sunday. However, the official, Sarah Reisetter, deputy director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, cautioned that projection could change […]
House passes historic $2 trillion stimulus despite objections from GOP lawmakerCNN: The House of Representatives today approved the historic $2 trillion stimulus package that passed the Senate earlier this week, overcoming last-minute drama by using an unusual procedural move to thwart a demand by a conservative Republican to force members to vote in person. The bill […]
The National Federation of Independent Business will host a webinar on Monday at 11 a.m. Central time. The webinar will walk business owners and employers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act stimulus bill, which will provide small business grants, forgivable loans and tax relief. All business owners who anticipate a need for […]
Marshalltown’s Lennox shuts down for cleaning after report of COVID-19Marshalltown Times-Republican: The Lennox plant in Marshalltown halted production Thursday after learning an employee tested positive for COVID-19, according to Lennox employees. The plant is on an emergency shutdown of all shifts with hopes of resuming production on Sunday. Several Lennox employees said they were sent home […]
BusinessOutlets of Des Moines is temporarily closed until April 7 after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an expanded disaster proclamation for Iowa. The outlet mall will reopen as soon as state restrictions are lifted, the company said. A Kemin Industries employee in Des Moines has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Kemin announced. The employee has self-isolated at home […]
Effective immediately, children do not have to be present when caregivers pick up meals at Iowa’s 303 approved Grab & Go meal sites, the Iowa Department of Education announced today. The department has received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides flexibility for schools and organizations distributing meals through the Summer Food Service Program […]
Wall Street rallies for third day as investors focus on stimulusReuters: Wall Street rallied for a third straight session today as record weekly jobless claims came in below investors’ worst fears and investors focused on an unprecedented $2 trillion stimulus awaiting approval by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up 1,351 […]
Arts and CultureWinefest is canceling all April event dates but plans to reschedule those events and proceed as planned during the May 26-June 6 festival, the organization announced this week. The organization is offering new Virtual Wine Flights in partnership with local restaurants through Facebook Live, beginning March 27. More information on upcoming events is available online. […]
As working from home stretches toward the end of a second workweek for many Iowans, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has released some helpful tips for balancing workplace and home. The tips include setting boundaries, establishing routines and enjoying the advantages, writes David Brown, behavioral health specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. The Extension office also […]
Sixty-two percent of Des Moines metro organizations say they’ve been required to making operational changes in the wake of COVID-19’s spread to Iowa, survey results released by the Greater Des Moines Partnership show. The Partnership received more than 600 responses from area organizations. When asked about biggest concerns around COVID-19, 89% said concern on the […]
By Kathy A. Bolten | Senior Staff Writer and Kate Hayden | Staff Writer Hy-Vee Inc., as a way to show appreciation to employees who frequently are within a foot or two of customers, is giving full- and part-time employees who work in its grocery stores 10% bonuses on hours worked from March 16 through April 12, the West […]
BusinessThe American Transportation Research Institute and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association Foundation are conducting a joint research study to understand the numerous effects that the coronavirus pandemic is having on trucking operations. The research focuses heavily on a survey that solicits critical input from truck drivers and motor carrier staff who are encountering Covid-19 impacts such […]
The in-person requirement for notarizing documents is temporarily waived for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, Gov. Kim Reynolds declared this week. The requirements are subject to guidance provided by Iowa Secretary of Paul Pate. A new law allowing remote notarization in Iowa was scheduled to take effect on July 1. Reynolds’ declaration accelerates the […]
Des Moines hotels see visitors, profits plunge during coronavirus outbreakDes Moines Register: Profits for Des Moines-area hotels cratered last week as they lost more than half their usual customer base and about a third of their revenue, according to data released Wednesday. The occupancy rate for the metro was 23%, down from 56% around the same […]
4 employees at long-term care facilities, 1 resident test positive for coronavirus in IowaDes Moines Register: Five people at four long-term care facilities in Iowa have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a health care group. Four of the cases involve employees and one case involves a resident at one of these facilities. The facilities are located […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority board today approved temporarily suspending repayments of 130 loans made through the Iowa Innovation Acceleration Fund. The suspension runs through June 30. Businesses with loans through the fund won’t be required to royalty payments or loan and interest repayments. In addition, interest accrual will be deferred until June 30, said […]
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller joined with more than 30 other attorneys general to urge Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Walmart and Craigslist to more rigorously monitor price-gouging practices by online sellers using their services. The action is among several that Miller is taking to address price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a disaster […]
President Donald Trump has approved Gov. Kim Reynolds’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the COVID-19 outbreak in Iowa, removing a $5 million cap on federal funds and making the Community Disaster Loan Program available, the governor’s office announced today. A request by Reynolds to activate the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling […]
Donations now centralized through Polk County Emergency Management Greater Des Moines companies continue to demonstrate their generosity with donations of personal protective equipment for Central Iowa health workers. To make the donation process more efficient, Polk County Emergency Management, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is now serving as the central point of contact […]
Labor Department releases fact sheets for Families First Coronavirus Response Act The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division on Tuesday announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First […]
Dow records biggest point gain ever CNN Business: U.S. stocks ended sharply higher today, recouping all of Monday’s losses as investors grew optimistic about the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis. The Dow recorded its biggest point gain on record. The index closed up 11.4%, or 2,113 points. The S&P 500 closed up 9.4%, its best day […]
UnityPoint Clinic announced today it will open an Adult Respiratory Illness Clinic designed to provide an option for adult patients who are sick with suspected COVID-19 or other acute respiratory illnesses. Patients must call 515-323-5680 or reserve their spot online at unitypoint.org before going to the clinic to be screened for symptoms — including fever, cough and/or […]
Balance Autism announced today that it will suspend its community supported agriculture program this year. “Social distancing and quarantine will not allow for our individuals to work together in the greenhouse in preparation for our planting season,” the nonprofit’s CEO, Steve Muller, said in an email. “One of the temporary accommodations we’ve needed to make is […]
More than three-quarters of U.S. small businesses surveyed say they are now experiencing a negative impact from the coronavirus pandemic, a stark contrast from survey results released just 10 days earlier. According to survey results released Monday by the National Federation of Independent Business, 76% of small businesses polled said they are negatively affected. About 5% […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has launched the DSM Employment Ready initiative to assist businesses in need of immediate temporary workers and employees who have been affected by circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnership will maintain a list of Greater Des Moines companies looking to rapidly hire for open positions, as well as serve as a resource for employers and employees with up-to-date information relating to state and […]
Public Health and GovernmentDART adjusting route service hours; limiting ridership to essential trips onlyDART announced it is temporarily ending weekday service earlier on some routes and reducing how often some routes run, effective Thursday. There are no changes to Saturday and Sunday service at this time. To protect the health and safety of employees and riders, […]
Iowa State, UNI move summer 2020 courses online as coronavirus threat persistsCedar Rapids Gazette: Like the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University has announced major changes to its summer programming — including study abroad cancellations and a decision to move many of its summer courses to online only. Earlier this month, UNI administrators canceled all […]
In response to the spread of COVID-19, Winnebago Industries announced today that it will suspend work at its factories, the Des Moines Register reported. Based in Forest City, the recreational vehicle manufacturer said it expects the suspension to begin this week and run through April 12. The company said in a news release that it will keep […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a new Small Business Relief Program and tax deferral initiative to assist Iowa businesses experiencing business disruption in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. The new programs will share a dual application that will go live at 8 a.m. Tuesday, and applications will be due at noon on March 31. […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe IMPACT Community Action Partnership is closing all IMPACT offices to walk-in services and asking community members using the monthly food pantry services in the Drake neighborhood, Ankeny and Boone to schedule a time over the phone to pick up their items, IMPACT announced today. All applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program […]
Small businesses asked not to fire workers as government set to offer forgivable loansMarketWatch: U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged small businesses not to fire any workers, saying the government will provide bridge loans that could be forgiven entirely after the coronavirus pandemic eases. “If you’re a small business, we ask that you not lay people […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe Iowa Utilities Board is expanding customer service hours available by phone or email, the IUB announced. IUB customer service staff will be available by phone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. More information is available online. The Des Moines City Council will meet virtually at 4:30 p.m. today for its regularly […]
University of Iowa Health Care leaders on Sunday issued an urgent request for Iowa businesses and individuals to donate new or used protective face shields to the hospital. The shields are used by hospital staff to keep employees safe and help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19. The organization currently has a supply […]
Economists see Iowa pain from pandemic, but recovery starting before end of 2020Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: The coronavirus pandemic will cause short-term pain for the Iowa economy — more in some sectors than others — followed by recovery beginning later this year, a pair of economists predicted Friday. How long it hurts and takes to recover will […]
KCCI: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced new ways the state is assisting businesses and childcare services in combating COVID-19. Reynolds announced she signed a proclamation Sunday morning to close salons, tattoo establishments, barbershops, massage therapy businesses, tanning salons, medical spas and swimming pools effective 10 p.m. Sunday. The Iowa Department of Human Services offered new guidelines […]
Employee at Nationwide office in Des Moines tests positive for coronavirusDes Moines Register: A Des Moines employee of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. has tested positive for the coronavirus, the company announced today. Spokesman Joe Case said in a statement that other employees who were in touch with the infected worker have been alerted and are in […]
BusinessThe 2020 Global Insurance Symposium scheduled for April 21-23 is canceled, organizers announced this morning. The GIA will host a virtual pitch event for accepted insuretech startups April 22 from 3:30-5 p.m. CST. More information and attendee registration for the pitch event is available online. Participants in this year’s Global Insurance Accelerator cohort are now fully remote, managing director Nicole […]
The Internal Revenue Service is extending the federal income tax filing deadline to July 15 as part of a growing effort to stem the financial pain from the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reported. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the 90-day extension in a tweet today. The move gives Americans three months more than they normally would have to file their […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds today issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration effective immediately that provides additional regulatory relief to Iowans affected by the coronavirus public health disaster. The emergency declaration, which is effective through April 16, relaxes a number of restrictions and regulations in areas ranging from property tax collections and eviction law to […]
Bridgestone will send 1,400 workers home from Des Moines tire plantDes Moines Register: Bridgestone is sending about 1,400 workers home from its Des Moines agricultural tire manufacturing plant for two weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, beginning Sunday morning. It’s the first major Iowa production facility to shut down due to the coronavirus, which […]
Public Health and GovernmentGovernor confirms new cases; state has testing capability for 400 Thirteen Iowa counties have positively identified cases of COVID-19, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced at Thursday’s press conference. Tests have confirmed 44 cases in the state. The State Hygienic Lab is running three shifts to process COVID-19 cases and has identified 642 cases as negative; State […]
Public Health and GovernmentState tax filing deadlines extended to July 31 The Iowa Department of Revenue today extended the filing and payment deadline for several state tax types, including income tax, to July 31. The changes, prompted by COVID-19, are designed to provide flexibility to Iowans whose lives have been disrupted, the agency said in a news […]
D.M. schools commit to paying staff during shutdown, but most Iowa districts undecidedDes Moines Register: Several school districts in the Des Moines area affirmed that teachers and support staff will continue to be paid during the four weeks that classes are suspended in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, a majority of the […]
Trump signs bill providing paid sick leave, free testing and other benefitsNew York Times: A relief package to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening after the Senate passed it by a wide […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation expanding roles for physician assistants in Iowa by allowing them full prescriptive rights, legal protections similar to other health care professions, the ability to be reimbursed by Medicaid and other service changes. The full bill is available online. Reynolds is scheduled to hold a news conference today at 3 […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Iowa office is asking small businesses in the state that are facing economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic to submit information to their County Emergency Management offices in order to declare counties eligible for disaster loans. “We’re waiting on Iowa to be designated as eligible for small businesses in the […]
Public Health and GovernmentWest Des Moines closing City Hall, other buildings to the publicWest Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer today authorized City Manager Tom Hadden to take all steps necessary to provide for the public health, safety and welfare of the city’s employees and residents. Hadden announced that City Hall will be closed to the public beginning at […]
Remainder of Des Moines Buccaneers’ U.S. Hockey League season canceledDes Moines Register: Six days after suspending its season indefinitely because of the national coronavirus outbreak, the United States Hockey League has closed the doors on its 2019-20 campaign for good. The 16-team league, which includes five Iowa teams (Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Sioux City, Waterloo and the […]
Wall Street slumps, government bonds hammered as stimulus high fadesReuters: Wall Street resumed a steep slide today while bond markets rushed to price in the sheer scale of government support programs and handouts announced over the past 24 hours, all aimed at softening the economic shock of coronavirus. Dire trading conditions continued to make two-way trading […]
Public Health and Government The Iowa Department of Public Health has identified six additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 29 positive cases, the IDPH announced late Tuesday. Three of the individuals are residents of Johnson County; the other three are residents of Adair, Blackhawk and Dallas counties. The Story County treasurer’s office will close […]
Public Health and Government The city of Waukee closed City Hall and the Development Services building to the public. Payments, permit applications, inspection scheduling and more can be done without visiting in person. More information and ongoing updates are available online. The city of Johnston is closing all offices, including Public Works, City Hall and […]
Public Health and GovernmentCorteva worker in Johnston confirmed positive for COVID-19An employee at Corteva Agriscience’s Johnston campus tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported. Many employees were told to work at home beginning this week. “We can confirm that an employee at our Johnston office has tested positive for COVID-19,” said company spokesman […]
When the news of COVID-19 contagion broke and zombie apocalypse-level panic ensued, I hoped that the masses were washing their hands. As so many people dismissed the illness as a mild cold, I hoped that people in public were wearing masks if they had any symptoms. Now, as the media tracks coronavirus on the move, […]
Public Health and Government Des Moines Water Works is operating under a four-phase Contagious Disease Response Plan, closing the general office building to walk-in customers, suspending in-home customer services visits except for emergencies and suspending service termination for delinquent accounts, the organization announced Monday afternoon. The organization is stockpiling chemicals, repair parts and other supplies to […]
Iowa lawmakers grant Reynolds expanded power as they suspend legislative sessionDes Moines Register: The Iowa Legislature has suspended its session for 30 days after passing legislation early Tuesday morning to keep the government running and grant Gov. Kim Reynolds expanded powers to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. Top Republicans in the House and Senate […]
Public Health and Government Pleasant Hill announced changes in public services Monday afternoon. The Pleasant Hill City Hall will remain open during business hours but the public is advised to call 515-262-9368 instead of visiting in person. The Pleasant Hill Public Library will be closed until further notice beginning March 17; no late fees or […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynoldsannounced new assistance released by Iowa Workforce Development for employees and employers affected by related layoffs, including guidance for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims. Individuals laid off due to COVID-19 can receive unemployment benefits if they meet all other eligibility requests. Claims filed and identified as a result of COVID-19 will […]
Dow tumbles nearly 3,000 points — worst point drop in historyCNN Business: It was another ugly day for U.S. stocks. The Dow today recorded its worst one-day point drop in history and its worst performance on a percentage basis since Oct. 19, 1987, also known as “Black Monday.” Stocks fell to session lows in the final […]
Nationally, airlines are changing flight schedules rapidly in response to the COVID-19 virus, but there have not yet been any reductions in flights at Des Moines International Airport, said Kayla Kovarna, communications, marketing and air service development manager. Currently, there are no indications from any of the airlines serving Des Moines that there will be […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynolds recommended Iowa schools close for four weeks after the Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Sunday four additional positive cases of Iowans diagnosed with COVID-19, including one positive case identified in Polk County. Iowa has a total of 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two cases of confirmed community […]
Wall Street dives, S&P 500 sheds $2 trillion in value Reuters: S&P 500 companies lost more than $2 trillion in value in the first few minutes of trading today as investors panicked about the mounting damage from the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy. Trading on the three main U.S. stock indexes was halted for 15 […]
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE: DES MOINES – Upon discovery of the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks. “Based on new information today from the Iowa Department of Public Health, now is the time to move to the next […]
New coronavirus case in Dallas county; patient sickened without recent travel, meaning it was ‘community spread’ Des Moines Register: There is “community spread” of the coronavirus in Iowa for the first time, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Saturday night, a new designation that means the virus is spreading in the state from an unknown source. Reynolds […]
Public Health and Government Food Bank of Iowa will continue normal operations and continue monitoring developments related to COVID-19, the organization announced Friday afternoon. Food Bank of Iowa is working with Des Moines Public Schools to fill needs as students are out of classes during the district’s extended closure. A statement and updates are available […]
Friday, March 13, 2020 4:46 PMThe 17 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus do not display signs of community spread, but Iowans should be prepared for an expected rise in confirmed cases, Gov. Kim Reynolds said late Friday afternoon during her news conference. State agencies are ceasing nonessential travel for state employees and asking employees who travel […]
A majority of U.S. small businesses say they are not currently affected by the coronavirus outbreak, according to survey results released today by the National Federation of Independent Business. Based on a random survey of its membership database of about 300,000 small business owners, 74% said they are not currently experiencing an impact, while 23% said they […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe office of Gov. Kim Reynolds has scheduled a news conference on COVID-19 to take place at 4:30 p.m. today from the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston. The conference will be streamed live on Facebook. Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie today released a statement advising Des Moines businesses, churches, event planners and organizations to […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe Iowa Department of Public Health released guidance directed at school administrators overseeing grades preK-12 on Thursday. If a child or staff member in a district is identified with COVID-19, local health officials will determine when students and staff should return to schools and what additional steps are needed for the community, the IDPH […]
Coronavirus forces Warren Buffett to cancel ‘Woodstock for Capitalists’Reuters: Warren Buffett today said the coronavirus pandemic forced him to cancel Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s annual shareholder weekend, the largest gathering in corporate America, because the safety of participants and the wider community was paramount. The weekend, which Berkshire’s billionaire chairman calls “Woodstock for Capitalists” and which normally […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it will provide small businesses affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus up to $2 million nationally in disaster assistance loans; however, businesses in Iowa will not be able to apply for disaster loans until Gov. Kim Reynolds applies for and receives an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration from the SBA, […]
World stocks plunge into bear market on U.S. travel curbs, ECB moveReuters: Panic hit world financial markets today, after stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank failed to calm investors alarmed by U.S. moves to restrict travel from Europe over the coronavirus pandemic. Global stocks plunged below bear market thresholds, with European shares taking their largest […]
The Des Moines public school district announced this afternoon that it is canceling all classes, activities and programs for at least the next 17 days, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. The goal is to resume school on Monday, March, 30, but that may be adjusted depending upon the spread of the virus, Des Moines Superintendent […]
Dow trades 9% lower and S&P 500 and Nasdaq tumble into bear market MarketWatch: U.S. stocks headed sharply lower today, triggering circuit breakers early in the session that temporarily halted trading for the second time in this week, as the S&P 500 index and Nasdaq Composite looked likely to join the Dow in ending a record-setting, […]
Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:52 AMThe Iowa Health Care Association is encouraging all skilled nursing facilities in the state to follow recent guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requiring them to substantially limit nonessential visitors to their facilities during the coronavirus pandemic. “Our top priority is to protect the health and well-being of […]
Legal experts answer questions about the coronavirus at our Wednesday Newsroom 515 event on Legal matters. PANELISTS: Kelsey Knowles, attorney, Belin McCormick Todd Van Thomme, attorney, Nyemaster Goode Jo Ellen Whitney, attorney, Davis Brown Law Firm David Walker, dean emeritus, Drake Law School
The Technology Association of Iowa is postponing the annual Prometheus Awards. The award ceremony is now scheduled for June 23. Refund requests will be accepted until May 21. Ticket holders with questions may contact TAI at 515-280-7701. Performances and classes at the Des Moines Community Playhouse are taking place as scheduled, the organization announced today. […]
Des Moines Area Community College announces in-person classes are canceled after spring break until further notice; online-only classes to resume as scheduled on March 23. More information and ongoing updates at www.dmacc.edu/coronavirus Mercy College of Health Sciences announces plans to move all campus classes online after spring break until further notice; online classes to begin […]