Iowa’s board of education has approved new science standards for schools. The Next Generation Science Standards have stirred up some controversy because they include evolution and climate change.
Iowa’s two largest universities might be facing a squeeze this fall. The University of Iowa is expecting 500 more students in its freshman class, but ISU’s president isn’t sure how large enrollments there will be. Stephen Leath says they were expecting 600 for most of the year…but there’s been a surge in the last few weeks.
The EPA is proposing stronger standards for those applying pesticides that are considered “restricted use.” The agency is trying to cut the chance of harm from toxic chemicals, and ensure a consistent level of protection. Those using the chemicals have to be over 18, and get certified every three years.
A two-billion dollar fertilizer plant under construction in Lee County will soon have a new owner. Iowa Fertilizer Company is included in the 8-billion dollar deal where CF Industries is purchasing OCI. More than half a billion dollars in state and federal incentives were granted to OCI for the plant’s construction.
DuPont just opened its Integrated Seed Science Center in Johnston. The center will come up with seed treatments and techniques to make DuPont products more effective for growers. It’s only the second facility of its kind for DuPont in the U-S.
The city of Des Moines will let the public sound off on proposed changes in its tax abatement policy. The current abatement program expires the end of this year. The public meeting will be a week from Wednesday, the 19th, at Polk County River Place, starting at 6 PM.
American Enterprise Group says the 30 million dollar renovation to its corporate headquarters in Des Moines is now complete. The renovation included new air handling and safety systems and high-efficiency LED lights. The insurance holding company’s building is in the final stage of being added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Democratic presidential contenders will be back together in Iowa this fall…Drake University is one of six locations around the country hosting a presidential debate with the candidates. The Drake debate is on November 14th.
Today’s the last day of the annual Iowa Gas Swap Meet’s Collectors Convention at the Holiday Inn Airport. All kinds of car-related Americana items will be there, as well as an auction.
