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Torch Afternoon News 6-2: Fred Hoiberg moves to Chicago Bulls, Facebook location in Altoona adds building, GOP presidential candidates make last-minute plans for Iowa

Torch Afternoon News 6-2: Fred Hoiberg moves to Chicago Bulls, Facebook location in Altoona adds building, GOP presidential candidates make last-minute plans for Iowa

It’s official…Fred Hoiberg is the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Hoiberg held a press conference in Chicago earlier Tuesday afternoon, and said he’s thankful for the support of the Iowa State community…especially his players. Hoiberg played for Chicago before heading to be a front office executive at the Minnesota Timberwolves, and then taking the…MORE

State education leaders unhappy with lawmakers’ budget

State education leaders unhappy with lawmakers’ budget

After months of haggling, state lawmakers reached a preliminary state education budget that includes a 1.25 percent increase in K-through-12 spending, plus $55.7 million in one-time spending. State education officials are not happy with those numbers. The Iowa State Education Association and its thousands of members spoke out today about the lack of funding, saying…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 6-1: Preliminary state budget released, Grassley not in favor of aspects of new USA Freedom Act, Ag officials still working to battle bird flu

Torch Afternoon News 6-1: Preliminary state budget released, Grassley not in favor of aspects of new USA Freedom Act, Ag officials still working to battle bird flu

A preliminary state budget has been released, and it calls for a total spending of $7.3 billion starting July 1st. The deal also shows a 2.62 percent increase in state funding for K-through-12 grade schools for the upcoming school year, including a one-time spending sum of $55.7 million. Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, however, says she…MORE

Private company donates money to Waukee, Des Moines police for body cameras

Private company donates money to Waukee, Des Moines police for body cameras

A large crowd of police officers, community leaders, and employees packed the Kenworth Mid-Iowa back shed Friday afternoon to hear owner Rod French’s donation for body cameras to the Waukee and Des Moines police departments. French said he spoke with Waukee Police Chief John Quinn a few weeks ago about the need for body cameras…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 5-28: West Des Moines considers new development plan, ISU basketball coach could move to Chicago Bulls, Ames realty company purchases drone

Torch Afternoon News 5-28: West Des Moines considers new development plan, ISU basketball coach could move to Chicago Bulls, Ames realty company purchases drone

An Ames-based realty company got the green light from the FAA to fly a commercial drone. Hunziker Companies says it’ll use the drone to show clients the exterior of a house. The drone cost about a thousand dollars. ISU basketball coach Fred Hoiberg could be moving to Chicago, now that Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau…MORE

West Des Moines considers “walkable” urban development plan

West Des Moines considers “walkable” urban development plan

West Des Moines leaders and stakeholders are looking at different development patterns that would have a fiscal impact on the city’s budget for the future. On Thursday, leaders heard from Smart Growth America, a research group that analyzed West Des Moines development data and how a new development pattern would impact the city in the…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 5-29: Several presidential candidates coming to Iowa this week, Iowa ranks ninth in nation for obese residents, Des Moines to consider three proposals for downtown parking garage property

Torch Afternoon News 5-29: Several presidential candidates coming to Iowa this week, Iowa ranks ninth in nation for obese residents, Des Moines to consider three proposals for downtown parking garage property

Several soon-to-be announced presidential candidates will be in Iowa in the next few days. GOP contender Rand Paul and Democrat Bernie Sanders will both campaign on the eastern side of the state tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday. Rick Santorum is heading to Iowa tomorrow after his “major announcement” later today. He’ll be in Davenport and Council…MORE

Congressman David Young opens Des Moines Constituent Service Office

Suite 204 on Locust Street in Des Moines was packed on Tuesday afternoon with Iowa voters, eager to learn more about the newly-opened Des Moines Constituent Services Office for U.S. Representative David Young, meet the congressman himself. “We’ve been open for a while, but we wanted to highlight the service that we’re going to provide…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 5-26: Moore Elementary construction progressing, ISU gets new forensic science center, Urbandale police receive money for body cameras

Torch Afternoon News 5-26: Moore Elementary construction progressing, ISU gets new forensic science center, Urbandale police receive money for body cameras

A new national forensic science center is coming to ISU. The university was given up to $20 million in grant money from the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create the center. If approved by the Iowa Board of Regents, the science center will focus on processing pattern evidence like fingerprints and bullet marks….as well…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 5-22: Governor Branstad considering extending state of emergency, More DM retailers jumping on Apple Pay bandwagon, John Deere improving outlook

Torch Afternoon News 5-22: Governor Branstad considering extending state of emergency, More DM retailers jumping on Apple Pay bandwagon, John Deere improving outlook

With the looming end-of-the-month deadline for the state of emergency declaration for the bird flu approaching, Governor Branstad said he will extend it if need be. Branstad said on Friday that he met with state Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey and several poultry farmers to assess the current state of the outbreak and its affect on…MORE