Category Archives: Local News

No confidence vote for regents

No confidence vote for regents

The hiring of a former IBM exec for the presidency at the University of Iowa has prompted a no confidence vote from the university senate for the Board of Regents.  The senate has no power to reverse the decision to appoint Bruce Harreld, so it’s largely a symbolic move, but the faculty says it plans…MORE

Kelley Paul says husband Rand “not a career politician”

Kelley Paul says husband Rand “not a career politician”

She’s not the first candidate’s wife this presidential cycle to meet with Iowans on behalf of her husband, but Kelley Paul commanded the attention of 20 Polk County Republican women on Tuesday afternoon with a speech about her grandmother and her family’s background. “She was my inspiration for patriotism and bravery,” said Paul to the group.…MORE

Torch Morning News You Can Use 9-8:

Torch Morning News You Can Use 9-8:

Des Moines’ job picture is looking bright.  A new Robert Half forecast shows 12 percent of the area’s chief financial officers expect their company to create new jobs in the next six months.  Another 76 percent will be hiring for open positions in their companies. More than half say it’s somewhat or very challenging to…MORE

Rand Paul in Iowa for first time in six weeks

Rand Paul in Iowa for first time in six weeks

Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul is hosting several events in central Iowa this weekend, coming to the caucus state for the first time in six weeks. Paul is the only confirmed candidate signed up so far to participate in Story County’s GOP tailgate at the UI-ISU football game on Saturday. All candidates, the county GOP…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 9-4: Aftermath of new UI president, Democrats stump in Iowa for Labor Day Weekend, DART ridership up

Torch Afternoon News 9-4: Aftermath of new UI president, Democrats stump in Iowa for Labor Day Weekend, DART ridership up

ISU is getting another $8.4 million from the National Science Foundation to support their Engineering Research Center. The extra funding brings the total amount from the foundation to more than 35 million dollars…the center will help biochemists and engineers work together to solve common problems and improve technologies to make biorenewable chemicals. Not everyone in…MORE

Torch Morning News you can use 9-4-15:

Torch Morning News you can use 9-4-15:

The University of Iowa’s new president will be former IBM exec Bruce Harreld. He says his business background will be useful to the university during a time of change in higher education, specifically in the state budget. The board of regents bypassed three candidates with traditional academic experience to give Harreld the thumbs up. Some…MORE

Sanders clarifies foreign policy position while stumping in Grinnell

Sanders clarifies foreign policy position while stumping in Grinnell

Known for his more pacifist-type views of foreign policy, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders clarified to reporters his position on war intervention while at a campaign stop in Grinnell on Thursday. Sanders was asked his view of America’s war decisions in the past while he was a member of Congress, and if he was in…MORE

Torch Morning News you can use 9-3:

Torch Morning News you can use 9-3:

The Iowa Board of Regents is expected to announce today its choice for the next University of Iowa president. The board has been looking over feedback from the campus and community on the four finalists via a secure website set up by Parker Executive Search. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton still dominates the rest of her…MORE

Branstad supports Clean Power Plan, wants Iowa credited

Branstad supports Clean Power Plan, wants Iowa credited

As Iowa continues to assess implementing regulations for coal plants under the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Clean Power Plan, Governor Branstad is weighing in on the plan and how Iowa can adhere to its requirements. Branstad attended the Iowa Wind Energy Association’s conference in West Des Moines on Wednesday and was asked by a member…MORE

Torch Morning News you can use 9-2:

Torch Morning News you can use 9-2:

Iowa’s economy should look good over the next six months, but not as good as members of the Iowa Business Council expected the past few quarters.  Members say some global economic concerns are trickling into their viewfinders, but overall, they’re optimistic about the robust outcomes of their industries. Construction employment is up for greater Des…MORE