Category Archives: Local News

The Pickers are coming!

The Pickers are coming!

The American Pickers crew is coming to Iowa.  Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and the Antique Archeology team will be in the state next month, roaming for adventures on the History Channel. And yeah, they want to hear from you if you have something worth looking at.MORE

Torch Afternoon News 6-8: “Roast and Ride” threat investigated, Congressman Young rides along with Clive police, Branstad looking over budget

Torch Afternoon News 6-8: “Roast and Ride” threat investigated, Congressman Young rides along with Clive police, Branstad looking over budget

Iowa State Patrol has confirmed it is investigating the two bomb threats made against Senator Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” over the weekend. The threats came in via phone about an hour before Ernst was set to take the stage…the event was delayed for about 45 minutes because of the threats. It’s not over until…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 6-5: Graham stops in West Des Moines, Iowa companies make Fortune 500 list, Altoona mall hits construction snag

Torch Afternoon News 6-5: Graham stops in West Des Moines, Iowa companies make Fortune 500 list, Altoona mall hits construction snag

Republican presidential candidate Lindsey Graham touted his military experience while speaking with voters at a Town Hall Meeting in West Des Moines earlier today. Graham says he’s ready to lead, not manage, the nation. Graham kicked off his campaign in his home state of South Carolina on Monday. Two Iowa companies made the Fortune 500 list…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 6-4: GOP Candidates add more Iowa events, USDA hesitant about bird flu vaccine, Legislature not changing med marijuana rules

Torch Afternoon News 6-4: GOP Candidates add more Iowa events, USDA hesitant about bird flu vaccine, Legislature not changing med marijuana rules

Several presidential candidates and likely contenders continue to add events in Iowa this weekend and the upcoming week. Governor Chris Christie is speaking in Ames on June 11th before his Polk County event in West Des Moines. And you’ll be able to meet candidate Ben Carson at the downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market on Saturday…MORE

Cowles Commons to open on June 18th

In front of community members, leaders, donors, and business owners, Des Moines Performing Arts CEO Jeff Chelesvig unveiled the answer to one of the most-asked questions: when will Cowles Commons open? “Cowles Commons will finally be open, after more than two years of construction, on June 18th,” said Chelesvig. “The renovation of Cowles Commons has…MORE

Torch Afternoon News 6-3: Cowles Commons to open in two weeks, Des Moines Parks and Rec unveils new trail head, Clinton opens five new offices

Torch Afternoon News 6-3: Cowles Commons to open in two weeks, Des Moines Parks and Rec unveils new trail head, Clinton opens five new offices

After years of planning from the Des Moines Performing Arts, Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines will open in two weeks. DMPA Vice President Mary Kramer spoke at the media event earlier today at the plaza, and said the project is an example of many community organizations and companies coming together. Cowles Commons was funded by…MORE

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