State workers now have to report their medications and medical services to a private company that tracks their sick time. The new rule went into effect yesterday, and has resulted in lots of complaints about privacy and job security. Some relief is at hand for laid-off John Deer workers. Iowa Workforce Development is getting 3-million…… MORE
More than 900 complaints over the last five years have been filed against security workers at airports serving thousands of Iowans daily. The charges involved items lost, stolen or damaged in their luggage. TSA validated one of every three claims.… MORE
Some state agencies have been spending tens of millions of dollars on information technology contractors…that’s the upshot of a state audit. They specifically looked at the Department of Corrections, the Department of Administrative services, and the Department of Revenue. The report found cost overruns, excessive use of contractors, large hourly payments and questionable relationships between…… MORE
In caucus news…potential presidential contender Scott Walker continues to lead the latest polls, but his lead is slipping in Iowa. According to today’s Quinnipiac University poll, Walker leads the pack with 18 percent of the Republican vote, with Donald Trump and Ben Carson behind at 10 percent. Recently-announced candidate Chris Christie brings up the rear…… MORE
Some central Iowa counties will be able to get state assistance for storm damage under the governor’s latest disaster proclamation. Polk, Dallas, Guthrie, Warren, Lucas and Marion counties are among 18 covered by the measure. USDA has more than 23-hundred workers helping Iowa farmers deal with the aftermath of the bird flu. There haven’t been…… MORE
Law enforcement across the state came together to meet in Des Moines yesterday, calling for Governor Branstad to sign a bill that would create the first statewide police radio system. Police say it’ll help them better communicate across agencies.… MORE
We may not have a budget yet, but we have begun a new year for state laws. One measure would allow sledding in more public parks next winter by protecting cities from liability if people are injured. Another would allow grocery stores to sell craft beer in refillable containers.… MORE
Local and state transportation and economic planning leaders met earlier today in Windsor Heights to talk about the future of Iowa’s transportation and city planning. Paul Trombino with the state Department of Transportation says the goal of the department in the future is to connect each mode of transportation. Trobino says he’d also like to see…… MORE
A federal jury has tossed out a bias suit against the former dean of U-I’s law school. Teresa Manning contended that Carolyn Jones rejected her for a faculty post because of her conservative political beliefs. A former University of Iowa student has been arrested in China for the murder of an ISU student last fall. …… MORE
Up to a thousand Iowa poultry workers could be out of a job by August because of the bird flu epidemic. Iowa Workforce Development is pairing with Iowa Central College to offer job training programs and re-employment opportunities to those affected. Workforce says the money for the program is provided by the feds. … MORE
