Even though Republican Rick Santorum is set to be the first presidential candidate to complete “the full Grassley” tour of Iowa’s 99 counties, Governor Branstad doesn’t think highly of Santorum’s chances for another caucus win in February. Branstad weighed in on the current presidential field during a press conference on Monday. “I congratulate him on…… MORE
The city of Des Moines is appealing an administrative law judge’s decision that its high risk dog ordinance was too vague to use. The city ordinance says three breeds and dogs with characteristics of those breeds are considered vicious dogs. Low crop prices are forcing Iowa farmers to spend less on their operations, according to…… MORE
Low crop prices are forcing Iowa farmers to spend less on their operations, according to a new poll. The Agri-Pulse Farm Opinion survey shows 60 percent plan to cut back on farm equipment purchases, nearly half expect to cut back on rent payments, and 37 percent will spend less on seed.… MORE
Better keep your speed down for the rest of the month. Extra patrols will be hitting the interstates this weekend as part of an end-of-August nationwide crackdown to cut the number of car crashes. August is the deadliest month for accidents on the interstate. They’re specifically targeting I-80, which runs through 11 states…and I-35, which…… MORE
Broadband will be expanding in rural Iowa, courtesy of federal funding for CenturyLink. The tech firm is getting 500 million dollars a year for six years to extend the internet to well over a million rural homes and businesses in 33 states.… MORE
Another finalist for the next president of the University of Iowa post is on campus today. Michael Bernstein will meet with faculty and staff…as well as be part of a public forum with the community. He’s currently the provost of Tulane University.… MORE
For months, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has lead the polls in Iowa, but just in the past few weeks, his commanding lead among Iowans has suffered to the pomp and circumstance of real-estate mogul Donald Trump. Walker finished up his two-day swing in the caucus state with a meet and greet in Guthrie Center on…… MORE
Farmers are relieved by Monsanto’s decision to nix its plans to buy Syngenta. The deal would have meant the hybrid seed and herbicide maker would have controlled 45 percent of the global seed market, leaving Johnston-based Pioneer in a distant second place. USDA says farm income will be down for this year. The department estimates…… MORE
Iowa will join a national effort to keep an eye on wild waterfowl for bird flu symptoms. Migrating birds are blamed for the outbreak that wiped out flocks at 70 poultry operations in the state. DNR is asking hunters to report any birds that look sickly or worse, and the areas where they’re found.… MORE
With USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack by her side, Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton outlined her rural economic development plan at the Des Moines Area Community College-Ankeny campus on Wednesday. Less than 24 hours earlier, Vilsack announced his endorsement of Clinton. “She is loyal,” said Vilsack. “It’s a very personal decision, and it’s one that I didn’t…… MORE
