Poultry industry officials and government researchers will gather today and tomorrow in Des Moines to discuss next steps if the bird flu virus returns this fall or next spring. The virus resulted in the deaths of 48 million birds, decimating flocks in Iowa. IDOT is keeping an eye on Congress this week, to see what…… MORE
Des Moines Water Works has spent a record amount this year trying to keep nitrates out of the city’s drinking water. CEO Bill Stowe tells the Torch more than one-and-a-half million dollars has gone into nitrate removal so far this year. They haven’t figured out yet exactly how much more it will cost customers, but it’s…… MORE
Expect to see your water bills go up by at least ten percent each year, starting this spring…at least, if your water comes from Des Moines. Des Moines Water Works’ CEO says the rates still have to be approved by the utility’s board of directors, but the double-digit increase is anticipated with the costs of…… MORE
Des Moines Water Works customers can expect to see their bills go up by double digits this spring. Details are still in the works, and the budget still have to be approved by the utility’s board, but Water Works’ CEO says annual rate increases of more than ten percent are likely for the foreseeable future. …… MORE
A bird flu summit is slated for tomorrow in Des Moines with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, Governor Branstad, and businessmen and farmers connected to the poultry industries. One of the topics sure to come up is use of the bird flu vaccine that has been tested 100 percent effective in chickens. USDA’s Dr. David Swayne…… MORE
The Americans with Disabilities Act gets a salute today at the Hoover Building near the Statehouse, as supporters celebrate the 25th anniversary of the measure. Today’s event starts at noon, with a walk to the State Supreme Court Building. A coalition of groups from Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota and South Dakota are speaking out against…… MORE
Iowa’s attorney general is joining 44 others in asking major phone companies to offer call-blocking technology for intrusive robocalls. The AGs say a new FCC rule clarification lets telecommunication service providers offer customers the ability to block unwanted calls.… MORE
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina is making her way to the metro with a stop in Marshalltown earlier today. Fiorina was asked by an audience member what she thinks of fellow contender Donald Trump running for president. Fiorina will be in Ames tonight…and then have several stops in the metro tomorrow. Other candidates in town this…… MORE
President Obama is getting another disaster request from Iowa…this one for aid to 19 counties struck by damaging storms a few weeks ago. Dallas, Lee and Warren counties were among those hit hard by winds, tornadoes, heavy rain and hail. Governor Branstad, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, and several other ag leaders are gathering next week…… MORE
Foreign policy and reducing the size of the federal government are two of the main issues driving Republican presidential candidate Bobby Jindal’s campaign. Jindal wrapped up a four-day swing through Iowa with a town hall meeting in Ames Tuesday night. The Louisiana governor began with praise for U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron. “He gave a…… MORE
