Survey: Iowa Employers Remain Optimistic About Q3 Sales
(Des Moines, IA) — Despite higher inflation and rising costs, a new study shows a majority of Iowa employers remain optimistic. In a survey by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, 63-percent of Iowa businesses say they expect sales to grow during the third quarter. The study also shows 85-percent plan to make capital expenditures. Workforce talent, health care costs and property taxes remain the biggest challenges.
Southern Rust Disease Returns To Iowa, But Not As Bad As Last Year
(Ames, IA) — A threat to the corn crop is back. Iowa State University Extension is reporting the return of Southern Rust to Iowa. The fungal disease blows up from the southern states and forms on the leaves of corn stalks. Southern Rust is being detected in Benton, Mahaska, Muscatine and Louisa counties this week, but researchers say the conditions for its spread are not as ideal as last summer. Corn yield losses from Southern Rust disease in Iowa last year were estimated at seven-point-five-percent.
Des Moines Man Sentenced To 70 Years For Forcing Woman, Child Into Prostitution
(Des Moines, IA) — A Des Moines man is sentenced to almost 70 years in for running a human trafficking ring. The Polk County Attorney’s Office says 27-year-old Bryce Alan McNeil was involved in trafficking four women and a child after meeting them on dating apps. Investigators say he recruited those victims into moving to Des Moines, forced them into prostitution, and physically assaulted them. McNeil pleaded guilty to six felony charges, including human trafficking and willful injury. He was sentenced to 67 years in prison on Thursday.
50th Japanese Macaque Born At Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines
(Des Moines, IA) — Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines is celebrating the birth of its 50th Japanese macaque [[ muh-KAK ]]. The zoo says Hiro [[ HERO ]] was born July 6th to mom Miya. The Blank Park Zoo plays a key role in managing the population of the Asian monkeys at zoos across North America by overseeing a national program, the Japanese Macaque Species Survival Plan.
