Retail group hopes to end tax loophole

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is continuing its efforts to end a retail sales tax loophole that is says hurts small businesses in Iowa. Advocates of eliminating the loophole say that Web-based retailers like Amazon.com…Read More

IEDA awards five businesses

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) board granted financial assistance to five Iowa companies on Friday, including two in the Des Moines area.

Financial assistance was awarded to the companies to create jobs and help …

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Branstad urges Iowans to discuss housing

Gov. Terry Branstad is encouraging Iowans to attend one of eight public meetings to discuss housing needs across the state.

The meetings are sponsored by the Iowa Finance Authority and RDG Planning & Design. 

“The …

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Wellmark offers option for international travelers

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced a new insurance product to help people meet health-care needs while traveling abroad. 

GeoBlue, a trade name for Worldwide Insurance Services LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and …

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Farmers market cooks up competition

The Downtown Farmers Market is teaming up with students from the Hoyt Middle School Summer Camp program July 21 for the Healthy Chef Cooking Challenge. The kid-friendly cooking program aims to help middle school students …

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Viacom, DirecTV reach deal, end blackout

Viacom Inc. and DirecTV announced they have reached a deal Friday morning, allowing Viacom’s programming to immediately return to the satellite TV service, CNNMoney reported. 

The agreement ends a dispute over fees that had interrupted programming since July 10. Viacom …

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Iowa unemployment rate hits 5.2 percent in June

Iowa’s unemployment rate increased slightly during June, hitting 5.2 percent, up from  5.1 percent in May. The U.S. unemployment rate for June remained at 8.2 percent.

Iowa’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 2,400 jobs in …

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