Archive for December 2012
Budget deal ‘close,’ senator says
Negotiations between Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff made significant progress and the two sides are now closer to a deal than they were Sunday, …
Read MoreA whole lot of wind coming from MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican Energy Co. has completed the three Iowa wind projects that were under construction in 2012.
The projects, totaling 407 megawatts, further solidify MidAmerican’s ranking as the No. 1 rate-regulated utility in the U.S. in …
Read MoreShale gas could boost development of steel plants
The U.S. shale-gas revolution, which has revitalized chemical companies and prompted talk of domestic energy self-sufficiency, is attracting a wave of investment that may revive profits in the steel industry, Bloomberg reported. Austrian steelmaker Voestalpine …
Read MoreHousing, software and mobile apps lead employment rebound in western U.S.
Hiring by home builders and software and mobile application developers is helping the western third of the United States lead the nation in employment growth, according to Moody’s Analytics Inc. and IHS Global Insight Inc., …
Read MoreTribune Co. emerges from bankruptcy, plans a sell-off
Media giant Tribune Co, owner of the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, emerged from bankruptcy today, ending four years of Chapter 11 reorganization, Reuters reported. Chicago-based Tribune said on Sunday that its portfolio …
Read MoreWaiting for the big deal
Congress returned to Washington today without a deal to avert the “fiscal cliff” and with only a few hours of actual legislative time scheduled in which to act if an agreement materializes, Reuters reported.
Negotiations …
Read MoreAmerican Equity names general counsel
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. said today it has named William Kunkel as its executive vice president. He will be the West Des Moines company’s legal and general counsel. Kunkel was a partner in …
Read MoreHousing rebound fells lumber prices
Lumber futures may tumble as much as 25 percent from a seven-year high as output increases in Canada, the world’s biggest exporter, according to Forest Economic Advisors LLC, Bloomberg reported.
The price may touch $300 …
Read MoreNew nonprofit group will take over operation of Botanical Center this week
After operating the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center the past nine years, Des Moines Water Works will ceremonially hand over the keys to the cultural attraction to the new Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden …
Read More