Richard Pratt's stories

Corridor economic development groups’ 2026 public policy priorities stress longstanding themes
The annual list of public policy priorities for the upcoming year from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Greater Iowa City Inc. generally adhere to themes stressed over the past several years – including talent enhancement, workforce growth and…
Iowa journalism leader says new Gazette ownership is ‘really good win’ for newspaper, readers
Fears and concerns abound as The Gazette begins its new ownership era today, but one…

Cedar Rapids to prioritize Eighth Avenue bridge, postpone pump station, dam bypass channel projects
In order to prioritize the construction of the Eighth Avenue bridge in Cedar Rapids, city…

New IowaWORKS center will facilitate greater collaboration with Kirkwood, area leaders say
Job development leaders say the opening of the new IowaWORKS center, near Kirkwood Community College…

Inside Cedar Crossing: Latest construction photos and updated renderings
On course. On time. On target. That was the message Thursday afternoon, Nov. 20, as…

Linn County to hire first rural economic development director
For the first time ever, Linn County will be hiring a rural economic development director,…

Guaranty Bank redevelopment project gets $10 million-plus state tax credit
The redevelopment of the historic former Guaranty Bank in downtown Cedar Rapids has been awarded…

ROOTs disaster recovery housing program finds new life
The Rebuilding Ownership Opportunities Together (ROOTs) program in Cedar Rapids built 869 homes after the…

Benefits, concerns raised at public information meeting on proposed Duane Arnold restart
From water usage and environmental concerns to economic impact and job creation, local residents shared…

Why Iowa is betting on nuclear energy to meet surging electricity demand
The push to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center began almost immediately after the facility…

BHFO, Cedar Rapids-based online fashion retailer, closing
BHFO, the discount fashion retailer headquartered in Cedar Rapids that helped revolutionize online apparel sales,…

Collins Aerospace announces ‘small reduction of positions’ via layoffs in Cedar Rapids
Collins Aerospace is conducting a “small reduction of positions” via layoffs in Cedar Rapids, company…

NextEra, Google power purchase agreement propels Duane Arnold restart hopes
NextEra Energy officials say two “transformative” agreements, including one with tech giant Google, will further…

Marion Chamber celebrates growth at 88th annual meeting (WITH GALLERY)
The Marion Chamber of Commerce presented two new awards, and announced two new Uptown Marion…

Cedar Rapids council advances rezoning to convert former Garfield school to apartments
The Cedar Rapids City Council voted Tuesday, Oct. 21 to advance a rezoning proposal that…

Linn County officials look to develop zoning standards for gas-fired power plants
As Alliant Energy continues to evaluate possible Linn County sites for a new natural gas-fired…






