Richard Pratt's stories

Renewable energy is big in Iowa, but can growth continue?
In the past decade, renewable energy production has surged across the United States, a trend that is clearly evident in Iowa. According to an April 2024 report from Climate Central, an independent nonprofit group of scientists and communicators focused on…
Airport commission sets special meeting Tuesday to discuss Alliant power plant proposal
The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday morning to discuss Alliant…

Zeam focuses on ‘life in real time’ streaming
In a way, Jack Perry’s launch of Zeam has been a natural progression of the…

QTS data center groundbreaking canceled in wake of deadly New York shooting
The groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for this morning at the QTS data center site in southwest…

Proposed Alliant power plant near airport raises concerns
The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission is expressing safety and proximity concerns about an Alliant Energy…

North Liberty’s Copper Boar named CBJ’s Fastest Growing Company
There’s no requirement that partners in a locally-owned restaurant have a longstanding personal friendship that…

Groundbreaking set Tuesday for QTS data center project
A groundbreaking ceremony is set next week for the Quality Technology Services (QTS) data center…

Linn County board recommends approval of nuclear energy zoning code
A new Linn County ordinance amendment creating an exclusive use zoning district for nuclear power…

U.S. Bank building sale offers challenging, exciting opportunity
The sale of the former U.S. Bank building in downtown Cedar Rapids, and its associated…

Kirkwood receives nearly $625,000 in annual TRIO grants
Kirkwood Community College has secured two federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grants totaling $624,895…

Dows Farm construction underway as Corridor’s first agri-community takes shape
The long-awaited and oft-delayed Dows Farm development on the southeast outskirts of Cedar Rapids —…

Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa to close after 13 years
The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) will permanently close after 13 years…

New McDonald’s planned for northeast Cedar Rapids
Plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant in northeast Cedar Rapids are moving forward. At its…

Despite federal debates, Nordex leaders celebrate reopening of West Branch wind turbine plant
Despite the ongoing federal debates about the future of renewable energy tax credits, representatives of…

Development moratorium for certain portions of Marion being lifted
The moratorium on certain types of developments along some of the busiest commercial corridors in…

Talent attraction director seeks funds from local cities for new efforts
The newly-hired talent attraction director for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is reaching out…
