Richard Pratt's stories

Barbra Solberg legislative priorities

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…

The Gazette downtown Cedar Rapids

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…

Eighth Avenue bridge rendering

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…

IowaWORKS grand opening Beth Townsend Kristie Fisher Tiffany O'Donnell

Inside Cedar Crossing: Latest construction photos and updated renderings

On course. On time. On target. That was the message Thursday afternoon, Nov. 20, as…

Kim Pang Cedar Crossing construction tour 1

Linn County to hire first rural economic development director

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

Linn County board of supervisors 2025

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…

Guaranty Bank building

ROOTs disaster recovery housing program finds new life

The Rebuilding Ownership Opportunities Together (ROOTs) program in Cedar Rapids built 869 homes after the…

Development roots partners Alex Frazier (left) and Joshua Bass are shown at the site of the Ginkgo Ridge development in southwest Cedar Rapids. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

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…

John Marcum Mike Davis NextEra Energy

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…

Duane Arnold Energy Center nuclear

BHFO, Cedar Rapids-based online fashion retailer, closing

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

BHFO headquarters at 4520 20th Ave SW Cedar Rapids.

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…

Raytheon Technologies Collins Aerospace Cedar Rapids

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…

Workers perform maintenance at the Duane Arnold Energy Center nuclear after the plant was shut down for refueling.

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…

Marion Chamber annual meeting 1

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…

Garfield Elementary Cedar Rapids

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…

Marshalltown natural gas power plant