Richard Pratt's stories

Can Iowa keep up with rising electricity demand?
For the first time in decades, Iowa is seeing a marked increase in electricity demand, spurred in large measure by the continued development of data centers, both in the Corridor and throughout the state. That growth leads to a natural…
U.S. Bank closes downtown Cedar Rapids branch office
U.S. Bank has closed its branch office at an historic bank building in downtown Cedar…

Revamped solar ordinance, scorecard get final approval from Linn supervisors
After months of deliberation, public input and staff development, a revised ordinance for utility-scale solar…
QDogs BBQ in Marion closing Saturday
QDogs BBQ in Marion announced via social media that they plan to close permanently this…

Transformation of former Colonial building to affordable housing well under way
Work is progressing as scheduled on transforming the former Colonial building in downtown Cedar Rapids…

Amended Linn County solar ordinance clears second reading
A revised Linn County ordinance governing the development of industrial-scale solar installations is just one…

Five Sinclair convenience stores in Cedar Rapids area close abruptly
Just months after the five former Kwik Shop convenience stores in the Cedar Rapids area…

Cedar Rapids becomes anchor tenant in Alliant Energy community solar garden
The City of Cedar Rapids is now an anchor tenant of Alliant Energy’s community solar…

Cedar Rapids Country Club’s tennis plan clears final city council hurdle
After hearing another batch of public comments – mostly from opponents – about the Cedar…

Collins Aerospace looks to cut costs; ‘minor workforce reductions’ reported
Collins Aerospace is moving to cut costs in the face of financial headwinds buffeting the…

Hibu acquires Signpost’s marketing technology platform
Hibu Inc., based in Cedar Rapids, has acquired the marketing technology platform of Signpost, Inc.,…

First housing units at Crossing on Boyson nearing completion
The first building in the Crossing on Boyson housing development in Hiawatha is expected to…

Union at Wiley helps fill Cedar Rapids low-income housing need
Local officials and developers say the completion of the Union at Wiley housing project in…

Sub-Zero groundbreaking represents ‘new chapter’ in Cedar Rapids economic development
With construction equipment rumbling in the background, Cedar Rapids government leaders and economic development officials…

Linn supervisors approve first reading of solar ordinance revisions
Proposed revisions to Linn County’s utility-scale solar ordinance are now one step closer to approval…

Red Star Yeast dedicates new fermenter at Cedar Rapids plant
Red Star Yeast is already a dominant player in nutritional yeast production, serving a large…
