Richard Pratt's stories

How tariffs may impact Iowa’s economy: UI economist explains trade risks
The national discussion of tariffs has raised several complex questions about the process of international trade negotiations. In basic terms, a tariff is a tax on the import of a good from another country, and is usually paid by the…
New St. Luke’s Marion ER to address growing patient volume
Officials say a new UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital emergency room facility in Marion…

New Plumb Heart Center offers ‘one-stop shop’ for cardiac care
As Mercy Medical Center’s Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center formally opens its doors for…

Cedar Rapids council OKs option agreement with potential casino developers
The Cedar Rapids City Council voted July 11 to approve an option agreement for the…

Big Cedar Mega Site developers seek zoning change to expand opportunities
Developers of the Big Cedar Mega Site in southwest Cedar Rapids are hoping a new…

Developer plans to bring 57 new homes to Marion
A Marion developer is planning a new housing development on the city’s near north side,…

Opening of Tower Terrace Road interchange represents key project milestone
The opening last month of the newest Interstate 380 interchange at Tower Terrace Road, on…
New mixed-use development planned near NewBo
A new mixed-use development in southeast Cedar Rapids is set to bring 85 market-rate units…

Group seeks deal with Cedar Rapids to purchase land for possible casino
If a statewide moratorium on new gaming licenses is lifted, the Cedar Rapids Development Group…

Linn County utility-scale solar moratorium renewed for three months
A moratorium on new industrial-scale solar and wind energy projects in Linn County has been…

Tower Terrace Road interchange at Interstate 380 officially opens
Traffic is now flowing on the Interstate 380 interchange at Tower Terrace Road in Hiawatha,…

David’s Bridal store in Marion closing by late June
The David’s Bridal store in Marion is set to close later this month, leaving an…

CBJ panelists share views on economic developments, trends
Panelists representing a broad cross-section of the area’s economic community participated in a panel discussion…

Transamerica, Tata set to end partnership
Transamerica and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have mutually agreed to end their partnership, representatives from…

John Deere economist: Any U.S. recession likely to be mild
While a U.S. economic recession is still possible, it’s likely to be much more mild…

Commission recommends denial of Cedar Rapids Country Club’s tennis proposal
The Cedar Rapids Planning Commission has voted to recommend denial of the Cedar Rapids Country…
