Richard Pratt's stories

Anne Villamil economist

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…

St. Luke's emergency room Marion groundbreaking

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…

Plumb Heart Center exterior career fair

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…

Cedar Rapids Cedar Crossing casino rendering

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…

Big Cedar Industrial Center

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,…

Marion new homes

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…

High Properties NewBo mixed-use development

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…

Cedar Rapids Cedar Crossing casino rendering

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…

Linn County supervisors 2023

Tower Terrace Road interchange at Interstate 380 officially opens

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

Tower Terrace Road ribbon cutting

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…

David's Bridal Marion closing

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…

CBJ Mid-Year Economic Review panel

Transamerica, Tata set to end partnership

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

Transamerica

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…

Kanlaya Barr John Deere economic forecast recession

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…

Cedar Rapids Country Club tennis facility