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…

Pasta of the Prairie makes pasta with a twist

When thinking of Iowa’s top agricultural products, flavor-infused pasta probably wouldn’t be the first item…

Thew Brewing reborn as The Lucky Cat

Thew Brewing is being reborn with a new name, a slight facelift and a focus…

The Lucky Cat Chris Schlichting

Kool Moo legacy lives on under new ownership

Ever since working at a Cedar Rapids Dairy Queen as a teenager, Cari Nguyen wanted…

Linn County sets public meetings to review Duane Arnold Solar projects

Linn County officials have scheduled public meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission and the…

Solar panels

First Avenue Wine House closing; fires hit Dairy Queen, Shuey’s

After nearly 20 years in business, the First Avenue Wine House will be closing later…

A selection of wines at the First Avenue Wine House in Cedar Rapids.

Capo Italian Beef opens inside NewBo City Market

A new restaurant featuring Italian beef and other Italian-inspired dishes is now open inside the…

Capo Italian Beef

Iowa gaming officials: Linn County casino application ‘on hold’

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, meeting Thursday at the Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg,…

A rendering of the proposed Cedar Crossing casino project

Despite two-year moratorium, developers unveil plans for Cedar Rapids casino complex

While acknowledging the likelihood that a two-year moratorium on new casino licenses will be enacted,…

A rendering of the proposed Cedar Crossing casino project

Cedar Rapids conference speaker: Economic growth rooted locally

As a native of the Chicago suburb of Matteson, Illinois, Dr. Keith Taylor said it…

Dr. Keith Taylor

Hy-Vee, Worley plan new warehouse facilities in Cedar Rapids

The Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday unanimously authorized city financial incentives for two new…

Hy-Vee warehouse

New memory care development in CR to begin construction 

Construction is set to begin soon on a new housing development in northeast Cedar Rapids…

Report: 53.1% of Iowa real estate agents are female, below U.S. average

The residential real estate sales profession is dominated by women, but the percentage of female…

Home sales homeownership 2023

Council votes to advance Cedar Rapids Country Club expansion plan

Indicating they felt confident previously-expressed concerns had been adequately addressed, the Cedar Rapids City Council…

A rendering shows the proposed design of the Cedar Rapids Country Club expansion indoor tennis facility.

Proposed casino license moratorium upsets Cedar Rapids supporters

UPDATED: Supporters of a proposed Cedar Rapids casino are decrying a measure approved by the…

roulette wheel casino game

Raptors FC launching indoor soccer teams in Cedar Rapids

Professional indoor soccer is returning to Cedar Rapids. Officials with the Iowa Raptors FC and…