Latest news with #KimReynolds
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Google announces $7 billion investment in Iowa, including new Cedar Rapids data center
Google will invest $7 billion to officially build a data center in Cedar Rapids and expand cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in its Council Bluffs complex, more than doubling its existing investment in Iowa. State and city leaders say the May 30 announcement positions Iowa and Cedar Rapids as leaders in delivering AI technology to the world, and said it signals the state's role in staying ahead of emerging technologies. "This additional investment isn't just a corporate decision," Gov. Kim Reynolds said. "It's a powerful endorsement of our state, of our communities and our potential. It's a catalyst for prosperity and Iowa's future, and we are so proud to stand alongside one of the most innovative companies in the world.' Google has invested $6.8 billion in Iowa since launching its multimillion-dollar data center in Council Bluffs in 2007. Company officials didn't share how the $7 billion would be split between Iowa facilities. Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said it is a privilege to live in a time where AI is emerging. "It's been called the golden era of American innovation, and I truly believe it is," Porat said. "And our deep, longstanding investments in American technical infrastructure and in research development will help the world continue to lead in AI with all the benefits that come. It's about the economic upside." The Iowa Economic Development Authority board in March 2024 signed off on the city of Cedar Rapids' use of $56 million in tax abatements for the $576 million project, which is among the city's largest on record. The Cedar Rapids City Council approved a development agreement for the project in February 2024 with a company that was not named at the time to build one or more data centers on the city's far south side near the Eastern Iowa Airport in the Big Cedar Industrial Center. As part of that agreement, the project will create at least 31 jobs paying at least $31.44 per hour. Cedar Rapids can leverage the state's High-Quality Jobs program — which provides tax credits and refunds to businesses that move to or expand in Iowa — to give Google a 20-year break on property taxes that would otherwise increase with the completed data center's assessed value. But the whole data center campus is expected to create hundreds more jobs as well as temporary construction jobs. Google has upped its investment in Iowa facilities, investing another $600 million in its already $5 billion, 1,000-acre Council Bluffs complex in 2022 and another $1 billion in 2024. Microsoft and Meta have joined it in Iowa, building data centers in locations including Altoona and West Des Moines. Apple opened a 400,000-square-foot data center in Waukee in 2024. This is a developing story and will be updated. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @marissajpayne. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Google will invest $7B in Iowa, including new Cedar Rapids data center
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gabe on the Go: Cuddling with goats in Cumming
CUMMING, Iowa — Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch started out as just that — a greenhouse and pumpkin patch. But now, the attraction has become so much more — and it's a place you can visit year-round. The late spring and summer months are goat cuddling 'season' at Howell's. Visitors are able to cuddle with baby goats, which some visitors have expressed almost feels like therapy. More stories: Gabe on the Go There are also two massive playgrounds and lots of space for little ones to run around and play. A silo has been turned into a 'corn pool,' essentially a giant sandbox that is instead filled with corn. In addition, kids will find a station to make mud pies. Goat cuddling attracts adults and kids, but adults will also enjoy the greenhouse where flowers and plants can be purchased. Next to the greenhouse is a farm market where visitors can continue to shop. Later in the year, flower fields will also be part of the visitor experience, including a sunflower field for the late summer and fall months. Other fall activities will include the namesake pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other activities. Howell's is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Hours extend to 6 PM in September and October. They are closed on most holidays. For more information, visit their website here. Gabe on the Go: Cuddling with goats in Cumming Sausage plant planned for Perry, 500 new jobs to be created Inside look at Final Four in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest Forecast: Thursday raindrops, then heat Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill aimed at growing rural hospital workforces Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What you need to know before you go: May 29, 2025
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Here are the top headlines from this morning. Hundreds of Siouxlanders gathered to show their support to loved ones deploying to the Middle East through the Iowa National Guard. Iowans say farewell to National Guard members deploying overseas Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill to incentivize medical students to practice in Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill to help grow rural hospital workforces South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson spoke to students in Vermillion. Rep. Dusty Johnson speaks to students in Vermillion about moves being made in Washington Check out these headlines and more in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
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Inside look at Final Four in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest
DES MOINES, Iowa — There's just one week left of voting in the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest, and now's the time to learn more about the Final Four before casting your vote. This is the second year of the contest, hosted by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and Midwest One Bank. Last year, the Vermeer Automatic Hay Baler won the first contest. This year, four companies from around the state are left in the running following weeks of community voting. Viking Pump is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and has spent over a century designing pumps for fuel, asphalt, oil, and more. The CHC Chocolate Pump has been changing the game for over a decade and is an unsung hero in the chocolate industry. 'We started with a couple small manufacturers in and around the Chicago area, and then have grown that out to some of our larger customers So, this has basically become the standard chocolate pump for some of the biggest chocolate makers around the world. It includes Hershey's, Mars, and others,' said Chad Wunderlich, Viking Pump Business Development Manager. Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill aimed at growing rural hospital workforces The Moose Fireplace Grill out of Red Oak, Iowa is a newer product, at just over a year old. The Moose combines the cooking ability of a grill and the recreation of the fireplace into one unit. The founder says coming this far in just a year is amazing. 'To me the way, and this is that's truly is from the bottom of my heart, the number of people that have supported us and come out and voted for us. It just takes my breath away,' said Mark Allen, Moose Grill Founder. Country Maid out of West Bend, Iowa, became a household name through the Butter Braid. Originally sold at a farmers' market, the Butter Braid has grown into a leader in fundraising dealership across the country. Butter Braid has helped raise more than $320 million for local causes. 'What started in a garage in West Bend, Iowa has grown into a product that supports schools, teams, and communities across the country through fundraising. This recognition isn't just about a pastry—it's about people. It's about purpose. And it's about the power of community rallying behind something that makes a real difference. We're so grateful to everyone who has voted, shared, and supported us on this journey. It reminds us why we do what we do every single day,' said Ashley Akridge, Country Maid COO and Marketing Director. Finally, a well-known Iowa product, John Deere. The CP770 Cotton Picker was introduced in 2021 and continues to be a leader in cotton harvesting technology. The picker is larger, faster, and more efficient than previous models. The model features smart tech that offers guidance to farmers in the fields. The final round of voting started on May 23 and goes through June 3. The winner will be announced during the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Taking Care of Business Conference on June 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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4 days ago
- Business
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Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill aimed at growing rural hospital workforces
GUTHRIE CENTER, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds signed her top priority into law on Wednesday afternoon. The Governor signed her own proposed legislation at the Guthrie County Hospital, with state health care leaders, lawmakers and health care workers in attendance. The bill, HF 972, has a plethora of provisions aimed at incentivizing medical students in the state to practice here. 'Iowa ranks 40th in the number of residency slots available to medical students, which means many of our graduates from Iowa medical schools don't get a chance to continue their education and training here,' said Reynolds. The bill sets up a loan repayment program for medical students who commit to work in a rural health care system for at least five years — doubling the funding of the existing program to nearly $8 million. Families part ways with 1,800 Iowa soldiers at deployment sendoff ceremonies Iowa Health and Human Services is also directed to work on receiving $150 million in federal funding that will allow 115 new residency slots to be added annually to Iowa's medical schools. 'Just three to four years from now, the amount of time it takes for a typical residency rotation, we could have up to 450 more physicians being trained right here in Iowa, with some ready to enter the workforce, and we're going to be ready for them,' said Reynolds. The legislation also sets up a $3 million health care credential granting program that will allow hospitals to educate and train future health care workers. 'It's no secret there's a physician shortage and a nurse shortage,' said Chris Stipe, the CEO of the Guthrie County Hospital. 'But let's be honest, there's a shortage of all qualified health care workers in nearly every field. And workforce shortages are often more severe in smaller communities. If we are to continue to effectively care for our rural Iowa communities, critical strategies such as loan forgiveness programs and graduate medical education programs must be funded and expanded and run efficiently.' Governor Reynolds also signed another bill, HF 310, into law that expands the legal definition of 'health care provider' to protect more health care workers who are assaulted while at work by an individual. Outside of expanding the definition, the penalties were increased for anyone who commits the crime. Iowa News: Forecast: Thursday raindrops, then heat Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill aimed at growing rural hospital workforces Families part ways with 1,800 Iowa soldiers at deployment send-off ceremonies Funnel clouds reported in Iowa today Pella Middle School teacher earns Golden Apple Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
