Latest news with #MidAmericanEnergy
Axios
4 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Iowa defies trend with cheaper electricity amid AI boom
Iowa's electricity prices decreased over the past year, while most other states experienced increases. Why it matters: Keeping rates affordable is crucial as the state emerges as a hub for energy-intensive industries like AI-powered data centers and cryptocurrency mining. Clean energy advocates warn that the phase-out of wind and solar tax breaks could disrupt the movement and cause higher utility bills. State of play: Iowa leads the country in the percentage of electricity it uses that's generated by wind, which can buffer against fossil fuel price spikes and promote pricing stability. DSM-based MidAmerican Energy attributes nearly $16 billion in wind and solar projects over the past two decades for helping to keep its rates affordable. By the numbers: The nationwide average retail residential price for 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity rose from 16.41 cents to 17.47 cents between May 2024 and May 2025, per the latest available data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a gain of about 6.5%. Some states saw much larger increases, such as Maine (+36.3%), Connecticut (+18.4%) and Utah (+15.2%). Five states experienced decreases: Nevada (-17.7%), Hawai'i (-7%), Montana (-2.6%), Iowa (-0.5%) and North Dakota (-0.1%). Zoom in: Iowa's average rate is $14.23, the 15th lowest in the nation as of May, but higher than several neighboring states, including Missouri ($12.97) and Nebraska ($13.18), according to the data. Hawaii ($41.03) and California ($35.03) had the highest rates.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why are flags at half-staff today? Reynolds orders flags lowered for senator's funeral
Flags around Iowa will be at half-staff on Thursday, July 3. Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags be lowered from sunrise to sunset on July 3. All flags on public grounds will be at half-staff. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to do the same. Flags are lowered on Thursday in honor and remembrance of Iowa Senator Rocky De Witt, who died of pancreatic cancer on June 25. He was 66. De Witt represented Senate District 1, which covers Woodbury County, including Sioux City and Lawton. More: Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt dies of pancreatic cancer at age 66 The state senator had a 22-year career with MidAmerican Energy. He went on to work as a deputy for the Woodbury Sheriff's Office. De Witt also served on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors and was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022. Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff. Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole. When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy. Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@ or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff today? Iowa honors Sen. Rocky De Witt
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt dies of pancreatic cancer at age 66
Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt, a Republican from Lawton, has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 66. In a statement, Gov. Kim Reynolds said she and her husband Kevin were "deeply saddened" to learn of De Witt's passing on Wednesday, June 25. She said De Witt "spent a life dedicated to serving his neighbors in Northwest Iowa" before his election to the Iowa Senate in 2022. He represented Senate District 1, which covers much of Woodbury County, including Sioux City and Lawton. "In just three years, Rocky made a profound impact in the state legislature, all while heroically battling cancer," Reynolds said. "Rocky was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. His family and friends remain in our prayers.' Iowa law requires Reynolds to call a special election to fill his Iowa Senate seat within five days. De Witt's four-year term ends in January 2027. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, who in 2024 announced he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor, said he and De Witt "developed an uncommon bond as we both journeyed through cancer diagnoses together." "He was loved by everyone in our caucus, and he will be deeply missed by all of us," Whitver said. "He was part of our Senate Republican family, and we mourn with his family just as we would mourn any member of our own.' De Witt worked for MidAmerican Energy for 22 years and formerly worked in courthouse security for the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office. He previously served on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. He was a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights and was a lifetime NRA member and a federally licensed gun dealer, according to a Senate news release. 'Rocky was a passionate defender of the rights of the individual," Whitver said. "From the Second Amendment, to life, and the right of Iowans to keep more of the money they earn, Iowans could count on Rocky to protect their life, liberties and pursuit of happiness." He led efforts to pass for a second time a constitutional amendment requiring a legislative supermajority to raise income taxes. Senate President Amy Sinclair said De Witt "will be greatly missed at the Capitol and at home" and shared condolences to his family, friends and constituents. 'I am privileged to have had the opportunity to serve with Senator De Witt," Sinclair said. "His common-sense approach and grounded demeanor were a great asset to our caucus, as he faithfully served the people of Senate District 1. Despite his painful battle with cancer, he was selflessly devoted to our state serving his constituents until the end. His legacy of public service to Woodbury County and the State of Iowa will continue to inspire me." Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, said in a statement that her and her fellow Senate Democrats' thoughts were with the De Witt family as they grieve the late senator. 'Sen. De Witt and I may not have agreed on every legislative issue, but I always respected his dedication to his work for the people of Iowa, even while battling his illness," Weiner said. De Witt was a father and grandfather and member of Morningside Lutheran Church, according to a news release. 'The two positions Rocky held were honors that he did not take for granted," his nephew Kolby De Witt said in a statement on social media. "Rocky understood that he was a caretaker of the two seats that he was elected to, and that they ultimately belong to Iowans. I consider myself blessed to have been part of Rocky's family, and my opportunity to walk with him through the difficulties and triumphs of public service." Whitver shared De Witt's closing remarks on the 2025 legislative session that he said reflected the late senator's values. "The Iowa state Constitution does not belong to this chamber, it doesn't belong to the House, it doesn't belong to the governor, it doesn't even belong to the State of Iowa," De Witt wrote. "It belongs to the people of this state. It belongs to the citizens of this state, and they have entrusted us to protect that Constitution. Why? It is a barrier between the citizens and government. It's not a guardrail, not a little lowly speed bump, it's a barrier that guarantees those folks that voted us in their freedoms, and freedom from excessive taxation is real." 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 story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt dies of pancreatic cancer at age 66
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Vehicle crashes into southside Des Moines home
DES MOINES, Iowa — Police are investigating after a car crashed into a house Tuesday afternoon on Des Moines' south side. The crash happened around 12:15 p.m. at the T intersection of Army Post Road and SW 18th Street, just east of the Des Moines International Airport. Newton death investigation underway after body found during search warrant execution The vehicle appears to have struck the corner of a home and a utility pole at the location. MidAmerican Energy made repairs to the power lines at the scene. Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department said a traffic unit is investigating what caused the crash. Police have not released any information about whether anyone was home at the time of the crash or whether the driver was injured. Check back to for updates as they become available. Vehicle crashes into southside Des Moines home Local impact of corporate sponsors pulling funding for Pride month At least 1 person injured in Des Moines apartment fire early Tuesday Des Moines City Council approves lighting for MacRae Park boardwalk DMPS opens free summer meal sites Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
04-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Des Moines Pride experiences sponsorship pullback
Des Moines' Capital City Pride may lose up to $75,000 in corporate sponsorships this year — a sign of a broader national pullback during Pride Month, executive director Wes Mullins tells Axios. Why it matters: Some companies are scaling back on Pride Month sponsorships under pressure from political and cultural backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Local organizers have scrambled to fill the financial void to pull off this week's flagship Pride events. State of play: Capital City Pride filled the funding gap with new grants and record-breaking individual support from its March gala, Mullins said. He declined to identify corporate sponsors that have reduced or ended sponsorship. Between the lines: Several longtime sponsors — including Nationwide and MidAmerican Energy — are absent from this year's Capital City Pride list, per an Axios comparison of 2024 and 2025 public records. What they're saying: Nationwide declined to comment. MidAmerican Energy frequently alters its sponsorships among various organizations, and although it is not a sponsor of this year's Pride, a group of its employees will walk in the parade on its behalf, said spokesperson Geoff Greenwood. The other side: Mullins said he reminds sponsors that the LGBTQ+ community — and Capital City Pride — are worth every dollar. "I make the strong case that this is a good investment and there is no reason to fear the retribution that some worry about, but instead, more people will be proud to see your support," he said. Reality check: Many factors influence sponsorship decisions, and not being listed doesn't necessarily mean that a company no longer supports the event's mission, Mullins said. Coldwell Banker, for example, tells Axios that its 2024 sponsorship was associated with a DSM agent and office that is no longer part of the company. Yes, but: While Capital City Pride and its $600,000 event budget are not struggling this year, organizers are still seeking private donors, partly because they believe corporate donations may decline further in the coming years, Mullins said. Events like meet-and-greets with Bob the Drag Queen sold out weeks in advance. Vendor spots are nearly filled to capacity, and participation in the Pride Parade remains robust, he said. Zoom in: Teen and family programming has been expanded, and cast members from "Hamilton" will perform on the main stage as part of this week's celebrations.
