From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
The U.S. Labor Department says Iowa’s newly approved ‘child labor expansion bill’ may violate federal law if signed by the Governor. Democrats have sought to stop the bill, which would ease restrictions on how many hours minors could work, and what types of jobs those could be. In a letter to legislative Democrats, the Labor Department says it is “explicitly prohibited” for 14 and 15-year-olds to perform non-incidental work in meat freezers, and it is “likely prohibited” for 14 and 15-year-olds to work in industrial laundries and perform light assembly work under federal law.
Cedar Rapids broke ground this afternoon on the Fulton Loft development project in the New Bohemia area of the city. This is a $10 million project that will create what’s called middle and market-rate housing. Developers say rent will be between $900 for studio and loft apartments, and $3,000 dollars a month for its top of the line three-bedroom units. City leaders say this project is adding a type of housing that’s in demand, especially in some growing parts of Cedar Rapids. The project is also receiving tax credits for re-purposing underutilized land.
The Iowa Department of Transportation says the Interstate 80 and 380 project should be finished earlier than expected. A spokesperson says all of the new ramps should be open by late summer or early fall. There will still be work, like putting in permanent signs and seeding around the interstate. That work will continue into next year.
Economic leaders in Mount Pleasant want ideas to figure out what to do with the Iowa Wesleyan campus. The University formally shuts down for good at the end of this month. It’s one of the oldest colleges in the state, operating for more than 180 years. Now, the Mount Pleasant Area of Commerce is starting a task force to decide the campus’s future. For now, the Department of Agriculture will take possession of the school and its buildings.
The Iowa Egg Council has announced which restaurant has the best omelet in the state. It’s the Chorizo omelet at Caroline’s Restaurant in the Hotel Julien in Dubuque. It has Spanish Chorizo, Green Onion, Avocado, Salsa, Cheddar and is served with a side of hash browns. If you want to try it, it goes for $14.
