DES MOINES, IOWA (July 2, 2020) — On Wednesday, July 1, the US Department of Labor awarded Iowa $3,450,000 in grant funds intended to support activities that improve the State's ability to serve, improve, and expand the Registered Apprenticeship Program model.

DES MOINES, IOWA (July 2, 2020) — The number of initial claims in Iowa, filed between Sunday, June 21, and Saturday, June 27, was 8,300. There were 7,617 initial claims by individuals who work and live in Iowa, and 683 claims by individuals who work in Iowa and live in another state. The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims for June 21-27 was 143,488.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 30, 2020) — The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) annual meeting highlighted downtown past and future economic development plans, infrastructure and livability projects, and communications and advocacy efforts to support area businesses in the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID).

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 30, 2020) — The Iowa Business Council (IBC) released its second-quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2020. The survey's overall economic-outlook index rose to 41.25, increasing 3.75 points from Q1 of 2020 when IBC members' outlook hit its lowest point since 2009. Measuring below 50, this figure continues to demonstrate negative sentiment.

WASHINGTON DC (June 30, 2020) — US Secretary of the Interior David L Bernhardt announced that more than 1,900 local governments around the country will receive $514.7 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2020.

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 26, 2020) — The Iowa Finance Authority is seeking nominations for the thirteenth annual HousingIowa Awards. The HousingIowa Awards recognize outstanding programs, projects and individuals in all sectors of Iowa’s housing industry for their leadership and innovation in advancing housing opportunities in Iowa. Award nominations are due July 31.

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 26, 2020) — Iowa Workforce Development announced an increase to the amount of maximum weekly benefits paid to unemployed Iowans and to workers injured on the job.  The new benefit payment schedules apply to individuals who file new unemployment insurance claims for the week beginning July 5, 2020, and to workers injured on or after July 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (June 25, 2020) — The number of nonfarm jobs decreased over-the-year in May in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas, with six metro areas at record low payrolls, according to preliminary data released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 25, 20202) — The number of initial claims in Iowa, filed between Sunday, June 14, and Saturday, June 20, was 8,542. There were 7,835 initial claims by individuals who work and live in Iowa, and 707 claims by individuals who work in Iowa and live in another state. The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims for June 14-20 was 153,771.

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 24, 2020) — The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Research Center released a survey with an update on the state of small business and the progress with federal loan programs. Twenty-seven percent of owners reported experiencing a significant or moderate increase in sales due to eased restrictions in the states.

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