Iowa Legislature

The Business News Headlines and More 16 November 2023

Welcome to the Thursday Edition of the Business News Headlines where workers at GM have ratified their new contract. That story kicks things off today.  Also, make sure you click through for some hyper-local Des Moines, Iowa news about a lack of funding for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus service. My guest is Erin Hockman as we talk about cutting service by 40% or finding alternative funding sources. It's a big story. Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you: 
It's all over but the contract signing at GM;
Thousands of Starbucks workers walked off today;
The hot labor market is showing signs of cooling off;
Walmart said consumers cut back in late October;
RTO is a big thing but will your office be...big enough?
We're talking Taco Bell food today;
The Wall Street Report;
And, Amazon about to go big with online auto sales.
For the Interview you'll meet Erin Hockman from the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority who helps us better understand the possible 40% cut in bus service unless an alternate funding source can be put into place. This is something that is impactful to both employers and employees and a must listen segment. To hear our conversation click this link. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Funding Issues, DART and a 40% Cut in Service

One of the most impactful issues facing workers and employers is transportation. If a family doesn't own a reliable vehicle or if people don't want/need that expense their option if public transportation...get on the bus...Gus.  However a lack of funding has the Des Moines Area Transit Authority (DART) considering a 40% cut in service. Is there a solution?  Meet Erin Hockman the Chief External Affairs Officer for DART who shares not only the impact of a cut but also how we can fix the funding shortfall.  And, yes, you get a chance to weigh in on the proposed "franchise fee" increase at a number of public forums you can find here on the DART Website. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 10 August 2023

Inflation, my friends, is…easing. It may not feel like that but it is true and this is the Business News Headlines for Thursday the 10th day of August…thanks for being with us. Also, just so you know, today is the opening of the Great Iowa State Fair and no, we did not make it.  Also today we're talking about how, perhaps, the State of Iowa is making it more difficult to recruit and retain workers.  Our guest is Sara Parris who is with Annie's Foundation and we're talking about the unintended issues related to book bans. And, if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The Inflation Story is...hot;
Some major changes coming to Disney+ and Hulu;
Restaurants charging for...empty plates?  Yep;
He loves his job. At 23 he is cranking in over $600,000 a year;
Amazon is ditching the majority of its clothing lines;
The Wall Street Report;
Business travel costs to rise this year and next.
For the interview you'll be meeting Sara Parris one of five mothers who have formed Annie's Foundation a group that is active against the legislation in Iowa that calls for banning books but which also doesn't give much direction. So, the business angle? This is one of many laws passed by the Iowa Legislature that may be making it more difficult to recruit and retain qualified workers.  And, yes, we'll talk about that.  To listen to Sara click this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines & More 31 March 2023

Welcome everybody to the Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines. Here we'll offer up some of the big stories of the day along with an interesting interview about some bills working through the Iowa Legislature that deals with Child Labor Laws.  My guest is Charlie Wishman the President of the Iowa Federation of Labor who says his group is not against kids getting a job but says those jobs need to be safe and "age appropriate".  You can listen to that conversation after the news. Also, remember that you can hook up with us all day on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:  
Paying for the Blue Check on Twitter...nope;
The Tesla Semi is being recalled and why;
A new survey about TikToc is out and what you think;
Meanwhile Italy is banning a new technology;
Pay Raises, Railroads and Derailments;
The new numbers are out about inflation;
The Wall Street Report;
The big gaming conference...ain't gonna happen.
Those stories plus a conversation with Charlie Wishman from the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO who visits with us about the danger that could impact children and families in Iowa. To be clear this organization is not against children picking up a job...a safe job. Their concern is much deeper. You can learn more about the potential impact by following this link and story from the Iowa Federation of Labor and you can listen to our conversation here...
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Child Labor Laws - A Problematic Solution with Charlie Wishman

There are two Child Labor Bills working their way through the Iowa Legislature that should have the attention of every parent and grandparent in the state. While we do not engage in political conversation we do concentrate on business stories and this truly is one. Here Charlie Wishman the President of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO visits with us about the danger that could impact children and families in Iowa. To be clear this organization is not against children picking up a job...a safe job. Their concern is much deeper. You can learn more about the potential impact by following this link and story from the Iowa Federation of Labor and you can listen to our conversation here...
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines & More 27 March 2023

Welcome to the Monday Edition of the Business News Headlines!  We're grateful that you're spending some time with us.  Coming up today we kick things off with a tipping story and how you are spending more in more places in more ways.  Also, make sure you click ahead and give a listen to our conversation about advertising and marketing with  Jeff Pfeifer of TractorHouse.com. Also, remember that you can hook up with us all day on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:  
Tipping or having you pay worker wages;
The settlement comes to $240,000 and why;
Disney begins laying off workers...how many?
The economics of...Food Stamps or SNAP funds;
This recreation vehicle maker just bought a battery plant;
Farmers to get more federal assistance;
The Wall Street Report;
Got a "side hustle"?  Nearly half of you do.
For the interview you'll meet Jeff Pfeifer of TractorHouse.com.  We hooked up during a recent trip to Nashville for the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association and talked advertising, marketing, niche publications, media choices, website and more.  No matter what industry you are in this is a conversation that should interest you.  To listen click this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Healthcare, Community Hospitals and Broadlawns with Dr. Anthony Coleman

It really does not matter where you live when you hear this conversation about healthcare and community hospitals because what my guest, Dr. Anthony Coleman, President/CEO of Broadlawns Medical Center is impactful across the US. Here we'll talk about how your Zip Code can determine your health. We talk about the four factors that determine the state of a persons health. The yet to be named sobriety center, workforce issues, funding and the state of Medicaid reimbursement in Iowa. We think you will find this to be an amazing story because it has to do with everyone.  Meet Dr. Anthony Coleman. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines & More 7 February 2023

This is the Tuesday Edition of the Business News Headlines, thanks for being with us again today. along with the headlines from the world of business we've also got an extended conversation with the President of the Iowa State Education Association, Mike Beranek. In this wide ranging interview we touch on so many of the issues facing school teachers and administrators. From funding public schools to the work/life balance of teaching.  Make sure you click through for that story. Also, remember that you can hook up with us all day on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today: 
Fed Chair Powell and what he said;
And what then drove the markets;
Consumers are reluctant to buy and...why;
Oh boy...lots going on over at Disney;
Another oil company reports massive profits;
Weak sales at Chipotle made the news;
The Wall Street Report;
Ever heard of "Power Buyers"? You will today.
For the interview you'll hear from Mike Beranek who leads the Iowa State Education Association. As we wrote in the open there is much to talk about when it comes to public education in this state...and in others.  To listen to this conversation and gain some insight in what educators and administrators face, feel free to click here.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
 

A Crisis in Education from Funding to Expectations with Mike Beranek

There is so much going on when it comes to education in Iowa and frankly many other states.  From inflation costs, to state support of public schools to teacher pay vs. a work/life balance to  public money being used to pay for private and often religious schools. In this interview with Mike Beranek the president of the Iowa State Education Association we take a deep dive into those issues and more. Oh, one other thing: the link between a solid public education and business as employer expectations demand better educated workers in a rapidly changing work environment.  So much to talk about. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

The Business News Headlines and More 19 December 2022

OK, we get it. For the next two weeks nobody does nothing that is unless you work at a hospital, gas station, the police department, retail stores, media, news...you get the idea.  Welcome to the Monday, December 19th Edition of the Business News Headlines. Glad you are with us again today.  Also stay with us and click ahead for an exclusive interview with Robert Palmer from the Iowa League of Cities as we talk about what the over 900 communities in Iowa have on their wish list from the Iowa Legislature that gavels to order on January 9.  Also, remember that you can hook up with us all day on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:
Gas prices and July of 2021;
Why are the Markets fixated on unemployment?
Twitter users say that Elon Musk must go;
A retail destination that has seen no "Shrinkflation";
McDonald's and some money saving deals;
The Wall Street Report;
Is working from home the reason for a lack of productivity at Salesforce?
For the Interview with Robert Palmer from the Iowa League of Cities is this exclusive conversation about the Legislative Values he and his team will be taking to the 2023 Iowa Legislature that gavels to order on January 9.  To listen just click this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.