News from The Des Moines Register

Flooding closes Des Moines trails, recreation areas

Jun 17, 2013 7:26 pm

FLOODING IN DES MOINES: Rising water levels have forced the closure of a number of Des Moines trails and recreation areas.

Records show several NCAA violations in UI Athletics Department

Jun 17, 2013 6:25 pm

NCAA VIOLATIONS: The University of Iowa Athletics Department reported several NCAA and Big Ten Conference violations, many of them accidental calls or text messages, between Aug. 10, 2012 and May 15, ...

Smithfield shareholder urges breakup over sale to Chinese

Jun 17, 2013 5:56 pm

One of Smithfield Foods Inc.'s largest shareholders says a $4.72 billion takeover bid from China's largest meat producer falls short of what the company would be worth if sold off piece by piece.

Parents to receive refunds from closed child care center

Jun 17, 2013 5:48 pm

Parents with children enrolled in a now-closed Urbandale child care center will receive full refunds of their deposits in the next two to three weeks, according to an email from the company.

Iowa's adorable, fluffy cows go viral

Jun 17, 2013 5:33 pm

FLUFFY COWS: Texas Tornado has become an Internet sensation as a fluffy cow. Never mind that he's a bull.

Fifty Iowa troops returning from Afghanistan combat duty on Tuesday

Jun 17, 2013 4:46 pm

About 50 soldiers from an Iowa National Guard unit that has spent the past year on combat duty in Afghanistan will be returning to Waterloo on Tuesday for a welcome home ceremony.

Outback Steakhouse brawl in Cedar Rapids injures pregnant waitress

Jun 17, 2013 4:36 pm

Authorities are investigating what caused a brawl to break out at a steakhouse in Cedar Rapids over the weekend.

Hearing on MidAmerican Energy rate increase today

Jun 17, 2013 4:33 pm

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY: A hearing on MidAmerican Energy Co.'s proposed $135.6 million, three-year rate increase will be held today at 5:30 p.m. at the Iowa Utilities Board office,. MidAmerican serves abou...

New app for Iowa's state parks -- if you can get a signal

Jun 17, 2013 4:23 pm

IOWA TECHNOLOGY: A free mobile app for state parks, known as the Iowa State Parks & Recreation Guide, has been developed through the Iowa Parks Foundation.

Branstad: Dept. of Education considering changes to start-date policy

Jun 17, 2013 4:00 pm

The Iowa Department of Education is working on changes to its current policy on school start dates, Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday.