IOWA – Another powerful storm system is taking aim on Iowa, this time, with a final gasp of winter-like conditions for many on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, the northwest third of the state will likely see a combination of wet, heavy snow and wind gusts up to 50 MPH throughout much of the day. Widespread travel impacts are expected in areas such as Algona, Storm Lake, Mason City, Carroll, and Fort Dodge. While the rest of the state may avoid blizzard-like conditions, high winds will impact most Iowans at the same time regardless of the amount of snow involved. This comes just days after more than 14,000 MidAmerican customers lost electricity during severe thunderstorms last Friday.

IOWA – Iowa’s Labor Force Participation Rate rose to 67.0 percent in January, up from the 66.4 percent first announced for December, after growth and an annual revision of labor statistics added 31,000 people to the official estimate of Iowa’s workforce. That report was released on Monday. Even after the revision, January’s Labor Force Participation increased slightly from the revised December rate of 66.9 percent. Meanwhile, Iowa’s unemployment rate in January held steady with the revised December rate of 3.3 percent, while the U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 4.0 percent. The total number of unemployed Iowans increased to 56,500, up 200 from revised December data.

IOWA – Ten restaurants have been selected as finalists for Iowa’s best burger in 2025 by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. KCCI-TV reports Arcadia of Polk City, Big Head Burger of Waterloo, Dan’s Road House in Cresco, Halftime Bar and Grill in Pleasantville, Lewis and Lewis of Oskaloosa, Salsa Guy Cafe in Cedar Rapids, Smash and Grab in Knoxville, The Roadhouse of Sac City, and Wilder in Iowa City are the finalists.