Iowa Ideas

Leveraging the onetime influx of federal funding through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, here’s how Iowa communities are giving key priorities a boost to promote long-term growth as the nation shakes off the fiscal toll of COVID-19.

Health care systems statewide will need to continue supporting the front line staff currently responding to the ongoing pandemic, and take innovative steps to improve the strength of the workforce, local health care leaders said during the 2021 Iowa Ideas Conference hosted by The Gazette.

Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and first female space station commander, reflected on her experiences in space, her current work with Axiom Space and her training as the backup commander for the first Axiom commercial space flight to the International Space Station at The Gazette’s Iowa Ideas conference Friday.

The governor earlier this week threw the issue of banning workplace COVID-19 vaccine mandates into the special-session mix. But top GOP legislators said Thursday it probably would be considered only “if the right solution is ready” when they return to the Capitol later this month.

Whitson sold chickens for $2 each to get money for flying license, and other fun facts

Gain greater understanding of what issues, challenges and solutions we face as a state. Free registration at www.iowaideas.com

It was “survival mode” for most not-for-profits across the state in 2020

Micro-credentialing gains popularity in helping people acquire job skills

After more than a year of emergencies, Iowa hospitals are reflecting on lessons learned from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other concurrent events, including the derecho.

As Iowa continues to face workforce shortages, accepting diversity could make the difference between surviving and thriving

Making it easier to use is key, officials say

Erin Foster, Linn County Mental Health Access Center director, says, “This is a no-judgment place where we understand the wide spectrum of crisis and are prepared to assist in any way that we can. We have some of the best organizations and people working here who know so much about how to navigate this difficult system.”