Train shipments of grain, fertilizer, lumber, produce and fuel will not come to a screeching halt on Friday, as a strike that could have idled freight and passenger trains across the state and country seems to have been averted -- for now.
Members of one union rejected a tentative deal with the largest U.S. freight railroads Wednesday, while two ratified agreements and three others remained at the bargaining table just days ahead of a strike deadline, threatening to intensify snarls in the nation's supply chain that have contributed to rising prices.
Little sign of progress has been seen ahead of a massive potential walkout beginning this Friday, after freight railroads and labor unions that represent more than 90,000 workers have held talks to try to avoid a strike that could cost the U.S. economy more than $2 billion a day.
Coralville-based Heartland Express has purchased a Joplin, Mo., truckload and logistics company in a deal valued at $525 million.
By adding railroad crossing gates and flashing lights, Cedar Rapids may apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration for a quiet zone designation that reduces the use of train whistles by up to 40 percent. The project has been delayed by COVID-19 and material shortages.
While not a silver bullet, Eastern Iowa airport officials say raising the retirement age will help airlines contend with a pilot shortage that have caused them to cut flights.
Some 1,191 exhibitors from around the globe are displaying their newest developments at the Farnborough International Airshow, which will run through Friday.
Fewer flight delays expected this weekend
Businesses in the Corridor, as with everywhere around the country, have added inflation to their list of worries
American Airlines plans to drop service at Dubuque Regional Airport in September, the fourth city to which the carrier has cut service amid an ongoing shortage of pilots.
Recap of news from across the state
Already this year, there have been 110 fatalities on Iowa roads, which is 15 more than a year ago at this time and 29 more than in 2020, according to Iowa Department of Transportation data. Based on the current number, an Iowa State Patrol spokesman said Iowa is on track to see 360 fatalities this year.
The shocks of high gasoline costs are ricocheting through the economy as prices continue to rise, and industry analysts see little relief.
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