News
Iowa unemployment at 6.6 percent
Des Moines — Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined slightly to 6.6 percent in December from 6.7 percent in November, continuing a five-month streak of relatively stable unemployment. One year ago, the state’s jobless rate was reported at 4.4 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 10.0 percent in December.
“The state’s deep cuts in nonfarm employment in December sent a signal that the long-awaited economic recovery remains elusive,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Companies are still reluctant to hire, making it increasingly difficult for unemployed workers to find jobs.”
The statewide estimate of unemployed workers edged down to 110,800 in December from 111,900 in November, but was 37,100 higher than the December 2008 level of 73,700.
The total number of working Iowans rose slightly to 1,573,000 in December from 1,570,300 in November. One year ago, total employment was 29,900 higher at 1,602,900.
Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment
Total nonfarm employment in Iowa decreased by 13,200 in December, bringing the total to 1,468,800. The drop was significantly more than expected, and followed two consecutive months of increases. The losses were attributable to the extremely harsh weather that occurred during December, coupled with the prolonged weakness in the Iowa economy. All major sectors contracted in December with the exception of finance, up 600; and government, which remained unchanged.
Trade and transportation declined the most in December, down 4,200 jobs. The majority of the losses were concentrated in retail trade, which reflected a weak hiring pattern for this year’s holiday season. Wholesale trade shed 1,100 jobs; many were related to farm supply and equipment merchants. Elsewhere, leisure and hospitality dropped 3,300 jobs. Restaurants accounted for the largest portion of the drop, down 2,000 jobs. Weather also curtailed many construction projects, causing a drop of 1,900 in the construction sector. Both durable and nondurable goods manufacturing experienced job cuts, resulting in a loss of 1,800 for overall manufacturing. Other services, health services and professional and business services posted drops of less than 1,000.
Compared to last December, the Iowa economy has lost 40,100 jobs. Manufacturing still leads all sectors in terms of losses, down 19,900 over the year. Trade and transportation and construction followed with losses of 7,900 and 7,700, respectively. Education and health services remained the most resilient sector, adding 2,600 jobs since December 2008.
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Cop car involved in accident
A Knoxville Police car was involved in a collision Sunday night.
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IWD Announces a Deadline Extension for Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Director Elisabeth Buck announced today that Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) will begin immediate work to reactivate approximately 16,000 Iowans who may now be eligible for additional weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits now that Congress has passed a deadline extension.
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Brooks Garden is dedicated
A ribbon cutting was held Saturday morning for Knoxville's pocket park, Brooks Garden.
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Community Foundation awards gifts
The Marion County Community Foundation disbursed checks as part of its 2010 campaign this morning.
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You decide: CNBC report on Iowa job climate
The Journal-Express received a report from the Democrat majority, touting a recent report by CNBC which placed Iowa sixth in the nation for doing business. However, Sen. Paul McKinley believes the very Democrats celebrating this have worked to undermine Iowa's advantages over other states.
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Save the Children calls Iowa unprepared
Almost five years after Hurricane Katrina, a new report reveals that Iowa meets zero out of four minimum criteria for protecting children in disasters.
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Farmland Leasing meeting in Pella
Iowa State University Extension in Marion County is hosting a farmland leasing meeting on Tuesday morning, Aug. 3, beginning at 9 a,m.
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Breaking news: Pavement blowup to affect Rock Island traffic
There has been a pavement blowup on Rock Island Street on the east side of the intersection with Brobst Street.
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Baseball team going to state!
After a 7-2 victory over Mt. Pleasant last night, the Knoxville HIgh School boys' baseball team punched its ticket to the state tournament once again.
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Cop car involved in accident
