Alec Schierenbeck

No credit? No collateral? No problem

In strip malls across the country, under signs with phrases like “Fast Cash” and “EZ Money,” nearly anyone with a pay stub, a bank statement and a photo ID can take out a high-interest cash loan in a matter of minutes, without collateral and with few questions asked. Called payday loans, these small cash payments made in anticipation of a payday have spawned a $59 billion-a-year industry nationwide.

A Supermarket in Limbo

This week Hy-Vee Inc. revealed that its Harding Hills supermarket, the subject of bitter controversy since the company announced last fall that it would close the store, will remain open in its current form for two to three years.

The announcement, which came during a closed-door meeting between Hy-Vee leadership and representatives from Iowa Citizens for [...]

Grocers’ Food Assistance Program Funding Likely to Change, Senator Says

Funding for a state program that transfers about $1 million a year to Iowa grocers that process purchases made with federal food assistance  is likely to be at least reduced, according to State Sen. Tom Courtney, Chair of the Government Oversight Committee.

Courtney’s comments to the Iowa Independent Tuesday follow a hearing to examine the program [...]