Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Reorganizes Food Safety Service, Establishes National Center in Iowa

USDA Reorganizes Food Safety Service, Establishes National Center in Iowa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a reorganization of its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which includes the establishment of a new National Food Safety Center in Urbandale, Iowa. This reorganization aims to modernize operations, streamline support functions, and better align the agency with the nation's agricultural landscape. The new center will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations. The USDA's initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the agency's scientific capabilities and ensure the safety of the nation's food supply. The reorganization will also involve the creation of a Science Center in Athens, Georgia, to strengthen FSIS's scientific leadership.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Announces New National Food Safety Center in Urbandale to Enhance Food Safety Operations

USDA Announces New National Food Safety Center in Urbandale to Enhance Food Safety Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reorganizing its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) by establishing a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the agency's operations and align them with the current agricultural landscape in the United States. The NFSC will be located in a repurposed USDA facility and will house approximately 200 employees, making it the largest office within the agency. The center will serve as a central hub for nationwide food safety operations, providing support functions such as administration, education, management, training, and technology. According to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, the establishment of the NFSC aims to build a stronger and more resilient food safety system for the country.
1Weather 1Weather
Des Moines Ranks High for Pollen Levels Amid Spring Allergy Season

Des Moines Ranks High for Pollen Levels Amid Spring Allergy Season

Des Moines, Iowa, has been identified as one of the top 100 worst cities in the United States for allergies, ranking at number 31. This ranking comes as part of a broader analysis by the Get the Facts Data Team, which utilized data from Pollen.com. The entire state of Iowa is currently experiencing high pollen alerts, contributing to the challenging conditions for allergy sufferers. The spring allergy season is ongoing, and experts emphasize that pollen levels can vary significantly from year to year due to changes in weather and climate. Residents are advised to monitor pollen counts closely and take preventive measures to manage symptoms effectively.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Establishes National Food Safety Center in Urbandale to Enhance Operations

USDA Establishes National Food Safety Center in Urbandale to Enhance Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, as part of a broader reorganization of its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This initiative aims to modernize the agency's operations and better align with the current agricultural landscape in the United States. The NFSC will be housed in a repurposed USDA facility in Urbandale and will employ approximately 200 people, making it the largest office within the agency. The center will serve as a central hub for nationwide food safety operations, providing support functions such as administration, education, management, training, and technology. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized that this move is intended to build a stronger and more resilient food safety system for the country.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Establishes National Food Safety Center in Iowa to Enhance Food Safety Operations

USDA Establishes National Food Safety Center in Iowa to Enhance Food Safety Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to modernize its operations. A key component of this reorganization is the establishment of a new National Food Safety Center in Urbandale, Iowa. This center will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system by consolidating support functions and expanding scientific capabilities. The reorganization will not affect the FSIS frontline inspection workforce, which constitutes 85% of its employees. The USDA's efforts are part of a broader strategy to align its workforce with available resources and eliminate unnecessary management layers.
Reuters Reuters
Factbox-U.S. states where marijuana is legal

Factbox-U.S. states where marijuana is legal

April 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice is easing restrictions on certain marijuana products and accelerating the drug's reclassification as less dangerous, marking one of the biggest shifts to U.S. drug policy in decades.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA to Open National Food Safety Center in Urbandale Amid Reorganization

USDA to Open National Food Safety Center in Urbandale Amid Reorganization

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, as part of a broader reorganization of its Food Safety and Inspection Service. The NFSC will be located in a repurposed USDA facility and will house approximately 200 employees, making it the largest office within the agency. The center will serve as a central hub for nationwide food safety operations, focusing on administration, education, management, training, and technology. This move aims to modernize the USDA's operations and align them with the current agricultural landscape, enhancing the agency's ability to ensure food safety across the country.
Trendline Trendline
Collins Aerospace Secures Contracts to Enhance Cedar Rapids Production and Boost Regional Economy

Collins Aerospace Secures Contracts to Enhance Cedar Rapids Production and Boost Regional Economy

Collins Aerospace Secures Contracts to Enhance Cedar Rapids Production and Boost Regional Economy
Trendline Trendline
Corn Belt Ports and Higher Education Institutions Collaborate to Boost Maritime Workforce

Corn Belt Ports and Higher Education Institutions Collaborate to Boost Maritime Workforce

Corn Belt Ports and Higher Education Institutions Collaborate to Boost Maritime Workforce
Trendline Trendline
Roosevelt Sharks Synchronized Swimming Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Sold-Out Shows

Roosevelt Sharks Synchronized Swimming Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Sold-Out Shows

Roosevelt Sharks Synchronized Swimming Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Sold-Out Shows
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Invites Students to Participate in 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Invites Students to Participate in 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest

As part of the America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging school-aged students in Iowa to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. This initiative is part of the state's efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The contest invites students to submit artwork that combines elements of Iowa agriculture with patriotic themes. The Choose Iowa program, which promotes Iowa-grown and made products, supports this contest. Students are asked to create drawings on plain white paper, focusing on aspects such as food, beverages, livestock, and crop production, while incorporating symbols of American pride. The winning artworks will be featured in the 2026/2027 Choose Iowa calendar, which will be distributed at the Iowa State Fair and online. The contest is open to students up to 18 years old, and submissions must be received by June 1, 2026.
Trendline Trendline
Corn Belt Ports Collaborates with Higher Education to Boost Maritime Workforce

Corn Belt Ports Collaborates with Higher Education to Boost Maritime Workforce

Corn Belt Ports Collaborates with Higher Education to Boost Maritime Workforce