With low temperatures this morning in the 40s and 50s across Iowa, it's becoming clear that August could contain a radical shift from the extreme heat of July. State climatologist Justin Glisan says July wrapped up on Friday being much warmer and drier than normal. "Typically, we expect the … [Read more...]
Practical Farmers of Iowa hosting workshops on farm succession
Three free, virtual workshops are planned over four days this week that are designed to connect beginning farmers with experienced farmers and landowners who are working toward farm succession. Sally Worley, executive director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, says this is the group's third annual … [Read more...]
Coronavirus drug trial volunteers needed
Testing is now underway on a potential coronavirus vaccine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The first batch of volunteer patients was given doses of the experimental drug on Thursday. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer developed the drug and is testing it in Iowa City and about 120 other … [Read more...]
Iowan to join top authors, celebs in sci-fi ‘read-a-thon’
A library curator at the University of Iowa will join "Star Trek" actor William Shatner and a list of other celebrities, authors and science fiction experts in a Ray Bradbury Read-a-thon next month. The event on August 22nd will mark what would have been the famed author's 100th birthday. Peter … [Read more...]
Iowa high school music competitions shift to being virtual
The executive director of the Iowa High School Music Association wants to set the record straight after false information has circulated about events being cancelled due to COVID-19. Despite some necessary changes, Alan Greiner says every effort is being made to continue holding the competitions … [Read more...]
Trying to sell a house? UI study finds virtual tours will bring more $$$
A University of Iowa study finds virtual home tours are a big factor in selling houses at prices two-to-three percent higher than similar homes without online tours. Gautam Pant, a UI professor of business analytics, says they studied thousands of real estate transactions in southern California, … [Read more...]
New pandemic relief bill includes another round of $1,200 checks
Republicans in the U.S. Senate are considering yet another incarnation of the CARES Act which Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says is designed to address continuing problems with the public health crisis. Grassley, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says he was directly involved in several key … [Read more...]
An Iowa tradition since the 1930s, roadside small game survey is scheduled this week
The annual roadside survey for small game animals starts this week as staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources drive routes across the state, looking for a variety of critters. Iowa DNR wildlife biologist Todd Bogenschutz says they'll be seeking pheasants, quail, Hungarian partridge, … [Read more...]
Outdoor activities continue to be popular across state
It's midsummer and Iowans are taking full advantage of their local, county and state parks, with some facilities reporting much heavier use than usual for July. Brian Lammers, director of the Hamilton County Conservation Department in Webster City, says the pandemic has forced people to rethink … [Read more...]
Dry areas in western and central Iowa expand
The new report from the National Drought Mitigation Center shows dry conditions worsening in western and central Iowa. State climatologist Justin Glisan says 15 counties are now in what's considered severe drought. "Over the last 30 to 45 days, we've seen a dwindling rainfall, especially across … [Read more...]