A scientist who helped to build the atomic bombs that killed hundreds of thousands of people during World War Two went on to become one of the world's greatest builders of cathedral pipe organs. That man is the basis for a new work of historical fiction by author Stephen Kiernan, a graduate of … [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...]
Two annual Iowa rodeos underway this week
The annual rodeo in the southwest Iowa community of Carson starts this evening. The event is on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, which which has been scaled back due to the pandemic. Wade Grinager, the announcer hired for the Carson Rodeo, says his travel to rodeos around the … [Read more...]
After postponement, Shrine Circus in Sioux City cancelled
The 70th Annual Shrine Circus in Sioux City is the latest event to fall victim to the pandemic. David Krogh, a spokesman for the Abu Bekr Shrine in Sioux City that hosts the event, says the circus that had been postponed from the spring to late October inside the Tyson Events Center has now been … [Read more...]
Former Senator Tom Harkin marks anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
The woman who is the world's first and only armless pilot will be flying over the Washington, D.C. area this morning with former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin as her copilot. Jessica Cox, who was born without arms, is a motivational speaker and disability rights advocate. The 80-year-old Harkin served … [Read more...]
Riders go online for Bike for Climate Week of Action
With this week's statewide bicycle ride RAGBRAI canceled by the pandemic, Iowa cycling enthusiasts are meeting online instead as part of the Bike for Climate Week of Action. Julie Johnson, an organizer for Environment Iowa, says it's an effort to support biking and other forms of clean … [Read more...]
Survey seeks information on coronavirus impact on 70 rural communities
Thousands of Iowans in 70 rural communities will be contacted by mail soon as part of a survey about how COVID-19 has affected their lives. The survey will be conducted by researchers at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. David Peters, an ISU sociology professor, says there's been … [Read more...]
Group hosts hotline for those who speak languages other than English
Dealing with COVID-19 here in Iowa is hard enough, but imagine doing so if English wasn't your first language. A coalition of 30 refugee advocacy groups and community organizations is serving tens of thousands of Iowans during the pandemic. They're running a telephone hotline and posting video … [Read more...]
Berkley Bedell Memorial Boat Parade planned on West Okoboji
Friends, family, and community members will honor the late Congressman Berkley Bedell this weekend with an event on West Lake Okoboji. Bedell, a businessman who served in Congress for 12 years, died in December at the age of 98. Tom Bedell, his son, said a memorial service had been planned this … [Read more...]