Iowa announced another record number of deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, while the number of confirmed cases statewide has surpassed 10,000. Nineteen Iowans were reported May 5, 2020, to have died of COVID-19, surpassing the previous single-day high of 14 deaths on April 30, and bringing the state’s total […]
Photos: Cruisin’ the Avenue in Cedar Rap
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Windows down, music blaring, engines revving. Hundreds of hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, and convertibles with their tops down, took to First Avenue in Cedar Rapids on Saturday night, May 2, 2020, in a throwback to the past, with a social distancing twist. Cruisin’ the Avenue was a rite […]
Majority of Iowa allowed to reopen after...
Restaurants and other businesses in 77 Iowa counties are allowed to reopen as of today, May 1, 2020, even as the state marked consecutive record high, single-day coronavirus death totals and confirmed cases. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 14 deaths on Thursday, April 30, the highest single-day total so far, surpassing the previous […]
NewBo City Market to begin outdoor farme...
CEDAR RAPIDS — With Iowa finally providing coronavirus guidelines to farmers markets, NewBo City Market will host outdoor markets and food trucks, beginning next week. Many farmers markets pushed back their opening dates into June, when they were left in limbo awaiting state guidance. But Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that the outdoor markets could begin […]
Iowa hits single-day record of COVID-19 ...
Iowa hit a record number of single-day coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Twelve Iowans were reported to have died of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Previously, the state saw its single highest number of deaths — 11 — on April 24. The total number of Iowa COVID-19 deaths in […]
Iowa governor lifts restrictions on reli...
(UPDATE: To reflect the restrictions on religious gatherings were lifted statewide.) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has partially lifted coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses in 77 counties as of May 1, but ordered the state public health emergency declaration to stay in place for the remaining 22 counties until May 15. Restrictions on religious gatherings were lifted […]
Czech gardening legend of the Three Froz...
When temperatures climb in early spring, gardeners can be tempted to get everything in the ground, but in the Midwest, it’s best to heed a warning brought here generations ago by Czech immigrants. Known under various names, including the Three Frozen Kings, the three icemen – tři ledovi muži – or Three Ice Saints, Three […]
Gov. Reynolds to start reopening Iowa as...
As Iowa surpasses 4,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and moved into triple digits in deaths, Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will allow select segments to “reopen.” Reynolds has not further extended the state public health emergency declaration that requires certain businesses to remain closed to limit spread of the novel coronavirus through April 30, but […]
Environmental challenges remain as world...
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world is marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day somewhat in isolation, even as environmental challenges mount around the globe and close to home. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 to draw attention to environmental issues and advocate for clean air and clean water. This year, April […]
Organizers cancel 2020 Freedom Festival ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Organizers of the Freedom Festival announced April 21 that the 2020 festival will be canceled, due to coronavirus concerns. “In the 37 years of our Festival, we’ve not ever had to have the heavy conversations that we have had over the last few weeks; taking into consideration the latest news of […]










