There's good news every day. And we want to share it!
The Sunny Side Project shines a light on the bits of good news, collecting moments of joy, memories, stories, big wins and small victories, and spreading them across the state.
We want to hear from you! Send us your good news and we'll share it with IPR listeners and readers. Tell us your sunny story in a video, audio message or email:
- Tap "Talk To Us" in the IPR app to record a message and send it to The SunnySide Project.
- Send your good news to sunnyside@iowapublicradio.org.
- Leave a voicemail at 515.725.1711.
We'll spread your sunshine on air, on social media or in our daily newsletter, where there's always something sunny to brighten your day.
Not sure what to say? We've made a script to get you started!
On the Sunny Side....
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Commune with nature. Clean up your community. Celebrate spring. A new season promises warmer weather and more opportunities to get outside. Here's a list of ideas for welcoming the new season from IPR's digital team. -
Iowans reflect on the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about loss and a change in the way we live. But for some, it also brought positive transformation. -
Iowa City-based artist Claudia McGehee is the illustrator of two new children’s books, Counting Winter and Rings of Heartwood. -
Dubuque resident Emily Harold shares about opening her heart, and her home, to foster animals in need of extra care. She's fostered five dogs through the Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois since 2022. -
Thomas Dambo, a world-renowned Danish artist and environmental activist, will install his whimsical creations in Clinton next year. He's created over 150 trolls in 17 different countries out of recycled wood and scraps. -
Iowans who have experienced relationships spanning decades share their earned wisdom on love. -
Barney Bahrenfuse and Suzanne Castello were just awarded the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award for their work on their organic farm. -
When the Menzel family moved to a farmstead outside of Solon, they couldn't have guessed that their neighbor would one day feel more like family. -
Open Heartland is a nonprofit in Iowa City that functions almost entirely on donations from the community to provide basic needs for immigrant families in Johnson County and during the holiday season, the organization helps distribute gifts during a sometimes stressful season for families. -
Alicia Rau, a professional trumpet player originally from Shelby and now living in NYC, has been nominated for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for her work on the Spanish-language album "Creciendo." -
Celebrate the holiday season with stories of kindness, connection and caring — neighbors helping neighbors, rescuing dogs and welcoming newcomers. -
The “Kids Christmas Shop" lets children, along with their elven assistant, pick and wrap gifts for their parental figures.
