Dozens of rural Catholic churches in Iowa are about to lose their weekend mass. Today, we hear about the changing map of midwestern Catholicism. First, we hear from a Vinton resident who's Catholic parish has appealed to the Vatican in effort to keep weekend mass in the wake of the Archdiocese of Dubuque's final 'Journey in Faith' restructuring plan. University of Iowa professor Kristy Nabhan-Warren joins to discuss what this initiative means for churches losing eucharistic mass and how this juxtaposes a recent increase in attendance at Catholic churches in urban dioceses, including Des Moines. Then, Deacon John Robbins of the archdiocese explains the mission behind 'Journey in Faith,' and answers listeners' questions.
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Conservators have restored Grant Wood's century-old 'Corn Room' mural, bringing new life to one of Sioux City's most significant works of art. The mural now anchors a new exhibition that explores Wood's legacy and the changing story of rural America. -
During the height of Monday night’s severe weather, Page County experienced problems with its warning sirens. Officials say the malfunction is a reminder not to rely only on outdoor sirens for severe weather alerts. -
With hopes of curbing rural population loss, Iowan Jessie Field Schambaugh created programs that led to the largest youth development organization in the United States. We hear about the history of 4-H from Laurel Burgmaier, the producer of a new Iowa PBS documentary, 'The Legacy of 4-H,' and Harry Smith, who voiced and co-wrote the script. Then, we learn about some of the oldest book clubs in Iowa from their members, Veronica Fowler and Peggy Murphy. They share tips on how to create groups that last.
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The future of more than 20 small-town newspapers and shopping guides is in the air as the publisher seeks new owners. Experts say the future of rural journalism likely depends on digital growth and new funding models, including nonprofit support. -
Thousands of Iowans joined "No Kings" protests over the weekend, including hundreds who gathered in Sioux City. Organizers said the demonstrations were meant to push back against what they view as abuses of power by the Trump administration. -
At this year's Obermann Symposium, University of Iowa researchers are tackling the achievement gap for rural students, unequal access to nutritious food and communities not adapting to an aging population. The symposium is meant to harness the work being done in rural areas to better collaborate. Ben Kieffer speaks with one of the organizers, law professor Daria Fisher Page, and the experts focusing on rural issues; professor of gerontology Brian Kaskie; professor in learning sciences and educational psychology Duhita Mahatmya; and professor of occupational and environmental health Brandi Janssen.
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Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water, opting to purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers recently found that these kiosks may contain at least trace amounts of lead. Rachel Schnelle investigated this research on behalf of the Midwest Newsroom. We talk with her and two University of Iowa researchers behind this study that sampled many kiosks around Iowa.
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Each year, Choose Iowa awards grants to local farmers and agriculture-related businesses. The state initiative also helps promote products made and grown in Iowa — and it’s continuing to grow. One western Iowa farm is thriving with support from the program. -
As Iowa’s rural communities age and young people continue to leave, immigrants are fueling population growth. Data shows that one year of Trump administration immigration enforcement policies have affected that growth.
