CULTURE - Iowa Starting Line

Jan 2026 16

Bing, Gucci, and more: Get to know Iowa’s viral animal stars

By Sam Cohen | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Sam Cohen

Iowa animals have been going viral for over a decade. Here are some of the state’s biggest animal stars.

Dec 2025 15

Iowa environmental researchers push back on clean water claims

By Public News Service | LOCAL NEWS, COMMUNITY, Public News Service

The Iowa Farm Bureau has released a statement claiming that the state's waterways are becoming cleaner, despite evidence that nitrates and phosphates are higher than ever.

Iowa's nitrate pollution is not short-term, but continuous, and has been linked to cancer in a state with the nation's second highest number of new cases.

Dec 2025 11

7 immigrant-owned businesses to support this holiday season—and year-round

By Dorothy Scott | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

Check out these immigrant-owned businesses to not only boost your local economy but also support those who the federal government is actively targeting.

Buying goods and services from immigrant-owned businesses not only puts money directly into immigrant hands but also supports your entire local economy.

Dec 2025 4

Ordinary Iowans who performed extraordinary acts of kindness in 2025

By Dorothy Scott | LOCAL PEOPLE, COMMUNITY, Dorothy Scott

Acts of kindness can bring a smile like nothing else. Here are nine of our favorite everyday stories in 2025, from rescuing animals to ending local hunger.

Dec 2025 3

12 best cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Iowa

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

Get in the holiday spirit at one of these tree farms in Iowa where you can chop down your very own Christmas tree.

There’s nothing more festive than going to a tree farm, picking the perfect live tree, and cutting it down yourself.

Dec 2025 3

Collaboration and Care Guide Return of Meskwaki Artifacts From UNI to Their Tribal Home

By Sam Cohen | LOCAL NEWS, COMMUNITY, Sam Cohen

The Meskwaki Nation worked with the University of Northern Iowa to return cultural artifacts to the tribe. The items will now be housed at The Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum.

Nov 2025 27

How to stretch your paycheck when grocery prices are high, according to an expert

By Cassidy Grubisic | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Cassidy Grubisic

Learn how to stretch your grocery budget amid rising prices with these seven tips from a Registered Dietitian. Including meal planning, strategic coupon clipping, unit pricing, and more.