Aaron Hosman

Waypoint Services in Cedar Rapids is fielding more than 200 calls a day from people looking for rent assistance or help with moving costs. In order to qualify for the assistance, an individual or family must be facing eviction or homeless and living with a family member or friend.

St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids is keeping it doors closed and sticking with live-streamed and virtual services, at least until the end of the month. In March, the church started using only an iPhone and tripod to stream their service on Facebook.

Bikers rode through parts of eastern Iowa making stops along the way, taking selfies to post online. It's part of a continuing effort to spread awareness for Elizabeth and Lyric, along with other Iowa families that still don’t have answers into their loved ones’ disappearance.

The CDC recommends a two-layer cloth mask, but Sam Jarvis with the Johnson County Public Health Department said having any face covering is better than nothing for protecting yourself and those around you.

In Muscatine on Monday a mask mandate took effect requiring residents to wear a face covering in all public, indoor and outdoor spaces. The Muscatine County Attorney is working with Iowa State Attorney General’s office to determine if local government can issue and then enforce this type of mandate.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved the use of the county’s Fillmore Building as a summer cooling and water center. That’s as some public places typically open for cooling off are closed due to Covid-19.

Since 2018, when the Iowa Supreme Court struck down an abortion law with a 72 hour waiting period, Governor Reynolds has appointed 4 new justices to the court.

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, places where people can usually cool-off from the summer heat, like public libraries, are closed, presenting a challenge for people who are homeless or don’t have access to air conditioning.

Born out of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Dubuque artist Shelby Fry said she had the idea to use her talents to share a message of acceptance. It’s now being painted on the facade of the Five Flags Center in Downtown Dubuque - a 28 foot by 105 foot mural representing all walks of life, spelling out ‘solidarity.’

As of June 19th, 6,800 scooter rides and 1,300 e-bike rides were logged in the first few weeks of the program this season. Program leaders says rules of the road need to be followed and riders should be responsible in order for the program to expand.

Country Financial Insurance will donate $3 million dollars this year to organizations that support first responders, military members, and healthcare workers. As a part of their Operation Helping Heroes Program, the company gives its agents across the country money to support in their own communities.

The Cedar River is expected to reach just into major flood stage Thursday night into Friday, which can create unsafe conditions in some areas.

Organ transplants in the United States are starting to bounce back to pre-Covid-19 levels. That’s after a dip during the midst of the pandemic, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Iowa Donor Network says they aren't able to tie their decrease directly to Covid-19, yet.

Owner Paul Rach said adding a new crop that is ready earlier in the season is part of Wilson's Orchard's goal of expanding their hours. He also plans to add raspberries for later this year.

The youth group has previously traveled to parts of the county devastated by hurricanes. Members say they are excited to start giving back to their local community.

The Iowa Freedom Riders, the group responsible for organizing recent marches in Iowa City, helped get the Juneteenth Celebration started. Organizers say they put the event together in only a few days. Private and local business donations helped provide free food and activities.

NewBo City Market has lost four vendors due to financial challenges related to Covid-19. Market management hopes to create more foot traffic to help their shop owners and attract new merchants.

Get Fresh Cafe first opened in NewBo City Market in 2012. The business' success led to a second location in Iowa City, but the Coronavirus pandemic forced the original location to close and look towards a new business model.

The Brynes Park Pool opened Saturday for swimmers. One visitor says she'll keep her distance, but it helps her see the light at the end of the tunnel following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staff stopped counting after pumping out over 400 gallons of floodwater Tuesday night. Fundraising for a new, flood-proof building is down since the start of COVID-19.

In recent weeks, the museum's executive director says she has never seen the amount of unsolicited donations they are receiving. People are also creating independent fundraisers in benefit of the museum.

Kingston Pub will open for the first time on July 1st at 50 percent capacity. The new owners say despite concerns, it may help them ease into new business ownership.

The initiative works with local small businesses to encourage shopping and spending, shoppers can then ear rewards.

DNR officers had to turn vehicles away or ask them to wait amid safety concerns Sunday. Officers wanted to ensure roadways were clear for emergency vehicles as all parking lots sat full.

A planned rally Saturday before a march in Iowa City ended with tense exchanges between organizers and civic leaders over the pace of change.

One business owner in Iowa City supports the message behind recent demonstrations, but says that message is lost when vandalism happens.

The Director of Ten Thousand Villages says despite advice from neighboring businesses, she's not preparing for potential looting. She says she has faith in her community that any demonstration will remain peaceful.

As protests continue out of anger and a desire for social justice, state and local leaders said there are conversations that need to happen to lead to change.

People gathered for a silent vigil on Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall in remembrance of George Floyd. Organizers said they wanted to stand in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis.

Members of the Iowa National Guard's Ironman Battalion had a virtual send-off. Loved ones watched via Facebook Live, followed by a community parade for a final wave goodbye.