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‘I’m not a scientist’: Gov. reynolds on face masks; the Iowa State Fair

opens as COVID cases keep climbing By Paul Brennan, Aug. 12 Masks are not required at the state fair, even when inside buildings. Gov. Reynolds didn’t mention COVID-19 during her remarks at the opening ceremony, but has been heavily promoting the fair, both in her capacity as governor and as a candidate for reelection in 2022.

the conspiracy-theory influence on Iowa’s laws and lawmakers

By Emma McClatchey, Aug. 21 Conservatives looking to court the Trump base are doubling down on conspiracy theories, or dipping their toes into the QAnon pool for the first time. This summer, Iowa’s own Republican leaders have given credibility to everything from election fraud to COVID-19 misinformation, sometimes having a direct influence on public policy.

Iowa City issues new mask mandate for schools, restaurants, UI campus

and more By Paul Brennan, Aug. 19 Mayor Bruce Teague declared a civil emergency and issued a face mask mandate for Iowa City on Thursday evening, due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 driven by the Delta variant. The governor’s spokesperson issued a statement saying the mandate is “against the law” and “not enforceable.”

WAtCH: Getting to know Iowa (and midwest music) at

Grey Area festival By Adria Carpenter, video by Jason Smith, Aug. 18 “Are you writing an article about Grey Area?” a woman asked me. I told her I was with Little Village, and had just moved to Iowa from the South. She said the culture must feel strange. “How’s it feel to see live music again?” I asked. “Fucking great,” she said. “It nourishes the soul.”

WAtCH Grey Area, August 14, 2021