Nick El Hajj

1 week ago | cbs2iowa.com | Nick El Hajj

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — As Iowa’s summer heat settles in, more cyclists are hitting local roads and trails. And with that increase in traffic — comes heightened concern over safety. Riders across Cedar Rapids say staying alert, planning ahead and following basic precautions are key to avoiding injuries and conflicts on the road. “I usually just pay attention to what’s going on,” said local rider Nate Byerley, who bikes regularly during the warmer months.

1 week ago | cbs2iowa.com | Nick El Hajj

MIDDLE AMANA, Iowa — In the open fields of Middle Amana Community Park, mermaids were being carted in wagons. Pirates bellowed across food stalls. Vikings stalked past fairies in gossamer wings. And under the beating Iowa sun, blacksmiths hammered iron while craftsmen quietly strung arrows and shaped knife handles.

1 week ago | cbs2iowa.com | Nick El Hajj

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — On Saturday morning, rows of gravestones at Cedar Memorial Cemetery slowly filled with American flags as local volunteers gathered to honor veterans ahead of Memorial Day. The event, organized by Ryan Stevenson and the group Honoring Our Veterans, drew dozens of residents who showed up at 8 a.m. to help place nearly 8,000 flags on the graves of those who served.

2 weeks ago | ktvo.com | Nick El Hajj

As Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds weighs whether to sign House File 639, ethanol leaders, farmers and pipeline advocates are warning that the legislation could push biofuels investment out of Iowa — while environmental groups like the Sierra Club are urging its passage. (File)

2 weeks ago | cbs2iowa.com | Nick El Hajj

DES MOINES, Iowa — As Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds weighs whether to sign House File 639, ethanol leaders, farmers and pipeline advocates are warning that the legislation could push biofuels investment out of Iowa — while environmental groups like the Sierra Club are urging its passage. Reynolds said Friday she is meeting with stakeholders “on both sides” and has not yet decided whether she will sign or veto the bill. “There’s a whole lot of passionate advocates on both sides of this issue.