KOEL-AM (Oelwein, IA)

3 days ago | koel.com | Johnny Marks

It's the time of the year when many Iowans and Americans travel. Summer vacation is an excellent time to escape from home and get away. For many, it's a road trip to somewhere in the Midwest, if not staying within the state. Some of my favorite memories were summer road trips. For others, it may be a trip overseas. From sightseeing at a historic location, or possibly seeing out of country family, to just a really cool family vacation.

6 days ago | koel.com | Ryan Brainard

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst found herself in a firestorm after comments last Friday during a town hall meeting in Parkersburg. Her apology over the weekend left many shaking their heads. What Did Senator Ernst Say at her Town Hall? Senator Ernst held her first town hall meeting of 2025 on Friday in Parkersburg, Iowa. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Ernst received both praise and boos from the crowd. But one answer in particular drew a harsh response.

6 days ago | koel.com | Taylor Alexis Heady

These celebrity kids are taking on fame in a different way than their parents... via the internet. Some of these kids, such as Usher's son Naviyd Raymond, use their social media platforms (mainly TikTok) to post hilarious memes and videos to trending sounds just like the rest of us. Others, such as Francesca Scorses and Magnus Ferrell, take breaks from their own careers to use their nepo baby powers for good and give fans glimpses into their lives as kids of celebs.

1 week ago | koel.com | Sarah Stringer

The new law will be in effect before we know it. , one of the new laws Governor Reynolds signed is one dealing with texting and driving. It's already illegal to text and drive in Iowa, of course. But this one is an expansion of it. It bans drivers in Iowa from using phones while driving, unless it's in the hands-free or voice-activated modes. Starting July 1st, officers in Iowa will issue warnings for violating the new law through the rest of the year.

1 week ago | koel.com | Steve Pulaski

I was only ever in an IKEA once, and it was an experience. An exhausting one at that. Unlike most department stores, or even superstores, IKEA is one you truly have to plan to endure. The store is massive, the options are huge, and certain departments in the warehouse are as large as some small businesses themselves. From there, if you find an appliance you like, lugging it home can be an operation.