Author's posts
News Digest 2-1-24
The White House blasts Republicans who are blocking legislation to address the southern border…a bill that would have reduced legal protections for transgender Iowans fails to advance in the legislature.
KCCK’s Featured Album for February 2024
The KCCK Featured Album for February is “Tell the Birds I Said Hello” from bassist Ben Allison, guitarist Steve Cardenas and saxophonist Ted Nash. The fourth album by this trio focuses its attention on the ever-surprising music of the under-recognized pianist and composer Herbie Nichols. The trio puts its own spin on a set of …
Soundtrack To The Struggle: Queens of the Blues
Three pioneering women lay claim to Blues royalty. Mamie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith made an impact on American culture that still resonates today. In 1920, Mamie Smith became the first Black musician to make vocal blues recordings. A savvy marketer, she exploited the new medium of radio to reach audiences across the country …
Talking Pictures
Night Swim (2024) and Spawn of the Slithis (1978) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Ron Adkins.
News Digest 1-31
A U.S. House committee votes in favor of impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas…anti-human trafficking legislation is moving foward at the State Capitol.
News Digest 1-30-24
The Pentagon says three US soldiers killed in a drone attack in Jordan were part of efforts to combat ISIS…a bill in the Iowa legislature would make killing a law enforcement officer a crime that could result in the death penalty.
News Digest 1-29-24
A drone strike by Iran-backed militants kills three American soldiers in Jordan…parents and teachers express concerns about changes to Iowa’s AEAs at a forum in North Liberty.
News Digest 1-26-24
A Senate deal to pair border security with aid of Ukraine is on shaky grounds…the state of Iowa is moving ahead with the MOMS program despite lack of a third-party administrator as required by law.