Ruth Talbot

Smartphone Data: Many Americans Ignored Thanksgiving Travel Warnings From The CDC

By & • Dec 3, 2020

More Americans stayed home for Thanksgiving this year compared with last year — but by relatively small margins.

An NPR analysis of mobile phone location data showed that 42% of Americans with smartphones remained home, up from 36% last year.

Polling Places Are Closing Due To COVID-19. It Could Tip Races In 1 Swing State

By & • Oct 29, 2020

Updated on Oct. 30 at 9:32 p.m.

This story was co-reported by Iowa Public Radio News, the Center for Public Integrity and NPR.

The New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Waterloo. The senior high school in Fort Dodge. The Masonic Temple in Council Bluffs.

America's 200,000 COVID-19 Deaths: Small Cities And Towns Bear A Growing Share

By & • Sep 22, 2020

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When COVID-19 claimed its first 100,000 lives in the U.S., Hidalgo County, Texas, seemed to have avoided the worst of it. The county, which sits on the border with Mexico, had just 10 deaths when the U.S. crossed that tragic milestone on May 27.

From Rent Freezes To Liquor Buybacks: How States Are Helping People Cope

By & • Jun 10, 2020

Millions have lost their jobs during the coronavirus shutdowns, placing an unprecedented burden on public welfare programs designed to help people in these situations. For those people and others who are hurting financially as a result of the virus, it's often the case that where you live determines what kind of help is available.