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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Opinion: Empathy can’t cure COVID-19, but it can prevent it

Opinion: Empathy can’t cure COVID-19, but it can prevent it

Becca Bright, Columnist March 29, 2020

I have since been furloughed, but two weeks ago I was still working weekends for a local retail business. Usually I enjoy these shifts. But every time the doorbell rang, my chest tightened and I felt...

A section of U.S. Highway 218 leading to Iowa City is seen empty in Mount Pleasant, Iowa on Sunday. Social distancing has reduced travel around the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opinion: David Bowie, Eugene Debs, and the view of the virus from Henry County

Elijah Helton, Opinions Editor March 29, 2020

MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA — Ziggy Stardust started a dance party of one in my parents’ basement this morning. It was calm and carefree. It was just me, my coffee, and David Bowie. Even before the...

Guest Opinion: 2 Asian-American UI medical students weigh in on COVID-19, xenophobia

Guest Opinion: 2 Asian-American UI medical students weigh in on COVID-19, xenophobia

March 26, 2020

COVID-19 has officially landed in Iowa. This new virus has led to misguided panic and an exacerbation in displays of racism. Having done my undergraduate and now medical studies at the University of...

UI Hospitals and Clinics CEO Suresh Gunasekaran sits at the University Main Hospital on Dec. 3, 2018.

Guest Opinion: Iowans, we stand with you, UI Hospitals and Clinics CEO writes

March 24, 2020

Fellow Iowans,  In these times of facing the pandemic of COVID-19, there is a message that the state’s health-care workers and I wish to share: We stand with you. We’re making sure we have...

Editorial: Students feel effects of UI’s slow response to COVID-19

Editorial: Students feel effects of UI’s slow response to COVID-19

DI Editorial Board March 22, 2020

COVID-19 has been the most destructive pandemic for Americans in just over a century. Everyone needs leadership that not only reacts quickly to the crisis, but also considers every person’s humanity. For...

Opinion: Crohn's, COVID-19, and the current crisis

Opinion: Crohn’s, COVID-19, and the current crisis

Ryan Adams, Photo Editor March 22, 2020

I lay awake in bed at 1:30 a.m. March 18, focused on the tightness in my chest, my hands and lips tingling. My breathing was labored, my mind was racing. I couldn’t tell if the physical state...

The Old Capitol is seen on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019.

Letter to the Editor: UI emeritus professor responds to state auditor’s report

March 22, 2020

On March 5, The Daily Iowan published an article about me entitled “Emeritus psychiatry professor and former UIHC employee under investigation” (Editor’s note: the headline has since been corrected...

Editorial: All Hawkeyes need to prepare for coronavirus

Editorial: All Hawkeyes need to prepare for coronavirus

DI Editorial Board March 12, 2020

Certainty is in short supply for students as spring break approaches for the University of Iowa. Classes have been moved online, trips have been canceled, and thousands of students face countless decisions...

Graphic by Katina Zentz

Opinion: The dream of commencement hangs in the balance for first-generation Hawkeyes amid COVID-19 concerns

Marissa Payne, Editor-in-Chief March 12, 2020

Commencement may not carry on as I had envisioned since I was a little girl. I had always wanted to attend a large public university such as the University of Iowa, where campus was my world. My...

The Daily Iowan newsroom is seen on Feb. 26, 2019.

Letter From the Editor: The Daily Iowan to continue publishing after spring break during COVID-19 in-person class suspension

Marissa Payne, Editor-in-Chief March 12, 2020

The University of Iowa community is preparing for two weeks of online course instruction from March 23 through at least April 3 after spring break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the UI’s independent...

UI administrators field questions from reporters during a press conference regarding the COVID-19 pandemic at the IMU on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

Opinion: UI students should follow expert guidance on coronavirus 

Visouda Somsaath, Columnist March 12, 2020

Now that the Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed 12 presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Johnson County, it is now more critical than ever to take the steps to protect ourselves from...

Photo Illustration by Raquele Decker.

Opinion: Low-income students deserve spring break, too

Becca Bright, Columnist March 11, 2020

“Poor” is a word most college students use liberally. This raises brows when the same students are able to afford going on a road trip, or travel abroad. Having the income — whether it’s individually...