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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
Charles Peckman

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @charlespeckman

Charles currently serves as a digital producer, senior reporter, and host of On the Record at The Daily Iowan. As a four-year staff member, he has covered the 2016 Presidential election and Iowa caucuses in addition to continued reporting on sustainability and local business. Working towards a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communication, certificate in entrepreneurial management, and minor in German, Charles holds a wide variety of interests. When he is not in the newsroom, you can find him watching Mad Men or fixing vintage wristwatches.

All content by Charles Peckman
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks before supporters and volunteers on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. Sanders will speak at the Englert in Iowa City on Saturday Feb. 22.

[Photo] Bernie Sanders headed to IC next weekend

February 13, 2025
The Riverside Theatre is seen on Sunday, April 26, 2020.

Riverside Theater searches for new home, plans ‘virtual performances’ amid COVID-19

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
May 29, 2020
Senior Column: For the love of the written word

Senior Column: For the love of the written word

Charles Peckman, News Writer
May 12, 2020
A new mural is seen on the side of Hothouse Yoga on June 22, 2019.

Opinion: Berating postal workers during the coronavirus pandemic accomplishes nothing

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
May 5, 2020
Graphic by Katina Zentz

Where does Iowa stand in flattening the coronavirus curve?

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
April 23, 2020
The wine aisle at Bread Garden Market is seen in downtown Iowa City on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

As Iowa’s bars and restaurants close, Hawkeyes are drinking from home

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
April 23, 2020
The Union Bar is seen on Thursday, April 9, 2020. After 27 years of operation, the party spot, described as "the biggest in the Big 10" on its website, has closed its doors.

After 27 years, Iowa City party destination Union Bar to close its doors

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
April 10, 2020
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during her first Condition of the State address in the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines on Jan. 9, 2018.

An ‘all hands’ approach: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds asks Iowans to sew masks for health-care workers

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 30, 2020
UISG meets in the Blackbox Theater in the Iowa Memorial Union on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020. UISG is going to Des Moines on Wednesday to advocate for the UI, specifically through medical amnesty (a law that allows students who are underage to call an ambulance and not be persecuted for the well underage drinking stuff) and renting issues.

UI student governments outline resources for students affected by COVID-19 spread

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 20, 2020
Hills Bank and Trust Company is seen on April 17, 2019.

Johnson County coronavirus patients all participated in the same Hills Bank and Trust Friends Club cruise in Egypt

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 12, 2020
U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at the Values Voter Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 in Washington, D.C.

President Trump calls for 30-day travel ban, economic relief

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 11, 2020
Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

Gov. Kim Reynolds announces three presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Iowa

Charles Peckman, Marissa Payne, and Sarah Watson
March 8, 2020
Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs Russ Ganim speaks during a media availability event at the IMU on March 4, 2020. The University of Iowa officials spoke to reporters about the UI's actions regarding coronavirus. (Ryan Adams/The Daily Iowan)

UIHC prepares for coronavirus response, cautions against spreading misinformation

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 5, 2020
Airport employees wear masks as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19 as they work at the Sao Paulo International Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.

UI cancels Italy study-abroad programs amid coronavirus concerns

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020
Former Tippie College of Business Dean Sarah Gardial poses for a portrait in her office on one of her final days as dean of the college on Feb. 19, 2020. Gardial previously worked at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville before serving as a dean and professor at Iowa. She begins her position as Dean of Business at Belmont University today.

Tippie Dean Sarah Fisher Gardial reflects on tenure at the UI, role of women in business

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
March 1, 2020
Airport employees wear masks as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19 as they work at the Sao Paulo International Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.

Amid rising coronavirus fears, UI cancels programs in South Korea, takes on role in testing

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
February 28, 2020
Harvey Weinstein at the 70th Anniversary Dinner during the 70th Cannes Film Festival at the Port Canto on May 23, 2017 in Cannes, France. (Dave Bedrosian/Future-Image/Zuma Press/TNS)

Opinion: In the aftermath of Weinstein, what’s next for #MeToo?

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
February 25, 2020
This is them main entrance to Finkbine seen on Monday, February 24, 2020.

UI’s Finkbine golf course under new management

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
February 24, 2020
Hamburg Inn No. 2 East Side, Rochester Avenue location is seen on Feb. 17, 2020. The location suddenly closed on Sunday.

Hamburg Inn No. 2 East Side closes its doors — for now

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
February 17, 2020
University of Iowa students caucus at the Iowa Memorial Union on Monday February 3, 2020.

First-time caucusgoers wade into murky waters of Iowa politics

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
February 4, 2020
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT speaks before supporters and volunteers on Sunday, Feb. 2. With one day before the Iowa caucuses, Sanders said his campaign is the only one with the momentum required to win the presidency.

Sanders rallies last-minute support at Iowa City HQ stop

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
February 2, 2020
Montse Fuentes, the Executive Vice President and provost, speaks at the Diversity Update on Wednesday, January 22, in the IMU Main Lounge. Fuentes is also a professor of Statistics, Actuarial Science and Biostatistics.

UI provost looks to boost underrepresented faculty support through new initiatives

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
January 23, 2020
Pieces of University of Iowa Counseling Services Director Barry Schreier's office collection are seen on December 12, 2019. Schreier recently was awarded the Association of University and College Counseling Center’s President’s Award for Meritorious Service in the National Field of Campus Mental Health.

University Counseling Service director discusses student struggles as new semester begins

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
January 21, 2020
Iowa City Mayor Jim Throgmorton listens to public hearings during a City Council meeting at City Hall on Monday, November 4, 2019.

Throgmorton reflects on mayorship, ever-growing city

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
January 20, 2020
Harriet B. Nembhard, Courtesy Penn State University

Harriet Nembhard named new UI dean of College of Engineering

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
December 17, 2019
Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville speaks during the Eastern Iowa Legislative Forum hosted by The Daily Iowan at the Iowa City Public Library on Sunday. The forum surrounded topics including education, state budget, medicare, and environmental issues.

Democratic state lawmakers caution optimism of budget surplus in legislative forum

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
December 9, 2019
Bill Nusser Jr. and Charlie Nusser test the quality of a jewelery collection at Hands Jewlers in Iowa City on November 15, 2019. Hands Jewlers has been family-owned and located in Iowa City since 1895.

Iowa City Hands Jewelers stands five generations strong

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
December 1, 2019
People attend a Veterans Day Rally at the Ped Mall on Monday, November 11, 2019.

Vets for peace aim to reclaim the meaning behind Armistice Day

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
November 11, 2019
Attendees write on the Berlin Wall artwork in Phillips Hall on Thursday. Members of the community contributed to the piece by adding words regarding their feelings about the relationship between the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and President Trump’s efforts to build a wall.

The fall of the Berlin Wall through Iowans’ eyes

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
November 7, 2019
Sarah Fisher Gardial, Dean of the Tippie College of Business, speaks during the state Board of Regents meeting inside the IMU Main Lounge on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Gardial spoke changes in the market dynamics that led to the decision to close the full-time M.B.A. program.

Tippie Dean Sarah Fisher-Gardial to lead Belmont University’s business school

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
October 23, 2019
Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson speaks with The Daily Iowan in the IMU on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.

Marianne Williamson says her campaign ‘must continue’

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
October 22, 2019
Kid Captain Kendra Hines signs a card for Hawkeye Football Offensive Coordinator Brian Ferentz in the Hawkeye football locker room at Kids Day at Kinnick on Saturday, August 10, 2019. Kids Day at Kinnick is an annual event for families to experience Iowa's football stadium, while watching preseason practice and honoring this year's Kid Captains.

Kid Captain Kendra Hines ‘on cloud nine’ to storm Kinnick with the Hawks

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
October 17, 2019
City Council candidates Laura Bergus (left), Janice Weiner (center) and Megan Alter speak with potential supports at the UISG City Council Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. Bergus, Weiner, and Alter are running for two at-large City Council seats.

Five Iowa City Council candidates discuss affordable housing, transportation

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
October 16, 2019
UI President Bruce Harreld gives a presentation during a Rotary Club lunch on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. The presentation went over topics such as the class of 2023, first-generation students, and the public-private partnership.

Harreld talks state funding, public/private partnership at State of the University speech

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
October 11, 2019
Climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks to a crowd of nearly 3,000 community members at the corner of Iowa Ave. and Dubuque St. on Friday, Oct. 4. Thunberg, who garnered international attention with her speeches before the United Nations and United States Congress, encouraged those in attendance to take a stand against climate change.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg draws crowd of 3,000 at Iowa City stop

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter
October 4, 2019
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as seen on Sept. 17, 2018.

UIHC study aims to understand genes that cause blindness

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
September 24, 2019
The view of all views – stranded on the side of I-80 in Tipton, Iowa.

What to do when stranded on the side of I-80

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
May 9, 2019
UI senior Jack Feng reflects on time at the UI, public-health experience

UI senior Jack Feng reflects on time at the UI, public-health experience

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
May 8, 2019
Christopher Merrill, the director of the International Writing Program, makes a phone call at his desk on April 12. Merrill’s career began with covering the 1990 Fifa World Cup in Italy, and he has visited more than 100 countries.

[Photo] International Writing Program director reflects on worldwide career

Charlie Peckman, News Reporter
May 7, 2019
Litter on the Pentacrest is seen on Tuesday, May 7. (Courtesy of UI Pentacrest Museums.)

Pentacrest Museums offers free confetti Photoshop in exchange for not littering

Charles Peckman, News reporter
May 7, 2019
An arial view of 7 S. Linn St., a new sustainable housing development in Iowa City.

Micro-housing project brings simple living to Iowa City

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
May 6, 2019
The 13 students of the Fieldwork in Social Innovation class present their ideas to change-makers from across Iowa City on Wednesday, May 1. The class, which is in its fourth year, is housed in the Honors Program and allows students to explore problems "that keep them up at night," Instructor Dave Gould said.

Engaged social innovation projects showcase students’ concerns

Charles Peckman, News reporter
May 1, 2019
Members of the Translate Iowa Project read from the play Cutting, which discusses female genital mutilation, on Saturday, April 27. The student-run literary magazine, which launched its third issue over the weekend, transcribes written works into a plethora of languages.

Translate Iowa Project turns 3, celebrates international writing at the UI

Charles Peckman, News reporter
April 28, 2019
The Jefferson Building is seen on Tuesday, April 23. The Building, which is located on E. Washington St., now houses the University of Iowa Office of the Ombudsperson.

UI Ombudsperson Office manages new location and outreach

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
April 25, 2019
Iowa center Megan Gustafson prepares to shoot a free-throw during the NCAA Sweet 16 game against NC State at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Saturday, March 30, 2019. The Hawkeyes defeated the Wolfpack 79-61.

Megan Gustafson visits State Capitol to sea of fans, including senators and sixth graders

Charles Peckman, News reporter
April 24, 2019
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[Photo] Journalism professor publishes new book on Writers’ Workshop

Rachel Steil, News Reporter
April 8, 2019
Trisha Smith (left,) and Katie Knight of United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties pose for a portrait outside of their Coralville office on Friday, March 29, 2019. The Johnson and Washington County United Way office, which is turning 100 this year, is planning a series of events aimed at garnering donations and spreading awareness for what the organization does.

United Way kicks off 100-year anniversary

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
April 3, 2019
A large pothole is seen outside of Peking Buffet in Coralville on Monday, April 1. As spring moves forward, Iowa City and Coralville will continue to fill potholes and other road disturbances.

Iowa City continues pothole-repair process

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
April 1, 2019
Poet Esther Dischereit (left,) Professor Elizabeth Heineman, and Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz discuss the rise in American and European anti-Semitism in the Iowa City Public Library on Thursday, March 14, 2019. The panel discussion, entitled “Resurgent Antisemitism and the Importance of Historical Remembering,” postulated the causes and potential solutions to prejudice.

‘Stronger than Hate’ panel sheds light on overcoming anti-Semitism

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
March 14, 2019
Majority of Americans want to keep the penny

Majority of Americans want to keep the penny

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
March 14, 2019
UI student Camryn Carpenter (left), Mighty Earth field organizer Anya Fetcher, and UI student Aluna Olaniyi stand in the Main Library on March 6. Mighty Earth, which has offices across the globe, set up shop in Iowa City to discuss food-based biofuels with potential 2020 presidential candidates.

Mighty Earth aims to educate candidates on biofuel

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
March 13, 2019
Artifacts owner Todd Thelen locates an item for a customer on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Thelen has owned Artifacts for 16 years. (Nick Rohlman/The Daily Iowan)

The eccentric and intimate business of antiques

Charles Peckman, News reporter
March 8, 2019
One of many public murals in Iowa City is seen on March 7.

[Photo] Public Art Advisory Committee works on strategic plan after receiving increased funding

Caleb McCullough, News Reporter
March 8, 2019
An attendee poses for a photo at White Rabbit on Friday, February 22, 2018.

Clowning around: art behind the red nose

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
March 5, 2019
UI Student Dawson Davenport speaks during a rally for the #DoesUIowaLoveMe movement in the T. Anne Cleary Walkway on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Students, university faculty, and community members gathered to tell their stories about belonging to marginalized cultural groups. Does UIowa Love Me is a collective of students that aims to give underrepresented students an outlet to share their experiences as people of color at a predominantly white institution.

Students share #DoesUIowaLoveMe stories at rally

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
February 28, 2019
The Old Capitol building is seen in 2018.

#DoesUIowaLoveMe? UI students ask question in social-media movement

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
February 27, 2019
Members of Young Americans for Freedom clash with counter-protestors on the T. Anne Cleary Walkway on Thursday. Some students, like Adriana Peterson, said the some of the language surrounding the border wall is 'targeted and xenophobic.'

Students clash over Trump’s proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
February 22, 2019
Co-owner of Herteen & Stocker Jewelers, Willa Dickens, poses for a photo in his office on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2017.

The Study of Time: Half a century in the watch and jewelry world

Charles Peckman, News reporter
February 18, 2019
Former gubernatorial candidate and SEIU Local 199 President Cathy Glasson speaks at a news conference on Thursday outside of UIHC. Glasson said the state Board of Regents is not listening to the concerns of healthcare workers – after the news conference, Glasson and other event participants delivered valentines to the CEO's office, urging him to reach a new contract deal.

UI Hospitals & Clinics staffers send ‘valentines’ to CEO, demanding new contract

Charles Peckman, News reporter
February 14, 2019
Photo illustration by Tate Hildyard/ The Daily Iowan.

Measure aims to exempt private businesses from textbook sales tax

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
February 12, 2019
The Old Capitol building is seen in 2018.

UI cancels white privilege workshop following ‘stakeholder concerns’

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
February 6, 2019
The Sperti SunLamp, an anachronistic device that offers a cure for many ailments (or so it claims,) through the use of ultraviolet or UV radiation.

Column: Curing the ‘winter blues’ in an unconventional way

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
February 4, 2019
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) can't catch the pass as the Los Angeles Rams' Aqib Talib covers in the first quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Peckman: A somewhat comprehensive glimpse into this year’s Super Bowl ads

Charles Peckman, Digital producer
February 3, 2019
A dancer dressed as a lion busts a move during Dance Marathon 25 at the Iowa Memorial Union on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. As the Big Event moved into its fourth hour, participants showed no signs of slowing down.

[Photo] Photos: Dance Marathon 25

February 2, 2019
Margaret Raymond speaks during the second provost candidate meeting Monday afternoon on Jan. 28, 2019. This is the second of four provost meetings meant to fulfill the position.

Second provost finalist visits campus, discusses issues facing higher education

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
January 28, 2019
Ron Stallworth talks on the radio on Wednesday. Stallworth, whose book *Black Klansman* was adapted into a Spike Lee film, discusses his time as a police officer and his infiltration of the KKK.

[Photo] Infiltrating the KKK: Ron Stallworth’s story

Haley Triem, Arts Reporter
January 24, 2019
Ron Stallworth poses for a portrait on Wednesday, January 23. Stallworth, whose memoir "Black Klansman" was adapted into a Spike Lee film, discusses his time as a police officer and his infiltration into the Ku Klux Klan.

‘Black Klansman’ Ron Stallworth remembers his time in the KKK

Charles Peckman, News reporter
January 23, 2019
Executive Vice Provost at the University of Pittsburgh David DeJong speaks during the provost forum in the IMU on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. DeJong is one of four finalists and a UI graduate. (Ryan Adams/ The Daily Iowan)

David DeJong, first candidate for UI provost, speaks at forum

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
January 16, 2019
Partnership between Shelter House, Housing Authority aims to end Iowa City-area homelessness

Partnership between Shelter House, Housing Authority aims to end Iowa City-area homelessness

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
January 16, 2019
Customer service, quality contribute to business longevity, owners say

Customer service, quality contribute to business longevity, owners say

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
December 11, 2018
Shoppers return to metro malls to return gifts after Christmas. (NBC)

To ‘Bah-humbug,’ or not to ‘bah humbug’

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
December 9, 2018
FilmScene strives for inclusivity by offering captioning program

FilmScene strives for inclusivity by offering captioning program

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
December 3, 2018
UI Students for Disability Advocacy & Awareness President-elect Kaydee Ecker (left) and President Andrea Courtney pose for a portrait on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. A petition launched by their organization that aims to re-locate Student Disability Services by 2020 has garnered over 2,800 signatures.

Petition to change location of student disability services gets 2,800 signatures

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
November 29, 2018
School Board members listen as people raise concerns about school rezoning at the School District Administration Building on Tuesday. At the meeting, board members voted to redraw school zones in an effort to create a more equitable learning system.

[Photo] Iowa City school board redraws boundaries for next fall

Josie Fischels, News Reporter
November 28, 2018
U.S. Army veteran Kenny Williams undergoes a dental procedure from fourth-year student Madeline Stead at the UI College of Dentistry on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Thanks to a program called Veterans for Everyone, servicemen and women like Williams have gained access to dental care at no cost.

[Photo] This Week in Photos (11/16/18)

DI Photo Staff
November 16, 2018
University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium on Stadium Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. The University of Iowa is considering spending $100,000 to renovate a portion of the stadium. (The Daily Iowan/Anthony Vazquez)

Movie about Nile Kinnick hopes to première in namesake stadium

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
November 15, 2018
U.S. Army veteran Kenny Williams undergoes a dental procedure from fourth-year student Madeline Stead at the UI College of Dentistry on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Thanks to a program called Veterans for Everyone, servicemen and women like Williams have gained access to dental care at no cost.

UI joins program giving free dental care to veterans

Charles Peckman, News Reporter
November 14, 2018
Photo illustration

[Photo] Point-counterpoint: Do we still need Daylight Saving Time?

November 13, 2018
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