Latest news with #RallyAgainstCancer
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Off the Cuff with Ed & Murph: Roker and Ditka
On this episode of Off the Cuff, Ed Wilson and Keith Murphy dive into two very different celebrity encounters — one filled with warmth and admiration, the other with gruff resistance. Ed shares his experience meeting Al Roker at the Rally Against Cancer, where he and the WHO 13 weather team had the chance to spend meaningful time with the legendary Today Show personality. Ed describes Roker as down-to-earth, kind, and effortlessly charismatic — just as viewers would expect. They discussed everything from Roker's decades-long career with NBC to his surprising side projects, including Broadway performances and murder mystery novels. Beyond his on-air charm, Roker's generosity stood out, as he spent time visiting cancer patients and making a lasting impact on the event. Ed recalls how Roker even gave him a shoutout on national TV the next day, a moment of unexpected recognition that capped off an unforgettable meeting. In stark contrast, Keith recounts his less-than-pleasant dinner with an NFL legend at a past Rally Against Cancer. From the moment this celebrity sat down, his mood was unmistakably sour—so much so that event organizers warned Keith and his wife, Jenny, to brace themselves. Determined to break through the former gridiron star's gruff exterior, Jenny finally got him to smile by refusing to share her appetizer. Ed adds his own tale, recalling a brief, unpleasant encounter years ago when the football coach flatly refused an interview. The contrast between Roker's graciousness and one star's grumpiness makes for an amusing reflection on how public figures handle the spotlight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tri for a Cause event helps support girls' athletics
DES MOINES, Iowa — Families looking to stay active and have some fun gathered at the YMCA Sunday morning to participate in Tri for a Cause. Tri for a Cause is held every year by Girls on the Run, which helps provide funding for school age girls to participate in athletics programs. Participants either work in groups or go solo to swim, bike, and run several miles for the fundraiser. 'Tri for a Cause is fundraising for Girls on the Run of central Iowa, and our mission is for girls to become more joyful, healthy, and confident,' said Jordan McCormick, Council Director for Girls on the Run. While the goal of the fundraiser is to have fun and encourage physical activity, McCormick say participants definitely got a workout. 'We start with the swim; participants do a 400-yard swim or 200-yard for 12 and under. Then they do a bike portion seven miles or half that distance for 12 and under. Then the run, which is two miles or one mile,' said McCormick. Vial of Life program aims to improve Bondurant EMS care The cold weather causes families and children to become stagnant, McCormick says Tri for the Cause is a reminder that you can visit indoor facilities and do a variety of activities. 'There's very few opportunities to do so and it's fun because it builds, you know, momentum through the seasons where it's cold outside,' said McCormick. 'It keeps people involved and this is an event for all ages, so family members do it and teams and individuals.' According to the Girls on the Run website, more than 13,000 girls have been supported in central Iowa since 2007. Adaline, a fourth grader from Van Meter, participated in Sunday's race with one goal in mind. 'I was just excited to, like, finish my goal, to beat my mom or be done the same time as her,' said Adaline. Al Roker visits DSM patients ahead Rally Against Cancer benefit And beat her mom she did. This her second year participating and she says she wants to keep coming back. McCormick says seeing kids and their families show up to get active and support each other is why she does it. 'This is fun because all ages can participate, all abilities, and so it's a really encouraging environment. Just like our programs are,' said McCormick. 'It's really fun to see all ages, everyone come out and support each other.' Girls on the Run Central Iowa is excited to host a 5K this spring on May 18, with registration opening February 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDP Chair talks 2026 plan, state and federal economic policy
DES MOINES, Iowa — After what Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart has described as a disappointing 2024 election cycle, the party once again re-elected her as chair earlier this month. Now, with the Trump administration in office and Iowa's 91st General Assembly well underway, Hart is looking at ways Iowa Democrats can be hopeful for the future. 'There is a big change between where we are as a party today than where we were two years ago when I started as chair,' said Hart. '…and I told folks regardless of what the results were of the election, we have made tremendous progress and that is success in itself…we've been able to really think about all the things that need to be done between now and 2026.' Iowa Democrats lost three Iowa House seats and one Iowa Senate seat, and the party did not flip one of Iowa's four congressional districts. Hart talked about the financial footing for the party getting solidified over the last two years and Iowa Democrats saw a growing volunteer base after Vice President Kamala Harris took over the top of the ticket. Al Roker visits DSM patients ahead Rally Against Cancer benefit Hart believes that with the party in what she considers good standing, the party has an opportunity to message party priorities around the state. 'We have a lot of rural democrats,' said Hart. 'I live out in a very rural area. We are very concerned about what's happening in the state of Iowa as a result of the Reynolds administration. The fact that our population is shifting from the rural areas to the urban areas is concerning. The fact that we don't have hospitals close to us, that some of them are closing down, that not everybody who lives in a rural area can get to a grocery store in a reasonable fashion. These are the things that we don't have accessible, and affordable child care. These are the issue I am talking to rural Iowans about.' RAGBRAI 52 announces 2025 route Hart discussed federal policy and Trump tariffs, highlighting how it might impact the Iowa farmer and Iowa consumer. And even though Iowa voted for Trump and re-elected all four of the incumbent Congressional Republicans, there is still a role for the Iowa Democrats to push for policy that will benefit those in the state. 'Just because you are in the majority and you have the power doesn't necessarily mean that what you are trying to get done is good for all of Iowa,' said Hart. 'So it's up to the minority to make sure that those voices are being heard.' Hart pointed to 2026 as even bigger than 2024 elections, with four congressional races again, a U.S. Senate race and a gubernatorial election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
