In light of the International Transgender Day of Visibility and recent anti-trans legislation proposed and passed in states around the country, pop star Ariana Grande announced on Thursday the launch of her Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund, to support 18 LGBTQ+ organizations that are “providing direct services and advocating for the rights of trans […]
Central Iowa
Posted inCentral Iowa
Invasive species, meet your match: Goats clean trails and charm residents in Clive
Dealing with invasive species is an issue that Iowa parks and recreation departments are all too familiar with, but the City of Clive is engaging in a clever approach to rid the Greenbelt Trail of pesky plants: goats. The Greenbelt Goats were introduced to the city in late 2019 to help minimize garlic mustard and […]
Posted inWeekender
DSM Weekender: Sara Routh, Being the Art Mindfulness Tour, Singin’ in the Rain
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly curated compendium Looking for something to do this weekend? Don’t fool around; there’s plenty to keep you occupied! Lily’s top pick is Sara Routh at Noce. And Courtney recommends that you slow the pace a bit with the Being with Art […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photos: Monuments to women’s history in Des Moines
This Women’s History Month, Little Village explored some of the DSM spots dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in the city. Photos by Britt Fowler Evelyn K. Davis Center For Working Families Evelyn Davis (1921-2001) supported working families in Des Moines by providing affordable childcare for 23 years. She was an advocate for families, […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
This Des Moines comic writer launched his own Afrocentric sci-fi/fantasy universe
In a few years, Des Moines music artist, model and writer Aniekan White went from writing stories here and there in “the comic realm” to entering the 2021 Web Toons digital comic contest. That success bloomed into one of the few Black-owned comic companies in the U.S. White is the owner and founder of Sensi’il […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘A middle finger to hardworking Iowans’: Iowa House and Senate approve bill to cut unemployment benefits
On Wednesday, the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate both passed versions of a bill that will cut unemployment benefits and is designed to force unemployed Iowans to take jobs that pay less than their former jobs more quickly than current law does. The bills passed both chambers with only Republicans voting for them. Cutting […]
Posted inWeekender
Weekender: Des Moines Book Fest, Pop-Up Dance Party, ‘Hadestown’
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly curated compendium Looking for something to do this weekend? There’s music, literature and theater galore, along with a sprinkling of comedy and political action. Courtney recommends Thursday night’s pop-up dance party (“Who doesn’t want to dance?” she asks!), and Lily thinks […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Dr. Ellie Wolfe sets early childhood education to music in Drake University class
Ask Dr. Ellie Wolfe the value of music education, and you’ll get no offhand answer. “It’s key. It’s integral. It’s a part of the human condition,” Wolfe said. “I would say [that] for young children, but I also think that it should continue throughout life. And many people find ways to continue to interact, and […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Five questions with Loretta Stone, real dragwife of Des Moines
If you’re familiar with the Des Moines drag scene, you’ve probably run into Loretta Stone. The Perry native lived in New York City for 10 years before moving to Des Moines to become a Midwestern drag icon. Whether you’re catching her emceeing at The Blazing Saddle or hosting her variety show at The Garden, get […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Sixteen candidates for U.S. House and Senate will be on the June primary ballot, including the ‘Trump tractor guy’
On Tuesday, the Iowa Secretary of State Office released an updated list of candidates for the U.S. House and Senate in the June 7 primary election. To be eligible for the ballot, candidates needed to file their nominating petitions and other paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office by the end of day on Friday. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
80/35 adds a photography fellowship this year to help young photographers bridge the experience gap
Young adults aged 16-21 have a chance to gain free experience in photography alongside established mentors while photographing the 80/35 Music Festival this year. This new fellowship offers more than just an opportunity to learn how better to work a camera. Those involved will have access to workshops, mentorship, info on how to get into […]
Posted inCommunity/News
State senator calls COVID-19 vaccines ineffective before committee approves bill to ban vaccine requirements in schools and daycares
A Republican state senator falsely claimed COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective and called the idea of requiring them the “political belief of authoritarians who want to force their belief in… the hive-mindset,” just before the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that bans COVID-19 vaccine requirements at schools, universities and child care facilities. Sen. Jason […]
