When I moved to Iowa City 25 years ago, one of the first things I did to familiarize myself with my new surroundings was visit the African American Museum of Iowa (AAMI) in Cedar Rapids. I only had two pieces of Black Iowa history under my belt: Lametta Wynn was the first Black mayor of […]
Eastern Iowa
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Book Review: ‘Fashion Activist: My Life as a Designer, Dreamer, and Disrupter’ by Andre Wright
This past May, I had the pleasure of attending Beyond Fashion Fest in Iowa City. Launched by Iowa native Andre Wright, it was a weekend of fashion, comedy and fun. As a Black woman, witnessing a brother move in his own creative lane was inspirational. I walked away from the festivities thinking, “How did he […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Father Guillermo Treviño, a leading advocate for immigrants and workers in eastern Iowa, dies at 39
Father Guillermo Treviño, Jr., pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Liberty, died on Friday. His sister, Mariela Treviño-Luna, said in a social media post on Friday evening that Treviño had died unexpectedly after a brief illness caused by complications from diabetes. He was 39 years old. In addition to his pastoral duties in […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Private school parents clash over uncomfortably familiar issues in ‘Eureka Day’ at Riverside Theatre
Jonathan Spector’s 2025 Tony Award-winning Eureka Day, with its sharp humor and painfully familiar questions about privilege, progressivism and public health, has found a lively and incisive staging in Iowa City. Under the direction of Kathleen Johnson, Riverside Theatre’s production embraces the play’s contradictions with a mix of warmth and unease — a balance that, […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Amy Hospodarsky, Newman Abuissa and Clara Reynen will bring positive change to the Iowa City Council
By Tom Carsner, Iowa City Amy Hospodarsky, Newman Abuissa, and Clara Reynen will bring fresh, positive, and creative proposals to the Iowa City Council that will move Iowa City forward beyond the muddled responses from our present council majority in this time of fascist assaults on our democracy. I encourage you to vote for them […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: I’ve seen firsthand how Coralville council candidate Jenny Struthers gets things done
By Jamie Tisdale, Coralville I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse my friend Jenny Struthers for election to our city’s council. Her deep understanding of the law and finance, her ability to engage a wide variety of people to solve problems and her unwavering focus to make our community a better place are why I believe […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Coralville deserves leaders who are serious about helping constituents
By Tara McGovern, Coralville A city does not run on autopilot. If a city council is not engaged and proactive, people with too much power and too little accountability make bad decisions that affect everyone. I cannot take a candidate seriously who refuses to acknowledge that our city’s $36,000 contract with a private AI surveillance company […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: I support the Local Option Sales Tax in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty
By Nancy Bird, Iowa City As President and CEO of Greater Iowa City, Inc., I’m proud to support the Local Option Sales Tax on the ballot this Nov. 4. It is a community-driven solution that strengthens our region by investing in infrastructure that makes our area a great place to live and work. We live […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Iowa City could use a fresh set of leaders
By Mike Carberry, Iowa City President Harry Truman once said that if you wanted a friend in Washington, you should get a dog. The same could be said for politicians in Iowa City. I have lots of friends and acquaintances here in Iowa City who just happen to be elected to public office. I like […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Jayne Finch brings skills and transparency to the Iowa City school board
By Joan Vanden Berg, Iowa City I am voting for Jayne Finch for school board, and I encourage you to do the same. I have found Jayne to be a consistent advocate for our most vulnerable students. On several occasions, I have approached her about concerns raised by community members. She not only listened but took […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Travis Terrell can deliver change in the 1st District
By Becca Mallon, North Liberty It’s time for a change in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, and I’m convinced that Travis Terrell can deliver the change we need. Travis is running a refreshing grassroots campaign that has the potential to unseat Mariannette Miller-Meeks. His platform focuses on delivering much-needed relief for working class families. He presents […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks touts role in firing of teacher over Charlie Kirk remarks
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, speaking to supporters at a fundraiser in Iowa City on Friday, claimed credit for her involvement in the firing of an Oskaloosa teacher over remarks about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Miller-Meeks, speaking at her fifth annual tailgate fundraiser, said there’s “a lot at stake” in the upcoming election. To show voters […]
