Decades before Lois and Karen Gray became one of the first same-sex couples in Iowa to legally marry, they were Iowa farm girls, courting each other on the campus of Grand View College (now University) in Des Moines. In the mid-1980s, in fairly quick succession, the women became friends, then roommates, then girlfriends. This evolution […]
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Posted inCommunity/News
A conversation with Kate and Trish Varnum, 10 years after Varnum v. Brien
Cedar Rapids couple Kate and Trish Varnum celebrate their 18th, 15th and 10th anniversaries this year: they’ve been together since 2001, had a religious marriage ceremony in 2004 and were legally married in 2009, after a landmark Iowa Supreme Court case that bore their name. Since the April 3, 2009 ruling in Varnum v. Brien, […]
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The BarbouRoskes, plaintiffs in Varnum v. Brien, reflect on Iowa’s fight for marriage equality
The day the Iowa Supreme Court announced they’d made a decision in Varnum v. Brien, the landmark case that would determine whether to legalize same-sex marriage in Iowa, Dawn and Jennifer BarbouRoskes’ two young daughters had covered their faces in temporary tattoos. “Jen’s at work and I’m scrubbing their faces,” Dawn recalled. “Bre had fallen […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Guerilla Toss on their chaotic origin story and psychedelic new album, ahead of Mission Creek
For a band that creates frenetic, rhythm-charged, psychedelic music, Guerilla Toss’s absurd origin story is perfectly on-brand. Back when Kassie Carlson first crossed paths with the group at a DIY basement venue named the Smokey Bear Cave, they initially had a saxophonist instead of a vocalist. Meanwhile, she was singing in a hardcore band
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‘Letter To My Body’ brings voices from around the state to the Iowa City Public Library
“Letter To My Body,” a unique exhibit about how people perceive their physical selves will be on display at the Iowa City Public Library on Monday. “The letters highlight sexual harassment and violence, gender norms, sexism, and taught beliefs,” according to Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, the group that organized the exhibit.
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Waste not, want not: How Eastern Iowa is tackling the problem of food waste
From food sharing to organic composting, systems are being put in place to tackle issues of food waste, and they’re working. Stocking up on bulk goods at a wholesale warehouse club on a good sale. Over-catering for a party or event. Avoiding the slightly wrinkled pepper, bruised banana or about-to-expire dairy item at the grocery […]
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Meet Shayna Jaskolka, the UI student collecting presidential candidate signatures on her jean jacket
At a distance, the Sharpie marks on University of Iowa freshman Shayna Jaskolka’s denim jacket look random. But up close, it becomes obvious they’re autographs. And not random autographs — the signatures belong to six of the 2020 Democratic candidates for president, and Jaskolka is planning to collect more.
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New report shows big increase in arrests of students at Iowa schools, as well as racial disparities
Iowa saw one of the biggest increases in students arrested at school of any state between the 2013-14 and 2015-16 school years, according to a new report from the ACLU. While arrests of students at schools increased 3 percent nationwide during that period, Iowa saw an increase of 105 percent, going from 601 arrests in […]
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State Senate approves multi-million dollar program to promote ‘Iowa work ethic’ among Medicaid recipients
The Republican-led Iowa Senate passed a bill imposing work requirements on Medicaid recipients on a party line vote on Tuesday. SF538 would require Iowans determined to be “able-bodied” to work at least 20 hours a week at a job or as a community volunteer, or to attend school for that amount of time, in order […]
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Just announced: Big Grove to present inaugural Cornfed Folk Fest in June
Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City has announced their inaugural Cornfed Folk Fest, a new music festival that will take place on two stages starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Iowa City folk legend Greg Brown headlines.
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Dark money group steps up support for new fee on solar panels
A dark money group has increased its efforts to support a bill (SF583) that would let utility companies impose new fees on homeowners and businesses that install solar panels. The REAL Coalition of Iowa was incorporated as a nonprofit on Jan. 23, apparently to support the House and Senate versions of the bill. A dark money group is a nonprofit that engages in political activity but does not disclose its funders.
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After a bit of shopping, Beto O’Rourke discussed his ‘white privilege,’ Senate run, DACA and more in CR
Beto O’Rourke didn’t look like a top contender for the Democratic nomination for president on Friday night, when he was standing in Eduskate Board Shop talking to owner Nate Sherwood. He looked a customer. The two were happily discussing the classic skateboards Sherwood has on display in his NewBo shop, and looking over the planks […]
