By the time you read this, the Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre’s (DMYAT) production of The Laramie Project at Stoner Theater will have come and gone. While this remains a review of the company’s latest production, consider this, additionally, an assessment of this youth-centered central Iowa program. DMYAT is a Des Moines nonprofit dedicated to […]
Hate crimes
LGBTQ students were taunted and harassed during Linn-Mar’s homecoming parade
Linn-Mar High School’s annual homecoming parade in Marion on Wednesday was supposed to be a joyous occasion for students in the parade and spectators along the route. There was even an extra reason to celebrate this year, with the restoration of the school’s Armstrong bell that’s been rung every time the Linn-Mar Lions score a […]
Mississippi politician who smashed the Satanic Temple display at the Iowa Capitol seeks to have hate crime charge dismissed
The Mississippi politician who traveled to Des Moines in December to destroy the holiday display set up by the Satanic Temple (TST) in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol is seeking to have the hate crime charge for his actions dismissed. On Friday, the attorney for Michael Cassidy filed a motion in Polk County […]
After almost two months, the man who stabbed Devonna Walker has been arrested
Fifty-six days after the stabbing death of Devonna Walker, the Linn County Attorney’s Office has charged Shane Teslik with Voluntary Manslaughter and Disorderly Conduct. Walker died after being stabbed during a confrontation with Teslik and his wife in front of their home in Cedar Rapids on Jan. 2. There hasn’t been any question regarding who […]
Dana James: State rankings lists are out once again. Here’s where Iowa (actually) stands.
Here we go again. Yet another news company propped Iowa up on a pedestal. Iowa fell a bit this year on the 2022 annual rankings by CNBC, but still ranked No. 12 on a list of America’s best states for business and No. 10 on a list of America’s best states to live. You’ll find […]
Iowa Senate amends hate crime bill after death of Burlington transgender teenager
Following the death of a transgender teenager in Burlington last week, the Iowa Senate passed an amendment to the state’s hate crimes statute to protect transgender individuals, adding to its wording “gender identity” and “gender expression.” According to the Burlington Hawkeye, Kedarie Johnson, 16, was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds in an alley on […]

