Author: Staff

Cedar Rapids models success of the ‘peaceful protest’

Staff

The protests in 1,700-plus American communities since George Floyd’s May 25 murder have ranged from violent, to peaceful, to showy, to subdued. That includes the protests in Iowa. In Des Moines, clashes between police and demonstrators have been tense. In Iowa City, a mostly youthful protest group opted for more “in your face” tactics like shutting down interstates and marching to council members’ homes. The Quad Cities is dealing with deaths related to random violence that occurred after and near peaceful protest sites. Tiny towns like Fairfield, Washington, and West…

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Black History Month events in Iowa, Illinois, top TRM’s Best Bets

Staff

Looking for ways to honor Black History Month? Here’s a rundown of events throughout Iowa and Illinois. You can also find our monthly Best Bets for progressive events in the areas of spirituality, spoken word, personal development, LGBTQ-oriented events, and women-focused events throughout February. This list is compiled by Cheryl Weatherford and Christine Hawes. Sat.– Sun. Feb. 8-9, Black Arts & Music Festival,  Artistic and cultural contributions of African and African American visual/performing artists. 10am-4:30pm, Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames IA Sat., Feb. 8 and every Saturday through…

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ICE raids inspire new Mount Pleasant PFLAG

Staff

MOUNT PLEASANT — The greatest inspiration for a new PFLAG chapter in Mount Pleasant, a town of less than 8,700, was not an LGBTQ-related incident. Bob Mueller, founder of Mount Pleasant PFLAG, says ICE raids that led to the arrest of 32 people in March 2018 inspired him. “Back in Illinois, the LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights groups often worked together as we had many of the same issues,” said Mueller, who moved to Mount Pleasant from Westmont, about 20 miles outside of Chicago. Mueller said he felt called to stand…

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Opportunities lost if Iowa misses the green wave

Staff

Weed, wacky tobaccie, dope, green … or maybe cannabis. For many, legalized or decriminalized marijuana harkens images of 1993’s Richard Linklater classic “Dazed and Confused.” Or the devilish dancing and lewdness of 1936’s “Reefer Madness.” Regardless of the generational images you may hold, legal access to marijuana is coming, and soon. Our side-by-side sister, Illinois, goes fully legal this coming January 1. California and Colorado led the way, and now, Illinois is the 11th state to legalize marijuana. This means access to marijuana will change for many, and for the…

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Photo collection illustrates “All Bodies Belong” in yoga

Staff

The”All Bodies Belong” series is intended to showcase “real, everyday bodies, and the stories they tell.” “The images highlight all different shapes, skin colors, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, looks,” writes Sarah Driscoll, leader of the project. The project featured Heidi Eiffert at Studio U Photography in the New Bo Neighborhood of Cedar Rapids. Enjoy!       See all of Heidi’s pictures in “All Bodies Belong” here. You can also enjoy these accompanying articles: • Q&A with Cassandra Justine, among the premier presenters at Fields of Yogis coming Aug. 23-25.…

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Pride continues in Fairfield, Burlington, Quad Cities and more

Staff

Here’s our latest update of Pride events remaining throughout Iowa and the Midwest! New to the list: June 21 and June 30 Pride events in Iowa City, and a new Queer Pride Takeover at The Depot Brewery in Fairfield! Take a look! Queertopia, Friday, June 21, 7:30-9:30 pm, The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St. Dreamwell Theater hosts an evening of original creations by LGBTQ+ performers, artists, storytellers, dancers, musicians and more. Admission is $10, with half of proceeds going to Iowa City Pride. LGBTQ+ Pride Takeover Party, 8 pm to…

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Opinions from Readers

Staff

Re. “Being Black in ‘Progressive’ Iowa City” (Latisha McDaniel Grife, December 2018) Hi, I moved out of Iowa to Western Washington a few years ago, but want to share an experience I had out your way. I went to college in Mt. Vernon in the late 1990s. Going to be up front, I am white. However, our college had a club, at the time they called it BACO (Black American College Organisation.) The club’s name was changed since I graduated. I am not sure what it is now. A few…

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Help the fight against puppy mills, animal cruelty

Staff

Bills to better protect animals from cruelty, and to ensure dog breeders are licensed and regulated, need the vocal support of voters to their elected officials, says a group devoted to protecting companion animals. Iowa Voters for Companion Animals seeks to end Iowa’s “puppy mill problem” and will hold a Lobby Day Feb. 20 to inspire support. Today is the last day to register for Humane Lobby Day Feb. 20, coordinated by Iowa Voters for Companion Animals. Cost is $20. Register here. “(Our current representatives) not only have the power,…

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Pride Con for youth coming to IC Feb. 23; parents welcome

Staff

For the 5th year in a row, United Action for Youth is hosting PRIDE CON, a youth summit for LGTBTQ+ youth and their parents/caregivers Feb. 23. This summit provides a space where young people can connect with peers, learn about new topics, and receive support.  Last year, this event drew 55 youth from around the Corridor. They were bursting with excitement about the opportunity to have a welcoming space to be themselves and to be part of an inclusive community.  Topics for breakout sessions this year include  bystander intervention, mental…

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Pro baseball: sexism institutionalized

Staff

To this day, people still think of softball as a sport for girls (or beer-bellied middle-aged men), and baseball as a sport for boys. Did you know “A League of Their Own” almost wasn’t made, because studios didn’t believe Americans would pay to see a movie about women playing baseball instead of softball? In no other sport are elite athletes told to switch sports due to their perceived gender. It’s comparable to a top tennis player being told to switch to racquetball. This brings us to the Women’s Baseball World…

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