Catherine Wheeler

Iowa was one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage, years before it would be allowed across the rest of the country. During that time in between, couples flocked to the state to tie the knot, and in particular, one small town became a popular destination.

A new major at Drake University will focus on preparing students for careers in zoos and conservation.

Point-in-time counts take place over a 24-hour period and survey those who are experiencing homelessness: people who are unsheltered or those who are using emergency shelters or transitional housing.

In this legislative session, lawmakers have passed laws restricting which bathrooms trans kids can use in school and banning gender-affirming care for minors. For families with kids who are affected by these laws, they’re worried about further restrictions in the future and weighing whether Iowa is a safe place for them.

The University of Iowa women’s basketball team has made it to the NCAA Final Four. They’re facing the No. 1 seed and undefeated University of South Carolina in tonight’s semifinal. Tip off is at approximately 8 p.m.

Librarians are raising concerns about a part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ reorganization bill that the Iowa House sent to her desk last week, that would change some of the oversight of the state library.

Lawmakers have considered close to 30 bills regarding LGBTQ Iowans this session. They range from banning gender affirming care for transgender youth to requiring parents to be notified and approve of their child wanting to change their preferred name or pronouns. Families with LGBTQ children in central Iowa say it’s hard for their kids to feel accepted.

The Food Bank of Iowa and Des Moines Area Religious Council are disagreeing over new policies. That’s caused not only caused further hardship for food pantries already facing rising need, but also the city of Des Moines to consider pulling financial support.

Last year, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program received 90,000 applications. This year, things are slower.

Each year, the Iowa State Veterans Trust Fund can spend $500,000 on assisting veterans who apply for funds. This year, the fund ran out of money in October.

Officials with food pantries in Iowa say they’ve been seeing an increase in people needing food assistance as economic pressure continues.

Iowa is the only state without a compassionate release program for people in prison. That’s why a new report comparing state programs ranks Iowa at the bottom.

Inmates in Iowa prisons will now receive only copies of their personal mail. But some across the state, including attorneys and the loved ones of inmates, say they’re concerned about whether this policy could have negative effects for people on the inside.

Since the Iowa Department of Corrections has changed its mail system in July, advocates are concerned about the potential effects this could have on inmates and their families.

The Iowa Department of Education and the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa have received a federal grant to get more local food in schools and early child care centers.

We asked Iowa singer/songwriter Kat Darling, a music coach with Girls Rock! DSM, to write about why she makes time to volunteer.

There aren’t any definite numbers on how many LGBTQ farmers there are in this country, but some are making a point to be visible in their communities.

The Drake University Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to discontinue the university’s applied behavior analysis master’s program. The program trains students to become board certified behavior analysts, who provide services to children and adults with autism.

Iowa has consistently come up short in providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And while the state has made attempts to get more providers, one of the only education training programs for some of these services could be discontinued.

Inclusive ICR, a coalition in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor, is offering a new, free tool for area businesses to get assessments on diversity and inclusion efforts.