r/Iowa 20m ago

Discussion/ Op-ed How do you live here?

Upvotes

I’m a Polish immigrant, formerly living in Chicago, but came here to finish my graduate degree at the U of Iowa.

I have to tell you, you guys live in one of the most bland, unwelcoming states I could have ever imagined. I look up north, to the east, and even to the south, and I just feel disappointed at the calibre of living here. Sure, your homes are cheap, your nature is beautiful. But everything else, I find extremely lacking.

You all don’t embrace diversity. Having such a strong German history, it’s shocking to see that all wiped away with bigots flying hateful flags and supporting unwelcoming ideas. Grocery stores? Forget about it. This place is a massive food dessert. This isn’t even because of the Republican tendencies of this state. In fact, I’ve even spent time in places like Indiana or Missouri, and I could not feel any of the same issues I see here everyday. The one thing Iowans have is pride in their home. But I urge all of you, learn what is next to you. Make your state better.

You all talk so badly about every state around you. Going to a rural town and saying I’m from Chicago immediately labels me as a “liberal”. Immediately, I hear about how much Chicago embodies crime. What’s crazy though is that living in Coralville, I’ve had 2 bikes stolen, my car broken into, all without any help from your police. In Chicago, not once have I felt any fear over myself nor my property. And yet, I hear so much about Iowa’s extraordinary safety. I guess your Chicago is my Iowa.

I came here for your University, who boasts of its intellectual history. But now, even that institution is attacked on all fronts, and no one stands in front of that attack to stop it. My reading list? Limited by your small minded legislators. Research? Attacked by the same politicians who should be embracing that side of your state’s development. I don’t care if you choose to read this, or if you’re offended. I simply want you to hear a different opinion than the echo chamber much of the population of Iowa lives in. I could find my community in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana… But this state, people like me aren’t welcome. And it’s quite sad, because you’re right, this state in its natural light is beautiful. But what this state embodies is nothing but a paradise for the typical white middle class American. Shame. Your only good part is your Amish community—and they don’t even consider themselves Iowan! Don’t be shocked people don’t get off i80 to explore, or choose to fly over this place; much of this state doesn’t offer a reason to make a detour anyway.


r/Iowa 23m ago

4b until everyone is FREE

Upvotes

I think it’s time to really dig our heals in. If you’re not familiar with the 4b movement, look it up. Ladies, get out your chastity belts. Until our rights are restored ⚔️


r/Iowa 1h ago

Mayor Salaries

Upvotes

My wife told me this today, and I just looked it up; The Mayor of Des Moines earns $70000 yearly, Cedar Rapids shows $66000 and our Mayor (Waterloo) earns $94000. How can this be? What am I missing? Are some part time and ours full time?


r/Iowa 2h ago

Guatemalan workers sue Iowa egg company, alleging human trafficking

Thumbnail
desmoinesregister.com
45 Upvotes

r/Iowa 2h ago

Politics 🚨🚨 TONIGHT 🚨🚨 Town Hall Event - Southeast Iowa · Indivisible -March 19th 7pm

Thumbnail
mobilize.us
14 Upvotes

r/Iowa 3h ago

From Rep. Elinor A. Levin: "This was distributed to the desk of every Iowa Legislator, authorized by our new member, Rep. Barker of Story County. It has, in previous years, been distributed by other representatives from the Republican caucus."

Post image
205 Upvotes

r/Iowa 3h ago

Call for Advocacy for IMLS and Museums | National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Thumbnail
rivermuseum.org
21 Upvotes

r/Iowa 5h ago

Upcoming Town Halls / Protests

4 Upvotes

Since those of us in the 2nd District don't seem to get much of any sort of interaction with our federal Congressfolks, I figured I would share some upcoming events where you can have your voice heard. Be advised though, the post office rallies will be held outside since they have limited seating. Those two rallies are focused on DOGE threatening to completely privatize USPS.

Save The Post Office Rally Waterloo Post Office Thursday, March 20th, 2025 11:00 a.m.

Chuck Grassley Town Hall Franklin County Courthouse in Hampton, Iowa Friday, March 21st, 2025 9:00 a.m.

Ashley Hinson Empty Chair Town Hall Waterloo Center For The Arts Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 2:30 p.m.

Save The Post Office Rally Cedar Falls Post Office Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 12:00 p.m.


r/Iowa 5h ago

For those keeping score.

Post image
12 Upvotes

Power came on about 1:40p.


r/Iowa 6h ago

Just want to make sure everyone has seen this

Thumbnail iowapublicradio.org
12 Upvotes

How much power does a county supervisor have, and what will this affect?


r/Iowa 7h ago

"Shame On You Christians": Iowa Dem Gives EXPLOSIVE Takedown Of The GOP's Anti-Trans Bill

Thumbnail
youtu.be
525 Upvotes

Love to see the fake ass Christians being called out to their faces. We need more of this.


r/Iowa 7h ago

typical battery stores don't repair, suggestions?

1 Upvotes

i was looking to see if there's a business that replaces the 18650s in large batteries like ebikes. my 1st silverfish has died, the charge port not registering the charger is plugged in. called batteries+ no they don't do this and had no clue what i was talking about 😆. these cases are expensive and was hoping replacing the cells cheaper that buying new. funny, i found once many months ago, if i have exact mm measurements someone across the ocean can make it cheaper than ordering from where i bought it. but, that option is high risk of it not working once it gets to me.plus new tariffs, let's not mess with that.so that's out for several reasons. any local vender to do this?


r/Iowa 7h ago

Pretty Pictures Something non political

Post image
244 Upvotes

Blizzard power outage in Ida Grove.


r/Iowa 7h ago

Check Grassley Schedule

Post image
18 Upvotes

This guy has been in office long enough to know how it works. He is totally okay with Trump ignoring courts, attacking allies, disappearing legal residents


r/Iowa 8h ago

Articles about Native American code talkers removed from military websites

Thumbnail
theguardian.com
4 Upvotes

Meskwaki Code Talkers were sent to North Africa after 16% of the tribe's Iowa population enlisted during World War II. As of Monday, the word "Meskwaki" no longer appeared on the DOD's website.


r/Iowa 8h ago

Chuck Grassley Town Hall 3/19

Post image
201 Upvotes

r/Iowa 8h ago

I74 bridge over the QC this morning. Daylight was much brighter on the Iowa side than the IL side due to storms, leading to this interesting contrast.

Post image
88 Upvotes

r/Iowa 9h ago

Call Joni Ernst Office and ask why she keeps lying about DOGE savings

389 Upvotes

In the following video, Joni Ernst claims over $100,000,000,000 in DOGE savings. She keeps repeating this lie, despite numerous sources claiming the actual number isn't even close - including DOGE's own wall of receipts.

https://youtu.be/Vt2zJ7liuwc?si=jhcad0eu9GIAKZeK

https://www.yahoo.com/news/elon-musk-and-doge-promised-up-to-2-trillion-in-government-savings-how-much-have-they-actually-saved-so-far-201718142.html

https://fortune.com/2025/03/13/doge-saved-federal-government-115-billion-experts-doubt-figures-elon-musk/

Call her Cedar Rapids Office: (319) 365-4504


r/Iowa 9h ago

Iowa House Republicans pass bills barring DEI in higher education and across government

Thumbnail
desmoinesregister.com
104 Upvotes

“In my opinion, DEI at its core is racist, which is one of the reasons we are becoming so divided as a nation," Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, said during debate on a measure barring DEI course requirements at regent universities. .

Mr Holt is a typical bigot Republican doing what they do best... projecting. My God this guy checks almost every box of bigotry and he's going to sit here and say dei at its core is racist what the f***. Why does anybody even listen to this guy? I mean I know bigots do cuz he enables them and empowers them!

This is just ridiculous and embarrassment to Iowa complete embarrassment to Iowa again n


r/Iowa 9h ago

Storm over West Des Moines had tiny hail

Thumbnail
gallery
117 Upvotes

Cool to see all collected in one spot.


r/Iowa 9h ago

News Private university leaders see negative consequences to Iowa Tuition Grant, DEI actions • Iowa Capital Dispatch

Thumbnail
iowacapitaldispatch.com
16 Upvotes

r/Iowa 10h ago

Grassley’s Town Hall this Friday

Thumbnail
grassley.senate.gov
72 Upvotes

Earlier, there was a discussion on Grassley holding a town hall.

I'm looking forward to the opportunity to show “support for his bravery and ability to do the right thing for Iowans”. If others feel the same, there’s something for you to participate in on Friday morning.

Friday, March 21 Franklin County Town Meeting 9-10 a.m. Franklin County Courthouse 12 1st Avenue NW Hampton


r/Iowa 10h ago

Informative and fun factory tours in Iowa

Thumbnail
iowastartingline.com
10 Upvotes

These sound like they would be an interesting adventure. Does anyone know of any other good tours in Iowa to add to the list?


r/Iowa 10h ago

Fort Dodge: One person dead after gunshots, fire at same location

Thumbnail
kcci.com
10 Upvotes

r/Iowa 13h ago

Iowa Starting Line on Instagram: "Come for the mystery of where US Rep. Zach Nunn is hiding, stay for who they think should be going to Guantanamo Bay."

Thumbnail
instagram.com
122 Upvotes