Little Village
@littlevillage.bsky.social
Iowa news & culture, online and in print. Always free. Independent and locally owned. Est. 2001. LittleVillageMag.com
Most Iowa Democrats surveyed want to be first-in-the-nation or early in the primary lineup again — but they're split on whether it's worth defying the DNC to do so.
Iowa Democrats want early nominating spot back in 2028, survey shows - Little Village
Iowa Democrats largely agree that they want to return to their historical spot as an early state in the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating cycle, according to survey results released by […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Most Iowa Democrats surveyed want to be first-in-the-nation or early in the primary lineup again — but they're split on whether it's worth defying the DNC to do so.
The man. The myth. The marble.
Greg Woods, sole commentator for YouTube's biggest marble-racing channel (which blew up in 2020 after a feature on 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'), has snuck some Iowa references into the elaborate lore of the "marble-verse."
Greg Woods, sole commentator for YouTube's biggest marble-racing channel (which blew up in 2020 after a feature on 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'), has snuck some Iowa references into the elaborate lore of the "marble-verse."
This Iowan is the voice of competitive marble racing - Little Village
The number-one marble racing entity on the internet is Jelle’s Marble Runs. The Netherlands-based YouTube channel has 1.5 million subs, nearly 800 videos, dozens of “teams” and race “venues,” surprisi...
littlevillagemag.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The man. The myth. The marble.
Greg Woods, sole commentator for YouTube's biggest marble-racing channel (which blew up in 2020 after a feature on 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'), has snuck some Iowa references into the elaborate lore of the "marble-verse."
Greg Woods, sole commentator for YouTube's biggest marble-racing channel (which blew up in 2020 after a feature on 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'), has snuck some Iowa references into the elaborate lore of the "marble-verse."
The Black Rose, which opened in a historic Main Street building this June, is ready to turn the page, owner Ashley Kofoed announced Sunday.
The Black Rose will continue as an online bookstore after closing its West Branch location - Little Village
The Black Rose, the West Branch bookstore and cocktail lounge that opened earlier this year, has closed its brick-and-mortar location, owner Ashley Kofoed announced on Sunday on social media. “This [...
littlevillagemag.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:21 PM
The Black Rose, which opened in a historic Main Street building this June, is ready to turn the page, owner Ashley Kofoed announced Sunday.
As our 25th anniversary year approaches, it seems like an appropriate time to explain how this publication got its title.
LV at 25: How did Little Village get its name? - Little Village
LV at 25 is an occasional series about the history of Little Village, as the magazine celebrates its 25th year in print. What’s in a name? In Little Village‘s case, […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:17 PM
As our 25th anniversary year approaches, it seems like an appropriate time to explain how this publication got its title.
Des Moines-based artist Patricia Holly's "signature vintage sound glides effortlessly between dazzling big-band-style orchestrations and a jazzy, moody piano bar, guided by a vocal delivery reminiscent of a Peggy Lee or Rosemary Clooney," writes Elisabeth Oster.
Album Review: Patricia Holly — 'Satin Sashes' - Little Village
With a stage name like Patricia Holly, a Christmas album seems to be a no-brainer. Name synergy aside, the Des Moines-based jazz and Americana artist is wholly up to the […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Des Moines-based artist Patricia Holly's "signature vintage sound glides effortlessly between dazzling big-band-style orchestrations and a jazzy, moody piano bar, guided by a vocal delivery reminiscent of a Peggy Lee or Rosemary Clooney," writes Elisabeth Oster.
Manure is an abundant, cheap and effective fertilizer for Iowa farmers. It's also highly dangerous to human health — and regulations around its use have barely changed in more than 20 years.
Factory farms in Iowa generate 110 billion pounds of manure per year. No one tracks where it’s going. - Little Village
More than a thousand hogs grow fat in the enclosed shed-like structures on Gene Tinker’s farm in northeast Iowa, while a few hundred cattle pace in open feedlots. His farm […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Manure is an abundant, cheap and effective fertilizer for Iowa farmers. It's also highly dangerous to human health — and regulations around its use have barely changed in more than 20 years.
Andre Perry and his team at Hancher Auditorium have cooked up a new music festival, arriving this April. Shows will take place across two days and at least seven Iowa City venues.
Hancher announces a new multi-venue spring music fest in Iowa City, Stop/Time Festival - Little Village
Hancher Auditorium, lead by executive director Andre Perry, announced that they are producing a new music and arts festival scheduled for this coming Spring. The Stop/Time Festival is billed as a "two...
littlevillagemag.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Andre Perry and his team at Hancher Auditorium have cooked up a new music festival, arriving this April. Shows will take place across two days and at least seven Iowa City venues.
Robert Cramer, former board chair of The Family Leader, believes more "vigorous debate" on Iowa campuses will keep DEI at bay.
"I’m not afraid of whacko wokeness if my conservative views are presented as well,” he said. “I’m confident our values can prevail if presented fairly."
"I’m not afraid of whacko wokeness if my conservative views are presented as well,” he said. “I’m confident our values can prevail if presented fairly."
New president of the Iowa Board of Regents opposes 'woke left stuff,' 'the homosexual agenda' and Maya Angelou in schools - Little Village
Robert Cramer was unanimously elected president of the Iowa Board of Regents by his fellow regents at a special meeting on Wednesday. Cramer was appointed to the board by Gov. […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Robert Cramer, former board chair of The Family Leader, believes more "vigorous debate" on Iowa campuses will keep DEI at bay.
"I’m not afraid of whacko wokeness if my conservative views are presented as well,” he said. “I’m confident our values can prevail if presented fairly."
"I’m not afraid of whacko wokeness if my conservative views are presented as well,” he said. “I’m confident our values can prevail if presented fairly."
Refocus Film Festival audiences got to see 'Train Dreams' more than a month ago, but its arrival on Netflix offers a good excuse to watch it again — and to check out other adaptations of UI grad Denis Johnson’s beloved novels and short stories.
Little Big Screen: Refocus fest highlight ‘Train Dreams’ arrives on Netflix, plus other Denis Johnson adaptations to stream this month - Little Village
The jangle, hum and hiss of Denis Johnson’s writing, first published when he was a 19-year-old undergrad at the University of Iowa and later stamped with the National Book Award, […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Refocus Film Festival audiences got to see 'Train Dreams' more than a month ago, but its arrival on Netflix offers a good excuse to watch it again — and to check out other adaptations of UI grad Denis Johnson’s beloved novels and short stories.
'What's Eating Iowa?', which premiered on YouTube yesterday, finds journalist Art Cullen seeking "an honest conversation" about the big issues facing his state.
Why do we live in a 'shithole'? A new docuseries on Iowa's 50-year decline seeks answers - Little Village
“I keep asking, why is it we’re living in a shithole?” Art Cullen says in What’s Eating Iowa?, his new documentary series launched Tuesday. The first episode, “Water,” is now […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:23 PM
'What's Eating Iowa?', which premiered on YouTube yesterday, finds journalist Art Cullen seeking "an honest conversation" about the big issues facing his state.
ON STANDS THIS WEEK: The 2025 Peak Iowa issue, featuring 28 tales of uniquely Iowan icons, oddities and infamy. 🐌
📍 Find a copy: bit.ly/lvlocations (distribution begins Dec. 4)
🌐 Read online: littlevillagemag.com/lv-december-2025
📬 Subscribe for home delivery: littlevillagemag.com/subscribe
📍 Find a copy: bit.ly/lvlocations (distribution begins Dec. 4)
🌐 Read online: littlevillagemag.com/lv-december-2025
📬 Subscribe for home delivery: littlevillagemag.com/subscribe
December 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
ON STANDS THIS WEEK: The 2025 Peak Iowa issue, featuring 28 tales of uniquely Iowan icons, oddities and infamy. 🐌
📍 Find a copy: bit.ly/lvlocations (distribution begins Dec. 4)
🌐 Read online: littlevillagemag.com/lv-december-2025
📬 Subscribe for home delivery: littlevillagemag.com/subscribe
📍 Find a copy: bit.ly/lvlocations (distribution begins Dec. 4)
🌐 Read online: littlevillagemag.com/lv-december-2025
📬 Subscribe for home delivery: littlevillagemag.com/subscribe
The four GOP-led states have agreed to support Homeland Security's efforts to access an obscure computer network typically used by police to look up out-of-state driving records, purportedly to prevent noncitizens from voting.
Iowa and three other states agree to give Homeland Security access to driver’s license records - Little Village
Four Republican states have agreed to help the Trump administration gain access to state driver’s license data through a nationwide law enforcement computer network as part of the administration’s hun...
littlevillagemag.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The four GOP-led states have agreed to support Homeland Security's efforts to access an obscure computer network typically used by police to look up out-of-state driving records, purportedly to prevent noncitizens from voting.
Conservation is a “solid investment for Iowa,” according to the drafted plan, as well as an existential necessity for hundreds of species. But the state is investing far too little to keep up with conservation goals.
Iowa DNR's wildlife action plan calls for more prairie, more public lands and protection for 800 species - Little Village
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking feedback on its 25-year wildlife action plan, which must be reviewed every 10 years per federal law. The action plan, according to […]
littlevillagemag.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Conservation is a “solid investment for Iowa,” according to the drafted plan, as well as an existential necessity for hundreds of species. But the state is investing far too little to keep up with conservation goals.
"Servers have our backs at the very worst of times," writes Genevieve Trainor of Iowa City. "We should make sure they know we appreciate that."
Letter to the editor: Let's tip 50% this December - Little Village
By Genevieve Trainor, Iowa City Like the rest of the Iowa City community, I’ve known since April that very public foreclosure proceedings made the fate of the businesses in the […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:54 PM
"Servers have our backs at the very worst of times," writes Genevieve Trainor of Iowa City. "We should make sure they know we appreciate that."
The lawsuit alleges Maria Ruhtenberg's firing was "part of a broader attempt by the state to suppress and punish free speech on the issues surrounding Charlie Kirk and his death.”
Public defender sues state, claiming she was fired for comments about Charlie Kirk - Little Village
The State of Iowa is being sued by an attorney who claims she was fired from the Office of the State Public Defender for online comments made in the wake […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The lawsuit alleges Maria Ruhtenberg's firing was "part of a broader attempt by the state to suppress and punish free speech on the issues surrounding Charlie Kirk and his death.”
The two Iowa City hotels, along with SpareMe Bowl & Arcade, are owned by the Coralville-based Hawkeye Hotels.
Downtown Iowa City's hotelVetro has closed, with Hotel Chauncey soon to follow - Little Village
Hotel Chauncey will close on Sunday and hotelVetro has already closed. Like SpareMe Bowl & Arcade, which will close its doors for the final time on Wednesday night, the two […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The two Iowa City hotels, along with SpareMe Bowl & Arcade, are owned by the Coralville-based Hawkeye Hotels.
“I was utterly shocked, and beyond disappointed,” SpareMe manager Heather Soseman told LV about the impending closure. “I was under the impression that we weren’t going anywhere.”
SpareMe, beloved bowling and pinball destination in downtown Iowa City, is shutting down - Little Village
SpareMe Bowl & Arcade is closing. The downtown Iowa City bowling alley will shut its door for the last time on Wednesday night, SpareMe announced Friday on social media. It […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:32 PM
“I was utterly shocked, and beyond disappointed,” SpareMe manager Heather Soseman told LV about the impending closure. “I was under the impression that we weren’t going anywhere.”
Iowa has "more pounds, if not tons of chemicals per square mile" than other states, Des Moines cancer doctor Richard Deming said at the Iowa Nature Summit.
“We have enough research to show the association" between these ag products and cancer rates; "next we need to have public health policy."
“We have enough research to show the association" between these ag products and cancer rates; "next we need to have public health policy."
'We know enough': Researchers call for Iowa ag regulations to protect public health - Little Village
Researchers and public health advocates said Wednesday that water quality and land use continue to be modifiable elements impacting public health, and in particular cancer, in Iowa. The experts spoke...
littlevillagemag.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Iowa has "more pounds, if not tons of chemicals per square mile" than other states, Des Moines cancer doctor Richard Deming said at the Iowa Nature Summit.
“We have enough research to show the association" between these ag products and cancer rates; "next we need to have public health policy."
“We have enough research to show the association" between these ag products and cancer rates; "next we need to have public health policy."
The minimum bid for the Chauncey, Plaza Towers and Park@201 at Tuesday’s auction was set at $24 million. None of the approximately 30 people gathered outside the Johnson County Jail entered a bid.
No bidders for the Chauncey and other foreclosed Moen buildings at the sheriff's auction - Little Village
The Chauncey, along with two more well-known Iowa City buildings, went under the hammer at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office auction on Tuesday, and there were no bidders for any […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:49 PM
The minimum bid for the Chauncey, Plaza Towers and Park@201 at Tuesday’s auction was set at $24 million. None of the approximately 30 people gathered outside the Johnson County Jail entered a bid.
“I think we all want to be around people a little bit more and off screens and feel comforted, and food is a wonderful tool for doing that, because you can say to people, ‘Come over for soup’, but really you mean, ‘Come over so we can mourn together,’” the 'Good Things' author said at Hancher.
With 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,' chef Samin Nosrat boiled cooking down to its elements. At Hancher — and with her new book — she reflects on why we set a table in the first place - Little Village
If there’s anything we all could use at the end of 2025, it’s comforting food with good company. Helping patrons get into the holiday feasting mindset, Hancher Auditorium hosted a […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
“I think we all want to be around people a little bit more and off screens and feel comforted, and food is a wonderful tool for doing that, because you can say to people, ‘Come over for soup’, but really you mean, ‘Come over so we can mourn together,’” the 'Good Things' author said at Hancher.
The author of 2023's 'Swine Republic' and inventor of a gut-churning formula that puts Iowa's livestock waste output in human terms (~168m people) doesn't mind being a thorn in agribusiness's side.
"Almost every aspect of life in Iowa has been steamrolled by the corn-soybean-CAFO production model."
"Almost every aspect of life in Iowa has been steamrolled by the corn-soybean-CAFO production model."
Chris Jones, water quality advocate and author, considers run for Iowa Ag Secretary: 'We need to rethink agriculture' - Little Village
Chris Jones, author of The Swine Republic and one of Iowa’s leading water quality advocates, has created an exploratory committee as he considers a run for Secretary of Agriculture next […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:23 PM
The author of 2023's 'Swine Republic' and inventor of a gut-churning formula that puts Iowa's livestock waste output in human terms (~168m people) doesn't mind being a thorn in agribusiness's side.
"Almost every aspect of life in Iowa has been steamrolled by the corn-soybean-CAFO production model."
"Almost every aspect of life in Iowa has been steamrolled by the corn-soybean-CAFO production model."
The Gazette staff learned this morning that they will soon become employees of an out-of-state company, along with folks at 11 other local Iowa newspapers purchased by AMM.
After more than 140 years of local ownership, the Gazette is being sold to a Minnesota multimedia corporation - Little Village
After 143 years as a locally owned, independent newspaper, the Gazette is being acquired by a Minnesota-based multimedia company. The Cedar Rapids paper broke the news on Tuesday morning of […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The Gazette staff learned this morning that they will soon become employees of an out-of-state company, along with folks at 11 other local Iowa newspapers purchased by AMM.
OptumRx, among the nation's largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies, is the latest entity to sue over an Iowa law designed to stop PBMs from pricing out small, rural pharmacies.
A third lawsuit challenges Iowa’s new law to support small, rural pharmacies by regulating drug-cost middle-men - Little Village
A third lawsuit has been filed against Iowa’s insurance commissioner over the legality of a new state law regulating pharmacy benefit managers, the third-party companies that act as intermediaries bet...
littlevillagemag.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:03 PM
OptumRx, among the nation's largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies, is the latest entity to sue over an Iowa law designed to stop PBMs from pricing out small, rural pharmacies.
Give your wanderings a noble purpose this winter with a free, pocket-sized nitrate test kit.
Seize the means of water testing with a free kit from Nitrate Watch - Little Village
I wasn’t great at science in high school. Following a set of basic lab protocols was somehow harder for me than memorizing the entirety of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Give your wanderings a noble purpose this winter with a free, pocket-sized nitrate test kit.
The beloved Dogtown venue Lefty's Live Music is packing up its amps, owners Anne Mathey and Erik Brown announced Thursday afternoon.
“To all the patrons – be curious and find new art,” they wrote.
“To all the patrons – be curious and find new art,” they wrote.
Lefty's Live Music is closing after 10 years in Des Moines - Little Village
After a decade as a pillar of the music scene in Des Moines, Lefty’s Live Music is closing. “As our tenth year draws to a close and after much consideration, […]
littlevillagemag.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:10 PM
The beloved Dogtown venue Lefty's Live Music is packing up its amps, owners Anne Mathey and Erik Brown announced Thursday afternoon.
“To all the patrons – be curious and find new art,” they wrote.
“To all the patrons – be curious and find new art,” they wrote.