HARRIS RALLIES REENERGIZED PARTY
Following Joe Biden’s exit, Kamala Harris has rallied a more unified Democratic party. Liam Halawith Elections Editor liam.halawith@dailyiowan.com
Roxy Ekberg Politics Editor roxy.ekberg@dailyiowan.com
CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris, stepping out from President Joe Biden’s shadow, is now rallying a reenergized Democratic Party after she took the top spot on the Democratic presidential ticket a few weeks ago. Her ascension to the top of the ticket came with a boost in polling for Democrats, showing Harris and former President Donald Trump neck-and-neck nationally where Biden had previously trailed Trump. Harris’ can -
Banding together during reconstuction
Dubuque Street businesses strengthen resolve as declining sales persist.
Evan Watson News Reporter news@dailyiowan.com
The $3.75 million Dubuque Street reconstruction project is expected to be completed by Sept. 20 after over five months of work has impacted businesses on the street. Business owners are reporting decreased foot traffic and profits compared to last year.
Alin Dumachi, the city’s senior civil engineer overseeing the project, said the work is still anticipated to wrap up in September.
Dumachi said the project is the third in a series of 12 that were conceptualized in 2014 to address aesthetic and infrastructure issues across Iowa City. The specific plans for the Dubuque Street reconstruction project were created in January 2022.
According to the city’s website, the project began March 11 to address outdated infrastructure underneath the street. The project also prioritizes developments in street utility, including widened sidewalks and improved light fixtures over the street.
The city emphasized the Dubuque Street businesses’ needs during the planning process and has achieved its goal of disrupting regular
didacy has renewed Democrats’ enthusiasm about the presidential race as the party looks to fend off the former president’s return to the White House. A shift in energy has fueled an influx of fundraising dollars, with Harris raking in $500 million in the month since she took over the ticket, according to Reuters.
business hours as little as possible, Dumachi said.
Dumachi said city officals had not decided which project it will pursue once Dubuque Street is finished. He added that different projects have different needs, meaning plans for each project can vary.
“Despite some bad weather and the six-week delay, we are on track to finish the Dubuque portion of the project by the end of the month,” Dumachi said.
Light fixtures will be installed in September once they arrive, he added.
Despite businesses seeing reduced sales, business owners are banding together to make it through the rest of the construction.
Macy Krall, owner of 223 Baby Co. located at
21 S. Dubuque St., said her overall sales in the last month are down over 65 percent from last year. Krall also told The Daily Iowan her sales were down 40 to 50 percent in July.
Krall said the change in the construction fence layout has made it more difficult to access her and others’ businesses. Originally, the fence was arranged so the street was blocked off while the sidewalk remained accessible.
Workers recently began laying new sidewalks, making the walkway more difficult to navigate. Wooden boards are needed to cross from the walkway to the businesses’ doors.
Krall said she was concerned by the boards because they were not accessible and made it
IC opens urban bow hunt applications for season
The 2024-25 season begins on Sept. 21 with a newly revised plan from city council.
Kate Perez Senior Reporter news@dailyiowan.com
As summer winds down and fall begins in Johnson County, Iowa City officials are preparing for this year’s urban bow hunt — the first since the city created its new deer management plan in hopes of controlling the deer population. The newly revised five-year deer management plan was approved by the Iowa City City Council on July 16 and includes multiple management strategies, including non-lethal solutions, urban bow hunting, and sharpshooting, which is planned for 2026 pending approval from the Iowa Natural Resource Commission.
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan Construction is seen on Dubuque street in Iowa City on Aug. 23. The construction began in May, and businesses along Dubuque Street have seen a decline in sales since.
difficult for her to navigate with her stroller and infant.
Krall said she is looking forward to further progress, especially as students begin moving into Iowa City to start fall classes.
“Students move in and begin looking for places to hang out,” Krall said. “If Dubuque Street doesn’t
“If
June 22, which grants $20 to any customer who spends $150 or more at Dubuque Street businesses, has not generated new business but is utilized often by regular customers. She also said the gift cards are effective advertising.
Businesses on Dubuque Street like 223 Baby Co. have used cooperation to bolster sales and foot traffic, such as a 10 percent discount program Krall offers in association with Prairie Lights Books and Cafe down the street.
Dubuque Street doesn’t look good, our businesses might not become hangout spots for students.”
Macy Krall Owner of 223 Baby Co.
look good, our businesses might not become hangout spots for students.”
Krall mentioned some of the official and unofficial promotions that have taken shape during the construction have helped support businesses during the construction period.
She said a city gift card program implemented
Iowa City’s 2024-25 urban bow hunt season will start on Sept. 21 and will end on Jan. 10, 2025. Kirk Lehmann, Iowa City’s assistant city manager, said the city has been receiving an increasing number of complaints of deer in urban areas like Hickory Hill Park over the past two to three years, mostly concerning deer eating gardens or destroying property.
The application form for the 2024-25 urban bow hunt season is live on the Iowa City website, and officials are hoping to see an increase in applications, Lehmann said. If approved, hunters must pass an annual archery proficiency test proctored by the Iowa City Fin & Feather store before hunting.
The number of hunters in the urban bow hunt has gradually increased since 2021, with 16 hunters approved in the 2023-24 season compared to the 12 approved in the previous season. Lehmann said the number of hunters needs to increase to properly control the deer population, which is why the city is also pur suing gun-based sharpshooting in 2026, but the trend is positive.
The city has also seen an increase in deer harvested each year, with 32 harvested in the 2023-24 urban bow hunt compared to 29 the year before. In addition to designated urban hunting locations, Iowa City works with larger property owners who allow hunting on their land, which Lehmann attributes to the increase.
Prairie Lights Books and Cafe, located at 15
S. Dubuque St., is a state-renowned bookstore known for its literary readings and second-floor cafe popular among students.
Jan Weissmiller, a long-time staff member at Prairie Lights as a poetry buyer, reading arranger, and co-owner since 2008, said showing a receipt
for a purchase of any amount from one store at the other results in a 10 percent discount.
Weissmiller said she hopes an affiliation with 223 Baby Co. may draw attention to Prairie Lights’ “somewhat underutilized” children’s book section.
Weissmiller said, like Krall, overall business in the last five months has declined. Her business was never fully inaccessible, she said, but the store was asked to open later than usual to allow for the sidewalks to be poured.
Even though foot traffic and sales are down, other elements of the business were not affected, Weissmiller said. Literary readings were undisrupted, and catered receptions have been successful.
Weissmiller said she is optimistic about the redesigned street bringing in good business once the project is concluded. She said the store plans to incentivize customers with Prairie Lights-branded merchandise. Businesses on the street will have a post-project celebration in October. Additionally, Weissmiller is planning appearances and readings by prominent authors this fall.
Through it all, the project has brought Dubuque Street business owners closer together, Weismiller said, which will outlast the construction project.
Lehmann said the private property involved in the hunt must meet a set of criteria to participate, including being at least 150 feet away from public right-of-way spaces, buildings, parks, trails, and other developments to keep the neighboring community safe. Property owners also have to fill out a permission form through the city.
Moving forward, the goal is to continue to expand the areas where hunters can harvest deer while keeping the Iowa City community safe, Lehmann added.
“We’re trying to maintain those connections and expand the number of other individual property owners that are interested in participating,” Lehmann said.
The City of Iowa City worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Natural Resource Commission on the updated plan. Ross Ellingson, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources wildlife depredation biologist, said the department as well as commission help the city determine the need for deer management within city limits and the best management practices.
Ellingson said he has worked with Iowa City to refine its plan and determine whether urban bow hunting would be more effective than sharpshooting hunting. Iowa City has a history of sharpshooting but implemented bow hunting in its last five-year plan after residents questioned why the city did not also have an archery-based urban hunt, he said.
“It got off to a slow start, but it’s growing in
popularity, and they harvested more deer each year, so we can only look forward to a growing and more effective urban archery hunt in the Iowa City limits,” Ellingson said.
Ellingson said he expects the program to expand this season and beyond as city officials work with private property owners to utilize their land as hunting spaces.
“Hunters enjoy the ability to hunt close to home and not have to travel too far out of the city,” Ellingson said. “I think that’s part of the reason people are so interested and want to participate and help out.”
In the past, Iowa City’s deer management program has drawn criticism from some members of the community. During the previous plan, a petition was filed against the city by Iowa City Deer Friends asking the city to prevent the hunt.
As previously reported by The Daily Iowan the September 2020 petition argued the bow hunt was unnecessary and not regulated well enough to protect public safety.
The district court’s first ruling denied the petition and request to stop the hunt. The final ruling in February 2021 rejected the claims of alleged illegality, dismissing the lawsuit, according to the Iowa City deer management program’s online timeline.
Other cities and counties in Iowa also control deer population through urban bow hunting. The City of Coralville has had an urban deer management program for over a decade, Deb Summers, Coralville Police
Department patrol lieutenant, said.
Summers said the city took 50 deer out of population in its 2022 urban deer hunt, with 1,995 total deer removed since 1999. The program is designed to protect natural habitats, reduce disease spread, prevent collisions, and minimize property damage.
“We do find it effective. If we didn’t find it effective, we wouldn’t do it every year,” Summers said.
Most of the City of Coralville’s urban bow hunt takes place on city property, she said. The property owners within the city who permit their property to be hunted are listed in the hunt’s informational pamphlet.
The program is successful because people can see the benefits reflected in their communities, she said.
“They see that there’s less damage to their property,” Summers said. “If you live here long enough, you’ve seen how beneficial it is to reduce the number of deer in the community. For one, causing traffic accidents on the roadways, and then keeping their properties and such from getting destroyed.”
Summers said the program is established and advertised to hunters, which helps its success rates. Hunters in the Coralville program have to complete a bow hunting safety course at Fin & Feather.
“We do it in a way that keeps the community safe at the same time, and so it’s very, very well regulated by the police department,” Summers said.
UI unveils new, free smartphone app
Students can now use an app to access campus resources ranging from grade reports to information on public transit.
ned for the future, according to the website.
Julian Senn-Raemont
The high summer corn sweats have all but subsided, bulk packages of Ramen noodles are mysteriously vanishing off Hy-Vee shelves, it’s suddenly very difficult to schedule a plasma donation, and thousands of new students have moved into Iowa City.
The free app contains the tools and reminders students would usually find in MyUI, the university’s web-based portal of resources.
According to a campus-wide email from the UI, the app can be found by searching “University of Iowa” in a device’s app store or can be downloaded from the UI’s website. A version of the app designed for faculty and staff is plan -
To kick off the new school year, the University of Iowa has rolled out a free mobile app for students to access campus resources called the University of Iowa Mobile App.
One feature in particular students have been utilizing is the campus map marked with each academic major’s building. In addition, users can click a link to the Transit Mobile App where they can track bus departure times, stay updated on bus line disruptions, and transfer rides with local public transportation.
Malia Shinbori, a cinema major in her third year at the UI, said she was incredulous when viewing the app’s campus map. Shinbori said she wished she had had access to this feature when she was beginning her career at the university.
Photo illustration by Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
Once in the application, students can also access academic tools including schedule buiding and advising notes. The app can also be used for checking graded assignments.
Brenna Gion, a second-year student at the UI, said the app would make it easier to find what she needs because all of the university’s resources are more centralized in the app, rather than being spread across a website.
“Honestly, it would probably be nice because I don’t want to log into MyUI everyday,” Gion said. According to Pew Research Center, approximately 97 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 29 own a smartphone.
“Students grew up with mobile phones and are used to having access to information they want and need in this way,” said Teri Schnelle, director of projects and partnerships in the UI Division of Student Life, said.
The purpose of the app is to centralize the many resources the UI has and continues to develop in one location: a student’s pocket, Schnelle said.
“What we heard from students is that there isn’t a single place to locate resources they need, and instead they would have to search multiple websites to find what they needed,” Schnelle said. “This app aims to help solve that problem.”
Jordan Barry | The Daily Iowan
A deer is seen in Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City on Aug. 24. Deer hunting season begins on Sept. 21 and will be the first with urban bow hunting since Iowa City’s new deer management program began.
say they have also seen a wave of self-reported interest in volunteering, where it was previously hard to recruit volunteers.
Riding the wave of enthusiasm, Democrats met last week at the Democratic National Convention for Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to accept the presidential and vice-presidential nominations.
The sudden switch at the top of the ticket came soon after Biden announced on June 27 he would exit the race following a poor debate performance during which he stumbled over his words and seemed visibly confused.
The debate left Democrats dispirited, worried about Biden’s ability to fend off attacks on his age and his overall ability to defeat Trump. With Harris’ rise, Democrats are more optimistic about the upcoming election.
“I think that the entire Democratic Party was almost in a more depressed state over the election,” Charles Silver, a first-year University of Iowa student and Democratic voter, said of how he felt following Biden’s debate performance. “Democrats have come together so quickly after Biden dropped out, which I was never expecting to see because, in the past 12 years of politics, we haven’t seen any fully united parties.”
Shifting Energy
After Biden’s exit from the race, early polling showed a major bump in enthusiasm among Democrats regarding the election. A New York Times/Siena College poll released days after Biden dropped out found Harris was only one point behind Trump nationwide. Biden lagged behind Trump by six points in the same poll conducted just after the June 27 debate.
Harris has since continued to climb in polling as she tours swing states with her running mate Walz. As of Aug. 21, she holds a 1.5-point lead over Trump in an average of national polls by Real Clear Polling.
She also has bolstered enthusiasm within the Democratic Party. More than 85 percent of Democrats polled said they are excited about the Harris-Trump matchup compared to just 46 percent in June looking at a Biden-Trump rematch, according to recent Monmouth University polling.
UI political science professor Sara Mitchell said Harris’ rising tide of enthusiasm is because her candidacy reaches more of the party’s base. Harris has seen an increase in support over Biden across the board, according to a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll of voters nationwide.
Harris saw an 11-point increase among young voters, a 4-point bump with Black voters, and a 15-point boost with Democratic-leaning independents.
“If you think about the Democratic Party as a large umbrella organization, her candidacy just reaches a larger group of people and appeals to a larger group of people within the party,” Mitchell said.
UI political science professor Timothy Hagle said the poll bump can be attributed to Harris’ energy compared to Biden, whose age critics used as a weakness. He said many Democrats saw Harris as a more effective messenger for the party than Biden following his debate performance.
“There’s enthusiasm — she’s younger, she’s more energetic,” Hagle said. “She’s not Biden anymore, so that problem seems to have gone away. ”
This enthusiasm was on display at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last week. Views from the arena frequently featured Democrats dancing and cheering. Many of the delegates inside the room described it as “electric.”
State Rep. Adam Zabner, a Democrat from Iowa City and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said you could “feel the excitement in the air.”
“I think folks understand the stakes of this election, but also the opportunity we have to make history with Kamala Harris,” Zabner said. “She would be the first Black female president and first president of South Asian descent if elected.”
Anna Banowsky, the Democratic nominee for Iowa House District 92, said the energy was infectious.
“When you watch that on television, it’s hard to understand how loud it gets in that kind of space,” Banowsky said. “So just being in a room and the whole room erupts in cheers and starts chanting — it really does have more of an effect.”
Young people are also excited about Harris’ candidacy, with 59 percent of younger voters polled in an August ABC News/Washington Post poll supporting Harris compared to just 48 percent who had supported Biden.
Seth Dickinson, the president of the University Democrats at Iowa, said while Harris, 59, and Walz, 60, aren’t the youngest candidates, their shift has still made a difference for young voters.
“I mean, they’re both about 60 years old, but I think that energy shift and that almost ideology shift into certain issues matter to younger voters,” Dickinson said. “I think that is what makes me really happy, seeing some of these issues being talked about in a more serious light.”
Emma Degroote, a third-year UI student, said she
likes that Harris is much younger than 81-year-old Biden because she’s more capable and is a better speaker.
A chronically online campaign
Harris has embraced an onslaught of internet memes that started in the immediate aftermath of her rise to the top of the Democratic ticket.
Online memes made remixes of Harris’ viral speech at a May 2023 swearing-in ceremony of commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. Harris stressed the importance of caring not only for young people but all generations.
In her remarks, Harris shared what her mother Shyamala Gopalan had told her.
“My mother used to — she would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?’” Harris said with her iconic laugh — that of which has been ridiculed by Republican officials and right-leaning political commentators. “You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.”
“I think that relatability is really driving at least interest in young voters and getting them registered to vote.”
Seth Dickinson President of the University Democrats at Iowa
Harris has also been declared “brat” by British pop star Charli XCX, whose new album “BRAT” has become an international hit. Charli XCX had tweeted “kamala IT brat,” which started the rise of the meme.
Harris and her campaign have embraced the wave of online excitement with her campaign team’s account “Kamala HQ” frequently going viral on TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Democratic National Convention also invited hundreds of content creators to cover it. Collectively, the group reached about 30 million people, according to The New Republic, a left-leaning magazine.
The strategy comes as the party aims to meet voters where they are through social media.
Roughly one-third of 18- to 29-year-olds use social media to get their news, according to a late 2023 survey by Pew Research Center.
Kylah Hedding, a UI journalism professor who specializes in public relations, said the campaign has to carefully tread leaning into the online memes, but not too much as to seem “cringe,” which can turn off the young people the memes target.
“What we have seen is really a reflection of the current media landscape that we’re in,” Hedding said. “It really does seem like the social media presence was almost immediate after she announced, and everyone was coalescing around her, and I think that the campaign has actually been really smart in sort of utilizing that momentum while
also not being too cringy about it.”
When marketing the campaign online, Hedding said candidates have to relinquish some control while still driving their message.
“I think the campaign has been really good at being able to sort of try to jump in and drive the message where they can, but just also let the people online be themselves,” Hedding said.
Dickinson, with University Democrats at Iowa, said Harris’ online strategy has helped reach younger voters who did not feel represented or seen by previous administrations.
“I think in terms of engaging with those young voters, a lot of young voters have felt tuned out — turned off,” Dickinson said. “I think that relatability is really driving at least interest in young voters and getting them registered to vote.”
Persisting divides
However, Harris still carries much of the same baggage on the current administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. During Haris’ nomination acceptance speech, she called for the end of suffering in Gaza and an ultimate ceasefire.
Harris has also committed to meeting with the leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement, who have been vocal on their dissatisfaction with Democrats’ inaction to end the conflict. The movement received approximately 30 delegates.
However, some pro-Palestinian activist leaders are unsatisfied with this, saying they are waiting for an arms embargo. Every day of the Democratic National Convention protests, thousands of people called on Democrats to end arms sales to Israel by enacting an arms embargo. Harris has also received criticism for her handling of the U.S. southern border, as well as the state of the economy that she inherited from her involvement as Biden’s vice president. While Harris’ own economic agenda independent of Biden’s policies is starting to form, voters are still looking for specificity.
Hagle, with the UI, said because a majority of pro-Palestinian activists are concentrated within the Democratic base, it could make a difference in swing states where individuals may not vote or choose to vote.
Delaney Waterman, a fourth-year UI student, said she doesn’t like how Biden has handled the conflict in Gaza and hasn’t heard much from Harris on what she would do differently.
“I do think that it is a huge issue that should be spoken about,” Waterman said. “I don’t think that we should necessarily be sending people over there, but I do think that we should be stopping our aid to Israel.”
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan
A U.S. Capitol Police Officer observes protestors near the delegate’s entrance outside the United Center during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on Aug. 20.
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan
Protesters march on the third day of the Democratic
Coalition for Justice in Palestine.
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan FROM FRONT: Delegates and other attendees wait outside the perimeter of the United Center during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 20.
Renovations underway across campus
Updates to campus buildings, including the Pentacrest halls, are approaching.
Kate Perez Senior Reporter news@dailyiowan.com
The University of Iowa is progressing on its ten-year master plan, with construction in sight for some central campus buildings like the Iowa Memorial Union, Gilmore Hall, and the Pentacrest.
The UI first introduced its ten-year master plan in January 2022 when it was approved by the Iowa Board of Regents. The sprawling plan details projects expected to begin before 2032 on both the main academic campus and the health care campus on the west side of the Iowa River.
Some of the projects proposed in the original 2022 master plan are coming to fruition on campus, including renovations to modernize Hillcrest Residence Hall, the construction of the Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center, and a west side parking ramp.
Rod Lehnertz, UI senior vice president for finance and operations, said a key component of master planning is the ability to change the plan, if necessary, while efficiently utilizing every square foot of campus space.
“One of the beauties of a master plan is that we make sure opportunities are enabled and that we don’t paint ourselves into corners that we regret,” Lehnertz said.
Student Health, Wellness moves to Iowa Memorial Union
There have been multiple updates undertaken in buildings central to campus already, including the Iowa Memorial Union. This includes the addition of the Old Gold Creamery and a Starbucks coffee shop, the remodeling of the former Hills Bank location to become a space for the UI Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, and the opening of the HawkeyEsports Arcade.
More projects are coming. The Iowa House Hotel, which is located on the west side of the IMU, is expected to close following the fall 2024 semester to make room for renovations, including the eventual move of student services into the building.
Lehnertz said the first phases of renovations on the IMU could begin as early as spring 2025, with the entire project ideally completed in 2027. He said he did not know what phase the movement of student services will be in, but it is expected to relocate before the 2027 end date.
Sarah Hansen, UI vice president for student life, said they have used the IMU’s existing space in different ways in recent years to improve it for students
without major renovations. In the coming years, the goal is to make the IMU a place designed for students by having increased natural light and collaborative workspaces.
There are multiple renovations planned for the IMU, Hansen said, including the move of all the UI’s well-being services currently located in Westlawn.
“That will put University Counseling Services, [and] Student Health, Student Wellness, Student Care and Assistance all kind of in a collaborative space,” Hansen said. “A one-stop shop for students around well-being and mental health in the center of campus, essentially, which I think is much more accessible to the majority of our students.”
Other projects slated for the IMU include changing the facade that faces Hubbard Park, more seating around that area, renovating the building so visitors can see through to the Iowa River from the building’s Clinton Street entrance, and so visitors can see above them to other floors, new food service options, more lounges, and more storage spaces, Hansen said.
“I think between all of those things, most of us probably won’t recognize good parts of the building. It’ll still be a historic memorial union, but I think we’ll be able to use it really differently in some positive ways,” Hansen said.
Hansen added that Mayflower Residence Hall has also received some updates over the summer, including upgraded food service options with warm grab-and-go options offered. The UI announced it would be keeping Mayflower in February after putting it up for sale the year prior. In the long term, Mayflower will be modernized to include lounge and study spaces on each floor.
Tippie expands
Each project in the ten-year master plan impacts other locations on campus like dominos, Lehnertz said. When one building is renovated, it can create space for another group. This is the case for Gilmore Hall, which currently houses the Graduate College and Department of Religion. Those services will relocate, and the Tippie College of Business will move some services into Gilmore Hall after those modernization efforts.
The university originally explored constructing a new building on an open piece of land across from the Pappajohn Business Building on Clinton Street to address the College of Business’ overpopulation issues, but it later opted not to. Lehnertz said modernizing Gilmore Hall and moving its services to other areas of campus, like the Performing Arts Annex after it is renovated, is the UI’s most fiscally responsible option.
The regents approved the UI’s request to expand Tippie College of Business into Gilmore Hall in June, and the project will be donor-funded. Amy Kristof-Brown, Tippie College of Business dean, said she is excited about the move, and the Pappajohn Business Building was modeled after Gilmore Hall.
“We were sort of given the option to then continue over into Gilmore, and it just seemed like a great way to honor the history of campus, while also getting the additional space that we need,” Kristof-Brown said. “I also really like keeping the Pappajohn Business Building as the signature building on campus for business, and so this will be a way to bring you more
into that image of Pappajohn while not creating something that competes with it.”
Kristof-Brown said she is looking forward to the building becoming more sustainable, while also helping meet the college’s capacity needs. Every office in Pappajohn Business Building is full, with some faculty doubled up in offices.
“We know we need the space, and we have a lot of folks eager to help us do it, which is great,” Kristof-Brown said. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to lean into some of the history of this campus and take a building that has meant a lot to many different people and really turn it into something that’s a vibrant, active space as part of the business college. I think it’s going to be terrific.”
There are already some donations for the renovations, and both donors and Kristof-Brown are looking forward to seeing the modernized version of the building.
“I’m all for reusing and taking areas that have fallen into a state of needing modernizing in order to be most useful to today’s students. That’s really what we’re thinking about,” Kristof-Brown said. “What do today’s students need, and what kinds of areas do we need to help support their learning and their success, and how can we make that happen in a frame of a building that means so much to this campus?”
The construction and relocation into Gilmore Hall will occur when other renovations are completed across campus allowing the groups presently located in the hall to move to a new space, Lehnertz said.
Other projects advance
Different programs will likely be relocated as projects occur throughout the next eight years, including the movement of the department of dance to the Performing Arts Annex and computer science to the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories building, where construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, Lehnertz said.
Other major projects within the ten-year master plan include:
• Construction of the Hawkeye Parking Ramp on the west side of campus Construction of the UI Gymnastics/ Spirit Squad Training Center
• Renovations to Jessup, MacLean, and MacBride Halls
• Razing of Westlawn Razing of Halsey Hall to expand the IMU Parking Ramp
Lehnertz said seeing projects come to fruition has been one of the most rewarding parts of his job over the last 30 years.
“I can look back in almost any campus photograph and say, ‘Ah, I remember when it was a dream,’ or when we didn’t even think that could happen,” Lehnertz said. “And on our little campus, they happen.”
IC begins use of automated license plate cameras
More than $100,000 worth of cameras were left dormant for over a year.
Jack Moore Managing News Editor jack.moore@dailyiowan.com
Parking garages across Iowa City will start using automated license plate cameras after the Iowa City City Council changed a rule that had banned the technology. The change has raised privacy concerns for some but praise from others for the cameras’ ability to improve city parking.
Three parking garages in Iowa City — Chauncey Swan, Harrison Street and Capitol Street — have automated license plate readers that were installed in January 2024, Iowa City City Manager Geoff Fruin said.
The cameras in the three ramps cost $114,469 and were never activated because of a city ordinance passed in 2013, Fruin said.
In 2013, red light and speed cameras were popularized across the country, and Iowa City residents moved to petition against implementing that technology. The council approved a ban on automated license plate recognition devices.
The cameras in the parking garages today cannot issue traffic tickets, and they are not operated by law enforcement, Fruin said. However, the ordinance from 2013 technically prohibited these cameras because they use automated recognition technology.
“We should have, at the time of purchase, updated this ordinance,” Fruin said. “Now we’re circling back to that when we’re ready to activate the cameras.”
On Aug. 20, the city council passed an amendment to the ordinance in a split 4-3 vote clarifying that some automated cameras, including the ones in the parking garages, are exempt from the rule. Red light and speed cameras are still prohibited.
Fruin said they will activate the parking garage cameras within a week of the amendment’s passing.
What are the benefits?
Mark Rummel, associate director of transportation services, spoke to the city council on Aug. 6 and said the cameras will allow traffic to move faster in the parking garages, particularly in those that are gated. Of the three garages, the Capitol Street parking ramp is the only one that uses a gate.
He said there are other benefits, such as if someone loses their parking ticket, they will not be charged the $20 lost ticket fee because the cameras can track how long the car was in the garage. The cameras can also associate
license plates with registered permits.
“We are really just trying to provide as much parking as we can for everyone in need,” Rummel said to the council. “This data really helps us with that.”
Rummel told the council the cameras will save the department between one and two hours a day in labor. Additionally, the cameras will help parking enforcement — something that has grown more expensive this year.
As of July 1, rates in Iowa City parking ramps increased from $1 to $2. Fines for expired parking meters have also increased. The rates to park in traffic garages have remained consistent.
According to the city’s website, the increased rates are intended to help cover more than $10 million worth of projects for the city’s parking ramps.
What are the concerns?
Iowa City City Councilors Laura Bergus, Andrew Dunn, and Mazahir Salih opposed the amendment and expressed concern at previous city council meetings that the amendment was too broad and could open avenues for misuse.
Bergus said at the Aug. 6 meeting that she wants more specific language to allow the use of the cameras but not exempt the entire transportation engineering department.
“I think we can be very narrow for that exemption so that the prohibition doesn’t apply to those particular uses rather than the entirety of a department,” Bergus said.
Two weeks later at the Aug. 20 meeting, Dunn proposed to reword the amendment so not every camera the traffic department uses is exempt from prohibition.
Dunn’s proposal to reword the amendment was passed unanimously. However, Dunn, Bergus, and Salih still voted against the amendment as a whole.
Can police use the cameras?
Now that the amendment is passed, it is clarified in city code that Iowa City police can pull video from the cameras to aid in specific investigations, but the police already did this before the amendment.
At the Aug. 6 city council meeting, Fruin said the department has used camera footage to help aid investigations for years.
“We are recognizing that for the past 10 or more years — probably more than 10 years — police have used the traffic cameras for investigative purposes,” Fruin said to the council.
Eric Goers, Iowa City’s city attorney, told the council that the language from the 2013
ordinance was vague and did not explicitly state whether police could or could not pull footage from the cameras.
Now, the new amendment clarifies the vague language so that police can pull footage. Police are still prohibited from using data obtained from the automated cameras, and they need specific reasons, like a criminal investigation, to use the footage.
While police cannot pull data nor operate the cameras, there is an ongoing discussion among the city council about implementing automated license plate cameras for law enforcement. These types of cameras are primarily distributed by the company Flock Safety.
According to the company’s website, Flock cameras can track the license plates of cars, identify features of a vehicle, determine if a warrant is associated with a car, and issue a notification to dispatchers to deploy a police unit. They can also detect cars that match an Amber or Silver Alert.
The Flock cameras cannot capture images of individual people, issue ticket violations and, according to Flock, they delete data collected after 30 days.
Dustin Liston, the Iowa City Police Department police chief, said in the last city budget, the department requested $40,000 for Flock cameras, which was denied pending further city discussion.
“I think they’re very valuable for public safety, but that is a conversation that needs
to be had with elected officials and with the community, so everyone knows what we’re talking about and what they’re going to be used for,” Liston said.
These cameras are currently on a list of pending work session topics for the city council to discuss.
The North Liberty City Council unanimously approved the installation of 12 Flock cameras with money for their annual budget. Nick Bergus, North Liberty’s community relations director, said the cameras cost $40,000 with an additional $35,000 each year that goes to Flock. The cameras were installed in early August.
Bergus said the cameras were placed in areas where people enter North Liberty to improve public safety.
He said the cameras are not activated yet, and they won’t be until specific guidelines are established for utilizing the cameras. Bergus said the police are currently drafting a policy for the cameras’ use that will need approval before they start receiving alerts.
In 2023, the University of Iowa installed its own Flock cameras. According to the UI Campus Safety’s website, 28 cameras are currently installed across campus. According to Flock Safety, the cameras have assisted university police in solving violent crime, including assault. The company claims to have cameras in over 5,000 cities with hundreds of crimes solved with the help of the technology.
| The Daily Iowan
The Clinton Street parking garage is seen on Aug. 23. Recent changes to pay rates in the downtown garages have initiated conversation among Iowa City residents.
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan
Fans wait outside of the Iowa Memorial Union before a Brittany Broski lecture hosted by the University of Iowa Lecture Committee in the IMU on Sept. 14, 2023. The IMU is expected to see renovations related to a ten-year masterplan approved by the Board of Regents.
Lehnertz
Hansen
Fruin
OPINIONS
Looking for a game-changing VP? Call Minnesota.
Tim Walz could emulate Vice President Walter Mondale, regaining public trust in the role.
Carson Hartzog Opinions Editor carson.hartzog@dailyiowan.com
Before Tim Walz, there was Walter Mondale, the 42nd vice president of the U.S. under President Jimmy Carter.
A born-and-raised Minnesotan, Mondale was first appointed and then elected as the state attorney general. He then served two terms as senator, during which he focused on the desegregation of schools, tax reform, and fair housing.
As a Presbyterian raised by a Methodist pastor, Mondale also served on the Church Committee. Before participating in politics, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, and he attended the University of Minnesota Law School with help from the G.I. Bill. Mondale’s politics weren’t complicated — he understood the value of loyalty, remaining firm in his support for the civil rights movement. He also recognized the importance of listening to the American people, withdrawing support for the Vietnam War, and later referring to his initial support as one of his biggest regrets.
Before accepting the position as Carter’s vicepresidential running mate, Mondale penned a document titled, “The Role of Vice President in the Carter Administration.” His agreement was contingent on three major requirements: a West Wing office, weekly lunch with the president, and a role as the president’s general adviser. Carter signed off — no amendments or deletions necessary.
Mondale did the unthinkable: He made the figurehead role of vice president a real job, and all it took was six and a half pages. Despite Carter’s low approval ratings and failure to win re-election, Mondale became a guiding figure for his many successors. Nearly every VP has
tried to emulate his dedication and vigor. Some have failed, and some have succeeded. But none have come close to Mondale. Until Tim Walz.
It’s a bold statement to make when he hasn’t served as vice president, let alone won the election, but it’s not unreasonable. If there were a blueprint Walz referred to when making the leaps from public service to congressman to vice president, it would surely have been Walter Mondale. Their similarities are uncanny, if not a little alarming.
I can’t help but ask: How come we didn’t find this guy sooner?
Walz is the populist pick the Harris campaign needed. When he’s corny, it’s endearing. When he laughs, we’re reminded of our dads, not our rich aunts we only see on occasion. Most notably, he feels approachable.
America’s disappointment in our two preceding VPs was palpable. Admittedly, I wasn’t (and am still not) a fan of the Trump administration. Pence’s only notable action I can recall is his denunciation of Trump after leaving office. I also remember the distinct lack of vitriol in how the public spoke about him.
As for Harris, I don’t know if the controversy lies more with inaction or identity. After nearly four years of blatant mispronunciation of her name and racist questions about her ethnicity, it’s difficult to untangle the two.
Regardless, both Pence and Harris were immemorable VPs when it comes to policy decisions, making them both seem unresponsive to the American people.
Harris and Walz might stand on opposite sides of the identity aisle, but their differences combine political savvy with human decency, making them a superior opponent to a Republican campaign that lacks both.
Walz proved his responsiveness to Minnesotans. As a congressman, he maintained a moderate voting record. As governor, he pursued a more progressive agenda. He’s created the relationships in Congress necessary for progress, something voters appreciated about Biden. He’s also shown, when in a position of power, he’s willing to enact laws important to many Americans.
Perhaps Carter’s greatest failure as president was that he was a good human, not a good politician. With a Mondale dupe in her pocket, Harris is an unstoppable force.
Here’s to hoping Walz gets the two terms Mondale deserved.
Walz’s appeal vs. Vance’s out-of-touch agenda
One candidate has made a strong impression, while the other is falling short.
As the American political atmosphere buzzes with anticipation over the newest vice-presidential picks, it’s apparent the candidates are emblematic of their respective parties’ strategies and beliefs. These selections demonstrate a jarring contrast between the two campaigns and their priorities leading up to the election — for better or for worse.
The current governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, was recently picked to run alongside Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. With only a few months until election day, Walz has seamlessly joined Harris’ campaign and left a promising impression on many supporters.
Walz’s ties to the Midwest are essential to his role in the presidential campaign. Walz offers a range of diverse qualities and experiences, supporting policies often influenced by his time as a former
schoolteacher and U.S. Army noncommissioned officer.
Throughout his two terms as governor, Walz focused on progressive reform in education, health care and the middle class. Walz’s economic agenda items included a transition to 100 percent renewable energy, mandated paid medical and family leave, and income-based tuition at public colleges.
Despite his dedication to politics, Walz’s humble, community-oriented lifestyle is what makes him an ideal candidate.
Since Harris’ party nomination, her team has made a point to cater to younger voters. In doing so, she’s taken on the ‘brat’ persona – a reference to Charli XCX’s newest viral album. And now, those voter-prescribed characterizations have reached Walz.
The internet has unanimously dubbed him America’s father figure.
Walz is your average Midwestern dad, and his new moniker is anything but new to him. A quick glance at his official Instagram shows a man who loves taking his dog to the park, capturing landscape photos of Harris, enjoying a bucket of cookies at the Minnesota State Fair, and rallying his family for a cute, albeit awkward, selfie.
This persona has benefited the Harris-
STAFF
Jami Martin-Trainor | Executive Editor
Columnists: Muskan Mehta, Kennedy Lein, James McCurtis, Caden Bell, Coleton Walker, Carson Hartzog Editorial Board: Jami Martin-Trainor, Marandah Mangra-Dutcher, Jack Moore, Stella Shipman, Carson Hartzog COLUMNS, CARTOONS, and OTHER OPINIONS CONTENT reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board, The Daily Iowan, or other organizations in which the author may be involved.
EDITORIALS reflect the majority opinion of the DI Editorial Board and not the opinion of the publisher, Student Publications Inc., or the University of Iowa.
Walz campaign greatly, emphasizing a more unified and caring party hoping to win over the people of the Midwest — folks who are often referred to as the ‘heart’ of America.
While Walz has filled Harris’ blindsides and helped Democrats close the gap, former President Donald Trump’s choice, the rising senator of Ohio, JD Vance, has drawn more backlash than support.
Many see Trump’s choice as an irresponsible move away from the Republican party’s nomination of populist VP picks – in other words, politicians who might relate to the ordinary public.
Vance has done the exact opposite.
Unlike Trump’s prior running mate Mike Pence, who acted as a moderating influence on conservative values, Vance has assumed the role of a mini-Trump. He’s managed to alienate Midwestern voters by focusing on what they see as ‘non-issue’ politics.
It’s difficult for any reasonable person to stand behind a candidate opposed to in vitro fertilization, or IVF, but is in favor of increased voting power for people with children. Vance’s roots in the Midwest feel irrelevant given his controversial views on family planning, America’s handling of Ukraine, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Vance’s role in this campaign also seems hypocritical as someone who previously liked tweets describing Trump as “America’s Hitler.” His criticism persisted for three years, referring to Trump as “reprehensible” and a “moral disaster.”
Those sentiments vanished in 2019. Faced with questions about why he changed his mind, Vance provided convoluted replies boiling down to a clear idea: Now that Vance has something to gain, Trump’s not all that bad.
How are voters supposed to trust someone who was anti-Trump for almost as many years as he’s been pro-Trump?
Vance is not relatable. Hillbilly-turnedventure-capitalist might be a dream for some, but it’s unrealistic for most. Instead of a Midwestern dad, Vance is the kid who switched their best friend out every summer for one with a pool, caring little about loyalty and more about personal gain.
The Trump campaign could’ve reeled in their extremist stances to garner support from millions of Americans who subscribe to the ‘Midwest nice’ ideology. Instead, they chose to dig a deeper hole, proving to us all there is nothing they will not do to remain in the news cycle.
COLUMN
Jenna Galligan | The Daily Iowan
Governor Tim Walz is offered a shot at a tailgate before the Iowa football game against then-No. 7-ranked Minnesota on Nov. 16, 2019.
Jovanny Hernandez | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Vice Presidential Nominee, Senator JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks at a campaign event at the Milwaukee Police Association Local 21 on Aug. 16 in Milwaukee, Wis.
stage to give an acceptance speech during the Democratic National Convention.
CLASHING VOICES IN THE WINDY CITY
Weeks after Biden dropped out and just over two months until the election, the Democratic National Convention was held in the United Center in Chicago from Aug. 18-22. Considerable security, merchandise, and protesters could be seen throughout the city, going far beyond the safety perimeter. Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Chicago throughout the week of the convention. The majority of the crowd marched and voiced concerns over the Israel-Hamas War.
Passing the torch
WNBA legend Maya Moore’s number was retired as fans flocked to watch a new star in action.
Jami Martin-Trainor
Executive Editor jami.martin.trainor@dailyiowan.com
MINNEAPOLIS — The number 23 now lives in the rafters of Minneapolis’ Target Center indefinitely.
After the Minnesota Lynx took on the Indiana Fever Saturday and came out on top, 90-80, the Lynx held a ceremony to reveal women’s basketball legend Maya Moore’s number hanging in the rafters.
While all eyes were on Moore and the reveal of the blue and white 23 suspended in the arena during her jersey retirement ceremony, another player watched from the sidelines: Caitlin Clark.
After breaking record after record and bringing the Iowa women’s basketball team to the NCAA National Championship twice, Clark’s talent and impact on the game is indisputable.
But before Clark rocked the world of women’s basketball, she was just a young girl who idolized the pros in the WNBA — especially Moore.
“She’s courtside, and you look over and it’s like, ‘That’s your childhood hero,’” Clark said in the postgame press conference. “You kind of have to pinch yourself at times.”
So, when Clark got to stand in the tunnels while her hero was immortalized as one of the all-time greats, she couldn’t help but recognize that moment as special.
“You can’t really script it any better,” Clark said. At the pregame press conference, Clark recounted a moment when she and her dad traveled from Iowa to Minnesota to watch the Lynx play.
When Clark spotted Moore, she didn’t have a pen for an autograph — instead choosing to run up and give her hero a hug.
“There’s no documentation of that moment, but in my brain, it was one of the most pivotal moments of my entire basketball career,” Clark said. “As a young girl loving sports, that meant the world to me.”
Now that years have passed and Clark has transformed into one of the biggest women’s basketball players in just her first year playing in the league, Moore’s influence cuts even deeper.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said without the league’s rich history, players like Clark or current Lynx forward Napheesa Collier wouldn’t have role models like Moore to look up to. And while Moore doesn’t remember the exact instance Clark ran up and gave her a hug, she certainly recognizes the impact that moment had.
“It’s really, really cool to think about how one of those kids turned out to be Caitlin Clark,” Moore said. Now, Clark gets to be that same hero for young girls across the country.
Growing the game
When Caitlin Clark enters any game she plays, roaring applause follows. It doesn’t matter if she’s at home in Gainbridge Fieldhouse or hundreds of miles away on someone else’s turf.
Around 600 miles from Indianapolis, the Indiana Fever had a rather supportive crowd while playing against the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, Aug. 24. Black and gold shirts emblazoned with the number 22 were spotted across the packed Target Center, carried over from Clark’s time playing with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Since her rocky rookie start in May, Clark has pushed ahead, already breaking records and setting new standards. On July 6, she became the first-ever WNBA rookie to record a triple-double, a feat she accomplished quite often while at Iowa. On July 17, she broke the all-time record for assists in a single game, notching 19 against the Dallas Wings, just a couple of months into her professional career. On Aug. 24, she became WNBA | 3B
for the red, white, and blue on behalf of the U.S. His Round
of 16 match against Zou Wanhao of China — who gave him a tough time in his 10-9 Round of 16 win in Istanbul — too, was his closest of the Olympics, although he advanced with a 3-2 win.
The Murrysville, Pennsylvania, product dominated from then on, cruising to the final match after a 12-2 technical fall win over Bekzat Almaz Uulu of Kyrgyzstan in the quarterfinals and a 14-4 technical fall win over Gulomjon Abdullaev of Uzbekistan in the semifinals.
Lee was back into the figure and form of his championship-winning days in Iowa City just two years ago. But this time, it was for a piece of history. A gold medal could lie around his neck in just six more minutes of wrestling — or less.
So, it was on to Rei Higuchi of Japan — the odds-on-favorite to win gold this time around after winning silver
Aleksandra Stojanovic is Iowa’s only international firstyear this season.
Jack Birmingham Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
The Iowa volleyball team ventured abroad this offseason, adding Serbian middle hitter Aleksandra Stojanovic to its 2024 recruiting class.
Stojanovic is one of two international members on the roster, joining second-year outside hitter Rosa Vesty who hails from Christchurch, New Zealand.
Stojanovic is representing her country and the university as one of the team’s nine freshmen. She was drawn to American volleyball because it offered her a chance to play her sport and get a college education.
“In Europe, in general, you can’t play volleyball and get a degree at the same time,” Stojanovic said. “So, you either go pro or you stick to college and just play club volleyball. A lot of athletes had to sacrifice college education to be able to play pro. I just wanted to have both of those.”
First-year setter Jenna Meitzler from Barrington, Illinois, quickly noticed Stojanovic’s strong work ethic.
“She’s very resilient,” Meitzler, also Stojanovic’s roommate, said. “I don’t know what it’s like to move from another country, get used to how volleyball is in the U.S. at a college level, and all of that. I think the one thing people should know about her is how resilient she has been throughout the whole process of getting here — how hard she’s worked.”
Stojanovic is originally from Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, and attended Sportska Gimnazija, a Belgrade grammar school. She was also on the No. 8 and No. 10 ranked club teams in Serbia in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Despite Stojanovic’s redshirt status, head coach Jim Barnes said she has brought a lot to the team. Barnes is entering his third season as Iowa’s head coach.
“She’s a full member of the team, practicing every day and growing,” Barnes said. “All these things are going to help her get ready for next year. She shared about her home life, how it was growing up there, and our team’s all ears and really taking that in. She just brings a lot of heart and drive to our team.”
Stojanovic Lee
UPCOMING
Iowa to feature a younger field hockey team
Fourteen out of 25 players are first or second-year students this season.
Jake
Olson Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Following an NCAA Tournament berth a season ago, the Iowa field hockey team is poised for another successful season under the leadership of Lisa Cellucci, who is entering her 11th year as head coach.
Like last season, the Hawkeyes feature a youthful roster, relying heavily on underclassmen to step up and fill big roles. Cellucci said she brings the younger talent up to speed by developing team bonds on and off the field.
“First and foremost, it’s about building relationships,” Cellucci said. “We spent a lot of time on that early in the preseason, just doing some different things off the pitch to get everybody to get to know each other.”
Outside of developing team camaraderie, Cellucci and her staff are consistently teaching an aggressive style of play that Iowa field hockey is known for.
“It’s us being able to focus on our style of play,” Cellucci said. “The three big overarching things for us is going to be our ability to have a high level of possession, our defensive discipline, and real positional flexibility.”
Even with the bulk of the roster featuring underclassmen, the Hawkeyes return several key starters from last year who could make a strong impact this season.
we got a little bit into the season. We expect her to make an impact and to score goals just like she did before. To lead the country in points and goals last year was unbelievable, and I think if she hits her stride she can score at a good clip.”
WHAT YOU MISSED OVER SUMMER BREAK
Three former Hawkeyes medaled at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
The first came on Aug. 3 when rower Eve Stewart won bronze with Great Britain in the women’s eight rowing final. Stewart, of Amsterdam, Netherlands, rowed for Iowa from 2016 to 2019 and led the program to a handful of its most successful years. After becoming the firstever Hawkeye rower to participate in the Olympics, she and the British team cruised to a 5:59.51 finish for third behind Romania and Canada. Following Stewart came exHawkeye sprinter Brittany Brown, snagging bronze in the women’s 200-meter dash. Brown became the first individual medalist in Iowa women’s track and field history when she ran a 22.20 to finish behind Gabrielle Thomas and Saint Lucian runner Julian Alfred. Last but not least, former Hawkeye wrestling legend Spencer Lee came home with a silver medal in the 57-kilogram weight class of the men’s freestyle wrestling event. After a narrow 3-2 win over Zou Wanhao of China, Lee exploded through two technical falls over Bekzat Almaz Uulu of Kyrgyzstan and Gulomjon Abdullaev of Uzbekistan for a spot in the final match. There, he fell to Rei Higuchi of Japan, 4-2, finishing second. Back in the U.S., Iowa second-year golfer Noah Kent rode the underdog wave to the final hole of the U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Aug. 18 where he fell to Spaniard Josele Ballester in the final 36-hole match. Kent’s runner-up finish at the historic tournament joins him with the likes of fellow former runners-up Patrick Cantlay and Ben Crenshaw.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Great effort, great focus, great technique, great day.”
Iowa football defensive back Jermari Harris, via @hawkeyefootball on Instagram
STAT OF THE WEEK
preseason-ranked team Iowa football plays this regular season (No. 2 Ohio State)
Arguably, the most crucial returnee for Iowa is second-year superstar Dionne van Aalsum.
The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year put the country on notice in 2023, leading the nation in both goals and points.
“She is going to absolutely be a marked woman,” Cellucci said. “Nobody knew about her until
Q&A | DAVE DILANNI
Another key returner is thirdyear goalkeeper Mia Magnotta. In her first season anchoring the defense, Magnotta thrived. She averaged 1.09 goals per game –good enough for sixth-best in the country.
“I feel a lot more confident in my abilities,” Magnotta said. “I
think last season I was definitely nervous, but after a year of training and a full season, I definitely feel more confident in my abilities and more confident in leading my teammates.”
Iowa’s youth will be tested as soon as preseason play wraps up.
After an exhibition match against defending Big Ten champion Northwestern, the Hawkeyes will face North Carolina and Wake Forest in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
“The Northwestern scrimmage will give us a lot of information,” Cellucci said. “I think it will put
Iowa women’s soccer coach on season start
Trey Benson Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan: What players have stood out to you most in pre-season training?
Dave Dilanni: We have an interesting mix.
[We are] incredibly old with very experienced players who have [played in] big games. Macy Enneking and Elle Otto have played a lot of minutes. I think that, on the flip side, you have young players such as Sofia Bush and Sophie Kincaid who have been very important early on for this team. This is the deepest team I have ever had at Iowa.
With the season just starting, what would you say the biggest improvement has been thus far?
I love our leadership. Leadership has been fantastic. With 13 seniors who have played a lot of minutes, I have been very impressed
10-2
Based on last season’s 10-2 finish against many odds, this season should be defined by a lack of excuses. That is, there is no reason this team shouldn’t finish 10-2 again. The Hawkeyes return, arguably, the best pound-for-pound defense and special teams corps in college football this year, and again, there should be no excuse this offense isn’t miles better than it was last year. Of course, it’s hard to be worse than the second-worst offense that it was last year, especially with the addition of Tim Lester, the good health of quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Luke Lachey, and the mesh of an experienced unit including Kaleb Brown and a deep running back room. As a result, the defense and special teams should be just as
with our leadership thus far. Many transfers have contributed to this team as well. We have transfers who have come from Dayton, South Dakota State, and Texas A&M who have become a huge part of this program. I would also have to say that this team’s willingness and ability to score goals and just being a threat offensively has been a large improvement.
Who do you most look forward to playing this season? We unfortunately don’t get to play USC, UCLA, Michigan, and Michigan State. However, we play Oregon and Washington in Iowa City this year, and I am really looking forward to playing them. With new schools come new styles of play. It’s hard not to be excited for Nebraska — it’s always exciting to play Nebraska with the border war. Baylor and Alabama come to Iowa City this year, and I would like to start strong in those nonconference games.
solid, and the offense should actually produce positive results this year. So, a 10-2 record should be the floor, not the ceiling, espe cially if last year’s team could manage it. Despite an almost certain loss to No. 2 Ohio State at Ohio Sta dium, the Hawkeyes will still breeze through the games it should win, as it also carries one of the easiest schedules of any Power Four football team. This is a massive opportunity that the Hawkeyes need to take advantage of to sniff the postseason this year. Ohio State is the only ranked team on the schedule. However, like in the case of last season’s loss to Minnesota, Iowa usually manages to lose one game to a rival. Let’s just pray it’s not Iowa State or Wisconsin this year — which it shouldn’t be — but it will be tough to see the Spartans in Spartan Stadium later this season, too. While the Hawkeyes could escape such rivalry games with an 11-1 record and a firm shot at a national championship should this offense click, I’m still expecting a 10-2 record and a top 15 or better team — a cakewalk to the 12-team College Football Playoff if all things go according to plan, which they rarely do.
us under pressure and we will be able to break down the film. It will be great going into Wake Forest and North Carolina. Our goal is to go into the Big Ten vs. ACC Challenge and try to win those two games. You have to at least get one just for RPI reasons and NCAA Tournament resume.”
The Hawkeyes make their season debut on Friday, Aug. 30 against Wake Forest, who enters the new year fresh off a disappointing 8-9 campaign in 2023. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT with live stream coverage on Big Ten Plus.
With the addition of four schools to the Big Ten, what are some goals you have for conference play this season?
For me, personally, since USC and UCLA have both won a national title in the last five years, it has made the Big Ten the deepest conference in the country. You could make a case that there is not an easy game in the Big Ten. I would really like to just see us compete and win some conference games this season.
What strategies have you implemented in preparation for Big Ten play this season?
For us process-driven programs, we invest in our program. Our main objective is to see if we can host another NCAA game. We’ve got to work hard every day, be committed to getting better every day, and start successful in nonconference games. Using the depth we think we have, being comfortable and being bought into your roles, as well as needing to be consistent have been points of emphasis.
11-1
I don’t consider myself an optimistic person by any means, but the 2024 Hawkeyes have “special season” written all over them. My first thought is of the memorable 2015 campaign, when the Hawks shocked the world and went a perfect 12-0 in the regular season, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff after a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game. This year, the College Football Playoff has expanded to 12 teams, which gives teams like Iowa a major opportunity to make their first appearance. To do so, the Hawkeyes will have to overhaul an offense that has hit rock bottom over the last three seasons, ranking a putrid 132nd in the nation in 2023. New offensive coordinator Tim Lester has his work cut out for him, but he will have experienced tight
end Luke Lachey, a solid running back room, and veteran quarterback Cade McNamara to work with.
If Iowa’s offense can simply reach an average level compared to its dominant defense, then 11 wins shouldn’t be a dream — it should be the expectation.
Speaking of that defense, it returns the likes of Jay Higgins, Sebastian Castro, Nick Jackson, and many other key starters from last season. This unit has the potential to be even better than last year, if that’s even possible. The schedule is favorable, with the only certain loss coming on the road against No. 2 Ohio State. Tricky trips to Michigan State, UCLA, and Maryland could cause some problems, but the Hawkeyes have more than enough talent and experience to escape those games with victories.
Iowa will likely be favored in all four of its rivalry games, but they won’t be easy. Iowa State will be hungry to win inside Kinnick for the second straight time, while Wisconsin and Nebraska are looking for statement victories after tough losses to the Hawks last year. Even still, I have Iowa winning all four.
There’s no reason why this team can’t win 11 games with an improved offense and a favorable schedule. I’m expecting a dream season in Iowa City this fall.
Dave DiIanni Women’s soccer Head Coach
Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor
Brad Schultz Assistant Sports
Alyssa Maiers | The Daily Iowan Team members celebrate during a field hockey match between Iowa and Central Michigan at Grant Field in Iowa City on Sept. 8, 2023. Then-No. 1 Iowa defeated Central Michigan, 8-0.
the fastest player in league history to score at least 500 points and notch 200 assists. Clark recorded 23 points and eight assists against the Lynx on Aug. 24, and the crowd roared for every free throw, field goal, and clean pass she made. While Clark’s effort wasn’t able to secure a win for Indiana, her influence has been intense both on and off the court.
According to a mid-season stat report from the Indiana Fever, the team has seen monstrous growth in ticket sales, social media reach, and merchandise sales. This year, jersey sales for the Fever have increased by well over 1,000 percent and the team has gained 1.3 million follow ers on Instagram since April 15 — the day Indiana selected Clark as the first pick in the WNBA draft.
Growing the game and being a role model for young kids has always been a priority for Clark. Back in 2023, after Iowa lost to LSU in the NCAA National Championship, Clark spoke to her posi tion as a figure who people look up to.
“I want my legacy to be the impact I have on young kids and the people of Iowa,” Clark said during the postgame press conference with tears in her eyes. “I was that young girl. All you have to do is dream, and you can be in moments like this.”
Hawkeye
Clark is not the only former Hawkeye garnering attention in the WNBA.
Kate Martin and Megan Gustafson, both Hawks who graduated in 2024 and 2019, respectively, played with the Las Vegas Aces against the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 23. While Martin and Gustafson had limited playing time, it’s clear they were fan favorites.
When either of the former Iowa players checked in, the crowd was bursting with energy, holding up signs with Martin’s name and cheering loudly both times Gustafson scored. A few times, groups of fans started chants, urging Aces head coach Becky Hammon to put Martin in the game.
While the Indiana Fever was playing an away game on Aug. 24 against the Lynx, Hawkeye and Clark fans drove great distances to watch the team play.
Whenever Indiana had possession of the ball, Fever fans attempted to drown out “defense” chants from the crowd by
LEE from 1B
shouting either “offense” or “Fever.”
When Clark sank her first three-point shot of the night, the crowd exploded with excitement.
Billy Offerman, his wife Haley, and their children all traveled from Iowa to cheer on Clark and the Indiana Fever in Minneapolis. The Offermans said their family started getting interested in women’s basketball during Iowa’s first run through the NCAA Tournament.
Since then, they have been following the Iowa women’s basketball team and later became fans of the Indiana Fever.
“Being a girl dad, it’s great to see Caitlin doing such good things with her visibility and just being very humble and gracious about
what she has done,” Billy Offerman said.
Even people who have been watching collegiate basketball for years are being brought into the WNBA, thanks in part to Clark and her magnetic gameplay.
Jessica Niles of Elk Point, South Dakota, traveled with family to watch Clark play with the Indiana Fever. Niles said while she hasn’t watched Clark play live, her daughters have.
Niles said her family has followed women’s basketball since around 2010, but the jump to watching WNBA games has been new.
“My girls play, and they’ve been watching college and high school basketball for years,” Niles said. “What Caitlin has done
for the sport has been pretty miraculous, not just for my girls but for their whole team.” Brady Behrend contributed to this report.
smile for the crowd of fans greeting him with cheers at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.
to The Hindu, an Indian English-language newspaper.
However, Lee fell short of the prize in a 4-2 loss. He was forced to shoot in the last 30 seconds of the match despite a 2-2 tie because of Higuchi’s advantage in the tie-breaking point. He thus surrendered himself to a takedown that sealed the deal.
Still, Lee was one of the U.S.’s 126 medalists — and Iowa wrestling’s 11th and first to win better than bronze since his coach, Tom Brands, won gold in Atlanta in 1996. For now, the podium finish put a cap on a historic wrestling career, the best Iowa has seen in years. But it was not quite a satisfying one.
“I’m a guy who believes more in wins and losses,” Lee said after the match, according to USA Today. “It’s more about effort, and I don’t think I put a lot of effort in that match, so I didn’t deserve to win today.
“First thing I thought of was to take [the silver medal] off,” he continued. “I don’t think there’ll ever be a perspective where I think it’s good. Twenty years from now, you try and name Olympic silver medalists. I bet you can’t. It’s because no one cares.”
Lee took to Instagram to post his journey with the caption that included his saying, “I was disappointed yesterday in not bringing home the gold for the United States. I am however proud to bring a silver medal back to the United States and the University of Iowa.”
And when Lee returned to Iowa, silver medal held in hand like an old toy he no longer wanted, he seemingly forced a
STOJANOVIC from 1B at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro but Lee looked strong, quick and confident. His appearance sparked hope that he could overcome his rival.
Meitzler also noted Stojanovic’s crisp fundamentals as a big part of her game.
“She was mentioning that in Serbia, a lot of their training is in very small details,” Meitzler, a top-ranked setter in Illinois according to PrepDig Volleyball, said. “Make sure your form’s correct, make sure everything’s pristine — everything’s just very organized.” Barnes said Stojanovic’s blocking skills will strengthen the team, and he’s excited to watch her grow.
“She’s a very good blocker — a relentless, hardworking blocker,” Barnes added. “We need that in the middle. We’re challenging her with a
lot of offense that she hasn’t ever done before. She’s going to bring a lot to the table.”
Though she can’t contribute on the court this season, Stojanovic is eager to see her team succeed.
“I’m just looking to help my teammates in practice and get to know this American style of volleyball,” Stojanovic said. “It’s way different. We even use different balls in Europe. The speed is completely different. A lot of stuff is different.”
The Hawkeyes will open their season in the Puerto Rico Clasico against the Liberty Flames on Aug. 30. The game is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. CT with live radio coverage from the Hawkeye Radio Network.
“It might not be the color I wanted, but that’s OK,” Lee joked before embracing family and signing autographs.
Still, the fate of his champion, Higuchi, could serve not just as motivation but inspiration for Lee. After winning silver in 2016, Higuchi opted to continue training in search of gold. He missed qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo but bounced back and achieved that goal this year at 28 years old.
“I have passed through a setback and despair, but I managed to succeed by believing in myself,” Higuchi said of his gold medal accomplishment, according
Two years ago, after losing to Matt Ramos in the NCAA Tournament that ended his Hawkeye career, Lee escaped the hustle of his daily life to spend time in Japan gathering his thoughts about the future of his wrestling career. It can be expected that he’ll do something similar now, embarking on a bit of soul-searching to find where wrestling takes him next. A coaching gig? Or a vengeful run for gold once more at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles?
“A lot of time and effort [was] put into getting back into a healthy enough state to wrestle, and then I go and I fail,” Lee said. “So, we’ll figure it out from here.”
John David Mercer | USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9. 2024; Paris, France; Rei Higuchi (JPN) defeats Spencer Lee (USA) in a men’s freestyle 57kg final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Champ-de-Mars Arena.
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
Las Vegas guard Kate Martin grabs the ball from Las Vegas center Kiah Stokes during a WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Aces at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Aug. 23. The Lynx defeated the Aces, 87-74. The teams faced off a two days prior in Las Vegas, where the Lynx won, 98-87.
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan FROM 1B: Former Lynx player Maya Moore reacts to speeches after a WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Aug. 24. The Lynx defeated the Fever, 90-80. Moore was honored with her jersey being retired.
CONTINUING TO GROW THE GAME
The Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces each faced off against the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Aug. 23-24. Although both teams fell short of a win, thousands of Iowa fans came to support former Hawkeyes on both teams. The Aces and the Fever matchups with the Lynx attracted 9,124 and 19,023 fans, respectively.
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
(Top Left) Members of the Las Vegas Aces react as a foul is called, giving Las Vegas center A’ja Wilson the chance for a threepoint play during a WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Aug. 23. The Lynx defeated the Aces, 87-74. The teams faced off two days prior in Las Vegas, where the Lynx won, 98-87. (Center) The crowd reacts to a Fever possession during the game. The Lynx defeated the Fever, 90-80. (Above Left) Iowa fans hold signs for Indiana guard Caitlin Clark before the game. Thousands of Iowa fans drove to Minneapolis for the game culminating in a crowd of over 19,000 people. (Above right) Indiana center Aliyah Boston takes photos with fans before the game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever. Boston finished the game with 10 points and 15 rebounds. (Right) Indiana guard Caitlin Clark shoots over Minnesota guard Natisha Hiedeman during a WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever. Clark led the Fever in points and assists with 23 points and eight rebounds.
‘Short n’ Sweet’ by Sabrina Carpenter
A
perfect
Kayla Person Arts Reporter
arts@dailyiowan.com
album to bid summer farewell.
The album may be short, but it is certainly the sweetest treat fans of Sabrina Carpenter could have gotten to close out the summer. Just over two years since her last album release, “Emails I Can’t Send,” Carpenter released her sixth studio album, “Short n’ Sweet,” on Aug. 23.
Full of witty wordplay and tragic lyrics set to delightful beats, Carpenter’s album represents how she continues to experiment with her sound while reminding the masses of her ever-growing star power. The album opens with “Taste,” a classic pop song with light rock undertones in the instrumentals. Carpenter takes on a clever yet passive-aggressive tone as she taunts her ex-boyfriend’s new partner, reminding them that she had him first, and they’ll just have to deal with her haunting the narrative of their relationship.
As well as having what is, arguably, the best bridge on the album, this track carries similar themes to Olivia Rodrigo’s 2021 hit, “déjà vu,” with lyrics like “Every time you breathe his air / Just know I was already there.”
Following the summer hit “Please, Please, Please” is the third track, “Good Graces.” The beat is fast and fun. From a certain lens, this song could be seen as the more intimidating sister of “Please, Please, Please,” justifying its place in the album order. Listeners hear Carpenter threaten her man to stay in line instead of begging him to, like she does on the album’s second track. Sadly, though, this track has no bridge, leaving listeners to savor just three minutes and five seconds of two verses and a chorus. This is the first song in the album that signaled one of its flaws: the length.
“Sharpest Tool” puts Carpenter’s wordplay skills into full effect, specifically in the pre-chorus. Following the formula of The Wanted’s “Glad You Came,” Carpenter starts every line in the pre-chorus with the last word of the line that came before, showcasing her wits and ability to create a song that is nothing short of an earworm.
“Bed Chem” is undoubtedly one of the funniest and most provocative songs on the album. In just under three minutes, Carpenter leans into the “horny shakespeare” moniker like never before, with lyrics like “Where art thou? Why not uponeth me?”
Sonically, the song has a smooth, beachy, ‘60s vibe, and Carpenter continues to show off her range and falsetto the chorus.
“Dumb & Poetic” slows the album down with beautiful instrumentals and insults that will land this song on any person’s “I Hate Men” playlist. The only issue with this song is once again the length. At only two minutes and thirteen seconds, it is the shortest song on the album, which is saying something given that, in total, the album is barely over 35 minutes long.
The album’s country influence is palpable in “Slim Pickins.” Lyrically, the song is incredibly relatable, as Carpenter hopelessly laments the lack of options she has when looking for a suitable man. The song seems to be the inverse of “Bed Chem,” where instead of finding a perfect man with whom she has wonderful chemistry, Carpenter is settling for whatever she can get.
By the end of the album, it’s clear that Carpenter is still experimenting with her sound, although these songs prove she is becoming increasingly comfortable with it. While the length of the album is disappointingly short, Carpenter makes up for it with her stunning vocals, clever songwriting, and sheer musicality.
‘Alien: Romulus’ is garishly gruesome
The ninth “Alien” movie delivers on gore but underwhelms with story.
Charlie Hickman Arts Editor charlie.hickman@dailyiowan.com
Fede Alvarez’s “Alien: Romulus” is as shallow as it is thrilling. While previous “Alien” films — both classic and reviled — ponder the mythos of creation, “Romulus” takes audiences on a blood-soaked rollercoaster ride.
There’s nothing wrong with the cheap thrill nature of “Alien: Romulus.” In fact, it is probably the film’s greatest feature. The movie’s major set piece moments are loud and over-the-top violent, acting as peaks on the coaster track before audiences plummet to the troughs of watching the characters converse for a while.
While the action-heavy moments are genuinely a blast to watch, everything in-between leaves much to be desired.
The two lead characters, orphan Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, and Andy, played by David Jonsson, have a unique dynamic.
Although Andy is an android, the pair share a sibling-like relationship. Andy has been programmed by Rain’s father to do whatever is best for Rain. So, when Rain is offered a chance to escape their bleak living conditions on a corporation-owned mining planet, Andy helps her.
Unfortunately for the siblings, Rain and her band of scrappy, young thieves plan to break into an abandoned spaceship and steal its cryosleep pods for safe transportation across the galaxy to a utopic planet. This abandoned space -
Back-toSchool Binge Guide
ship, unknown to the crew, has been ripped apart by aliens. The setup of the film is much more compelling than what unfolds midway through. The story of an oddball group of scrappers desperate to escape harsh living conditions as a result of capitalistic fascism at the hands of a futuristic megacorporation has potential to explore relevant themes.
All sense of story is quickly thrown away, though, when a computer-generated recreation of actor Ian Holm from the original 1979 “Alien” movie enters the story. Holm posthumously plays an android named Rook, who conspires to sacrifice the thieves to the aliens per company policy.
From here, the movie descends into relentless fan service, becoming the most expensive fan film ever made at a budget of $80 million. Every practical set piece and action sequence is a direct emulation of a scene from a previous movie. There’s an explosive shoot-out like that in “Aliens,” a tense chase like the one in the original film, and a particularly disturbing scene involving gross space goo and an alien pregnancy.
“Romulus” feels like a compilation of greatest hits of the “Alien” franchise, seeming to forget to establish its own identity and instead relying on audiences remembering cheesy one-liners from an ‘80s movie. It’s still a fun ride, but its mostly forgettable fare doesn’t live up to the legendary status of the series.
TV shows perfect for settling back into school.
Charlie Hickman Arts Editor charlie.hickman@dailyiowan.com
With a new semester of classes, there is a fresh wave of stress and deadlines for many students. If you’re looking for a relaxing watch after a long night studying or just want to catch up on the year’s most popular shows, this list of bingeable series will satisfy.
House of the Dragon (Max)
Fantasy fans have eight more episodes of high-stakes political intrigue in store for them with season two of “House of the Dragon.” While the finale has been divisive among die-hard fans of the “Game of Thrones” franchise, the show still delivers on the escapism perfect for a homework brain break.
Love Island USA (Peacock)
Season six of “Love Island USA” is set in Fiji, a perfect tropical setting to get away from the stress of lecture halls. Whether or not you enjoy reality TV, “Love Island” has always been perfect entertainment that you can turn your brain off while watching. While fans of the viral dating show typically cite its British counterpart to be more trashy fun, season six of the USA series dials up the cringe to the maximum.
Industry (Max)
The third season of Max’s vulgar, anxiety-inducing drama set in the world of investment banking is currently ongoing. The first two seasons were critically
Unpacking college bag essentials
These are nine items every college student should carry with them their first week.
Stella Shipman Managing Editor stella.shipman@dailyiowan.com
It’s that time of year again. Students are staking out their favorite coffee shops and library nooks, lecture halls are packing people like sardines before the add/drop deadline works its magic, and Target is slammed with shoppers swiping last-minute essentials. It is more important than ever that students are prepared for anything, especially if they have only 15 minutes between classes to sprint across campus. So, which items should every college student have in their bag at all times — aside from their phone and wallet — to guarantee the best first impressions and most efficient first days?
1. Water: Oftentimes, we can attribute our bad moods, poor critical thinking, and forgetfulness to the fact that we haven’t had a sip of water in an hour. My personal favorite water bottle to stow is an Owala, but make sure that any bottle you pack is one you’ll actually drink from.
2. Hand sanitizer: We all know how important health and cleanliness are, especially when school reintroduces us to a whole new host of germs. A stock of hand sanitizer will ensure that you have an alternative if the bathrooms are out of soap, or if you want to give your hands a quick spritz before eating. Just remember to pack a scent that’s not too strong if you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in a lecture hall.
3. Computer: This one’s pretty straightforward. Whatever device you use, make sure you’re not leaving it behind, or risk a disappointed head shake from a professor.
4. Note-taking device: If your device fails for any reason, go back to the basics. One soft gel pen (two if you want to be extra safe) and paper are a reliable backup for notetaking. Some students prefer paper and pen notes because it helps them better remember what they are learning. But to each their own.
5. Planner: Keeping your busy class and work schedules straight is no easy task. It is all too easy to confuse course days and times. Marking everything in a planner will help you stay on
acclaimed but flew mostly under the radar. Season three, however, stars Kit Harrington, most famous for his previous role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, and it brings the show a whole new energy to the show. While is a pretty stressful watch, it is comforting to know that no matter how exhausting a week of work may make you, the characters on “Industry” are always doing worse.
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu/Disney+)
The fourth season of Selena Gomez and comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short’s true-crime spoof begins on Aug. 27. Featuring a slew of cameos and guest stars like Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd, the show has consistently received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. It’s a wacky, colorful show that is sure to brighten the mood. Plus, with three seasons of sitcom-length episodes to catch up on, it’s the perfect series to binge.
Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
This legal thriller is sure to capture your attention with plenty of twists and turns. Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this limited series based on the classic novel by Scott Turow. The show follows the Chicago District Attorney’s office dealing with the aftermath of a high-profile murder involving one of its own lawyers. The story has been adapted in film before, but this series expands on the mystery and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its eight episodes.
A University of Iowa freshman moves into Catlett
Iowa
track with assignments and prevent the embarrassment of stumbling into a physics lab when you should be in your English lit class.
6. Headphones: No matter if they’re AirPods or Beats, headphones can function as study tools, brain breaks, and, occasionally, a way to avoid social interaction. Keep them close wherever you go to build your bubble.
7. Tissues: The best thing about tissues is they don’t only have to be used as tissues. They’re also a personal store of napkins that can clean up any small spill of water or food. Cleaning up after ourselves and caring about the next person who uses our space is one of the best impressions to leave.
8. Deodorant: We’ve all been there. Whether it’s because of the sprint between buildings or the anxious panic before a test, hormones combined with sweat is a completely natural yet tricky business. If you’re feeling self-conscious, just take a quick bathroom break, and no one will be the wiser.
9. Snack: Feed your brain. It is nearly impossible to survive those five-course days without a one-course meal. Bring a granola bar that you can inhale when you have a second, or just eat it in class if your professor and fellow students don’t mind.
Taya Gray | The Desert Sun/USA TODAY
Sabrina Carpenter performs on the Coachella Stage during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on April 12. Carpenter released her sixth studio album on Aug. 23.
Ava Neumaier | The Daily Iowan
Residence Hall in
City on Aug. 17.
Walz and Roan take Midwest fashion nationwide
Charlie Hickman Arts Editor
charlie.hickman@dailyiowan.com
On the first night of the Democratic National Conven tion in Chicago, former President Barack Obama sent the crowd into uproarious laughter with a joke about vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz.
“You can tell those flannel shirts he wears don’t come from some political consultant. They come from his clo set,” the former president said.
Walz’s flannels and fairgrounds persona have drawn people around the country to his cause. The Minnesota governor’s jolly social media presence has earned him acclaim from all corners of the internet.
“I’m overjoyed. I’ve been a longtime supporter of Tim Walz ever since I learned about him like last week,” posted comedian Vinny Thomas on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Midwestern aesthetics may sound like an oxymoron to people unfamiliar with the region. Culture in the Midwest is often reduced to polite attitudes and corn produc tion. However, in recent months, notions of Midwestern fashion, aesthetics, and culture have shifted, thanks to a rising pop star and a Democratic governor.
The music video for Chappell Roan’s viral banger “HOT TO GO!” was shot at notable Midwestern locations. Most of the video features Roan dancing outside the Gillioz Theatre in the heart of Springfield, Missouri. Other loca tions featured in the video include the World’s Second Largest Fork and the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
Utilizing iconography deeply associated with Misso uri created a unique visual profile for Roan. Pop music aesthetics are often bright and colorful, as Roan emula tes, but are usually tied to the glamor of Los Angeles or New York.
The simplicity of fashion culture in the Midwest is largely unexplored by stars, but there’s more to the region’s style than meets the eye.
“People are more reserved here,” said Wright House of Fashion founder Andre Wright. “The way people dress in Harlem isn’t something you’re going to see in Iowa City.”
A foundational goal of the Wright House of Fashion is to push the boundaries of what is expected of typical area styles. Pushing people to explore their styles and identify their personal tastes is a priority for Wright and his collaborators — a mission not dissimilar from the lessons in Roan’s music.
“What we have in the Midwest is unique — we bash it all the time but there isn’t anything else like it,” Wright
— Roan’s reading ‘Midwest Princess,’ while the political merchandise reads ‘Harris Walz.’
The Democratic ticket’s hat sold out in 30 minutes when the campaign launched its merch store, according to a report by Axios.
This case of matching merchandise is not the first time the Harris campaign has directly referenced a pop sensation.
When Vice President Kamala Harris first announced her candidacy after Biden’s exit from the presidential
“What we have in the Midwest is unique — we bash it all the time but there isn’t anything else like it. Things have shifted here to dressing how you want to dress and being yourself.”
Andre Wright Wright House of Fashion Founder
said. “Things have shifted here to dressing how you want to dress and being yourself.”
A lack of any strict trends is what makes Midwest fashion special. However, people around the country still tend to place labels on how Midwesterners dress or act.
“I think there’s a fetishization of the Midwest aesthetic in other cities,” Iowa City Video Zine, or ICVZ, founder Clare Kinkaid explained. Kinkaid grew up in California but traveled to visit family in Nebraska several times throughout her life, which exposed her to two drastically different forms of fashion.
Now living in Cedar Rapids, the videographer has frequently moved around the country. Her work on ICVZ in late 2023 explored Iowa City’s local fashion scene, helping her notice the differences in styles between regions.
“When I lived in Philadelphia, my boyfriend would have DJ sets and people would be like ‘Wow, you have such Midwest style.’We were like the token Midwesterners there,” Kinkaid said.
Since the rest of the country is relatively unfamiliar with Midwest culture, there is a sensationalization of art from the region.
“Whenever something cool happens in the Midwest, it’s like a big thing,” Kinkaid explained. “It doesn’t happen often.”
The Harris-Walz campaign seems to have capitalized on this enthusiasm for the Midwest with a hat that resembles Roan’s merchandise. Both pieces of merch are flat back caps with camp decal and bold, orange lettering
race in July, Charli XCX tweeted, “kamala IS brat.” The post, a reference to Charli XCX’s recently released album, “BRAT,” received over 300,000 likes on X and was embraced by the Harris campaign. X account Kamala HQ changed its profile banner to match Charli XCX’s trending album cover art.
Politicians using pop culture to their advantage is nothing new. The recent emphasis on the Midwest has proven useful in the Harris campaign’s attempt to appeal to Midwest swing states.
Even though most people are not familiar with the region’s style, Midwesterners have cultural reasons for their reserved aesthetic.
“When you look at the Midwest, we’re a true working class. When people get dressed up, it’s for an occasion,” Wright House of Fashion partner Lexis Wells said. “If you’re walking down the street here and see someone dressed up, it’s notable. You notice.”
Appealing to the working class is the likeliest reason for Walz’s simple stylistic expression. While most American politicians dress in suits and ties, Walz offers a welcoming, approachable ensemble of denim and flannel.
“Fashion is a choice people make every morning, so he is doing it on purpose,” Wright said.
A person’s choice of outfit every day is most inspired by their environment, especially in the Midwest.
“Look at where we live, there isn’t much reason to dress up. Folks will dress nicely if they’re taking their significant other on a date. Otherwise, they’re in work clothes,”
Edited by Will Shortz No. 0724
Wright said. “It’s all a reflection. What people wear is a reflection of their environment.”
Style isn’t entirely dependent on career and location, though. Individuality is also a major consideration, and in American culture, the Midwest is often perceived as a haven of authenticity.
“I think people tend to view the Midwest as having this wholesomeness or trueness,” Kinkaid said. “Thrift stores are huge here, which I think adds to that. People dress how they like.”
Roan is a star hailed for her own authenticity. She has garnered fans worldwide for the honesty of her music. Embracing her Missouri roots only amplified that trueness by connecting her story to those of countless kids with similar backgrounds.
“There’s a special place in my heart for queer kids in the Midwest because I know how they’re feeling, and I know how isolating it can feel,” Roan said in an October 2023 interview with The Washington Post
As is the case with many trends, the success of Roan’s music and the popularity of Walz as a vice-presidential candidate will likely spark imitators, both political and cultural.
“People are attracted to ease of living right now. Living in the Midwest is easy living, compared to moving to LA or those coastal hubs,” Wells said. “By shooting [Roan’s] videos in the Midwest, you’re putting people at ease, subliminally. I think right now people really want that.”
Sahithi Shankaiahgari | The Daily Iowan
The crowd dances to Chappell Roan’s performance during the final day of Hinterland Music Festival at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in Saint Charles, Iowa, on Aug. 4. Roan is accredited for bringing Midwest fashion to the national stage after a camouflage hat she wore went viral.
Social media swing of the election
Gen Z leans on humor via the internet to discuss intense regent political events.
Isabella Nekvinda Arts Reporter arts@dailyiowan.com
Just before former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13, he lifted his fist in the air over the crowd of shocked onlookers, covered in blood and surrounded by Secret Service agents. This display followed an assassination attempt that left him with minor injuries, including a graze on his ear from a bullet. It comes as no surprise to say that many individuals’ initial reaction to this shocking news was to take to X, formally known as Twitter. Many voters expressed their outrage, amusement, and fear online. The most common reaction among them, however, was humor.
“Sometimes these days, it’s nice to find the humor in the politics. These days, politics can get pretty nasty,” said Timothy Hagle, an associate professor of political science at the University of Iowa.
From somberly subtweeting news articles, overlaying humorous text over infamous political pictures, to texting an ex-partner about recent news as a last-ditch effort to get them back, young people have become creative with their political expression. Thanks to the internet’s ability to reach millions of people at once, X platforms a wide range of responses to the current political climate.
“You are able to expose people who aren’t normally interested in politics and get their attention by something funny. Humor is always a great way to get stuff started,” said Tristen Wendling, a fourth-year political science student at the UI.
There is danger in capturing such a vast audience with ironic, humorous
posts, considering they aren’t often factual. With recent cutbacks on content moderation on social media platforms such as X, rumors and jokes can easily be misinterpreted.
One such example is the rumor that vice-presidential candidate JD Vance wrote about having sex with a couch in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” A now deleted tweet included page citations and a detailed account of the scene from Vance’s book. The rumor grew so popular that it was covered by national news outlets.
From RFK Jr.’s brain worm jokes to Charli XCX tweeting “kamala IS brat,” or Trump doing a TikTok dance with the YouTube group “Nelkboys,” social media is playing a heavy hand in the lead up to this year’s election.
With every election cycle comes an uptick in the internet’s political discourse. The question is just how much of this upcoming race is affected by that discourse.
“Younger folks have a lower turnout rate. So, you have to motivate [younger voters] in some particular way. Sometimes it’s a matter of speaking to a particular group both in terms that they can understand, such as the language they use, as well as addressing and understanding what the concerns of that group are,” Hagle said.
With Vice President Kamala Harris leaning toward a younger demographic and using Gen Z rhetoric in an attempt to involve the younger generation in politics, Hagle wonders if it will be enough.
Half of the new registered voters in Iowa, mostly comprised of Gen Z, identify themselves as independent voters, according to Hagle. He said they have not yet decided how they will vote and have yet to be swayed one way or another.
“Democrats rely on younger voters, but it’s not like the Democrats have a lock on these folks. They often come at an advantage when it comes time for voting. That could be a matter of speaking to their important issues or speaking in terms they appreciate,” Hagle said. “On the other hand, Republicans can talk about a certain issue and get some of those voters as well.”
Harris is reaching large audiences on TikTok, with videos from her account averaging over a million views. The presidential candidate uses popular TikTok sounds, participates in the latest trends, and reveals behind-the-scenes videos of herself and Democratic wice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz.
While Hagle remains skeptical, Wendling predicts a positive response in the polls to Harris’ social media presence.
“Just like any political candidate, there is a strategy to [Harris’ online presence] and I think that strategy is really helping her reach people. The tides have definitely changed on who people are considering voting for,” Wendling said.
Furthering the Democratic party’s goals of reaching young voters, this year’s Democratic National Convention featured around 200 social media influencers — more than ever before.
The convention invited TikTok creators, Twitch streamers, and YouTubers to post content from the convention hall in an effort to reach their large, mostly younger audiences.
Trump has also made strides to connect with the younger voters. After recently guest-starring on a popular podcast run by Theo Von, he collaborated with popular streamer Adin Ross and created content with Jake Paul.
“Trump understands, as well, the power of relating to our generation.
However, because of the image of an outsider that he often promotes, it is not as much as a crux for him as it is for Kamala,” said Wendling.
With only a few months left until the election results, both candidates will soon discover if their efforts to connect with young voters paid off.
“How we react to things is much faster and our reaction is often completely based on incomplete information,” Hagle said. “Everything is different now because of social media.”
What is the best fall fashion trend?
When this year’s warm summer temperatures subside and a fall chill enters the air, the best trend to be prepared for is bows on absolutely everything.
January 2023 saw a resurgence of bows in fashion that took the season by storm. Winter was filled with pink hair ribbons, oversized cardigans sewn with knit bows, and black evening dresses dolled up with black hair bows. This fall, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them resurface.
Historically, bows and ribbons were worn as early as 2600-2500 B.C., but mainly for practical purposes like pulling hair back. It was not until 1680s France that they were adorned as high-status symbols when the Marquise de Fontange, one of Louis XIV’s mistresses, tied her hair back with a ribbon from her dress while horseback riding.
Following this display, both men and women wore ribbons in their hair, but men wore them in a style called a “lovelock” to show affection for their lovers. When it be-
came trendier for men to cut their hair short in the 1700s, bows evaporated from masculine fashion.
Today, bows and ribbons are staple pieces of a modern day princess aesthetic and balletcore, but they have also been claimed by the grunge aesthetic. Depending on how they are styled, bows can have a softer or harder edge, making them one of this fall’s most versatile trends.
The reclamation of bows in fashion is a consequence of booming hyper-feminine culture. Women of all ages are embracing traditionally “girly” styles for self-empowerment.
Jojo Siwa was a pioneer of self-empowerment from bows, wearing them to signify her self-confidence. When she eventually shifted away from the hair accessory, an older demographic adopted the symbol for their own self-love.
Now, bows are just the tip of a corset-mania, cottagecore iceberg — a cherry on top of the “hot girl summer,” “brat summer,” and “#girldinner” trends.
The best thing about bows and ribbons is that they can be glued, sewn, or tied on anything. They’re an easy and inexpensive trend to fall head over heels for. This fall, girly is back and cuter than ever with a knot and two little loops.
The era of coquette bows and ribbons has been ongoing since early 2023, and that style is starting to wane. With the skyrocketing popularity of “brat summer” and “hot girl summer” trends, it’s likely the fall will hold a more subdued vibe.
The ‘90s have been slowly reappearing in fashion for a couple years now, and that trend is only going to gain momentum this fall. Wide-cut denim pants and soft tone corduroy jackets, specifically, are coming back.
We have reached a time when millennials are beginning to feel nostalgic for their ‘90s roots. The 2010s were filled with ‘80s music, callbacks, and reboots across mediums, so it makes sense that the 2020s are being defined by a reverence for the ‘90s.
Preppy clothes and boatware were huge in the ‘90s, leaving behind a louder era of fashion and settling onto warmer tones.
Traditional prep attire received the baggy ‘90s makeover, though, with pants getting wider and shirts becoming less fitted. What didn’t change was the massive popularity of denim and corduroy. This fall, men’s clothes reflect this popularity with tweed button-up corduroy jackets over T-shirts and baggy wide-cut jeans making a comeback.
The less flashy vibe of denim and corduroy acts to balance out the bright tennis aesthetic that dominated the spring. This evolution of prep clothes was due in large part to the popularity of Luca Guadagnino’s film “Challengers” specifically the attire worn by Zendaya in the film. In the months following the release of “Challengers,” designers such as Tory Burch and Thom Browne unveiled multi-layered, pastel-colored tennis attire, featuring skirts and vests. Essentially, the virality of “Challengers” inspired an active-wear crossover with the traditional prep style.
Corduroy and denim act as a softer parallel to the bright blues and greens that “Challengers” inspired. With how viral that film and aesthetic became, it’s unclear if denim and corduroy can sustain the same level of popularity for as long, but this ‘90s trend will rule the fall.
Charlie Hickman Arts Editor
Stella Shipman Managing Editor
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan Presidential nominee Kamala Harris merchandise is seen outside the safety perimeter of the United Center during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21.