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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Bartertown Toys and Collectibles displays shelves of vintage movies, action figures, merchandise, and more in Iowa City on Sept 10, 2024. Iowa City has embraced the retro aesthetic in multiple stores selling nostalgic merchandise, fashion, and music from before the 21st century.

Local businesses lean into Gen Z’s love of nostalgia

Emma Isenhart and Flynn Milligan September 17, 2024

With AI technology running rampant and people increasingly glued to their phones, Gen Z is becoming nostalgic for the past. Polaroid cameras, vinyl records, and used clothing have been flying off...

Joshua and Emily Culbreath of Snack Break Movement Arts perform “HAUL” during the Prompt for the Planet event at Englert Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The piece represented a view on fast fashion and specifically critiqued clothing retailer SHEIN.

Prompt for the Planet emphasizes sustainability at the Englert Theatre

Charlotte Ericson, Arts Reporter September 15, 2024

In 2018, Shannon Nolan, a University of Iowa student, and her professor David Gould created a mission that asked the next generation to lend their voices to the earth. Gould asked Inaugural Poet Amanda...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, played by Mary Jane Knight, argues with The Commentator, played by Phillip Lopez, during a performance of Scalia/Ginsburg at the Riverside Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. The opera was written by Derrick Wang and will be showing Sept. 5-15.

Review | ‘Scalia/Ginsburg’ is a laugh-out-loud funny courtroom opera

Charlie Hickman, Arts Editor September 11, 2024

The greatest feature of art is its ability to reflect life. Art can offer an escape in many forms during a contentious, stressful election year such as this, whether through film, music, television,...

Photo contributed by Harper Steele

Q&A | Esteemed former SNL writer Harper Steele opens up about the importance of friendship ahead of new film, ‘Will and Harper’

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter September 11, 2024

Harper Steele is an American writer and filmmaker from Iowa City. She worked on sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live from 1995-2008, during which time she was promoted to the role of writing supervisor...

Emily Salmonson pours a non-alcoholic blueberry honey thyme shrub at The Green House in Iowa City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The Green House is one of many bars in Iowa City that offers non-alcoholic drinks to patrons.

A bar without alcohol? Unthinkable to some, ideal for others

Kayla Person and Kate Wolfe September 10, 2024

In January 2024, Unimpaired, the only dry bar in Iowa City, closed its doors for good after being in business for just over two years. Its failure was a stark contrast to the thriving downtown Iowa...

Customers enter The James Theater in Iowa City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The theater's latest production is a play that features a post-apocalyptic Johnson County.

Review | The James Theater’s latest production presents a post-apocalyptic Iowa City

Riley Dunn, Digital Editor September 9, 2024

Assassins, cults, and the undead take center stage in The James Theater’s latest production, “Once Upon a Time in the People’s Republic of Johnson County.” The play, set against the backdrop...

Attendees talk with David Johnson at his art exhibit hosted by ArtiFactory in Iowa City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. David earned his BFA in painting, drawing, and printmaking at the University of Iowa and later earned his MFA at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Review | Iowa City’s ArtiFactory hosts David Johnson’s collection of prints

Kayla Person, Arts Reporter September 8, 2024

On the evening of Sept. 6, David Johnson, a University of Iowa alumni, displayed a collection of prints at the ArtiFactory Gallery. The collection showcases his talent and proclivity toward the mediums...

A child plays with beads during a Sensory Saturday event at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Attendees glued various sensory objects like feathers, googly eyes, beads, fabric, and paper to popsicle sticks.

‘Sensory Saturdays’ provides an inclusive community for Iowa City youth

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter September 8, 2024

The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center’s arts and crafts room was already open, with a single long, narrow table in the center of the space. On top of it was a container of googly eyes, a bag of popsicle...

Photo contributed by Stanley Museum communications and marketing coordinator Mahvish Farid.

Ask the Artist | Jiha Moon debuts new mural at Stanley Museum of Art

Flynn Milligan, Arts Reporter September 5, 2024

The Stanley Museum of Art stands on the outskirts of downtown Iowa City. Its modern architecture holds pieces from many household names for students and citizens of Iowa City alike to gaze at with awe....

Natalie Fulscher performs for 28 Days Later during a battle of the bands, hosted by University of Iowa SCOPE productions, at Iowa Memorial Union’s River Amphitheater on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Local bands included; 28 Days Later, The Bits, One More Hour, and Kobe Williams and the Fantasy.

Photos: 2024 Battle of the Bands hosted by SCOPE Productions

Jordan Barry, Photojournalist September 5, 2024

University of Iowa SCOPE productions hosted a battle of the bands at the Iowa Memorial Union’s River Amphitheater Wednesday night.  Approximately 70 people attended the event, with many arriving...

Attendees cheer during a battle of the bands, hosted by University of Iowa SCOPE productions, at Iowa Memorial Union’s River Amphitheater on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Local bands included; 28 Days Later, The Bits, One More Hour, and Kobe Williams and the Fantasy.

28 Days Later takes home a broken string and prize at Battle of the Bands 2024

Haya Hussain, Arts Reporter September 5, 2024

On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 4, echoing into the tree-lined riverside was a sound you would not expect to hear amongst the crickets’ chorus. Rock and indie music, emanated from the IMU river...

Palacer Dignitaries carrying the Benin Bronzes during the restitution ceremony.

The Stanley Museum made history this summer with the restitution of Benin Bronzes

Charlie Hickman, Arts Editor September 3, 2024

On Nov. 28, 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron made strides in the African art restitution movement. Macron spoke at the University of Ouagadougou in West Africa and directly addressed the history...