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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

Photo contributed by John Kenyon

Talented Iowa City students receive recognition for powerful writing

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 20, 2024

Since she was five years old — and though that was only seven years ago — Cora Beland has been a writer. For years, the Iowa City Community School District Northwest Junior High seventh-grader’s...

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Review | ‘The Sweet East’ tells a jarring tale that left audiences bewildered

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter February 20, 2024

I had very little expectations going into director Sean Price Williams’ “The Sweet East.” What was initially portrayed as a charming indie film with its soft, quaint opening, quickly devolved into...

Kylen Phillips reads his lines backstage during a performance of West Illinois Glass House in the Iowa Theatre Building on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. (Ava Neumaier/The Daily Iowan)

A look at ‘West Illinois Glass House’ and the university’s production process

Grant Darnell, Arts Reporter February 20, 2024

Alex Lead sits in Alan McVey Theatre and hears his written words spoken aloud for the dozenth time, following along with the script on his phone. His play, “West Illinois Glass House,”...

The lead guitarist for 28 Days Later interacts with crowd during Battle of the Bands at Gabe’s in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Iowa bands battle it out for a spot in upcoming annual music festival

Evan Weidl, Opinions Editor February 18, 2024

Dozens of fans packed the top floor of Gabe’s on Saturday to watch six popular Iowa City bands duke it out for a chance to play at Solshine, an annual music and arts festival in Illinois in May....

Lead vocalist of Worst Impressions interacts with the crowd during Battle of the Bands at Gabe’s in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Photos: Iowa City Gabe’s Battle of the Bands

Emma Calabro, Photojournalist February 18, 2024

The Battle of the Bands was hosted at Gabe’s in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.  Among competing bands were Kobe Williams and the Fantasy, 28 Days Later, and Worst Impressions. Groups took the...

Mathew Sweet performs on stage at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon in Iowa City on Feb. 14.

Alt-rock artist Matthew Sweet explores fame at Wildwood performance

Isabella Nekvinda, Arts Reporter February 15, 2024

Backed by a high-energy drum tempo and electric guitar power chords, alt-rock singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet and his band performed a sold-out Valentine’s Day show at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon...

Photo Illustration by Cody Blissett

Review | ‘Players’ breaks down the many facets of love

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter February 14, 2024

“Pitch Perfect 3” director Trish Sie made a Valentine’s Day comeback with her new Netflix movie, “Players,” featuring all-stars such as Gina Rodriguez, Tom Ellis, Damon Wayans, and former...

Photo illustration by Cody Blissett

Review | ‘The Road from Belhaven’ tells a well-crafted coming-of-age story

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 13, 2024

As someone who enjoys her share of historical fiction — as well as a dash of the supernatural — I was excited to dive into “The Road from Belhaven.” After reading, I can confidently say my excitement...

Three last-minute gift ideas to save the date this Valentine’s Day

Three last-minute gift ideas to save the date this Valentine’s Day

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor February 13, 2024

Here you are: It’s the big day, and you’re searching for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift at the bottom of a Pringles can — metaphorically, I hope. Whether you and your significant other are...

Customers order Valentines Day themed desserts at Deluxe Cakes and Pastries in Iowa City on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Deluxe, along with other Iowa City restaurants, implemented an exclusive Valentines Day menu in early February.

Iowa City restaurants show the ‘love’ of the season through a special Valentine’s menu

Madison Christenson, Arts Reporter February 13, 2024

The mirrors on the walls of DeLuxe Cakes and Pastries are now adorned with pink satin bows, its ceiling decorated with hanging hearts as the smell of desserts wafts through the air — it’s undeniably...

Magnus Wilson and Amanda Armstrong spend time together at The Green House in Iowa City on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. Wilson and Amanda met on Tinder in 2021 and plan to get married this summer.

Dating apps like Tinder and Hinge can benefit some individuals on campus, but is detrimental to others

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter February 13, 2024

When Iowa City resident Magnus Wilson imagined meeting the love of his life, he never expected it to happen through an app. To his surprise, it was through the likes of Tinder that he was connected to...

Review | Romance novelist Dolly Alderton’s ‘Good Material’ is perfect Valentine’s reading

Review | Romance novelist Dolly Alderton’s ‘Good Material’ is perfect Valentine’s reading

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter February 12, 2024

I was made aware of Dolly Alderton’s work through one of her books, “Everything I Know About Love,” which blew up on TikTok years after it was published in 2018. Alderton has since returned to...