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Kate Perez, News Editor

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Kate Perez is a News Editor at The Daily Iowan. She is a sophomore at the University of Iowa majoring in journalism and mass communication while also pursing a writing certificate. She is also earning a minor in English. During her first year at the DI, Kate worked as a news reporter and digital producer covering higher education. She also interned for the Iowa City Press-Citizen in 2022.

All content by Kate Perez
Students hold up a final amount raised during the University of Iowa’s 29th Dance Marathon at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The event raised about $1.17 million in 24 hours.

Dance Marathon raises over $1.1 million, down from last year

February 5, 2023
The Iowa City Community School District sign in Iowa City is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

Iowa City school district calls for increase in aid, restoration of Iowa Code Chapter 20

February 1, 2023
Students stand outside of Mayflower Hall on Thursday night after gas smell is reported.

[Photo] Mayflower evacuated after reported gas smell, now resolved

August 26, 2021
Marie Krebs sits down for coffee with Sikowis Nobiss and her daughter at Bread Garden Market in Iowa City on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. Nobiss and Krebs are mothers of multiple indigenous children who had negative experiences with the representation of indigenous culture and recently brought concerns to the Iowa City Human Rights Commission.

Indigenous community members speak out following racism allegations in Iowa City school district

January 29, 2023
The Iowa City Community School District sign in Iowa City is seen on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

Indigenous parents, students call out Iowa City schools, Iowa City for racism

January 25, 2023
The Old Capitol Building is seen in Iowa City, Iowa on April 14, 2022.

UI faculty senate, state Board of Regents oppose anti-tenure bill

January 24, 2023
A police car sits near the entrance of Brother’s Bar and Grill after reports of shots fired near the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Officers were able to detain the shooter, no one is believed to have been injured. (Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan)

IC officials maintain the position that Ped Mall is safe following shooting

January 22, 2023
Jackson trial: Jackson’s prints found on murder weapon, some prints inconclusive

Jackson trial: Jackson’s prints found on murder weapon, some prints inconclusive

January 18, 2023
Chase Bank employees pose for photos before Branch Manager Sean Peterson cuts the ribbon at a ceremony at Chase Bank in downtown Iowa City Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.

Chase Bank opens first Iowa City location

January 18, 2023
A shelf of board games is shown from the inside of the board cafe, Fortuna in Iowa City on Sept. 29, 2021.

Fortuna Board Game Cafe in Iowa City to close at end of January

January 18, 2023
The Iowa City Marketplace is one of the areas that is a target for the energy efficiency grant. The Iowa City Marketplace is seen in Iowa City on March 2 2021.

New national discount store to open in Iowa City Marketplace

January 16, 2023
A police car sits near the entrance of Brothers Bar & Grill after reports of shots fired near the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Officers were able to detain the shooter, no one is believed to have been injured.

IC police respond to shots fired in Pedestrian Mall

January 14, 2023
An Iowa City Police car is seen in Iowa City on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.

Iowa City armed robbery suspect in custody

December 19, 2022
Roy Carl Browning Jr, 70, and his attorney Leon Spies listen to his daughter Elizabeth Adrianse read her victim impact statement during a sentencing hearing on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at Johnson County Courthouse in Iowa City, Iowa.

Roy Browning Jr. sentenced to 50 years for killing wife in 2019

December 2, 2022
A sign reading “Iowa City” is displayed during the “Downtown Block Party” in Iowa City on Saturday, June 25, 2022.

IC to have free parking, bus services for ‘Small Business Saturday’ weekend

November 16, 2022
Mayflower Residence Hall is seen Friday, Sept. 15, 2017.

Window that UI student fell through operates normally, university inspection finds

November 8, 2022
Two cats play together with new toys in the patio at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. The shelter recently installed a new “catio” for the cats to explore.

Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center’s new catio gives feline friends an outdoor space

November 8, 2022
Photo of Sameer Patel.

UI community, students react to former employee’s child pornography charges

November 6, 2022
Senior Lauren Pearson opens Cambus doors for students at the University of Iowa in Iowa City on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. Cambus, the UI’s transportation system, celebrates 50 years of operation this year. Pearson got hired at the beginning of August and said the job is very flexible with her schedule as on the rowing team. “It’s been really fun,” Pearson said. “It’s one of the better jobs on campus because it’s so flexible and you can pick up shifts whenever.”

Cambus to host alumni reunion during homecoming week

October 23, 2022
Roy Browning Jr. and defense attorney Leon Spies at his plea hearing on Oct. 12, 2022. Browning pleaded guilty to second-degree murder through the Alford Plea at the Johnson County Courthouse. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

Roy Browning Jr. pleads guilty to killing wife in 2019 through Alford Plea

October 12, 2022
Jamie Gade Public Health Systems Analyst and Lisa Parlato Chronic Disease Prevention Specialist for Johnson County Public Health pose for a portrait at the Johnson County Public Health building in Iowa City on Wednesday Oct. 5, 2022.

Johnson County Public Health to measure county health since COVID-19

October 5, 2022
Left; Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, announces she is seeking reelection in Iowa’s 1st congressional district during a press conference at Dahl Old Car Home in Davenport on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. Right; Rep. Christina Bohannan poses for a portrait outside the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021.

Fact Check | Facts behind Iowa’s 1st District congressional debate

September 30, 2022
UISDAA president Abbie Steuhm poses for a portrait inside of Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop in school of social work on Sept. 8, 2022. Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop is a place that offers a space for students with disabilities.

UI students advocate for physical space for students with disabilities

September 12, 2022
The Old Capitol Dome is seen on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.

UI beats top universities for second spot in writing in national college rankings

September 11, 2022
The Old Capitol Building is seen in Iowa City, Iowa on April 14, 2022.

UI reports slight increase in total enrollment numbers for fall 2022 semester

September 8, 2022
Kid captain Audrey Schneller speaks with head coach Kirk Ferentz during Iowa football’s Kids’ Day at Kinnick in Iowa City on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.

Kid Captain Audrey Schneller defies odds after seven years of UIHC treatments to join Iowa football on field

September 8, 2022
Two students are seen talking after class in the English Philosophy Building at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. While masks are not required, some students still opt to wear masks on campus.

UI departments face overflowing class sections, shortage of instructors

August 21, 2022
Sandra Wong was announced as the first candidate for the positions of vice president of medical affairs and dean of the Carver College of Medicine on Sunday.

UI announces Sandra Wong as first candidate for vice president for medical affairs, College of Medicine dean

August 21, 2022
Kyle Lastine, a fourth-year student who will be graduating in May, poses for a portrait in the Chemistry Building on Monday, April 25, 2022. Lastine entered the University of Iowa at age 16 through the Bucksbaum Early Entrance Academy.

‘Speed-running college:’ Nontraditional UI students prepare to graduate ahead of their peers

May 10, 2022
Iowa City Police Department vehicles are seen on July 9, 2019.

Report of shots fired, subject injured near VA entrance east of Highway 6

May 8, 2022
University of Iowa freshman Volta Adovor studies at Rienow Hall at the University of Iowa on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Adovor, along with two other students in high school, were supposed to present What We Need Our Teachers to Know About Race at a conference hosted by the Iowa Department of Education in April of last year, but a bill that banned the teaching of divisive concepts from Iowas state agencies and schools postponed the event indefinitely. (Gabby Drees/The Daily Iowan)

UI critical race theory course remains after ‘divisive concepts’ ban

May 5, 2022
Signs and Designs installers Tanner Lamphier (left) and Clint Wrage (right) work on installing a sign for Tap Tap in the Ped Mall on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

Past, Present, Future: Businesses and structures coming to the Pedestrian Mall soon

May 3, 2022
Contributed photo of Liz Tovar, executive officer and associate vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and lead of the diversity, equity, and inclusion team.

University of Iowa strategic plan nears end of drafting stage

May 1, 2022
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson speaks with members of The Daily Iowan in Jesup Hall on April 20, 2022.

‘It just kind of caught us off guard:’ UI stakeholders reflect on meetings with President Wilson

April 26, 2022
Ana Rodriguez speaks to her senators after being announced as the next president of the University of Iowa Faculty Senate during a UI Faculty Senate meeting on April 26, 2022.

UI Faculty Senate elects new officers, announces 2022-23 senators, councilors

April 26, 2022
University of Iowa faculty senate president Teresa Marshall speaks during the Board of Regents meeting at the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on April 6, 2021. The Board of Regents looked over requests and plans from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, the Iowa school for the deaf, and the University of Iowa.

UI faculty, staff continue to struggle with burnout

April 25, 2022
University of Iowa first-year multiracial student Kate Perez poses for a portrait on the Pentacrest on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Multiracial UI students search for acceptance

April 19, 2022
Passengers exit from the Iowa City bus to the bus stop at The Quarters apartment complex in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Cambus, Iowa City, Coralville drop mask mandates on public transportation

April 19, 2022
The “Is This Heaven? No, It’s the Ped Mall” mural is seen in the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City on Friday, April 8, 2022.

Past, Present, Future: What’s unchanged and new to the Pedestrian Mall

April 12, 2022
Photo Illustration by Ayrton Breckenridge.

Extended student loan freeze means more time for UI graduates

April 12, 2022
UI distributes last round of COVID-19 relief dollars to over 9,000 undergraduate, graduate students

UI distributes last round of COVID-19 relief dollars to over 9,000 undergraduate, graduate students

April 7, 2022
Board of Regents President Mike Richards listens during a regents meeting in the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on April 6, 2022. The regents looked over requests and plans from the University of Northern Iowa, ISU, the Iowa school for the deaf, and the University of Iowa.

University of Iowa adds two new degree programs in fall 2022

April 7, 2022
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson speaks during a state Board of Regents meeting in the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on April 6, 2022.

University of Iowa to increase residence hall, meal plan rates

April 7, 2022
University of Iowa Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations Rod Lehnertz speaks during a Board of Regents meeting over a livestream on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Lehnertz went over the proposed renovations for the Hardin Library for Health Sciences.

University of Iowa Health Care sees increase in total inpatient days, admissions

April 6, 2022
A student walks past the University Housing and Dining Administration Offices in Iowa City on Monday, April 4, 2022.

UI to request approval for residence hall rate increase

April 5, 2022
University of Iowa students study in the Math Tutorial Lab at MacLean Hall on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

University of Iowa math department to move to Jessup Hall during MacLean Hall modernization

April 3, 2022
Board of Regents Office member Mark Braun, President Michael Richards, and President Pro Tem Sherry Bates listen to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

University of Iowa to request approval of business analytics, translation degree programs

March 29, 2022
Rachel Young, an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies, works with a group of students in her class in the Adler Journalism building on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

Higher education institutions faces a new normal after two years into pandemic

March 27, 2022
Members of the House congregate in the House Chamber after the opening of the 2022 Legislative Session at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Both the House and Senate Republican leaders said the priority of this session is to return tax funds and address workforce conditions.

Iowa House Republicans propose $12 million in scholarships for students in high demand fields, no direct regents funding increase

March 24, 2022
The Old Capitol is seen on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.

UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to incorporate faculty voices in 2025 vision

March 22, 2022
New benches in the Ped Mall mark the completion of Phase 1 of the downtown renovation project on Oct. 28, 1998. (Brian Moore/The Daily Iowan)

Past, Present, Future: Origin of the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall

March 20, 2022
Cambus Personell supervisor Alyson Holevoet poses for a portrait on March 10, 2022.

UI Cambus celebrates 50 years of student-run service

March 20, 2022
Senior Director of University of Iowa Wellness, Megan Hammes, gives an updates about LiveWELL to the UI Staff Council on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

University of Iowa report shows increased productivity barriers, health risk behaviors for faculty and staff

March 9, 2022
The 2022-23 Daily Iowan executive editor Hannah Pinski poses for a portrait on Monday, March 7, 2022.

Hannah Pinski named as The Daily Iowan’s 2022-23 executive editor

March 7, 2022
A parking meter is seen outside of the University of Iowa West Campus Transportation Center in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

University of Iowa puts in place new parking rates, violations

March 6, 2022
UI General Counsel Carroll Reasoner answers questions from members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee during a panel on the sale of the universitys Jackson Pollock painting the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday morning, Feb. 16, 2011. After reviewing letters from Guggenheim, Reasoner stated that if lawmakers force the university to sell the painting, the Guggenheim foundation or the family could bring litigation potentially causing the UI to lose the painting before sale. She also stated that Guggenheim had originally given the painting to Yale but retracted the gift after Yale refused to display the painting for students.

UI Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Carroll Reasoner to retire

March 3, 2022
University of Iowa changes phrasing regarding masking on campus

University of Iowa changes phrasing regarding masking on campus

March 3, 2022
Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house is seen in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The fraternity is suspended until 2026 after not complying with the University of Iowas Code of Student Life policies.

University of Iowa’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity suspended until 2026

March 2, 2022
The Iowa City Community School District is seen on Wednesday, March 3, 2022.

Iowa City Community School District leaders say funding increase for K-12 schools isn’t enough

March 2, 2022
Iowa Board of Regents President Mike Richards announces Barbara Wilson as the new University of Iowa President at a press conference in the Levitt Center for University Advancement on April 30, 2021.

Retention slips, graduation increases at Iowa’s public universities

February 23, 2022
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Regent institutions’ total financial aid distribution drops for a third straight year

February 23, 2022
Board member David Barker asks a question to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

Board of Regents approve wrestling training facility, State Hygienic Laboratory project, among others

February 23, 2022
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Board of Regents approve addition of two new academic programs, disability research center at UI

February 23, 2022
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson sits down in an interview with The Daily Iowan reporters on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

UI President Barbara Wilson to be installed at Hancher Auditorium

February 22, 2022
Rodney Lehnertz, the senior vice president for Finance and Operations at the University of Iowa, poses for a portrait on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022.

University of Iowa 10-year master plan includes razing Halsey Hall, Westlawn

February 20, 2022
The Roy J. And Lucille A. Carver Biomedical Research Building captured on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022.

UI to propose new Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center

February 20, 2022
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

UI to propose two new academic programs to the state Board of Regents

February 20, 2022
Kevin Kregel, the Executive Vice President and Provost for the University of Iowa, poses for a portrait on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.

High Impact Hiring Initiative spends millions to recruit, retain UI faculty

February 15, 2022
Calvin Hall, where the Office of Admissions for the University of Iowa is located, sits in the sun on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

Scholarships remain available for prospective UI students with or without ACT/SAT scores

February 14, 2022
Bill Nye signs event posters for an after-show VIP meeting before Extreme Weather: A Conversation with Bill Nye at the U.S. Cellular Center on April 1, 2019. (Angeli Wright/awright@citizen-times.com)

Bill Nye the Science Guy’s lecture rescheduled for April 26

February 9, 2022
Photo Illustration by Braden Ernst.

University of Iowa students study abroad despite COVID-19 restrictions

February 8, 2022
Director of the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art Lauren Lessing gives updates and a sneak peek on Iowa City’s under construction art museum on February 8, 2022. The museum is set to open its doors on September 2, 2022.

Stanley Museum of Art to open early on Aug. 26

February 8, 2022
The Old Capitol Building is seen on Monday, March 1, 2021.

University of Iowa creates more programs to strengthen faculty recruitment, retention efforts

February 9, 2022
University of Iowa Counseling Services Director Barry Schreier is seen in his office at the Westlawn Building on December 12, 2019. Schreier recently was awarded the Association of University and College Counseling Center’s President’s Award for Meritorious Service in the National Field of Campus Mental Health.

UI University Counseling Service Director Barry Schreier to leave position, become full-time faculty member

February 8, 2022
Photo illustration by Grace Smith.

N95s, KN95s best mask for protecting against COVID-19 on campus, experts say

February 6, 2022
SAT and ACT books are shown in the Iowa City Public Library on Monday, 31, 2022. (Larry Phan/The Daily Iowan)

Regents’ new ACT/SAT policy aim to give prospective students flexibility

February 1, 2022
The Old Capitol building is seen on March, 6, 2021.

State Board of Regents to announce required free speech training

February 1, 2022
The Old Capitol Dome is seen on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. Bids for the Old Capitol’s gold leaf dome to be redone will be accepted on Feb. 8 and will cost an estimated $505,000.

The Old Capitol building to be regilded in summer 2022

January 25, 2022
The University of Iowa Faculty Council meet over Zoom in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. The meeting composed primary of discussing the University’s current Covid-19 vaccination policies.

Vaccinations to be required for UI staff in health care settings, Faculty Senate president says

January 25, 2022
Members of COGS protest the lack of mask mandates on campus at the Pentacrest on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.

COGS to continue promoting classroom “e-pivot”

January 23, 2022
The Old Capitol Mall is seen in Iowa City on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. (Lillie Hawker/The Daily Iowan)

UI to purchase remainder of the Old Capitol Town Center in 2025

January 20, 2022
Signs encouraging students to wear masks in classrooms are seen on the doors of the English-Philosophy Building at the University of Iowa on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

UI Student Wellness requires students, staff to wear masks for all appointments

January 18, 2022
Photo illustration by Jerod Ringwald.

Some Big Ten universities move online, UI remains in person

January 17, 2022
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are seen on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Regents approve UI and UIHC 10-year master plan for facility renovations

January 12, 2022
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is drawn up on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020.

Status of vaccine mandates for UI employees remains on hold

December 14, 2021
The construction of the Stanley Museum is shown on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.

Stanley Museum of Art set to be completed on Dec. 23

December 8, 2021
Old Capital as seen on April 13, 2020.

UI ordered to pay nearly $2 million after lawsuit over deregistering two religious student organizations

December 7, 2021
Syringes for the COVID-19 vaccine lay on a counter at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. The center received the Moderna vaccine for its employees.

Federal vaccine mandate on hold as UI awaits result of lawsuits

December 7, 2021
The University of Iowa Faculty Council meet over Zoom in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. The meeting composed primary of discussing the University’s current Covid-19 vaccination policies. (Jake Wicks/The Daily Iowan)

UI Office of the Ombudsperson sees decline in number of visitors from 2020 to 2021

December 7, 2021
Lucas Oil Stadium is shown in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday, July 22. The Big Ten switched locations from Chicago, Illinois, to Indianapolis this year.

Over 2,000 UI students to receive Big Ten Championship football tickets

December 1, 2021
A horse named Kid sits in a stable at Wind Reach Farms in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Wind Reach Farms rides, trains, and boards horses in eastern Iowa.

UI students, faculty find stress relief boarding horses at local ranches

November 30, 2021
The outside of the University of Iowa International Programs office as seen on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

UI sees continued drop in international student enrollment for the fifth year

November 18, 2021
The University of Iowa Faculty Council meet over Zoom in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. The meeting composed primary of discussing the University’s current Covid-19 vaccination policies.

Federal deadline for vaccine mandate applies to UI departments

November 17, 2021
Portrait of Keith Keahna (Contributed)

Keith Keahna: sharing Native American experiences in track and field through Speak Your Truth Committee

November 16, 2021
Photo illustration by Grace Kreber.

UI students, staff work to accommodate absences as non-COVID-19 illnesses tick up on campus

November 11, 2021
The first Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award recipient Staff Sergeant Dr. Maria Guadalupe Bruno of the U.S. Air Force and Illinois National Guard. The annual Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award was given to five recipients on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2021, in the Iowa Memorial Union main lounge at 5 p.m.

Five UI alumni and veterans recognized at the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Awards

November 11, 2021
Regent Jim Lindenmayer clasps his hands at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

State Board of Regents to allow religious exemption to vaccine mandates, still undecided on federal mandate’s impact

November 4, 2021
Regent Milt Dakovich looks at his computer at a Board of Regents meeting at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Iowa state Board of Regent-governed universities report five-year enrollment drop

November 4, 2021
The UIHC is seen on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

UI Hospitals and Clinics see improvements in COVID-19 cases while still struggling with capacity

November 3, 2021
Board of Regents Office member Mark Braun, President Michael Richards, and President Pro Tem Sherry Bates listen to a speaker during the state of Iowa Board of Regents meeting in Reiman Ballroom at the Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.

UI reports more total revenue in general education fund than expected in fiscal year 2021

November 3, 2021
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