AMES, IOWA - LGBTQ activists in Iowa say they are encouraged by the progress in their fight for equality despite occasional setbacks in the Midwestern state.The shifting and sometimes contradictory attitudes toward that community are keenly felt by Zach Wahls, an LGBTQ advocate and candidate for a seat in the Iowa Legislature.Wahls made national headlines in 2011 when he spoke about being raised by a lesbian couple during a public hearing of a legislative committee on whether to ban gay marriage. A video of that speech went viral.Like many LGBTQ activists, who note President Donald Trump's efforts to bar transgender individuals from serving in the military and his appointments of judges with a record of ruling against LGBTQ rights, Wahls feels that the administration "has put transgender people in the crosshairs."But when he repeats the story he told in 2011 on the campaign trail, he finds people "energized" by it. "Even if they disagree with same-sex marriage, or have some views in … [Read more...] about Iowa Transgender Community Sees Progress Despite Setbacks
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U.S. World Cup triumph should level playing field for women’s sports
Story highlights Women's World Cup final had largest U.S. audience ever for a soccer match U.S. women's team will get $2 million, while U.S. men's team got $9 million after losing in round of 16 Wallace: I hope the women's victory will lead to more attention for women's soccer Kelly Wallace is CNN's digital correspondent and editor-at-large covering family, career and life. Read her other columns and follow her reports at CNN Parents and on Twitter. (CNN)As my family and I cheered and high-fived throughout the Women's World Cup final Sunday night, I found myself more than once walking out of the TV room and pumping my fists in the air when I was alone. I wasn't cheering for Carli Lloyd's unbelievable hat trick, with three goals in the first 16 minutes of the game, or the amazing career of Abby Wambach, who has scored more international goals (183) than any other woman or man in soccer history. I was cheering that my girls, ages 7 and 9, soccer players themselves, were … [Read more...] about U.S. World Cup triumph should level playing field for women’s sports
Many in Rural US Find Fewer Maternity Care Options
AMES, IOWA - For decades, Americans have migrated toward urban areas seeking opportunities, emptying out large swaths of countryside. In their wake, they have left shrinking communities that struggle to support multiple businesses, schools and hospitals.This is a common theme in the Midwestern state of Iowa, whose population has grown by less than a million people in the past century. As family farms have consolidated into megafarms run by large corporations, rural residents have moved to cities like Des Moines, the state capital, or left the state altogether.?Shrinking rural AmericaThe northwest region of Iowa has been hit especially hard, forcing those who remain to drive farther and farther for things like groceries, education and health care.At its peak, the town of Mallard hosted several grocery stores and restaurants, four churches, a cinema and two schools, one of them private. Today, its population of about 265 supports little more than a gas station and a couple of bars. The … [Read more...] about Many in Rural US Find Fewer Maternity Care Options
Ask Chris Black: What Are You Getting Your Dad for Father’s Day?
Photo: Yimmy Yayo If you’re looking for the most powerful hair dryer or handiest chef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next status water bottle or hand wash, for instance? Regular readers of the Strategist will know that we’ve previously turned to resident Cool Guy Chris Black (he’s a partner at brand consultancy Public Announcement) to help us answer both of those questions, and to get more of Chris’s advice, he’s now answering reader questions for us in a regular column. If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, drop us an email with the subject line “Ask Chris” at [email protected] Father’s Day is coming up! What are you going to get your dad? What are you getting your dad friends? What would you want if you were a dad? My dad, Gary L. Black, is simple. He … [Read more...] about Ask Chris Black: What Are You Getting Your Dad for Father’s Day?