Soil Compilation

Music
Craig Finn Interview

After discovering The Hold Steady at Riot Fest, Logan Melia sits down with Craig Finn to discuss his new solo record Always Been, the evolution of narrative songwriting, and finding meaning in modern American life. From faith and mental health to baseball heartbreak, the conversation spans far beyond music.

Online Content
Dancing Differently

For nearly 40 years, Jhe Russell needed to be perfect. After all, his dance career demanded it. But when injuries and the chaos of life took him in a different direction, he found peace in a job he never expected.

Film
KRUI Staff Picks our Favorite Media of 2025

KRUI is pretty special, not only do we like music, but we also enjoy other things! From movies, video games, a DJ set, and sports, here’s a list of some of our KRUI picks from all things media that we loved to see in 2025.

Sports
Iowa Wraps the Bowtie on 2025 with Bowl Win Over Vanderbilt

No. 23 Iowa closed the 2025 season with a statement win, knocking off No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl behind a clutch performance from senior quarterback Mark Gronowski. The victory snapped Iowa’s long skid against ranked opponents and served as a fitting sendoff for a senior class that chose loyalty and one last ride together.

Crumpled, greasy pieces of paper and plastic littered the Riverside Theatre stage during a special preview last Thursday, April 4, at 7:30 PM. A table holding salt and pepper shakers stood beside an overturned chair while a piano version of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” played throughout the theatre. Riverside’s most recent production, Blackbird, opened on Friday, April 5 and runs through Sunday, April 21. Scottish playwright David Harrower’s show won an Olivier Award, the British equivalent of a Tony Award, in 2007.  Blackbird concerns Una, a twelve-year-old girl, who had a relationship with Ray, a forty-year-old man. Fifteen years have passed … Continued

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The Englert Theatre was packed last Monday night, February 25 at 7 PM. The crowd, filled with students and Iowa City citizens, was there to see one incredible woman: Ayana Mathis. Mathis, a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, came back to Iowa City to read from her debut novel, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie. The novel’s recent acclaim is partially due to its acceptance in to Oprah’s book club. Following a wild applause, Ayana Mathis took the stage and read a short poem by Gwendolyn Brooks entitled “Kitchenette Building.” She then commented on the poem, noting that it questions whether … Continued

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By KRUI News Reporter Jacob Harris From what we have seen in the past four years, President Obama has made promises in the Obama Doctrine where he would end the wars over assembled AR-10 rifles and other issues in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet during his presidency he has not let up to the promises that he said he would keep. We still have troops in Afghanistan and drone strikes in the Middle East are still going on. But he has made strides in his foreign policy by declaring sanctions and getting tough on Iran for trying to build nuclear weapons … Continued

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By KRUI News Reporter Michael Gerald “It gets better” – Helping Queer Youth Life for Trae Krum would most likely be considered normal given the traditional American narrative. The southern California native grew up in a religiously conservative household with her 3 sisters and mother and father, who affectionately referred to her as Tracy. Trae attended church, kept her hair long, wore dresses, showed cleavage, and dated boys. None of this, however, was normal for Trae. “Living in the closet is almost as painful as what happens after coming out.” Trae said. Her adolescence, a confusing and traumatic enough experience … Continued

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Early Voting: Its definition and its significance in 2012 By KRUI News reporter Michael Gerald  Early voting has represented many things this election cycle. It has been a political talking point, a political strategy, a motivational tool, and for many Iowans it has been represented by satellite early voting sites and door to door canvassing. Although early voting is available to voters of any party affiliation, according to Professor Timothy Hagle of the University of Iowa, historically Democratic voters are much more likely to vote early whereas Republican voters have higher turnout rates on Election Day. Although it is difficult … Continued

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By KRUI contributing reporter Mike Mendenhall and KRUI News Director Betsy Penisten Betsy and Mike spoke with the president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund Cecile Richards in a 2-part on-air phone interview about the interest of Planned Parenthood in the November presidential election. Cecile weighs in on the issues greatly affecting women and discusses science, fact and belief on the basis of conception. Planned Parenthood part 1 Planned Parenthood part 2

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By KRUI News Director Betsy Penisten News Director Betsy Penisten spoke with legendary American singer, songwriter and guitarist James Taylor in a two-part on-air phone interview about the importance of early voting. _James Taylor Interview 1   James Taylor Interview 2

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By Stephanie Nelson, Reporter They have their degrees, resumes, and internships, but how do recent college graduates get the job? Online social media is a growing trend in the professional networking world. Top Fortune 500 CEOs to entry-level employees are using PrincePerelson local placement agency and LinkedIn.com to make connections and job search. Although the hiring process has changed a lot since the last generation graduated college, it’s still about who people know and what people know. The difference is, it’s online and knowing how to use it may determine who gets hired. You can visit https://www.makipeople.com/resources/graduate-recruitment-strategy to learn more … Continued

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