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.
Even after a valiant fourth quarter comeback, the Chicago Bears fell short of the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Heading into the playoffs, they’ll once again face off against a bitter rival: the Green Bay Packers.
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.
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.
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.
Four seconds left, just two yards away. After an all-game shootout, the Bears had one final chance to close the book on an improbable ending. They fell just short.
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.
It happened again. Another extremely close loss for Iowa, this time to USC, that left fans slamming TV remotes and flipping couch cushions. Again.
In a rain-soaked showdown at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa’s playoff hopes slipped away as Oregon edged the Hawkeyes 18-16 on a last-second field goal. Despite a thrilling 93-yard touchdown drive led by Mark Gronowski, the Ducks’ steady ground game and clutch kicking sealed Iowa’s heartbreak.
A gray T-shirt. A haunting call. And a fan base that finally found payback.
Iowa silenced Camp Randall with a statement 37-0 shutout over Wisconsin, reclaiming the Heartland Trophy for a fourth straight year and notching their first road shutout against the Badgers since 1929. Behind Kamari Moulton’s breakout performance and a smothering defense that snagged two interceptions from defensive linemen, the Hawkeyes looked every bit like Big Ten contenders.
Iowa unveiled a far more dynamic offense at Rutgers, mixing creativity with big-play confidence behind Mark Gronowski’s command. The result was a 38-28 road win that felt like a turning point for the Hawkeyes’ attack.
The Hawkeyes fell three points short in Ames, trapped in the same box they’ve always played in. Cautious routes and a passing game that refuses to breathe. Even glimpses of promise, like Gronowski’s 22-yard completion, couldn’t break them free from their rectangle of comfort.
The Hawkeyes came up just short in Ames, falling 16-13 to No. 16 Iowa State in a rivalry game that slipped away in the final minutes. Despite a strong defensive showing and improved play from QB Mark Gronowski, Iowa’s offense couldn’t find enough answers as the Cyclones snapped the Hawkeyes’ six-game win streak at Jack Trice Stadium.
Iowa opened the 2025 season with a 34-7 win over UAlbany, leaning on a dominant run game and stout defense after early passing struggles. Transfer QB Mark Gronowski made his debut, while Kirk Ferentz tied Woody Hayes for the most wins in Big Ten history.
Iowa Women’s Basketball cruises to a win at home against Bowling Green. The stars showed out both on and off the court for this contest.
