Chris Espersen

The only way religion is being attacked is using it as an excuse to harm, belittle, and persecute marginalized communities

To the staff, administrators, and students of Iowa public schools, Words have been elusive this week. I thought about writing …

The intense joy on 10-year-old Alma’s face lit up the crowded Perkins Elementary’s gymnasium. The youth Gospel choir, Bridges 2 …

Amber Gustafson regrets not having stood up and walked out of her church 10 years ago. She tearfully recounted how the pastor and elders got up in front of the entire congregation to shun a former member.

“I can do it, I believe in myself, but I need help,” Dara Schmidt describes the 89-year-old woman who visited …

Ari Davis was brought to the United States when she was 3 years old. She remembers how hard her dad …

The blinding sun belied the bitterly cold temperature early Saturday morning. Some streets still had not been adequately plowed and …

The hunger games continue in Iowa

The holiday season can be a difficult time for Iowans, especially emotionally. For Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, December holds numerous reminders …

Anya’s three-bedroom rental home isn’t by any means extravagant. But it has a camper parked in the yard for family …

“He was pulling down his pockets, making his pants go all the way down. I am a grown man and …

“It wasn’t until June 1924 that the U.S. declared Native people citizens,” Val Uken tells me. “It’s an open sore.“ …

Kari Bassett has not missed voting since she started at the age of 20. But this year, she almost missed …

Jesse Hayes III loves to play video games and wants to become a game designer. The 14-year-old plays soccer and …

Hainley is one of many dedicated health care providers that Iowa is fortunate to have. But these providers face too many barriers to provide care to Iowans, and this year these barriers grew substantially in number and scope.