Archive

A bird's-eye view of the city.

Reimagining Chicago Transportation

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive May 4, 2023
It’s rush hour on a Thursday afternoon, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train is...
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An image with various signs hanging on a wall, cabinets filled with antiques and a blue display table with a sign that says “Hospital” on the front.

Three Tales of Antique City 

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive May 1, 2023
At the end of the street sits Tim Suhr’s pride and joy. It’s a white and blue building crammed with...
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Two martinis on a low-lit table.

In Confidence: Des Moines’ Secret Speakeasy

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive May 1, 2023
At first glance, it looks like a normal cabinet in a historic hotel’s upscale coffee shop. Nothing...
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Missy Johansen’s backyard is filled with over 100 native plants. On the far left of the photo sits her garage and several more colorful plants, some in pots and some in the ground. Along the back sits a gate with some taller native plants, and there are more green plants towards the right of her yard, with a small patch of turf grass left in the middle.

The Growing Importance of Native Plants

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive May 1, 2023
Douglas Tallamy has two points he wants to make. The first: It’s not too late to save the plants and...
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Two dogs lead a sled, one with his head down and the other jumping up.

For The Dogs

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive May 1, 2023
Don’t let go. The mantra runs through my head as seven lean dogs pull me through the snow. My hands...
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A metal gazebo stands atop a hill with a brick walkway, surrounded by various trees and plants.

From Dumpsite to Paradise

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive April 26, 2023
Lincoln natives grow up with it. Newcomers embrace it. In a city known for football, museums and a...
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A graphic of the states of Missouri and Iowa, each adorned by a photo of an author. Next to Missouri, a headshot of Sarah Henning lies next to images of two of her novels, Sea Witch and The Princess Will Save You. Next to Iowa is a headshot of Tracey Gravis Graves also next to images of two of her novels, The Girl He Used to Know and On This Island.

More than Love Interests 

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive April 26, 2023
Not all stories open with “once upon a time” – some start off with a bang. These two authors are no...
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In the office, a wall is covered in flowers and features a neon sign that reads “do epic shit.”

An ADHD Philosophy

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive April 26, 2023
Britney Brown’s work revolution started like many do – with a Tiktok. Diagnosed with ADHD at 34 and...
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A contestant is crowned and given a trophy at Miss Iowa Amazing, February 2023.

A Crown for a Cause

ByUrban Plains Alumni Archive April 26, 2023
Beauty pageants are like olives – you either love them or you hate them.  Whatever your...
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