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The Sobering Truth
Policy and Impact

The Sobering Truth

July 1, 2024May 18, 2024

Drinking has become a cultural norm in the Midwest. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem.  When looking into the top drunkest states in America, you might expect to find the […]

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The Top Music Festivals in the Midwest
Out and About

The Top Music Festivals in the Midwest

June 5, 2024May 22, 2024

 Looking to hear some sweet summer sounds in the coming months? Check out these music festivals that are some of the best the Midwest has to offer. The Midwest is home to […]

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What is the Midwest?
People and Places / Podcast

What is the Midwest?

May 31, 2024May 18, 2024

Here in the Midwest, each state has its own charm. In this podcast series, we sat down with members of the Urban Plains team to showcase the uniqueness of each Midwest state. […]

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Let It All Out
Art and Culture

Let It All Out

May 15, 2024May 16, 2024

 Midwest Emo has expanded far beyond its homeland, becoming the music of choice for those soaked in emotion You’ve likely pumped a fist to Midwest Emo—you just don’t realize it. If you’ve […]

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While the horror movie Frogman depicts an amphibio While the horror movie Frogman depicts an amphibious menace with a cult following, Frogman is the beloved mascot of the town of Loveland, Ohio. The legend of Frogman is a tale of bipedal frogs holding wands, a “sickly iguana,” and…Pokémon Go? Uncover the myth by tapping the link in our bio.
The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus sings about them The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus sings about themes such as bullying, suicide awareness, and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. They tell personal stories intertwined with song and use their voices not only to entertain but also to educate and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility within their communities. Tap the link in our bio to learn how they find connections amongst the opposition.
Nothing says “Wisconsin” like a Grilled Cheese Nothing says “Wisconsin” like a Grilled Cheese Championship! There is a hidden art to crafting a grilled cheese sandwich to suit various palates. The crunch when you bite, the toast grilled to crispy perfection, a rich mix of cheeses that swirls against your taste buds—it all culminates at the annual Grilled Cheese Championship. Tap the link to learn more about the competition that has people cheesin’ from ear to ear.
Wisconsin birders are working to create more inclu Wisconsin birders are working to create more inclusive spaces for birdwatchers, including people who have trouble seeing birds because of their impaired eyesight. They’re also raising money for bird conservation through the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Read more by tapping the link in our bio.
What defines the Midwest? Is it geographical bound What defines the Midwest? Is it geographical boundaries, or is it the people? Tap the link in our bio to listen to “What is the Midwest,” the first episode of our Midwest States podcast series.
Women’s sports have spiked in popularity—and n Women’s sports have spiked in popularity—and not just basketball. But will the attention last? With the current working conditions, will women’s sports be sustainable long-term? Plus, what should be done to support athletes’ mental health? Uncover the answers to these questions by tapping the link in bio.
“Midwest Emo? What’s that?” you ask. You’v “Midwest Emo? What’s that?” you ask. You’ve likely heard it before without realizing it. This subgenre of emo is less about location than it is about bright, emotional, and do-it-yourself sound. Midwest Emo combines punk intensity with previously unexplored heartfelt and sensitive emotions. Find out what bands have made Midwest Emo music by tapping the link in our bio. #Emo #MidwestEmo #EmoBands
Meet Amelia Grubb and Logan Hillman—the dynamic Meet Amelia Grubb and Logan Hillman—the dynamic dance duo who are spreading their passion for the arts throughout Iowa. Follow their enchanting journey through the world of ballet, where every step tells a story of dedication and connection. The photo above depicts Amelia Grubb and Logan Hillman, the ballet couple. #DesMoinesDancers #BalletLove #DanceDreams"
Get ready to groove with one of our podcast episod Get ready to groove with one of our podcast episodes on Spotify! Listen to Erica Sawyer talk about the world of indie vinyl. Learn about the vibrant culture of a beloved vinyl shop, where music meets art and passion thrives. Tune in now! #VinylRevival #Podcast
Dive into the world of Black Fashion Week, an even Dive into the world of Black Fashion Week, an event shining a spotlight on the incredible talent of creatives in the Twin Cities fashion scene. From bold designs to powerful narratives, witness the beauty of fashion! #BlackFashionWeek #TwinCitiesStyle #Fashion
Do you ever feel like a ping pong ball, bouncing b Do you ever feel like a ping pong ball, bouncing back and forth between home and work every day? Maybe social media isn’t enough to keep loneliness away. Maybe you need a change of pace—a third place. Tap the link in our bio to read about what a third place can look like.
The tournament room is roughly the size of a large The tournament room is roughly the size of a large classroom. Lines of desktop computers sit on long tables on both sides of the venue. Multiple large flatscreens are mounted on the walls, displaying either gameplay or rotating promotions of the venue’s next events. Welcome to the Shamrock Showdown. Read more at the link in our bio.
Making moves with Tone the MoveMaker! Check out “Designed by the Streets,” a fusion of urban vibes straight outta Des Moines, Iowa. From interactive threads to custom pieces, it's all about street culture and creativity. Get ready to dive into the heart of Midwest urban art! #DesignedByTheStreets #UrbanArt #MidwestVibes
You can jump back in time to the age of knights by You can jump back in time to the age of knights by watching the @bandofironlions perform. They fight in a style called Historical European Martial Arts—and they’ll teach you how to sword fight, too. What’s it like to be a medieval sword fighter in the modern age? Tap the link in our bio to read more.
Smack-dab in the center of the Midwest—Des Moine Smack-dab in the center of the Midwest—Des Moines, Iowa—you’ll find the only bonobo research facility in the world. Of the four species of great apes, bonobos are the least understood and researched. What can these apes tell us about ourselves? Read more by tapping the link in our bio.
Huge, with a white-painted face. A dark cape. Six- Huge, with a white-painted face. A dark cape. Six-foot-three and ugly. Jumped a four-foot fence. This is how Officer Jon Pepper described a figure he encountered in a cemetery, according to an interview he gave with the Wisconsin State Journal in 1984. And this wasn’t the only rumored sighting of the Mineral Point Vampire. Read more about this urban legend by tapping the link in our bio. Quotes sourced from wisconsinology.com. #MineralPoint #MineralPointVampire #UrbanLegend
Our Senior Editor Tori Soliz walks us through alt- Our Senior Editor Tori Soliz walks us through alt-ifying a simple tank top. Welcome to the world of DIY alt clothing! Also, check out our story about Midwest Emo music by tapping the link in our bio. Video description: Urban Plains Senior Editor Tori Soliz makes a tank top more alternative with their guide to DIY alt clothing. They add cut-out stars to a tank top with safety pins. #Alt #Emo #Goth #MidwestEmo #Creative
For horror movie lovers, the genre is more than th For horror movie lovers, the genre is more than the blood and guts displayed on screen. It’s an art form, and getting into horror may introduce you to a community of warm-hearted people or even provide a way to cope with anxiety. Read more about horror by tapping the link in our bio. @halftonehorror @mp_horror
Meet our multimedia magicians! They edit the video Meet our multimedia magicians! They edit the video and audio that help bring our stories to life. #MidwestMagazine #MultimediaTeam #StudentJournalism
Depending on your point of view, you might call th Depending on your point of view, you might call the Heidelberg Project a public eyesore, an art installation, or a neighborhood curiosity. It’s a twisted homage to a time when children used to play in the front yard and race home as the streetlights came on, but also a reflection of the abandoned needles and booze bottles that came later. See more photos of the project and read more by tapping the link in our bio.
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